The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1918-08-10
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ing. Interior decorators make the houses beau
tful with the dignity of simple lines and har-
monfous colors Gay curtains at the windows
give brightness even in stormy weather. The
chintz cushions In the chairs good to look
at well comfortable to lean against.
Half of the big room is used for a reception
hall and the other half forms the cafeteria.
There is always a rest for tired travel
ers. nursery with bright quilts and curtains
is waiting for the babies who come to visit their
fathers. Not unusually the house contains
sleeping rooms for the hostesses One or two
spare cots are frequently provided for very ex-
ceptonal cases where it Is impossible for women
to leave camp that night Sometimes bad
storm effectually holds them prisoners. Or the
mother of sick boy waits anxiously for crisis
in the Illness.
Hostess house is manned by five women,
the hostess director having general charge of
everything. The social hostess is chiefly re-
sponsble for the reception of visitors. The
emergency hostess looks after outside cases
which come to the attention of the workers.
The cafeteria hostess is concerned with the food
The business hostess keeps the accounts and
looks after the buying Certain qualifications
are essential for these Offices. Of course the cafe
terra director must be a trained detitian,
graduate of recognized domestic science in
stitute and an experienced domestic economist.
The business hostess is one who is accustomed
to running large establishment an econom-
teal and efficient basis. The emergency secre-
tary Is somewhat like the social worker. Elk
perience in settlement work or some other form
of welfare work affords good training. She
must know and utilize all the government agen-
cies charitable institutions and philanthropic
CARNATIONS.
The term social hostess sounds somewhat
vague, but more than shaking hands is involved
In her position. She must have had experience
in dealing with large numbers Of people. Tact
which takes her to a desired goal without fric-
ton is necessary. Endless patience, a kind
heart, and shrewd brain are fundamental
The director of Hostess house must be all
the four others rolled into one. Poise is a pre-
requisite. When tornado rolled the roof back
from the house at Camp Taylor, Louisville and
then returned it to its place with bang, the
work went right on If nothing had happened.
Every sort of demand Is made upon the wom-
en- employed in Hostess houses. They made
1000 sandwiches for ex-President Taft at Camp
Funston. The number was not too many for
him-and his admirng audience. worker at
Camp Cody, Tex. was taken aback for a mo-
ment when a woman inquired "Can you tell me
where / Gun get baby?' But she recovered
her breath In time to find one for adoption
Wandering mothers, lost in company Streets
are returned to anxious sons. Homesick soldier
boys are accompanied to movie shows Room
ing and boarding places in the neghborhood are
found for soldiers relatives, Mothers are chap
eroned, babies fed, letters written, and informa-
ton given on every subject from the future life to
fountain pens.
The Hostess house does not shut up shop
when visiting hours over. Not only for
guests does it exist, but for the soldiers them
selves. In one house 1t has been discovered that
as soon as the boys have seen their friends off on
the train they came pell-r2ell back to seek COM
fort and food. Then tho cafeteria, which has
worked so hard all day, hands out pie and coffee
to the dsconsolate ones
The cook at Camp Meade forgot her pass one
morning. She told a soldier at the gate who
she was.
"Are you the cook who makes that tomato
soup?" asked the sentry.
81 am" she replied.
PASS" decreed the soldier saluting. II want
some of that soup this noon"
The cost Of building and eQulpping Hostess
houses has increased during the past year just