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The Automobile Ordinance
Jun 23, 1904
The Constitution: Atlanta, GA – Thursday, June 23, 1904
The general council of Atlanta is to be congratulated on adopting an ordinance regulating the operation of automobiles on the streets of the city. The rapidly increasing local use of these machines, the number of more or less serious accidents of the last few months, and the fact that no municipal laws existed governing their operation, combine to make the passage of the ordinance very timely and advisable.
That portion of the ordinance which restricts speed of the “devil wagons†in and outside the fire limits is so framed as to be just, both to the automobilists and the public, generally. The speed of 8 miles an hour inside of the fire limits and 15 outside ought to satisfy the owners and chauffeurs, inasmuch as it should meet all of their demands, both of a business and pleasurable nature. It also places the maximum of speed at such a limit as will enable a swift stopping of the machine in the presence of danger or of an unforeseen emergency. The ordinance committee likewise displayed wisdom in decreeing that all operators of self-propelled machines shall be licensed. An automobile, however simple its construction, is very similar to a locomotive, and it is very certain that no railway would trust a novice with the operation of one of these complicated pieces of mechanism.
Similarly, the idea that an inexperienced person should be allowed to send one of these powerful machines flying through the streets, imperiling the lives of pedestrians and hampering other modes of traffic, is not to be entertained for a moment. The provisions of the ordinance in this respect are so lenient and sensible as to appeal to the most fanatical automobilist. They are easily complied with and they give the footgoing public a satisfactory guarantee of safety.
Governor Bans ‘Special Weeks;’ Has Had Enough
Nov 23, 1922
The Constitution: Atlanta, GA – Thursday, November 23, 1922
Executive Thought the Limit Had Been Reached by Latest Request.
By Paul Stevenson
Setting aside certain weeks in Georgia as “special weeks,” such as “rub your rheumatism week” and “wash your neck week,” and et cetera, has ceased, as far as official proclamations of the governor is concerned. Governor Thomas W. Hardwick said as much Wednesday when he declined to issue a proclamation setting aside some approaching week as “rat killing week.”
The worm turned up at the capitol Wednesday and slapped the early bird or the perpetual pest or whatever it was right smack dab in the face.
If accurate statistics had been compiled in the office of the governor of Georgia for the last several years the figures on how many “special weeks” are asked and the number of “special week hounds” who want to set aside some week to do some fool thing would prove to be astounding.
Within the last few months the present governor has been assailed, assaulted, bull dozed, threatened, beguiled, implored and begged to “proclamate” on something so many times that the whole business has well nigh become a joke.
“Rat killing week,” which was tabooed by the governor Monday, was the predecessor of a dozen or more, among which were the following: “Wear cotton week,” “eat peaches week,” “eat watermelon week,” “fill coal bin week,” “buy a tire week,” “change your undewear week,” “write a letter to the editor week,” repair the doorbell week,” “trim your corns week,” “wear ear muffs week,” “take a bath week,” “learn the saxaphone week,” “razor week,” “read a book week,” “lawn mower week,” “clean towel week,” “pay the luncheon check week,” “honest golf score week,” “get somebody out of jail week,” “feed a flapper week,” “jazz week,” “vote agin’ sumpin’ week,” “flowers for your mother-in-law week,” “renew your note week,” “return borrowed books week,” don’t eat with your knife week,” “press our pants week,” “don’t flirt week,” “no make-up week,” “shoot after dinner speakers week,” “tea-hound week,” “cheers for Harding week,” “cheers for Wilson week,” “Andy Gump week,” “find your collar button week,” “wear a clean collar week,” “eat an onion week,” and innumerable others.
It has been estimated that no less than 1,250 weeks in the year would be required for the governors of various states to observe the “special week” calls made on them.
“We’re through for a while up here,” the governor said Wednesday.
