Seattle’s 1895 Co-op Where 150 Unemployed Men Ate for 7 Cents a Day

ALL POOR BUT HAPPY. An Industrial Society Which Practices Communism. THE IDLE. The unemployed single men of the city have found in the Seattle Industrial Co-operative Society a means of securing a home and food by honest labor instead of becoming objects of charity, tramps or thieves. By organization and strict discipline they succeed in procuring work for at least some of their number, and living in common they make the amount earned suffice to house and feed all in their barracks at the corner of West and Bell streets, at a cost of about 7 cents a day each. They have a telephone connected with the society, situated at Wheeler’s grocery store, across the street from the barracks, so that calls for work can be answered quickly. The idea of forming the society was conceived by President James Munn, W. V. Carr and James Bell, who, after considerable deliberation, came to the conclusion that a body of men banded together and putting their earnings into a common fund could live cheaper and more comfortably than by going about alone. Work All Things in Common. When an order for work comes in the number of men desired are sent out immediately by the marshal, each man before going being given a card, which he presents to the person employing him with the request that it be filled out, showing how long he was employed and how much he is entitled to. This card is then brought back to the barracks and handed over to the regular collector, whose duties are to present claims and collect all moneys due. He in turn transfers the money to the treasurer, who places it in the common fund for the benefit of all. When a member secures work on one of the railroads and is compelled to go out of the city, and desires to retain his membership in the society, he can do so by paying into the treasury upon his return one-fourth of his earnings while away. The principal object of the society is to live as comfortably as possible through the winter months. The promoters claim that, if each man was to receive 7 cents a day, the society would not have to ask for a single thing in the way of food. Nearly every day men have to be refused membership, as the sleeping apartments are now too crowded. No man has yet been turned away hungry, and an average of 150 are fed each day. The food is plain, but well cooked, and never a grumble is heard, but all seem happy to have a place they can call home, be it ever so humble. Since organizing only two men have been expelled for refusing to work and two for coming to the barracks in an intoxicated condition. The rules are as strictly enforced as in any military organization, and the best of order prevails at all times. The men are ever patient and there is a great scramble for places when an order comes in for work. Since starting in about sixty men have secured work on the different railroads and a number at unloading scows and doing general work about town. Many of the best citizens of the town are becoming interested in the movement and doing all in their power to assist these men who are anxious to earn an honest living. At the time the society moved into its barracks the people of the neighborhood were fearful of being molested, but not one of them has a thing to say but praise for the institution. After 10 o’clock p.m. not a sound can be heard coming from the building and very few venture out after dark. The merchants of the city have been liberal in their donations, and seem inclined to help along the good work as much as possible. How the Men Are Fed and Clothed. There is a commissary department connected with the society, and different men are sent out each day to solicit old clothing, shoes, hats or blankets. This is all brought in to the quartermaster, who sorts it out and distributes it to the most needy. A kit of cobbler’s tools has recently been purchased, and all old shoes are repaired before being given out. Quite a lot of cast-off clothing is collected from day to day, which, before given out, is thoroughly boiled and aired. Cleanliness is rigidly enforced. The dining room comprises most of the lower floor. The tables are set in two rows, running nearly the entire length of the room. Wooden benches have been made for seats, and men eat out of tin plates. Five of the men act as waiters, three as cooks and two as dishwashers. Everything about the kitchen is kept as clean as a new pin. On an average 20 pounds of different kinds of fish are caught every day, which, with bread, coffee and potatoes, is given to the men for breakfast. At 3 o’clock dinner, consisting of soup, meat, vegetables, bread and tea, is served. Men at work are given three meals a day, while those who are idle are given two. In the evening the men congregate in the large sleeping room upstairs, where they play whist and have music. At 10 o’clock all retire for the night. The Rules of the Society. The following rules and regulations are placed in different parts of the hall, and members are required to observe them faithfully under penalty of expulsion: 1. All members shall be in the sleeping quarters not later than 10 p.m. 2. All members shall arise at 6:30 a.m. 3. Breakfast at 7 a.m. 4. All members shall report to the marshal after breakfast. 5. Dinner at 3 p.m. 6. All members shall keep out of the kitchen. 7. Any one wishing to join the organization shall appeal to the executive committee, through the marshal. 8. Every member shall be required to keep himself clean. Any filth or nuisance arising from the negligence or indifference of any member shall result in the expulsion of that member. 9. All members shall keep out of the barber shop. 10. No intoxicants allowed in the building. 11. No washing in sleeping quarters. 12. No boisterous conduct allowed. 13. Talking shall be strictly prohibited after 10 o’clock p.m. 14. Any destruction of barracks property or reading matter shall result in the expulsion of the offender. 15. Any one entering the sleeping quarters after 10 p.m. will report to the watchman. 16. Any violation of the rules or refusal to work shall result in the expulsion of the offender, subject to approval before the general society. Officers of the Society. The officers of the society are as follows: President, James Munn; vice-president, John Clark; secretary, Willie Moore; treasurer, Mr. Moore; marshal, Harry Raffine; quartermaster, W. F. Carr. The officers’ duties are quite as various at times in enforcing the rules and regulations, but they are satisfied to work hard for three good “squares” a day.