Indianapolis Times, Volume 38, Number 147, Indianapolis, Marion County, 25 September 1926 — Page 9

SEPfc 25, 1926

JfEW CHAMBER BUILDING FORMALLY OPENED

STATISTICS OF CITY REVEAL-A STEADYGROWTH Quarter Century Brings Expansion in Indus Field. Startling shown in oatr -ison o' statistics for 1900 and 1920. Then the city, with n population of 163,000, covered 27,9 sqUiro utiles. Now the area is 49.5, and the population is near 276.000. The [2,000 persons employed by manufacturing plants is double that twaaly-six --ears o.go, according to G-eraid tomes, tjhaunber of Commerce manufacirers' division director. Banlis Increased Value of manufeci ire l 'uots is 5460,000,000, coil-pared with $68,600,000, Holmes state 1. Banks have increased from nine a forty-two; retail stores from 1,409 to 4.590, and schools from 54 to 277, chamber figures state. •During this period of slightly more bn a quarter of century, the ;>opution of Indianapolis has increased nearly two and a half times: its area has practically doubled: the dollar value of its manufactured products ha increased nearly seven foifl. Batiks are now almorf. five to one compared with 1900, and their resources are many fold more. There are now three retail stores to every one in 1900, and five schools to every one then,” Holmes said. "These things have not come about .as matters of chance. Cities stow because they are made to grow. Few of them grow inevitably. While Indianapolis has been making these rapid strides forward, numerous other cities have fallen behind in comparison. Constant effort has kept Indianapolis ahead and has made it grow. With extremely few exceptions, the cities whose citizens have not applied effort to make them grow have not grown. Led Expansion Throughout this period of growth, the Chamber of Commerce has led the community in its efforts for exp&rsion. Every department of the organization has played an important part, but more than any other, the industrial department can lay- claim to the credit. Industry is fundamental in the community. Without it. no city of size could long exist. Without the growth of industry, no city could grow. Business consists of demand for goods, and demand for goods consists of power to purchase represented by the money in the pockets of the sinfully employed. Indusrty gives employment which is essential. industrial department known as the Manufacturers’ Division, has been charged with the responsibility of providing Indianapolis with its full share of opportunities for employment. The record of its accomplishment speaks for itself in the city’s growth. The department was instituted in the form of a committee on manufactures at the inception of the Chamber in 1890. Shortly before 1900 the first new Industries committee was api>ointed. This latter fact constitutes the reason for the city’s size in 1900 with its present size. The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce was one of the first to undertake community industrial development, and has been a pioneer in many phases of the-work.

TRADE DIVISION IS’ BOOST TO BUSINESS

Promotion of the varied interests of the wholesalers ’of Indianapolis is the primary object of the wholesale trade division of the Chamber of Commerce which constantly is carrying on a program for the advancement of the local wholesale Interests in tha ever-widening territory known as the Indianapolis wholesale trade area. Distribution of merchandise to the retailers in this area is the chief aim and purpose of the divjtaui, said Clifford Dunphy, secrete The old Indianapolis Trade Association, formed in 1910, had the same object. The present wholesale trade committee has not changed its policies or its methods to any great extent. It still Is the aspiration of the membership to become better acquainted with retail merchants in the territory by visiting them in their stores. Also it is important that merchants in the territory visit Indianapolis to become familiar with the stocks carried here and with the many facilities we possess for doing efficient business. The methods inaugurated by the Trade Association have been carried forward with frequent .changes in minor details. The trade extension trip is practiced under one name or another by wholesale pierchcnts in all large market centers. Courtesy trips are sponsored by the wholesale trade division, and have covered the Indianapolis territory many times,” Dunphy said. “In the old days merchants chartered a special train and a large body visited the towns on a prearranged Itinerary. They carried a brass band, conducted a parade in each city, passed out souvenirs, and wore some distinctive hat, badge or coat. When they arrived and departed from a town the townspeople knew they had received a courtesy call. Exchange Ideas “Now, however, the Indianapolis men rre allowed the. maximum time for calls on the merchants, and we have sacrificed the parade, the hand, •nd the old rollicking ballyhoo. A a tr *P through southern 1111|nols, traveling 650 miles in three and a half days. Large limousines were used, and the group mcft'ed on a carefully prepared schedule. Twen-ty-five towns were visited -and retra*'ers who had not seen an Indian-

$1,500,1)00 Home of Commerce Body

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.—Courtesy Basil Photo Company FTeven-stnry Chamber of Commerre BHj., 316 X. Meridian St., which will he dedicated to (treater Indian apolis tonight. The modern structure of Gothic type architecture cost approximately $ I, jfttl.OUO.

