With convenience and economy in mind, the crew of The Medford Mail Tribune also operaies a cooperative
coffee-making service. One employee is designated to buy supplies and keep accounts, and crew members using
the service are assessed monthly for their share of the cost. Pictured here with Clark Anderson (at left), who
manages the coffee plan, are George Spaunhorst and.Don Wetherbee (right),' both employed in the stereotyping
department. Clark Anderson, a linotype operator, makes most of the coffee but drinks only tea himself.
Coffee and business seem to go together in the United States, and when two mep have a business discussion
coming up, chances are they will set out for the nearest cafe, or restaurant. Pictured above are Charles Milam (at
left). Radio Station KYJC staff member, and Photographer Carl Landis, who were deep in conversation when
Photographer Bob Dyer pointed his camera at them Tuesday. The two were patronizing Maury's Corner for their
afternoon business-with-refreshments.
0
By Olive Starcher
A widely observed custom in modern United States is known
as the "coffee break." It is the time when the workman, clerk,
business man or housewife stops whatever task he is doing
at the time and relaxes over a cup of coffee. True, some take milk,
tea or a soft drink or just smoke .a cigarette, but for many it is
hot, steaming coffee fresh from the pot.
At firs? frowned on by some employers, the rest period and
coffee time is now widely accepted and in many factpries or other
places where large numbers are employed, management co
operates with employees in observing the custom. Comfortable,
attractive recreation rooms "are provided and some establishments
serve food along with a refreshing drink, finding that it actually
results in more and better work from the average employee.
Medford
Tribune
MEDFORD, OREGON, SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1956
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Some firms furnish supplies, in others the employees work
out a system of cooperative buying and often select one person to
supervise the entire project. One large firm in Chicago buys the
supplies, then sells coffee and rolls at a small price and the profit ,
goes into an emergency fund for the use of employees.
Some say that the "coffee break" originated in Constantinople
in 1554 where it was a custom with the Turkish men to linger over
a cup of coffee in coffee houses or cafes. It is a matter of record
that the most famous insurance institution in the world, Lloyd's of
London, grew from Edward Lloyd's coffee house in Tower street
where seamen, merchants and shipowners gathered, exchanged
useful information and carried on business.
Whatever its beginning, the coffee break is probably Ameri
ca s most universal custom.
(Brainerd photos)
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Enjoying coffee at the Wooden Shoe cafe in the Holland hotel
Tuesday were Mrs. Daisy Hamner, mother of Kenneth G. Hamner, the
hotel manager, and Bill Burnett. The waitress is Mrs. Florence Zeisler.
Waitresses reap no tips from "just coffee" customers, but serve the
cups of steaming brew as cheerfully as they, do a full course dinner.
The cameraman found Jeweler Larry Schade Jr. (at left) and Hair
Stylist Victor Peterson just finishing their hot drinks at the Top Notch
cafe. The latter belongs to the minority group of tea drinkers. The two
men were about to "match" coins to see who would pay for the re
freshment, this being a popular way for American men to decide who
will pick up the checks.
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Eston Humphrey, assistant manager of Medford branch. United
States National bank, is shown here in the attractive recreatio.n room
maintained by the branch for its 50 employees. The branch supplies
coffee and cream, and employees pay extra for doughnuts which are
bought each morning. Canned soup is available for those who want
a hot dish with their noon lunches.
A group of employees of Medford branch. First National bank, are pictured here enjoying a few minutes of
relaxation after 3 p. m. Tuesday and before returning to their desks to finish :up the day's stint. Shown (left to
right) are Roy Huson, Aubrey- Loper; Miss-Joy . Ingle, Mrs. Lucy Lengele, Mrs. Gladys Johnson, Mrs. Elithe Crawford
and Mrs. Virginia Sherwood. The bank subscribes to several magazines and newspapers which are kept in the
recreation room for the enjoyment of the staff members.
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Time out for coffee, hot chocolate or a piece of pie is enjoyed not only by those of the business world, but by
shoppers or students going through the downtown area on their way home after classes in high school or college.
Shown here is a section of the counter at Woolworth's store with a few of the mid-afternoon customers on Tuesday.
The watiresses are (at left) Miss Dorothy Birdsong and Miss Margie Strader.
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