The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-03-04
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS

The Civilians have not made as much noise in the community as the Rotarians
 and the Kiwanisites. but they are a
 real live bunch of good fellows.
 l got my first introduction to them several months back, when they were kind enough to ask me to make an ad- dress and let me get away by relating some experiences I had in making the trip down the Danube to the Black sea.
 The club differs from the two above mentioned in that it is a purely local affair It makes no claim to being either state, nation or worldwide, but modestly contents itself by hoeing it's Town little Birmingham patch. It is con tent to get breath of the outer world through the Rotarian and Kiwanisites who are numbered among it's members.
 It ought to be satisfied with what it has done and is doing in the life of the Magic City, for it lent its president, Ar thur Crowder, to the Chamber of Com merce, when that old but rather digni- fled organization made up it's mind to speed up bit to keep step with some of the younger civic bodies.
 It seems to have the habit of picking 1 Civilians wanted an up-to-date secretary, who could write minute that was one of the features of the gatherings. they just laid violent hands on Bob McDavid, the bright and shining star of the Bir- mingham Realtors. who was able to even get the real estate men not only togeth- CT, but keep them in good humor after they had assembled.
 l
 l Every good club is built around a catchy slogan, and the Civilians, who by the way, get their name at the hands of Capt. Jelks Cabaniss, certainly chose 3 ringing watchword upon which to erect their institution, and what's more, for fear that some one may not really grasp type in red ink Here it is: Builders of Good Citizenship"
 The InemDefSnlp IS Hinlled tO oV men, who are representative men in their sev- eral lines of business, and only one rep resentative in each line or profession is eligible for admttance. It is cooperative. It strives to teach that even in business there should be place for sentiment, anG does not fear to try and bring out the better side of the men wAo have to compete in the commercial world. While it is business organization, it does not lose sight of the higher things in life, and gets in solidly behind every uplifting enterprise which seeks to raise l the level of citizenship in Birmingham Any movement for the betterment of the business, social, or moral improvement of this growing city, is sure to have the ! hearty support of the Civilians. l The organization is also intensely loyal and patriotic, and has had it's full share in doing it's part by everything which ] the government has asked of the citi-' zens of the Magic City. It could not do otherwise and be true to it's name, Civ
 
 high and responsive citizenship. It is its business to build good citizenship. Though not as large as some of the other clubs with similar aims, it is a club of action On the roster are found the names of men who are doing big things, not only for themselves in a bus mess way. but who are in the very ! forefront of every agitation which makes for the betterment of living conditions in the community. It's goal is to make its members honorable in business, true in their home life, and above reproach in their civic life.
 The clubs luncheons, which are served every Friday at the Southern club. are eagerly looked forward to by the mem bers, as the gatherings are made inter esting by an exchange of business ideas and enlivened by social intercourse. There l is never dull moment spent in the 60 which are allotted to the sessions. They have learned the art of mixing fun with business
 l l had the pleasure or DelnS one or the guests when the Civilians dined last Fri day with Fred Jackson as host at the Perfection Mattress and Spring com panys plant. Fred not only showed them a clean and up-to-date plant. but opened their eyes with q meal served in the din- ingroom where the employees lunch every day It was well cooked neatly served, and greatly enjoyed.
 l
 The Civilians were much interested in the various articles manufactured. The pillows. mattresses, springs cots and beds were seen in the making, and it lproved to be very interesting. Quite a few were anxious to know if Fred made a speciality of twin beds. and some fellow :, with bug for statistics wanted to get some figures as to whether they were growing in use. Fred shut up the inqus- Iitive one by saying he had asked the bunch down to eat and not to sleep. | I believe the crowd was as much taken with the commissary (not the kind where anything is sold, but only storeD for in it were many dainty eatables, but the best part of it was the fact that much of the food served is gotten out of the garden below, which had just been broken up and looked mighty rich as though ready to be planted