Do You Like Apple Pie? Try Lulu*s With added facilities, Including the most fully equipped kitchen in the city, the Chamber of Commerce case, on the second floor of the new building, is becoming a popular place for business men to eat. Since moving into new quarters the Chamber has served an average of more than 200 meals daily, according to V. I). Vincent, manager. In addition to that number many are served in committe rooms, which flank the dining hall on both sides. The Chamber case has a citywide reputation among business men for its apple pie. Persons who have eaten the Chamber cafe's apple pie are thereafter boosters for Lula Hunt, Negro, who came from Georgia to give a southern touch of delicacy to the menu.

apolis wholesaler for ten years had a chance to enjoy the exchange ot ideas and to receive and invitation to visit this city. "It is ju 't as desirable to have a merchant in the territory visit Indianapolis as it is to call upon him in his place of business. The Chamber of Commerce has promoted Huyers week for hvc consecutive years, and it has grown in popularity every year. Retailers are invited to come to Indianapolis during this week, aVid houses make an e.vtra effort to display the latest merchandise and secure orders for fall trade. Approximately 1,500 visitors come to this city during Buyers week. Members of the wholesale trade division pay their round-trip railroad fare and .provide theater tickets and other entertainment while they are in the cl,ty. The sales during this week have been steadily growing from years to year, and last year totaled $350,000. Connecting Link "The connecting link between wholesale house and retailer which functions throughout the year is the traveling salesman. The wholesale trade division wants the men traveling out of Indianapolis to be familiar with sales promotion work done here and to appreciate the advantages of the city as a market center. They have accomplished this by the annual dinner for saJesmen, which is held in January. A suitable program is provided for entertainment and instruction. “The results of courtesy trips, Buyers week and salesmen dinners, have been noticed in the splendid cooperation among the wholesale houses in this city, and the reputation of Indianapolis in the large territory it serves. Wholesale merchants are recognized as a, well organized group and a splendid body with which to do business. Plans for the future include the continuation of present activities and the addition of others which will help* the retailer dispose of his merchandise at a profitable figure. Indianapolis business men long have realized that the best way to help themselves is to help their customers. The next few years may see radical changes in buying habits, and the Indianapolis market is prepared to meet any change which might occur.”

MODEL OF WASHINGTON Street Layout Better Than Most Other Cities. The sired layout of Indiaiapilis was designed by the same engineers who platted Washington. D. C., and is regarded as better than most cities. The downtown t> trainees district

An Ideal Place to Rest at Noon

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/ —Bass Photo Company. Easy seats and flnrty rptu* rtwretf rharors bir4BaTieo U r€ax In thm lomrgx? of the Umuuter o. metre Bldg. The lounge la on the ranhid floor and is beautifully decorated

C. OF C. COMMITTEE AIDS MUSIC WEEK

Stimulation of Interest In music and other arts that add to the culture and refinement of city life Is the business of the fine arts committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Early In 1324 a meeting of the committee was called for the purpose of determining what activity might be sponsored that would be of great good. After many suggestions the plan of sponsoring National Music Week, the first week In May. was adopted. Contests among high school musical organizations,'bands, orchestras, mixed choruses, girls' and boys’ clubs were arranged. Invitations were sent to all Indiana high schools to enter their organizations. On Saturday, May 10, 1924, almost 2.000 Indiana high school students participated in that contest. At night, under auspices of the Ona B. Talbott Fine Arts Enterprises, awards of SIOO to winners of first prizes and awards of SSO each to winners of second prizes were distributed by Madame Schu-mann-Heink at Cadle Tabernacle. In 1925 the fine arts committee continued its Music week activities, but varied them to the extent of sponsoring its own concluding concert. The committee brought Max Rosen, violinist, and Virginia Rea, oo'ornttira soprano, nationally known arti -ts. for a concert at

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

has wide streets and assures a minimum of traffic congestion. Transportation by motor cars to outlying districts is made rapid by through preferential boulevards from downtown to residence sec liana. Bus lines operating on these thorough Care* reach points from three to five miles from the downtown district In from ten to twenty-five minutes.

