This book is DI^ below 
 
 
 
 UNIVERSITY of CALIFQRNl/i 
 
 AT 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 LIBRARY
 
 THE MINIMUM COST OF LIVING
 
 THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 
 
 NEW YORK • BOSTON • CHICAGO ■ DALLAS 
 ATLANTA ■ SAN FRANCISCO 
 
 MACMILLAN & CO., Limited 
 
 LONDON • BOMBAY ■ CALCUTTA 
 MELBOURNE 
 
 THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, Ltd. 
 
 TORONTO
 
 ;^' 
 
 6 
 
 THE MINIMUM COST OF LIVING 
 
 A STUDY OF FAMILIES OF LIMITED 
 INCOME IN NEW YORK CITY 
 
 BY 
 WINIFRED STUART GIBBS 
 
 SUPERVISOE HOME ECONOMICS, NEW YORK ASSOCIATION FOR 
 IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF THE POOR, LECTURER IN 
 HOUSEHOLD ARTS, TEACHERS COLI-EGE, COLUMBIA 
 UNIVERSITY, AUTHOR OF " ECONOMICAL COOK- 
 ING," "food for the INVALID AND 
 CONVALESCENT," — ETC., ETC. 
 
 ^m fnrk 
 
 THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 
 
 1917 
 
 All rights reserted 
 
 . 39343 
 
 MAX 1 8
 
 COPTBIOHT, 1917 
 
 By the MACMILLAN COMPANY 
 Set up and electrotyped. Published March, 1917.
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 One of the chief aims of an organization like the 
 Association for Improving the Condition of the 
 Poor is to help others to help themselves. It is 
 frequently more helpful to teach a given family- 
 how its income can be made to more nearly meet 
 its needs than to supplement their income with 
 relief. This is always the case if their income is 
 sufficient when wisely used to meet their actual 
 necessities although it may not be sufficient even 
 for them unless used wisely with much planning. 
 Perhaps one of the most essential factors in thrift 
 in family expenditures is careful planning. Care- 
 ful planning inevitably means a systematic record 
 of expenditures. Making this record in itself is of 
 the greatest use in developing thrift and lays a firm 
 foundation for profiting from errors in thrift — 
 from hasty poor judgments in expenditures. No 
 corrective is more effective than a record of an 
 unwise expenditure. 
 
 It was with these thoughts in mind that the
 
 vi Introduction 
 
 Association for Improving the Condition of the 
 Poor developed some two years ago a simple but 
 practical family budget book for the use of families 
 known to the Association over continuous periods 
 of time, that is, families in which the dependency 
 either because of widowhood or of chronic sickness 
 was relatively long continued, usually ending only 
 with the coming to working age of children in these 
 families. The use of this systematic method of 
 recording family expenditures has been most 
 beneficial. An interesting thing about it is the 
 interest which these families themselves take, 
 somewhat contrary to expectation, in keeping the 
 record. Incidentally, much useful information has 
 been collected as to the food habits of families 
 of moderate incomes in New York City. It has 
 seemed worth while to present in some detail the 
 results of this systematic record of family expen- 
 ditures in a typical group of families and to inter- 
 pret these in the light of what it is reasonable to 
 hope can still be accomplished in the direction of 
 education of such families to further increase the 
 usefulness of their income in terms of better food, 
 better clothing and better housing. The assem- 
 bling of this information has been made by Miss
 
 Introduction vii 
 
 Winifred S. Gibbs who has for the past ten years 
 been in charge of the Division of Home Eco- 
 nomics. 
 
