The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-15
Story of Largest Womdn's
 Hotel In the World In Boston
By MISS LAFAYETTE MLAws

According to the students of our so- cial and economic conditions the problem of supplying comfortable and attractive homes for working women and girl stu dents of small income has been solved by the Franklin Square House of Bos- ton. Though this home-hotel is today the largest woman's hotel in the world, F years ago when it was first opened. the founder, pr. George L. Perrin, was laughed at as dreamer Many persons in Boston, some of them sincere personal friends of Dr.. Berin and his toard of trustees. declared that they were attempt ing the impossible.
 The two chief reasons which, accord ing to these doubters, foredoomed this undertaking to failure were: First, the impossibiity of making the house self supporting at the low rates which they proposed to charge guests; second, their firm resolve to have no restricting rules for guests beyond those enforced in ev- cry first class hotel throughout this country. This idea made some of the doubters hold up their hands in horror. Hundreds of working girls and girl stu dents living under one roof without any restrictions! The very thought appalled, them
 In spite of these protests the dreamer" preserved. During the 12 years of its ex- istence there has not been a moral scan dal connected with the Franklin Square House, though in that time close on to 50,000 girls have stopped there in periods ranging from one night to F years It has not only paid expences, but ever since the mortgage on the original house was paid off the management has been able to make all necessary repairs and lay by $1OO0 annually. This 5000 goes to make up fund which at the end of 20 years will be needed to put in a new heating and electric plant
 For upwards of three years the de- mand for rooms and board so far ex- ceed the supply that two applicants were turned away for every one accommo- dated. It was to meet this demand that the new annex which was formally opened the other day was planned and built on property adjoining the original building. and facing on Newton -etreet. This annex Is a fireproof building of nine stories and a roof garden. It has 40S sleeping rooms, dining room seating 750, a recreation and ball room, and B pri- vate parlors. The recreation and ball room is said to be the largest of its kind in a New England hotel, and one of the most beautiful in the country. Around this great room, and separted from it by pilared corridor. are the B private parlors with several cloak rooms anl rest rooms.
 The original house opened it's doors at first as the St. James hotel. That was something like 50 years ago and if was the handsomest and most fashionable hotel in New England. After time this building passed into the hands of n. I.,.., of the New England Conservatory oI Music Dr. Touriee died and the man. agement of the conservatory decided to move to quarters on Huntington ave nue, nearer the opera house and the symphony hall. It was then that Dr. Perrin saw his opportunity for realizing his dream He bought this splendid building and opened it as the Franklin Square House.
 Before this pr. Perrin had lived in that quarter of Boston, the great South End, for upwards of 20 years! Where at that time more than 20.000 working women ana student girls lived in lodgings. AS the pastor of the Every Day church, at that time just across the square from the Franklin Square House. he had become thoroughly acquainted with lodging house conditions. It was to help these girls and women that he dreamed his Cream and by hard work made it a reality.
 Tn this old building there are accommo- dations for about 600 guests, large draw ing room, 12 private parlors. well fur nshed library and reading room, writing rooms, a private dining room, unusually large foyer. an entertainment hall seat ing 300 and containing the third largest pipe organ in Boston and a hospital. This hospital, which is one of the unique fea- lures of the house. contains three wards of nine beds, dispensary and quarters for the resident nurse This nurse Is in attendance day and night and phy- sician comes in when sent for. Medi- cines are prescribed and sold to guests of the house in the dispensary at the wholesale cost The physicians and the nurse's services are free to permanent guests If girl is i'll and it appears that she would be better cared for in the hospital she is moved down, otherwise she Is cared for by the nurse, her meals carried to her and the doctor called, just as in a home, free of charge.
 Tt was to meet the needs of girls work ing for low wages and for student girls Of small incomes that we established the house. Dr. Perrin said when talking of his work. We didn't create the need, we found 1t. What we undertook was to supply these girls with dwelling place that was morally safe as well as com fortable and sanitary; to give them food that was both palatable and nourishing, and to care for them in sickness. and to do it all at cost that the young women could afford to pay
 During the last few years. before the had about 600 guests on permanent ba-