Murat Theater, at which prizes were awarded, after the winning organizations had played or sung iheir numbers. < This year the committee made another change In Its general program, dispensing with paid artists for the concluding concert. Organizations competed during the day, at which tune the two best in each classification were chosen for appearance at the night concert. Each pLayed before a large audience in Cadle Tabernac'e and judges made awards of first second prizes. In sponsorship of this movement the fine arts committee has cooperated c osely with the National Music Week Association, New York city. Its outstanding work in the past three years has Won it special commendation from the national committee and from C. M. Tremaine, executive secretary of the national Organization. TEN GOLF COURSES~HERE Keen Interest in Go’s—Well-Known Players. Indfsnapolis has ten golf courses, each of eight'V’n ho'es Four of the courses are municipally owned and epe'-af'''’ sH 'o- 'h° use of the p’* !>'!'• r omin 1 fee.

INDUSTRIAL DEPI. C. OF C. BRINGS NEW INDUSTRIES Ready at All Times to Give Accurate Information on Conditions. The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce has had an industrial department for many years that has assisted in bringing numerous new factories to the city. This department of the Chamber has been solely responsible for locating some of the most valuable Industries now in business here, and hus served without public acclaim, in bringing in many others. It often happens that the Chamber of Commerce works with an industrial prospect for months, furnishing it with information and assisting it In many other ways, and that then, for one reason or another, it is not given credit for getting the new industry. This does not mean that the industrial bureau has not been active It means, rather, that it has had the information which the prospect wanted and has been able to furnish it as a matter of routine. This is the most valuable service which a Chamber of Commerce could render an industrial prospect, and constitutes the most businesslike procedure. Must Have Reason Very few worthwhile iridustries move. The few that do. change their locations for a definite reason. Lalor is costing them too much; nearby supplies of raw materials* have been exhau.-ted, or a revision of freight rates shuts them out of markets in which they could once coml>eto. When they choose anew lo cation, theyxnre very careful to pick the right one. They usually employ engineers to make a thorough study of cities and towns, to decide which one is Itest suited to their particular neeiVs. They are primarily interested in fact* which bear upon their costs of production. Before they sjiend large sums ni moving, they make sure that they are going to the best place. This being true, a Chamber of Commerce cannot always have aa much to do with locating a prospective industry’ as the public Is apt to expect of it. An industrial bureau can have good information about the city for use of the engineers who may want it and can be alert for industries that contemplate moving or establishing branch plants It can exhibit interest and offer Its assistance and It can present Important tact* in a convincing wav, but it cannot go out and i bring into the city large and going industrial plant* a* some expect It | can do.

They Serve. Delicious Foods Here

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—C our tea v 'Br.tts k* uO*i> * • itt>4iujr. Spacious dining room on jp§l floor of the ( hambe rof Commerce Bldg., overlooking University Park.