 (Signed) Bailey B. Burritt, 
 General Director, New York 
 Association for Improving 
 the Condition of the Poor.
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Foreword xiii 
 
 PART I 
 
 THE STUDY AS A WHOLE 
 
 Chapter I 
 
 Object of the Study 3 
 
 Description of the Families 4 
 
 Method Employed in Making the Study 5 
 
 Data on Which the Study was Based 10 
 
 Kind of Records Kept by Teachers 11 
 
 Chapter II 
 
 Discussion of the Estimate of Minimum Require- 
 ment for Rent, Food, Fuel and Light, Clothing, 
 Insurance, Sundries 13
 
 Table of Contents 
 
 PART II 
 
 EXPENSE ACCOUNTS OF THE SEVENTY-FIVE 
 FAMILIES 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Estimate of Needs One Month and Twelve Months 
 
 for Each Family 31 
 
 Actual Expenses Twelve Months 31 
 
 Actual Income Twelve Months 31 
 
 Summary 31 
 
 PART III 
 WHAT THE STUDY REVEALED 
 
 Chapter I 
 
 Living Conditions Before and After the Study 49 
 
 Comparison of Living Conditions and of 
 
 Health Conditions 49 
 
 Classification of Families According to Income. 50 
 
 Famihes Showing Surplus and Deficit 51
 
 Table of Contents xi 
 
 Chapter II page 
 
 Housing Conditions 56 
 
 Percentage of Income Spent for Rent 56 
 
 Number of Rooms per Family, Private Toilet, 
 
 etc 57 
 
 Classification of Rent According to Number of 
 Rooms 58 
 
 Chapter III 
 
 The Seventy-Five Dietaries in Detail 60 
 
 Classification of Food According to Size and 
 
 Composition of Families 74 
 
 Percentage Spent for Food 74 
 
 Conmients, Comparisons, Conclusions 75 
 
 Chapter IV 
 
 The Clothing Budget 78 
 
 The Study of the Clothing Budget 79 
 
 Comments, Difficulties of Standardization, etc. . 81 
 
 Chapter V 
 Fuel and Light 86
 
 xii Table of Contents 
 
 Chapter VI page 
 
 Incidentals 89 
 
 Discussion of Results of Insufficient Provision 
 
 for the Item 90 
 
 Carfares, Insurance 90
 
 FOREWORD 
 
 In 1906, the Dean of a technical college said to 
 the writer, *'I can find plenty of girls who realize 
 the value of Household Art courses in school, and 
 plenty who teach these courses well. What I 
 want now is someone on the firing line who will 
 show my students how to connect their classroom 
 work with the real questions of the day." 
 
 The women who did the work on which the 
 present study is based are all on the ''firing line." 
 The work was begun ten years ago by the New 
 York Association for Improving the Condition of 
 the Poor. The first purpose was to give simple 
 lessons in diet and cooking to the mothers of 
 underfed children. These families were all under 
 the care of the Association. It was soon found, 
 however, that in order to do any constructive work 
 and really help the families, the food problem 
 could not be considered independently. As the 
 work developed the family budget as a whole 
 came to be the foundation for all instruction. The 
 dietitian based her diet and cooking lessons on the
 
 xiv Foreword 
 
 food budget; the sewing teacher based hers on the 
 clothing item. The family budgets dealt with in 
 the following pages were, of necessity, on a min- 
 imum basis. The word minimum is used to denote 
 certain results of work done. This work included 
 observation of results for the purpose of determin- 
 ing the lowest sum on which the families could 
 maintain health and working power. This was for 
 the purpose of making best use of the money in 
 hand, and never for the purpose of keeping the 
 families on a low standard. The families were 
 those of widows, who, by reason of the death of 
 the wage earner, had been granted a definite 
 monthly cash allowance. This allowance was 
 based on a carefully planned estimate of needs. 
 Furthermore, the Association hoped by the fixing 
 of such an estimate, and by a record of its working 
 out to be of direct service to other families whose 
 incomes were practically the same as that allowed 
 these famiUes. The results of this experiment are 
 set forth in the following pages. Because of the 
 lack of margin it was necessary to give careful 
 attention to each item so that no one should rob 
 the other. 
 
 The workers have endeavored to present a piece
 
 Foreword xv 
 
 of work in which the human element should be 
 brought out, but one in which this element should 
 be related definitely to a sound scientific back- 
 ground. Direct good to the families has been the 
 chief aim. It is hoped, however, that the results of 
 this instruction can be so formulated as to be of 
 service to all who are concerned in our present day 
 industrial and social problem. 
 
