The Washington herald., 1912-09-08
WOMEN GROW DULL,
WEARY AND HOMBLY
In Some of the Kitchens Where
They Spend Half Their Time.
By FRANCES sHAFFER.

There are specialists OF all sorts IN
the world-why not kitchen special
!st. an architect whose supreme duty
and pleasure 1t would be to design and
equip kitchens that would be a dream
Of light. comfort. and convenience?
The prospective builder will agonize
over the last detail Of the reception
hall. the living room. guest chamber.
and work out every nook and corner
TO a nicely until the kitchen is reach
ed. And that room too often is a
chamber Of horrors" with tiny little
window stuck 50 far up toward the cell
ing that there is no real chance for
light and an opportunity to see something
to take the workers mind away from
tasks and the four walls.
The modern architect when given full
!eeway to carry out his well-perfected
ideas Of sanitation and ventilation makes
the kitchen a mighty attractive room,
with its shining. tiled surfaces, and ZEAL
~ beautiful appointments. but sometimes
he stops short at the windows.
\ kitchen recently inspected. all IN
white tile. was too perfect 10 criticize
except for its windows. One side was
gwen over to a cabinet. through whose
glass doors an abundance OF blue and
whit- enameled ware was in evidence.
on opposite sides Of the room were white
'namcIed sinks. and over one were two
windows whirh gave an abundance OF
.i@ht. but not particle Of inspiration.
mr. "a show Of the outside world.
Every convenience was at hand and
every regard was paid to ventilation.
SANITATION. and Light. but the spirits OF
the worker apparently were forgotten.
Low Window an Inspiration.
Is there any sufficient reason WHY an
a-chIr""; might not have planned that
kitchen with al idea o: administering TO
IT," worker n the way If giving her
something more than th@ practical?
y low vivid - big enough 10 let in
the 81. sd a, light. a rocking chair
and p~TletnInR TO look at and think
ah"T' are just as important as many
Of tn" details upon which our wizards
Of inventive G'nIus are spending their
. el-rgy.
Wh~,her the effort 10 furnish some
tllHE Inspiring Is In behalf Of wife.
! :-0th'-. sister or maid, the matter OF
min"- Importance. and the sight Of a
window. ral!Ing for a step-ladder II
on" would look out. sets in motion a
strong spirit OF protest.
\ kitchen should be an appealing
Z livaH'o room. with an atmosphere OF
! something more than work. Why need
! walls and Woodwork be- d.nCy and
Us.y when SOFT. restrug color combina-
u"'s are :usc as cheap and service
ah!r? Il IS not strange that women grow
weary. dun and old in some OF the
kitchens where they spend more than
half their time.
For the saving Of labor, time and
strength there are hosts Of devices that
/ are simplifying homework. but 1t seems
/ to some Of Us who are fond or sitting ny
a window that looks upon life and some
! thing green and growing. that a good.
| wholesome window. invitinCly low. is
worth while to consider in the planning
~ IN" k!tchen. just as an Offset 10
nerves
! Generally tho kitchen is in close touch
with tn" d.ning-rO0m. and the latter or
G!rar'lv : planned with intimate care
f"r the w"ll-b~!rE Of the household. 70
minister 20 the comfort II It's members
l. II l. a maid w1o pr sides over the
. kitchen. racticaIIy all Of her time Is spent
th"re. AID TO pass from the d:n,nc-room.
with is hiC. CHEEKY. windows overlook
lrC pleasing prospect. into the do
main whore culinary pursuits are fol-
/ lowed, and find i dull and commonplace
! = noting Il il IS NOT discouragine
! Those " ho prepare our facts and figures
tell US that over :" per cent Of Amer
! cas- h0-s"WiyeS reign over their own
htchc~s. and sometimes We fee! bound =
say. "ant. for goodness sake. who plans
and locates the windows"
Thor" j. a picture Of Ing. oId-f4sh-
Toned k,t"hcn that rersistent.v cor,.rs -
Mind. Tile and mod"r0 plumbing w.
unknown but II was tn" most inv. -
room II is kind one nod want 10 link
upon. Il Is idle 10 describe II. beca Use
I II was 4, Dcndent for is charm only uNon
cherry. sunny Windows and brightness
everywhere. The Labels On glass cans