$1,500,000 Home Inspected by Citizens —One of Finest in U. S. HAS NOVEL FEATURES Spaceous Quarters for Commerce Body. With fitting ceremony the new $1,500,000 home of the Chamber of Commerce was formally opened today. Dedication will be held tonight. During the last few days thousands of citizens have inspected the N. Meridian St. building, which provides spaceous quarters for the Commerce body. Facilities of the beautiful building are modern in every respect. It is one of the finest quarters of any Chamber in the United States. The Chamber offices occupy part of the basement, all of the second and part of the third floor. General offices of John B. Reynolds, secretary, are on the third floor overlooking University Park. Second floor includes staff offices lounge room and case. Gothic Design The structure designed by Robert Frost Daggett, la of Gothic type built along straight lines. Four private dining rooms flank the main dining room, which faces Meridian St. The private rooms may be used separately or thrown together for banquet purposes. In rear of the second floor are three small rooms for committee use. Patronage of the new dining room in the past month has miWe apparent the need for additional space, V. D. Vincent, case manager, stated. Huge Ijounge The huge lounge which occupies a large portion of second floor is handsomely furnished in green leather and mohair a>- h attractive chairs and seats n's writing desk Is located in . corner. Thomas A. Moynahan Construction Company had the general contract. There are more then \OO offices in the building, according to Moynahnn. The Chamber's new borne has many novel features, including a terrazzo floor built of special concrete, the firfct floor lobby Is of ornamental tilte. Henry R. Behrens did the interor decorating. George T. Wfieldon, realtor, has charge of rentals. Sub-contractors: Henry R. Behrens, 1137 Hume-Mansur building, painting contract; Pleraon-Lewis Hardware Company, 111 E. Vermont St., hardware trimmings; C. L. Smith Electric Company, 122 S. Pennsylvania St., electric contract; Freyn Brothers. 1028 X. Illinois St., plumbing and heating; The Permuditt Company, New York, water softener; Geiger & Peters, Minnesota St. and Madison Ave.. iron stair rails; Stewart-Carey Glass Company, 231 S. New Jersey St., glass contract. The Tyler Company, Chicago, L’l., elevator lnclosures- Charles McGarvey, 2335 Broadway, plastering; Ralph R. Reeder & Sons, 2401 Cornell Ave., roof: A.merican Art Mosaic aql Tile Company, 91a People’s Bank building. Terrazao floors; Stackhouse Building Specialties Company, 814 'ume-Mansur building. fire doors and steel window sash; Ed France & Son. linoleum; A. W. Ross Marble and Tile Company, tile; Otis Elevator Company, 233 S. Meridian St., elevators: Hugh J. Baker & Co--602 W. McCarty St- singles; Edward F. Dux. 916 E. Michigan St., stone. Frank Arena Studio. Bedford. Ind„ models for stone carving; Sterling Products Company, 5700 Euclid Ave., calking windows; Tanner and Company, 409 S. Pennsylvania St., arch and hase sash; J. C. Douglas and Company, 1437 Southeastern Ave., excavating: J. G. KarsCPdt Construction Company. 1027 Lemcke Bldg., reinforced concrete; Wege Stanford Marble A Tile Company. 603 Odd Fellows Bldg., marble and tile; E. A. Peary & Son. window shades; Sink & Edwards, ventilation. Firms furnishing material: Indianapolis Coal Company, 234 Bankers Trust Bldg., brick, lime and cement; Sutton-Raymond Corporation. 108 \V. Twelfth St., welding equipment; Tanner Company, 409 S. Pennsylvania St., wall ties; Bock Equipment Company, 1900 Northwestern Ave., concrete mixer equipment: Vonnegut Hardware Company,

Will Dedicate New Building Tonight

New headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce will be dedicated to the fTi.ure of Indianapolis tonight at formal ceremonies by Nicholas H. Noyes, of Eli Lilly and Company, Chamber president. Labors for Success of Program

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Plans for tin* new Chamber home have maleria'ized during the term of office of .John B. Reynolds, Chamber secretary, Many of the civic advancements sponsored in recent years by the Chamber have succeeded, because of Reynolds efforts.

120 E. Washington St., mail chute; Joseph Gardner, 39 Kentucky Ave., sa'amanders; Indianapolis Tent and Awning Company, 447 E. Washington Bt., tarpaulins. Staley & Crabb, Inc., 515 N T . Liberty St., signs: Indianapolis Blue Print and Supply Company, Centqry Bldg., blue prints; BrannumKeene Lumber Company, 3506 E. Washington St., lumber; Lyman Brothers, 223 E. Ohio St., picture frames; Spickelmier Fuel and Supply Company, 1165 E. Thirtieth St., coke, lime, cement; Van Wert Company, Thirty-third St. and Monon Railroad, coke, lime; W. H. Bass Photo Company, 308 New Jersey St., photos; Interstate. Clay Producte, 605 Wild Bldg., brick, tile: Western Oil Refining Company, 310 N. Meridian St., gasoline: Van Camp Hardware Company, 401 W. Maryland St., rough hardware. People's Coal and Cement Company, 1109 E. Fifteenth St., cement, lime; Hiller Office Supply 'orapany, 28 S. Pennnsylvania St., office supplies: Goldstein Brothers, light fixtures: Mercants Heat and Light Company, light fixtures and service; Indiahapolis Glass Company, copper store front and plate glass; StewartC.trey Glas Company, g ass. and Capital Glass Company, glass. LARGE HOG MARKET Indianapolis is the largest drive-in hog market in the world and has stockyards considered among the nation’s leaders. Built around this activity Is a slaughtering and meat packing industry which leads all others in the city in annual value in production.