 The following field workers have made this 
 study possible: — Mrs. Emma Carter Schultz, 
 Miss Marion Mudge, Miss J. B. F. Parramore, Dr. 
 Bertha F. Johnson, Miss Elisabeth Banks, Miss 
 Margaret Schmidt, Miss Elizabeth Guilford, and 
 Miss Bessie G. Chamberlayne. They have con- 
 tributed unstinted personal service with the 
 families and enthusiastic professional cooperation 
 in the division. 
 
 The writer extends grateful acknowledgments 
 to Professor Henry C. Sherman and Professor 
 Robert E. Chaddock of Columbia University and 
 to Dr. C. F. Langworthy, Department of Agricul- 
 ture, Washington, D. C, for helpful criticisms and 
 suggestions. 
 
 W. S. G.
 
 PART I 
 THE STUDY AS A WHOLE
 
 THE MINIMUM COST OF LIVING 
 
 A STUDY OF FAMILIES OF LIMITED INCOME 
 IN NEW YORK CITY 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Object of the Study 
 
 From Sir William Petty in 1672 to Dr. Robert 
 Coit Chap in in 1906, each study of the family 
 budget has made its own contribution to the sum 
 of human well-being. The earlier workers under- 
 took these studies primarily that the resulting data 
 might be used to improve social conditions. Their 
 viewpoint was the broadly social, and contact with 
 individual families ceased when the families had 
 contributed the necessary information. Further- 
 more, much of the field work was done by those 
 whose interest ended when the actual gathering of 
 data was completed. 
 
 The present study was also begun in the hope 
 of making a contribution that might help to im- 
 prove social conditions. The immediate plan, how- 
 ever, was to so far improve family groups that they 
 might become stronger units in the future. Those
 
 4 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 in charge of the work had a decided advantage 
 over their predecessors in that their field workers 
 were women specially fitted by training and inter- 
 ests for the doing of such work. 
 
 Expense accounts were collected from one hun- 
 dred and fifty families, but in order to make the 
 study concise seventy-five were chosen for pres- 
 entation. These seventy-five families are typical 
 of the income groups represented in this study. 
 
 Briefly, the families reported upon fall into the 
 following groups according to size : 
 
 3 families — widow and two children 
 
 26 
 
 
 " tliree 
 
 19 
 
 
 " four 
 
 15 
 
 
 " five 
 
 5 
 
 
 " six 
 
 6 
 
 
 " seven 
 
 1 family 
 
 
 " eight 
 
 According to nationality they form the following 
 groups: 
 
 American 19 
 
 English 1 
 
 German 17 
 
 Italian 5 
 
 Irish 28 
 
 Scandinavian 2 
 
 Austrian 1 
 
 Bohemian 2 
 
 The function of the Home Economics work of 
 the Association is fundamentally educational. Its
 
 Method Employed in Making the Study 5 
 
 aim is to establish each family on the basis of a 
 seK-sustaining unit. Therefore, the results of the 
 present study are presented as nearly as possible 
 from the standpoint of the normal. 
 
 METHOD EMPLOYED IN MAKING THE STUDY 
 
 For the first few years budgets were kept in a 
 very informal way, but in each case they were used 
 as a basis for the lessons planned. In 1914 sys- 
 tematic budget keeping was begun in the families 
 of more or less fixed income. By means of these 
 expense books the women have learned to view 
 their home problems as a whole. They have been 
 trained to accurate thinking and to accurate ex- 
 pression. They have learned habits of thrift from 
 the mere record on paper of their expenditure. 
 Finally, they have had the advantage of comparing 
 the records and results of bad dietary habits with 
 good, and have learned in the same way to re- 
 organize their expenditures for the other items of 
 the budget. 
 
 The Association cares nothing for tables of 
 statistics that stop at tabulation. The tabulations 
 must point backward to some good accomplished 
 and onward to possible increased good in the
 
 6 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 future. Dr. Chapin has said that in compiHng 
 results of such work: "Both the intensive and the 
 extensive methods are valuable and should supple- 
 ment each other. With the extensive method to 
 give breadth and perspective, and the intensive 
 study to give color and definiteness to the outlines 
 obtained by the extensive method, the study of 
 the family budget can best be made to bring out 
 'the standard of living.'" 
 
