The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-10-03

in their service the more efficient be-
comes the fortunate emp1oye.
Contagion is combatted on every
hand, from the porcelain cupped SAM
tary fountains which are convenient
ly located on every floor, rows of
ename1led wash-basins where a sup
ply of the best CASTLE soap is avail
able to the individual towels of good
texture which are sterilized before
reuse. For the emergency a most
elaborate hospital ward is in con-
slant readiness. This room in white
enamel contains glass instrument and
bandage cases, a regulation surgical
bed, w.heel-chair, and glass covered
surgical tables: With a regularly APP
pointed attending physician and visit
ing nurse, whose advice upon matters
OF general hygiene are always at the
service of employees, and the proposed
establishment of a free dental clinic
the working girl and man is today
given opportunities for advancement
far ahead of those of the past.
Yet the humanitarian spirit which
induced those responsible for these
changes to make the advanced strides
already recorded, goes even further.
It was suggested by physicians that
sedentary occupations often resulted
in functional bodily ailments. To
obviate such, large Steinwayg grand
piano has just been supplied TO the
white glass-topped tables and easy
chairs line the sides, and dancing
during the lunch and rest hours has
been encouraged. Plans for a roof
garden, tennis court croquet court
and baseball field to occupy a portion
of the grounds adjoining Summerfeld
avenue, are now being prepared.
Though constructed so as to be fire.
proof, yet as there necessarily is much
material within which is inflamnable,
besides batteries of fire extinguishers
which are everywhere at hand addi-
tfona1 precaution against panic is
taken in wide Railways, fre-proof
floors, sprinkler systems and spacious
outside fire. stairways.
A tour of the building from roof to
basement shows upon the top floor
cutting and stitching rooms, 50 well
lighted that there Is no cross-light of
any kind, each enploye being fur
nished with a metal locker and key
that clothing may be kept intact. Up
on the second floor is the inspection
department, ironing, sprinkHng and
designing rooms. supplied with the
most modern equipment. On the first
floor are the offices. surgical ward,
dining-room and stock-room. In what
would usually be termed a basement
yet fully above. ground are the receiv-
ing and shipping departments.
The restaurant needs special men |
ton from its equipment which is the
most pleasing and sanitary and the
fact that it is maintained not upon
a basis of profit but that hot meals |
may be secured at a minimum by
those far from their homes.
1t is the belief of those who have
been privileged to inspect this ideal
home of the working men and women, |
that the expense of providing such at |
tractive surroundings for workers will |
Nv ofAve oil 7f
the labor employed as well as by |
loyalty and cooperation which can
not be estimated in any visible man
ner. Even if not, those attached to |
up-lift movements express their ap-
prevail of this most unique venture in
the highest terms.
The University of Corsets will not
only be a show place for years to come
but it will unquestionably have the
effect of setting standard of housing
and treatment of employees that will
tract universal attention. The man
cement of this institution foresee
the benefits to be received by sanitary
housing and have put their plans in
successful operation and the time is
near when others must follow in their
footsteps.
Founded in 1857 the Birdsey Som
ers Company were first located at
Conn. Later the plant
was moved to Bridgeport where for
many years it was operated in Bur-
,oughs street. Thomas F. Somers, of
New York is president and treasurer
IF the concern, James E. Somers of
his city is vice president, and George
w. Greer, Jr., secretary and assistant
reasurer The general ofHces are in
his city, though branch offices are
in New York, Philadelphia.
London and Paris.