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IMPROVED CIVIL GOVERNMENT IS OBJECTOF DEPT. Branch of C. of C. Devotes Time to Investigation and Aid. The civic affairs department of the Chamber of Commerce, formerly known as the bureau of municipal research, now Is completing nine years of useful service to the Chamber and the city at large. The Idea supporting this activity of the Chamber is that the city cannot advance as it should Industrially and commercially unless the quality of local government Is kept abreast of normal development of competing cities. Work of the department is outlined as follows by L. V. Harrison, secretary: “The department's program for the future consists of three major undertakings, establishment of the merit system throughout local government; an Improvement of the processes of budget making, and promotion of a greatly improved type of public reporting, which will serve to make governmental agencies render to the public a proper accounting of work actually accomplishment as a result of public funds. Trained Staff “The department maintains a staff specially trained to carry on governmental research work. Strong committees, with able members, pass upon the work of this staff. It is the function of the department also to make thorough-going and critical examinations ot all important proposals for the expenditure of publicmoney. "In addition special attention is given to the annual budgets of all local governmental units, and as a result of this work Important savings in taxes have been made possible from year to year. “The civic affairs department Is not interested In tax reductions, to the exclusion of rightful consideration of the quality and character of public service. The department contends for efficiency and economy ip governmental operations. "Today the department is working on a fixed program, endeavoring, in a systematic way, to improve governmental operation, while at the same time seeking to promote real economy in government. Under the leadership of William Fortune, Important strides have been taken and. further important steps are planned. The department has expanded since Its early efforts. It is now doing for Indianapolis an amount of work that requires the efforts of much larger municipal research organizations in other cities. City Survey “In 1917 the Chamber of Commerce caused a survey of the city government of Indianapolis to be made by the New York bureau of municipal research, to lay the groundwork for development of a program of municipal research. An inventory of what might be accomplished for Indianapolis with such a department was the result of the survey. * “The department only comparatively recently undertook one major task, in developing Improved budget procedure for Indiana local government units. Through the state board of accounts, the new budget procedure was placed In use by the city of Indianapolis last year, and soon It probably will be adopted for counties of Indiana. The' new budget system prevents padding of budget estimates and does away with the old lump sum budgets heretofore submitted by some departments. “The department, as a part of Its systematic program, makes an examination of all local budget proposals, with the view of seeking to preserve the adequacy of flublic service at the lowest possible cost. In Its scrutiny of public budgets It has shown the way to public officers, 1 whereby they might accomplish needed public work at great reductions In expenditure. Many times it has made possible tax levies much lower than the public officials had prepared to adopt, withqut de- t stroylng or harming any public i service of recognized need or value. I Major Projects Among major projects: “L The conducting of an ed- | campaign looking to the j establishment of a merit system in i public employment and the preparation of definite recommendations aa to the administrative machinery and rules of procedure necessary to the successful operation of a merit system. "With the appointment of civil service boards by the mayor to place the merit system In effect for the police and fire departments, the civic affairs department has offered Its services in the establishment of the needed administrative machinery and rules of procedure. 2. Preparation of a study of salary standardization in the city service so as to give “equal pay for equal work” and to fix the specifications and minimum qualifications for each position in the service. * 3. A study of the cost of public charity in Marion County and Center Township. 4. Development of a system of public reports, which will complete the budget system now in operation. Officials should be required to make public a record of work accomplished under their direction and the cost ol doing that work. Adequate public reporting will bring about strict accountability and this inevitably will result In a saving of the taxpayers’ money. 5. A study of the cost of construction and maintenance of roads In Marion County. 6. A study of municipal transportation costs, 1. e., city garage and automobile operation. 7. A study of the cost of street cleaning. 8. A critical examlnaton of all proCed larg•* expenditures by units of tl government.