 In formulating a plan of work, in each family the 
 workers collected information and made plans 
 somewhat as follows: 
 
 Summary of the economic situation in 
 each family: 
 Instruction in budget making. 
 Instruction m carrying out the budget 
 
 planned. 
 Plan of dietary needed by individual 
 
 family. 
 Plan of clothing needs. 
 Lessons in cooking. 
 Lessons in sewing. 
 The first step in getting this information was to 
 hold a friendly conference with the housekeeper. 
 Few of the women were accustomed to ''taking
 
 Method Employed in Making the Study 7 
 
 account of stock." A clear statement of the 
 family resources was followed by careful instruc- 
 tion as to how best to divide the income. One 
 point should be emphasized — the women were to 
 a large extent given freedom of choice, the expense 
 accounts being controlled only by advice. 
 
 Someone has called a budget a ''financial 
 prophecy." The women in the present group were 
 taught that to make a budget meant to forecast a 
 future of improved health and freedom from the 
 wear and tear of a hand-to-mouth existence. The 
 word ''food" came to stand for something besides 
 the unpaid grocery bill. "Clothing" began to 
 fulfill its chief mission — that of helping to con- 
 serve the family self-respect and happiness. In 
 short, the housekeepers learned to adjust their 
 expenditures so that the account books were 
 genuine human documents. 
 
 The advance from their customary slipshod 
 methods to systematic adjustment was not made 
 in a day. Slowly and patiently housekeeper and 
 teacher worked together. The progress was slow 
 but the results satisfactory. One of the women 
 had never learned simple addition. In her zeal to 
 have a satisfactory expense book she taught her-
 
 8 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 self to add. Her method at first was to group all 
 the figures of the same denomination together, 
 make separate additions of each group and then to 
 arrive at the grand total by a process equally 
 intricate. 
 
 The women were taught to care for the chil- 
 dren's food needs first. It was not always easy to 
 convince them of the necessity for this, since busy, 
 tired mothers were apt to say — ''The children 
 must take just what we do." Instruction there- 
 fore included planning of a dietary which would 
 fill the children's needs and satisfy the adults' 
 tastes without undue elaboration of cooking proc- 
 esses. 
 
 From the beginning the teachers realized 
 that the clothing budget must be very carefully 
 planned. Necessarily the sum fixed was somewhat 
 meagre. It was felt, however, that a carefully 
 administered clothing allowance would do much 
 to increase the general morale of the family. As 
 in the case of food a slipping to a low standard in 
 matters of dress came almost invariably from 
 fatigue, ill health and the resulting loss of desire 
 and power to think and plan. The direct influence 
 of neat and suitable clothing can hardly be over-
 
 Method Employed in Making the Study 9 
 
 estimated. It is perhaps in this item that the lack 
 of margin in the budget was most keenly felt. 
 Practically all of the families, however, were 
 recipients of gifts of clothing from friends and 
 relatives at various times throughout the year, 
 which served somewhat to supplement the amount 
 allowed for this item. As is the case with most 
 mothers, nearly all of these women sacrificed their 
 own tastes and comfort in clothing so that the 
 children might be neatly and attractively dressed. 
 
 These lessons were used as one of the means to 
 the end of family upbuilding. The cooking les- 
 sons were planned with the food item in the budg- 
 et as a basis. The sewing lessons bore a similar 
 relation to the clothing item. 
 
 Before the granting of the cash allowance ex- 
 pense accounts were simply records of daily pur- 
 chases. When the form was made up for the 
 present expense books experience of former years 
 was the chief deciding factor. It was felt that the 
 budget page must do more than afford a place for 
 record of expenses. This page in order to be of the 
 greatest use must show an analysis of purchases, 
 so that the dietitians could see at a glance whether 
 the family was having too much or too little of any
 
 
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 12 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 one food. The sewing teacher must be able to 
 decide as to whether the clothing allowance was 
 being wisely spent. Inevitably such a page must 
 require much detail work. The accompanying 
 form has been in successful use for two years. The 
 housekeepers have a separate set of loose leaves 
 fastened together with brown paper covers for 
 each month. This provides an easy way for check- 
 ing the transfer of the surplus or deficit as the case 
 may be, to the book for the following month. 
 
