The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-03-27
EGGlESTOM OUTLINES
PLAN FOR REST ROOMS
Talks On Suggestion That Cities and
Towns Provide Place For County
Shoppers.

Especial to The Richmond Virginian.)
taries 81 several associations and
boards of trade have recently asked
President j. u. Eggleston. OF the vir-
ginia Polytechnic Institute, further to
elaborate his plan of a restroom for
shoppers In view OF the widespread
interest that has been aroused by the
idea of these restrooms and their es-
President Eggieston has TO say on the
subject in the following interview will
be of value. He says:
Several months ago the Southern
Settlement and Development Organi-
zation wrote me asking IL l had any
I suggestions to make that would be of
help to the people OF the country dis
tricts. This was quite broad sug-
gestion but | suggested that IL they
could start movement in the cities,
towns and villages of the South that
would secure restrooms for the women
and children. while doing their shop
ping, II would prove a great help and
be much appreciated.
The suggestion was sent to the
newspapers throughout the South. and
appears TO have attracted a good deal
of attention. The idea was not origi-
nal. / have thought of 1t for many
years. and have heard others speak
of the need of such rooms. AS the
newspapers are still discussing the
matter. and many 4 them are urging
that such rooms be provided. it may
not be out of place to odd word to
the discussion.
The women from the country dis
/ tr{CtR when thpv a the riiy q
small town or to the village, usually
spend the day. and probably IN the
majority OF the centers where they do
their shopping, there are no restrooms
and toilet arrangements where they
and their children can step In and
rest, and where they can meet their
friends from the country districts. All
of us who were reared on the farm can
remember the trials and tribulations.
not only of the mothers. hut Of the
children, In former days when on an
i-day shopping tour in a town or
village.
II does not appear TO me TO be 81
difficult matter for the merchants in
the towns and villages Of the South TO
arrange suitable restrooms. 1t would
show thoughtfulness on the part Of
the merchants thet would be deeply
appreciated by our good country folk
would he very little, II the merchants
would cooperate iN such an enter
prise.
have letter from the Staunton
Leader in reference to a restroom I'm
that city. The editor writes me that
public subscriptions are taken up
among the merchants and the city aud
county each contribute $3.50 per
month. This restroom is on the ground
! floor In the center OF the CITY and has
grown to be looked upon as fixture
| and an absolute necessity Several
merchants have fitted M individual
rest rooms in their stores. but this in
no wise takes the place OF the general
city restroom, II is patronized daily
/ by hundreds OF women ana children
! from the city aud county and is large
! ~ used by visiting women as their
headquarters while in the city shop
ping.
/ think the idea an excellent one and
that every city and town in Virginia
of any size. should have an institution
of this kind. My personal opinion Ia
/ that il should be maintained b. the
City Council. supervisors and mer-
chants associations in the smaller
ones"
II may not be out of place 70 sur-
Eest that in the towns and villages
| public place be provided to shelter the
teams OF the country people who come.
in TO do their shopping The little
cost and trouble Of having these she,
/ tiers and restrooms would be mora than
Onset by the increased trade and. srood
Keeling that would be brought about