Handsome $200,000 Home at the Grady Hospital Now Tempting Girls to Become Trained Nurses
Jan 9, 1921
Photo by Francis E. Price
Did you ever go into a hovel and then visit a beautiful building of marble and luxurious furnishings?
If you did, then you know the force of the contrast that nurses of the Grady hospital feel in changing their abodes from the former ill-equipped and unlovely home to the splendid, new structure in which they have been living since last September, and which is now practically complete.
Located behind the main building, connected by corridors and built right against the hall of the little building, which the nurses formerly called “home,” the handsome brick structure that has cost more than $200,000 and rears its head six stories high, is a palace in comparison to the old.
Built of brick and concrete, with spacious parlors, recreation rooms, a big auditorium that may be used for dancing and entertainments, a beautiful dining room, a big, cool porch on every one of the six floors and many other features and comforts to the corps of nurses, the new nurses’ home is one of the greatest inducements to young women to take up nursing as a profession that could be provided.
Urgent Need for Nurses.
There is an urgent need for more nurses, officials state. The reputation of the old nurses’ home had spread far in medical and nursing circles, officials say, and proved to be one of the greatest drawbacks to a full staff at the Grady.
With a new home offering comfortable surroundings and every modern convenience, however, the nurses are answering to its attractiveness and are fast filling up the alarming gaps in the force of Grady workers.
The first floor of the new home is given over to a large parlor for student nurses, parlors for graduate nurses and officials, a big dining room and other recreation rooms.
The second, third, fourth, and fifth floors provide rooms for the nurses, there being 16 single rooms and 40 double rooms, each fitted to fill the needs of their inmates and to provide comforts that were totally unknown in the old home. On each of these floors also, there are shower baths and tubs, and an elevator in the center of the building makes walking up and down stairs unnecessary. On the top floor there are a library and demonstration room and class rooms. The home was made possible by generous donations by the heirs of the late Joseph Hirsch, who was chairman of trustees until his death, and has been in course of erection for a long time. Its value from a standpoint of nursing efficiency cannot be over-estimated, officials assert, and it also means much to Atlanta from a standpoint of civic progress.
Three Years’ Training.
The Grady Hospital Training School for Nurses is established to give three year’s training to women desirous of learning the art of caring for the sick.
Those wishing to obtain the course of instructions must apply personally or by letter to the superintendent of nurses and principal of the training school, who will furnish printed instructions respecting the personal information to be given by applicants. At least two years high school training is required, and letters of application should be accompanied by a statement from a clergyman, testifying to good moral character, and from a physician, certifying to the sound health and unimpaired faculties. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age, of at least average height and physique, and must give satisfactory evidence of a general fitness of disposition and temperament for the work of nursing.
If approved, applicants are received into the school on probation. The terms of probation to extend over their first year.
At the termination of three months the applicant must be prepared for an examination in reading penmanship, simple arithmetic and English dictation. The examination is to test the applicant’s ability to read aloud, to write legibly and accurately, to understand mathematics as far as fractions and percentage and to take notes of lectures. Two years of high school are indispensable for a member of the school, but applicants are reminded that women of superior education, intelligence and cultivation will be preferred.
The course of instruction is given by visiting and resident physicians and surgeons, by the superintendent of nurses and head nurses. A regular course of lectures, recitations and demonstrations is given with examinations at stated periods.
$15 Monthly Allowance
An allowance of $15 monthly will be given to each pupil nurse during her three years. This is not to be considered as a salary, but to cover expenses of uniforms, textbooks, etc.
Having faithfully and satisfactorily filled the requirements of the school in all departments for the term of three years, and passed the required examinations, the pupils will receive the diploma of the training school.
The fact that only high-class candidates are admitted to training in the Grady school is evidenced by the fact that recommendations from two reputable citizens are necessary before entrance is allowed.