 The aim was to draw up a form of record that 
 would show just what were the needs in each 
 family from a home economics standpoint, what 
 instruction was given and what were the results. 
 The present sheet is now in use in many homes, 
 and gives a satisfactory picture of each family for 
 the year. The rise or fall of the dietary from 
 month to month, the fluctuations of the income 
 and the record of instruction give data that is 
 valuable far beyond the limits of the home in 
 which it is gathered.
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 
 
 Obviously such an estimate was necessary by 
 way of beginning, but it was equally true that the 
 workers must keep an open mind towards the 
 weaknesses as they developed in their own es- 
 timates. Furthermore, they must strive for 
 flexibility so that these standards might prove 
 guides rather than hampering boundaries. 
 
 In this preliminary discussion only the main 
 consideration governing the estimate will be set 
 forth. The theoretical '4deal division" of the 
 economists is of value only as a starting point, 
 since it is not practical to follow it in detail. 
 
 Ideal Division 
 
 Operating "Higher 
 
 Income Rent Food Expenses Clothing Life" 
 
 $800-1000 20% or 30% or 10% or 15% or 25% or 
 
 $160 to $200 $240 to $300 $85 to $100 $120 to $150 $200 to $250 
 
 With the above estimate in mind it may be of 
 interest to trace the actual possibilities of an in- 
 come of $800 to $1000 in New York City. 
 
 13
 
 14 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Practical Division 
 
 Education 
 Operating Recreation & 
 
 Income Rent Food Expenses Clothing Sundries Saving 
 
 $800-1000 average $150 $290-390 $39.00 fuel & $120-190 $48-78 Nothing, 
 
 light left when 
 
 48 . 00 sundries sundries and 
 
 12 . 00 insurance emergencies 
 
 93 . 00 carfare & have been 
 
 lunches provided for. 
 
 $192.00 total 
 
 Providing the breadwinner worked continuously 
 this would leave slender provision for the in- 
 numerable unexpected needs that arise in every 
 household, not to mention recreation and savings. 
 As a matter of fact, every working year has many 
 grievous breaks. Illness and strikes and holidays 
 and ''slack times" are a few of the factors to be 
 reckoned with. 
 
 Fortunately those who live in Greater New 
 York have the opportunity for much healthful 
 recreation at little or no cost. 
 
 We hear much of "living standards" — but the 
 vital spark of such a standard cannot be expressed 
 in figures. One must be in contact with the daily 
 lives of the families in order to appreciate the ad- 
 vance from discouragement to ambition. Only in 
 this way can the figures express the good which 
 has actually come to the homes.
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 15 
 
 The chief items in the estimate will now be con- 
 sidered in detail. 
 
 Shelter 
 
 Housing conditions in the poorer districts of 
 New York City are characterized by a dreary 
 sameness. On into the miles run streets of sordid 
 tenements. Each of these tenements looks much 
 like its neighbors, the chief difference being that 
 one house may have three stories and another 
 four; one may open into a court at the side, while 
 still another may boast, '^AU Hght rooms." This 
 question of shelter had been largely settled by the 
 families themselves before the study began. It 
 was understood that they had decided this ques- 
 tion by securing the home neighborhood for the 
 maximum of — shall we say negative comfort? — to 
 be had for the amount within their means. 
 
 The rent item was estimated at $12.00 monthly 
 for an ''average family" of five. This gave fairly 
 comfortable quarters and allowed "IK persons to 
 a room." 
 
 Food 
 
 The ration allowance used in this study was the 
 standard one worked out for A. I. C. P. famihes.
 
 16 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 In standardizing this allowance it was necessary 
 to consider a large group of families, and to so 
 express the results as to give figures that could be 
 used by staff members outside the Home Econom- 
 ics Division. Obviously it was not practical to 
 formulate a dietary every detail of which could be 
 followed. Therefore, the ration allowance was 
 based on the accepted dietary standards of Pro- 
 fessor Atwater, estimating the needs of the various 
 members of each family according to the age 
 factors proposed by Atwater and used by the 
 Department of Agriculture. 
 
