The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-07


who work here. We all look upon the COM
ing of the MONDAY meal with the great
OF pleasure, not only from the fact that ii
is when we get something 10 eat, but be-
cause there is a sOciability there which
makes everyone feel better toward one an
other"
What this official said in regard to this is
certainly true, and anyone can readily tell
that there is a feeling of the greatest
friendship existing between the employer
and the emplOye, because the man employed
is conscious that he is an individual and not
merely small part of a great working sys-
There are 400 people employed in the fac
tory of the t. Il. Laycock Manufacturing
Company, and it is more like a colony of
individuals working for their own interests
than OF people employed merely on salaries.
And the reason for this is that they are not
only thrown together during working hours,
but their social welfare is looked after
when they are away from the factory. To
aid in this work library is located in
room adjoining the office. In this there are
more than 700 volumes, consisting mostly of
the standard works by the best authors.
The library was started six years ago as
result of a suggestion by one of the en-
ployes, which was adopted by the company.
Several magazines and five volumes of T..
F. ROes works were placed in the girls
dining room by one of the employees as a
first contribution. Others followed this ex-
ample when it was seen how great an in
terest was taken in these books by the girls
Little by little the store of volumes grew
larger, and a bookcase was bought for their
accommodation. About this time it was
thought that the men would enjoy access to
these books, and provision was made for
them. When this was done the library was
increased to such a size that large space
was deemed necessary, and it was moved
TO the room adjoining the office and placed
under the charge of a competent woman Ii
brarian, who, at stated intervals, loads a
large truck with books and makes tour of
the factory, issuing them to those who
want them. If there is any book in the Ii
brary which she does not have with her,
and is wanted by any of the employees, she
will get it,
THE LIBRARY PATRONIZED.
The library is for the use of everyone en-
the same rules that prevail in the city IL
brary. and many of the books are contrib
uted by the company. employees and friends.
while others are purchased with the money
derived from entertainments given by the
employees. Besides the standard authors
represented in this collection of books,
many of the latest and best novels are also
found on the shelves. Among those that
show the effect of much reading is Booth
Tarkington's Gentleman from Indiana"
and Mr.. Riley's books are also great favor
ties. Every person who gets a book from
this library is expected TO take the best care
of ii, and if the library continues to grow
at the rate 1T has in the past, in a few years
hence ii Will bear comparison with more
ambitious collections 1t is said by those
in charge that the good influence of the
books can be readily discerned, and that
they afford the employees pastme while at
home during the long winter evenings
which they greatly appreciate.
The employees of the factory have this
social spirit of the work so thoroughly in
stilled into them that they have organized
various kinds of clubs and societies. one
of the most prosperous is the Woman's Lit
erary and Social Club, the work of which
| the members very enthusiastic over.
| This club accomplishes much in the way of
encouraging sociability and the reading of
good literature among its members. 1t is
said that its influence, though its methods
are extremely modest and unassuming. is
| felt more or less by the entire factory
force. The general atmosphere of mu-
| tual regard and kindly feeling existing be-
| tween the company and its employees and
the workmen toward each other is pro-
NOTED by this society. This, however. is
being accomplished through its aid commit
| tee, which goes about extending aid to those
| in distress 1t is said that no charity cold
and cruel as is often the case is given by
| this organization, but such assistance is
rendered gladly by those of the family on
| duty TO those in need. This committee
| draws upon the benevolent fund, TO which
| the employees and company voluntarily and
| cheerfully contribute for its requirements.
| 1t also visits the sick, and in this and in
In place like this where from 300 to 400
| people are employed constantly instances
| where aid is needed are bound to occur.
| This organization does not tell of its good
| deeds nor do the members consider that
| they are performing charity when they give
| this assistance. No doubt many of the little
! stories told concerning their work would
have touch of sentiment about them that
| would reach the heart of any person, but
| these people think that the distress of their
| fellow workmen is too sacred a thing to
| gossip about, and, therefore, the details of
| any who are in need of aid never get farth-
| er than those who go to investigate. The
way this investigation is carried on is that
when any employee or member of his family
| gets sick some person from the factory who
| is a very close personal friend of his is
| delega ted to call, and If there is any finan-
| cial aid needed il will be forthcoming. 1t
| is for this that the sick benefit was organ
| lied.
| 1t has been the idea OF the officers of this
establishment to bring about factory re-
| form ever since the place was opened. 1t
| took n number of years before much head
| way in this direction could be made, but as
| ii is at the present time every one about
| the place is greatly elated over the fu-
| ture. Very often in the evenings the large
| dining room is cleared and a literary enter
| tainment is given. Part of the talent is
| furnished by the employees of the factory
! and the rest is volunteered by those who
| other occasions, a regular old-time social is
| given. Booths are arranged around the
/, walls, where refreshments are served of
| various kinds. To the entertainments and
socialS all of the employees and 'their fam
| lilies are invited, and everybody that comes
ii is said always enjoys himself. for fash
| ions and formalities are laid aside and eV-
| erybody is in for good time.
Another thing that greatly encourages
| those who toll TO take an interest in their
WINS 300 On0 volumes The Outnut Seep,S