Officers of the Grady hospital nurses training school are:
Miss Lillian D. Nelson, R. N., superintendent training school; Miss Carrie Farr, R. N., head nurse in the men’s ward; Miss Laura K. Chapman, R. N., head nurse in operating room; Miss Margaret Cheshire, R. N., head nurse in women’s ward; Miss Bell Farr, R. N., head nurse in children’s ward; Miss Grace Owens, R. N., head nurse in maternity ward; Miss Louise Lowry, R. N., social service department; Miss Hester Henderson, R. N., night supervisor; Miss Thelma Sandifer, R. N., night head nurse; Miss Elizabeth Horne, R. N. instructress of nurses.
Young Atlanta Architect Wins Rome Scholarship in Nation-Wide Contest
Jun 27, 1915
The Constitution: Atlanta, GA – Sunday, June 27, 1915
A national academic distinction has been conferred upon an Atlanta youth, in the “Rome scholarship” awarded to Philip Trammel Shutze, a graduate of Georgia Tech and assistant in the firm of Hentz & Reid, Atlanta architects.
Less than twenty-five years of age, and only three years out of college, young Shutze, a native of Columbus, Ga., in competition with brilliant minds throughout North America, won one of the most enviable international scholarships held forth to aspiring students.
Upon the opening of the next scholastic season, he goes to Rome, Italy, to take his course in the American Academy of Architecture, with full expense paid and $1,500 annual expense funds.
Brilliant Student.
For the past year young Shutze has been attached to the Hentz & Reid offices. Prior to that time he was an assistant in the Georgia Tech faculty, from which he graduated in 1912 with signal honors. He was distinguished as one of the most promising students in the institution, and Professor Francis P. Smith, instructor if architecture at Tech, pronounces him the most brilliant pupil he had ever observed.
In discussing the winning of the scholarship by Mr. Shutze, Professor Smith said:
“Rome even more than Athens is the fountain-head of inspiration for the architect, for there were gathered up the precious threads of the Greek style, which, woven with other strands equally valuable, produced a fabric which is almost inexhaustible in its richness and suggestion. The masterful planning, composition and construction of the remains of ancient Rome, with all their wealth of ideas, form perhaps the most precious heritage of the profession of architecture. There are to be found the great fundamental principles of design which have dominated the greatest structures of all nations since the close of the middle age.
“It was some such thought as this in the far-seeing mind of the late Charles Follen McKim that led to his founding of the American Academy in Rome. He, too, had seen the vision of Brunelleschi and had followed him to Rome. As his great forerunner had given a news style to Florence and to Italy, so McKim offered a new ideal to America. Better architecture is being produced in America today than in any other country of the world and it is safe to say that our pre-eminence is due to the unrivalled example of the work of McKim’s firm. The superlative excellence of their work is owing to their thorough and intimate knowledge of Roman and Italian work at first hand. Such careful study has resulted in their producing structures of the first class, based indeed upon tradition, but nevertheless quite American and contemporary in their character. These are the qualities we must strive for if America is to have a genuine and lasting style of her own.
Opportunity for Young Artists.
“The great purpose of the American Academy in Rome is to accomplish exactly this: It offers to the most gifted young artists of our country the opportunity of prolonged study and research in classical lands under the most favorable conditions possible. To win the “Rome Prize” is perhaps the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a student of architecture, sculpture or painting, and in being awarded the prize in architecture this year Mr. Shutze has proved his worth against the best talent in America.
“In the spring of each year the academy conducts a preliminary competition in each of the three arts to select the contestants who shall enter the final competition. These preliminary problems are open to unmarried college graduates only.
“The subject of the architectural problem this year was ‘The Decorative Treatment of an Island.’ The requirements were that a commemorative monument, an open-air theater, formal gardens and a great bridge were to be incorporated in the design, but great freedom of arrangement and treatment was left to the competitors. The contestants were required to present a design for this problem, made in fourteen consecutive homes without any criticism or reference books or drawings. The preliminary competition in Atlanta was held under the direction of the department of architecture at the Georgia School of Technology, of which Mr. Shutze is an honored graduate.
