The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-28
With THE ROYCROFTHRS
A Strangers Experience in the
Land of the PhiiiStineS.
seeking Employment with Fra Ell
bcrtus Hubbnrsi-InfOrnied That "a
Wise Guy Does Not Monkey With
His Own Destiny- - Art for Arts
sakc-Sot Much for the Novice.

EAST AURORA. n. Y, Jan. 2I.-"Be not
rash with thy mouth" is the quotation
from Ecclesiastes with which a recent is
sue of that somewhat ribald-loOidns pub
LEGATION. the "Philistine," attempts to lend
a polish to its rather rough garb. And
yet. in total disregard of its own advice,
the same issue contains a letter addressed
to one "Esteile" TO the effect that, under
the circumstances, the Roycrofters cannot
make place for her, and ending with TINS
significant sentence: The provocation you
mention is OF course exasperating, but it Is
hardly sufficient excuse for your leaving
your husband" One would think that a
private letter to this misguided female
would be the more honorable course 10
pursue. but this incident shows how seri-
ously the editor is taking himself ana
his work, and makes apropos narrative
of a personal experience at the Roycroit
shops.
The "Philistine" was started about five
years ago by Ebert Hubbard, known as
the Pastor of his Flock" and has at
tanned a large circulation among people
who are attracted by originality OF
almost any sort, aside from its sound
ness, especially when presented with
some artistic skill. He is a wise guy
that does not monkey with his own des-
tiny" says THE Philistine," but the re-
suit has been that the Roycroft shops, in
the little tranquil village OF East Aurora,
n. Y, have become the Mecca toward
which the 'unWise guys" of many local.
ties are making pilgrimages. Those to
whom beautiful books and things are at
tractive for arts sake rather than any
equivalent for labor in earthly pelf find
at Roycroft originality and uniqueness in
both the master and his flock.
The monks of old wrought with patient
industry and love volumes of rarsst
beauty. In that they did well. But HUI
bard has done better. He copies theJe
designs. line for line, in
all their imagery. and easily disposes OF
his books and things as soon as they ap-
pear fresh from the press, just as if they
were his own masterpieces. The intense
activity necessary TO produce by hand for
the most part the output of this CONNER
cial venture has attracted many artisti-
cally inclined unemployed youths and
girls to East Aurora. Therefore it is no
uncommon thing for university graduates.
artists, and faddsts of all kinds to seek
admission to this up-to-date medieval
community.
When applying here for a position one
is first ushered into a long, low, Gothic
building, whose walls are dec
GRATED with every device that ingenuity
and daring can bring forth. Glaring pos
tiers. old shoes and clothes, knick -knacks
of every description hang from the raft
ers The building is exuberant with girls.
who are folding magazines, painting, and
engaged in labors of sundry natures.
They smile knowingly when Hubbard's
name is mentioned. The boss of rhe
room asks you to wait. Suddenly a soft.
unctuous voice is heard and the I'M
mortal" is present. A tall, athletic man,
with dark waving hair reaching to his
shoulders, an easy flamboyant smile radi-
ating from under his eyebrows-Hubbard
impresses one at first sight as an actor
posing as a monk. However, this i'm
preston dies when he asks: DO you
wish work? If you do, begin at folding
envelopes; or, better still, go over to the
library building and illuminate Rubaiyats.
/ will pay you 80 a week to cover your
exyDses."
Wondering at his magnanimous offer,
the beginner, with some doubt as to how
he will ever provide clothes, board, and
laundry for himself, finally accepts He
is wise guy who does not monkey with
his destiny" Fra Elbertus continues,
but, OF course" with a second beatifc
smile, there are other destinies." And
one is dismissed with the pointed end of
the bargain sticking in his crop. He
thinks that to be an honest Roycrofter'
is fine distinction. however, as no ques-
lions have been asked as regards char
acter or reputation; il does not matter,
for it is easy to live up TO ones reputa-
tion.
Upon crossing the narrow tree-lined
street diagonally there appears on the
corner large castellated structure built
of rough hewn powders. This Is the IL
brary. The sight Of so many architectural
periods combined together in a mass. is
confusing. Yet each part is supposed TO
represent a mood-barbaric, Gothic, Nor
man, Elizabethan, Renaissance or what
not-and is the outward and visible OK
preston of the Roycruft spirit
Il believe | may change my mind" the
neophyte thinks, as he enters the large
square room. in the mellow light Of which
he notices the great open fireplace, and
then the rough rafters, cloven from natu-
raj unvarnished wood. The windows are
filled with blossoming plants. while
around the room are numerous gems Of
art and bric-a -brac. The tiled flooring is
spotless, and quiet pervades the atmos-
phere. At times the pianOla renders Sc
lections for the inspiration of the en-
ployes. Except for the whispered criti-
cism Of the "boss"-there are bosses over
each department-the tone is pleasing.
The beginner is Immediately set to
washing. He finds that "to wash" i'm
plies an ability to mix colors and apply
them upon stereotyped lithographic de-
signs. His lack of skill does not count
for is he not earning living wage? Yet,
after awhile, his experience teaches him
that illuminating manuscripts is an art.
evolved out of some inner consciousness
and not from definite instructions. He
Is learning to be an artist and wastes
many sheets Of BoXimoor and much gold
dust. The breadth of the spirit there
pleases him, for his fellows-girIs for the
most part-are interested in his advance
ment, often enquiring about his wages.
He is surprised that very few get more
than $3.50 a week. This is the rule. ex-
ccpt in the book bindery. Howbelt. what
boots it that these young country maidens
N their varied tinted gowns and the lads
fresh from the farms earn such small
wages. for are they not imbibing a rein
ing education in design and expression g?
Besides, each Sunday evening there is re-
rreshment to be gained from uncut
leaves" of the pastor or other visiting i'm
mortals Then, at the end OF December,
here is that profitable reminder OF good
md faithful servfce-thc Christmas pres
ent.
The novice has entered upon his postu-
lancy. He discovers that the employees
may use the shove baths during work
hours, for It is so stated in beautiful let
ter-press signs over the doors. He en-
JOYS also the fifteen minute recess, morn
ing and afternoon. u rests his eyes and
produces better work. After possibly
two weeks the male Roycrofter finds hat
he must efface his personality and con
form as nearly as he can TO the fashion
set by the initiative cult OF the men. He
Gegins by letting his hair grow long, and
gazing soulfully into space He adopts
the dark blue flannel shirt, trousers of