The San Francisco call., 1908-08-29

In the rebuilding of San Francisco
and the constructing of new and mod |
ern buildings, some novel and inter
esting features have been included in |
these large buildings which are of such |
a nature as to make San Francisco |
known as one of. the cities in the
United States which, in proportion to
the population. contains the largest |
number of up to date buildings, |
equipped with every modern feature |
which human ingenuity can devise for
the comfort of those occupying the |
building.
Among San Franciscos most modern |
stores and buildings those constructed |
by the larger department store and re-
tail dry goods firms stand at the head
of the list with reference to up to date
construction methods and conveniences
offered the public. These new stores
have been constructed with such care
and with such regard for detail look
ing to the comfort of patrons and GUS
toners that the latter feel that GER
tain appointments are perfect without
knowing or realizing that any special
pains have been taken to insure that
comfort.
COMFORT FOR PATRONS
The new store of Hale Bros. Qnc.)
at Sixth and Market streets is a strik
ing example of what may be done in
the way of caring for patrons. and
the example the firm has set will no
doubt be followed by firms building in
the future in this city. With many
modern appliances, costing thousands
of dollars and of no use whatsoever
except to increase the efficiency of the
service rendered, the ventilation and
fire systems are perhaps the most in
teresting to the layman.
| "Step inside and take a breath of
fresh air. is the invitation extended
by the firm, and, strange as it may
sound, it is true complete ventila-
tion apparatus changes the air in the
building every few minutes and keeps
| it in constant circulation. The air is
| taken from the roof line, where it is
clearer than lower down, and con-
Quoted to the basement. Here it is
thoroughly cleansed by being forced
through a water spray. 1t is next
! forced over a series of pipes, which,
being regulated, reduces OF raises the
air to the proper temperature. after
which it is forced out into the build
| ing on all the floors by means of a
huge fan. At the same time the foul
air is removed through other pipes.
AIR KEPT PURE AND FRESH
| AS a result of this splendid system
the air is always kept fresh and pure,
and even though the windows are
opened, the slight pressure from the
| ing into the store. When the high
! winds, so prevalent in this city, are
| blowing, this feature appeals strongly
to customers, who also appreciate the
fact that In this modern store, with
it's perfect ventilation and pure air,
warmed or cooled to the proper tenn
perature, they can shop with the ut
most comfort.
! The fire patrol system also in use
| in this store, while of not so much
| immediate consequence to the patrons
| of this enterprising firm, is of con-
siderable Importance, and g. most inter-
esting device. A network of pipes at
! tached to the ceiling of every one of
| the six floors is connected with the city
mains, and also with huge tanks on
the roof containing 10000 gallons of
water. Every few feet along these
pipes may be found taps of fire plugs.
AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRAY
The system is an automatic one, and
should q fire start, even with no one
around, the moment the temperature
| in the proximity of the pipes reached
1 155 degrees the plugs would automatic
/ ally open, releasing a spray of water
| in all directions, and at the same time
/ turn in an alarm. AS the supply of
water would be almost unlimited, and
a great quantity is kept on storage in
| case the city mains are for any reason
put out of use, it would be almost i'm
possible for fire to gain any headway.
Huge fire doors would also close au-
tomaticaily should fire break out near
them, SO that from the moment a fire
started this system would begin its
work of fighting it though no one hap
pened to be in the store.
In connection with this sytem, how
ever, all danger of a fire is further
! eliminated by the fact that mains are
run to each floor and connected with
reels of hose which will reach to all
parts OF the building. Filled water
| buckets are also kept at many points
throughout the building.
FIRE FIGHTERS ORGANIZED
This auxiliary fire system is handled
| by force of fire fighters organized from
among the employees and trained under
the direction of the San Francisco fire
| department At any time during the
day, should the alarm be turned in.
these men will be found at their sta-
! tions almost Immediately afterward
prepared to fight the fire and assist
customers and women employees to
leave the store.
An elevator patrol will take charge
of the elevators to prevent jam. and
! another patrol will take charge of the
stairways 10 prevent panic with con-
sequent injuries.
| To such an extent has the fire fight
! ing system been developed in this store
| that 1t is not unlikely that a fire could
break out one of the floors of the
| building and those shopping on lower