“From the scores of the entries throughout the country, the best four designs were selected by the academy jury in New York. Those who saw Mr. Shutze’s drawing here were not surprised when it was learned that he had secured one of the four coveted places, as it showed a firm grasp of the problem and was remarkable in its presentation.
Warm Praise From Meade.
“The four ‘logists’ were allowed six weeks in which to restudy their solutions and make final drawings at large scale in water color. The only word of criticism regarding the designs that has been heard, came from William R. Meade, president of the academy, who said that Mr. Shutze’s design was the finest piece of student work he had ever seen!
“The great prize carries with it residence at the Academy in Rome for three years. The value of the fellowship is sufficient to cover all expenses during this time. Unless the European situation necessitates postponement, Mr. Shutze will report in Rome about the first of October. The academy now occupies its perfectly appointed new building adjoining the grounds of Villa Aurelia. Here the ‘fellows’ in architecture, sculpture and painting live and work together under the direction of experienced advisers. In addition to the splendid library facilities of the academy, the students have access to all the great libraries and collections in the capital, affording unequalled opportunity for research work. Intelligent study of the actual monuments of Rome forms a great part of their work, and the inspiration derived from this can scarcely be over-estimated. At least one collaborative problem by architect, sculptor and painter is done to bring out the real unity existing among the three arts, and an exhaustive study is also made in the restoration of some building or group of buildings. Certain months in each year are devoted to travel and study in Italy, Greece and other classical lands. A more comprehensive or efficient rounding out of an architectual education would be difficult to imagine.
“The American Academy in Rome is still in its infancy, but it has already accomplished results that should be far-reaching in the development of our national style, and we firmly believe that the high hopes of the honored McKim will be realized. Fresh torches will be lighted at the altars of Rome and brought back to give better light to the new world.”
Platonic Kiss Is O.K. Even at Five Points Asserts Police Chief
Jun 21, 1913
The Constitution: Atlanta, GA
Saturday, June 21, 1913 p1
Chief James Beavers Gives Analysis of “Divine Mode of Greeting,” and Tells When It Is Alright.
“A light imprint of the lips, gentle, brief and dispassionate. A heavenly collision of the lips or the lips with the cheek.” – Chief James L. Beavers’ analysis of a kiss.
Atlanta lovers need have no fears that the kiss will soon be taboo in Atlanta. Kissing is all right, so said Chief Beavers yesterday, thus setting at rest all the reports that he was an enemy of osculation.
Since the recent arrest of an amorous couple in a cab at the Terminal station, who osculated too openly and too drunkenly, the kissing public of Atlanta has been rather dubious of the attitude of Chief Beavers.
Not the Slightest Reason.
But there was no the slightest reason. The chief is a champion of kissing—in fact, he believes in it strongly, declaring to a Constitution reporter Friday that so long as a kiss was a kiss—the genuine article passed upon by the board of censorship—it was perfectly proper anywhere, even in a taxicab.
A kiss, he said, is a divine mode of greeting. It is the sweetest of all salutations, and if folks shake hands on the street, why shouldn’t they be allowed to kiss as well?
“A platonic kiss,” the chief declared, “would be permitted in the very heart of Five Points. A couple could greet each other kissingly in a Whitehall street show window, just so long as they didn’t overdo things.
Nothing Wrong With Kiss.
“There’s nothing wrong with a kiss, the right kind of kiss, and police interference need never be feared. No policeman is going to make arrests for kissing alone. The most moral member of the ‘vice squad’ would even disapprove of an osculatory greeting.”
After which discussion the chief gave the definition of a kiss:
A light imprint of the lips, gentle, brief and dispassionate. A heavenly collision of the lips or the lips with cheek. He declared that the man and woman arrested in the cab at the Terminal station were not indulging in kissing alone. Both were intoxicated, he said, and intoxicated persons should not kiss. Their conduct was unprintable, he said, and both should have been fined. The woman, said the chief, was so drunk that she had to be sent to Grady hospital.
Atlanta’s Gulch
Apr 23, 1913
THE CONSTITUTION, ATLANTA, GA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1913.
Page Four.
There is a distinct connection between grand opera week and the revival of the projects for sinking the tracks of the Georgia and state railroads and building viaducts over Pryor street and Central avenue. The town is thronged with representative visitors from every portion of the south. Most of these people are well-traveled. They have a basis of comparison gained by visiting other large cities. And to them the sight of the hideous gulch running through the heart of Atlanta, the necessity of waiting for the passage of trains at Pryor street crossing, must seem an anomalous experience in a city otherwise metropolitan in appearance and appurtenances.
The plans so laboriously drawn up in Chief of Construction Clayton’s office and so glibly and inexplicably turned down by council offer at least a step in the direction of abolishing the canon that splits the heart of the city. They are not so complete nor so ornate or far-seeing as the civic center designs drawn some years ago by Harralson Bleckley and submitted to the legislature. Our judgment is that sooner or later Atlanta will come to an improvement of this magnitude. It is unthinkable that a city of our rate of growth and prestige should tolerate the inconvenience, the danger and the unsightliness that now attends the railroad approach to the union passenger depot.
It will require the expenditure of some millions of dollars and co-operation between city and state and property-owners to solve this intricate problem in the right way. But the need of its solution is so obvious, and the eventual profit from the improvement so tremendous, that early consideration urges itself upon the Atlantan who does not confine his mental processes to the needs of the moment.
“Hot Tamale!” Yells Crowd, While Weinerwurst Stand Burns Up at Five Points
Mar 20, 1913
THE CONSTITUTION, ATLANTA, GA
THURSDAY MARCH 20, 1913
When the gasolene burner and the cloth top of a wienerwurst stand got in too close proximity to each other there was trouble last night for a Greek “wienie man” at Five Points.
Flames suddenly flared up and the entire stand, on wheels, would have been burned completely had not two officers, Gordon and Swinney, grabbed the top off the stand and thrown it out into the street. The gasolene tank came off also and saturated the top, which blazed fiercely for five minutes, while a great crowd gathered and yelled in glee:
“Hot tamale!” “Oh, you hot dog!”
When the show was over a keen-eyed youngster peered into the blackened hot box of the charred stand and, winking his eye, said:
“Did the fire burn the hot tamale or the wienewurst?”
Reforms in Atlanta Government Suggested by Herbert R. Sands
Dec 31, 1912
The Constitution: Atlanta, GA – Tuesday, December 31, 1912
Provide a simpler form of government.
Give the mayor more administrative power.
Establish police substations over the city.
Abolish the police board and the park board.
Consolidate city and county governments.
Destroy confiscated revolvers. Don’t auction them.
Revolutionize the poor system of street inspection.
Abolish the smoke nuisance—it’s a bad advertisement.
Give more publicity to the making of the annual budget.
Get more “snap” in the members of the police department.
Regulate automobile parking in the narrow downtown district.
Make the chief of construction an appointive officer; not elective.
Abolish the grade crossings on the railroad tracks entering the city.
Forbid the fencing off of the street by contractors building houses.
Decrease the city water rate—the department is making too much money.
Make the annual reports of the different departments more complete.
Collect the taxes semi-annually, instead of three installments.
Put the electric wires underground now, when it would cost little.
Use combination poles, for street lights and trolley wires, at least.
Mike the police take “setting up exercises” to give them a soldierly bearing.
Have more street signs over the city, so that residents and visitors won’t get lost.
Demand an automobile license fee, ranging from $10 to $25, to provide funds for road improvement.
Standardize the salaries of city employees in all departments, according to their actual duties.
Construct “safety islands,” six or eight inches high, in the center of some of the most dense street crossings.