 The table of units for making up food needs in 
 each family is as follows : 
 
 Table of Units 
 
 Man (17 years and over) 1 . 
 
 Woman (16 years and over) 8 
 
 Boy 16 years 9 
 
 " 12 years-13 years, inclusive 8 
 
 " 10 
 
 Girl 14 
 
 " 10 
 
 Child 6 
 
 " 2 
 
 -11 
 -15 
 -13 
 
 - 9 
 
 - 5 
 
 " under 2 years 3 
 
 Professor Atwater's calculations were based on a 
 standard that called for 3,500 calories per unit per
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 17 
 
 day. This meant a man at moderate muscular 
 work. In fixing the food standard for all families 
 in the Association certain things were taken into 
 account. For instance, frequently the man was 
 not employed, or was in ill health. Many of the 
 famihes were widows' families. Nevertheless 
 in all families the needs of a man were taken 
 as the unit. The unit standard adopted for A. I. 
 C. P. famihes was 3,000 calories per unit per 
 day. This gave an allowance that might be called 
 an adequate minimum on which to base the needs 
 of women and children. It was not practical to 
 have a changing unit standard for each family. 
 It was thought safe in the practical working out 
 of the dietaries to use the Atwater scale in spite 
 of the fact that the unit basis was 3,000 calories and 
 not 3,500. 
 
 The ration allowance made up from this plan 
 was used with excellent results for eight years 
 before the beginning of the study. 
 
 The bills-of-fare possible were fairly satisfactory 
 from the point of view of attractive variety. To 
 administer the food allowance properly meant 
 careful buying, much thought in combining the 
 foods and great care in their preparation. During
 
 18 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 the time of the study this diet could be purchased 
 at the rate of twenty-seven cents per unit per day. 
 At the present writing, October 1, 1916, the same 
 diet would cost thirty-four cents per unit per day. 
 
 The following diet is the basic one for the 
 average family. Calculations for increase accord- 
 ing to the size of family are made with these 
 figures as , the starting point. It is understood 
 that the prices quoted varied slightly according to 
 locality and season. 
 
 Ration Allowance, 2 Adults, 3 Children — One Week 
 
 Food Lbs. Cost Cal. Pro. P2O5 CaO Fe Acid Base 
 Beef 1 
 
 Soup [...4 S.80 3572 303 6.969 0.2274 0.04545 151.5 
 Meat I 
 
 Codfish 1 .12 515 125 3.150 0.1890 0.00504 53.0 
 
 Eggs Id. .35 892 81 2.141 0.5352 0.01695 67.8 
 
 Butterine..l .25 5115 8 0.204 0.1534 
 
 Milk 14qt3. 1.26 8792 419 26.640 21.0129 0.02989 228. 
 
 Cheese V2 .12 997 65 3.230 2.4925 12.9 
 
 Bread 12 .48 14068 506 10 . 566 1 . 5497 . 04226 380 . 
 
 Macaroni.. 1 .08 1624 60 1.624 0.1624 0.00550 43.8 
 
 Rice 1 broken .06 1591 36 0.907 0.0477 0.00477 43.0 
 
 Oatmeal... 3 .10 5049 227 11.683 1.6230 0.04868 162.3 
 
 Sugar 3M -28 6349 
 
 Beans 2 .20 3128 204 10.197 1.9706 0.06256 156.4 
 
 Carrots 4 .12 636 16 1.400 1.0684 0.01018 152.0 
 
 Onions 4 .12 796 25 1.910 0.9552 0.00876 24.3 
 
 Potatoes.. 15 .45 4560 122 7.570 0.8664 0.06840 403.2 
 
 Apples 4 .12 856 6 0.428 0.1883 0.00428 51.2 
 
 Tomatoes.. 1 .05 103 5 0.0265 0.0890 0.00175 35.0 
 
 Prunes 2 .16 2322 16 1.856 0.4644 0.02090 185.8 
 
 Cocoa 14 .13 1128 49 2.482 0.3046 0.00564 1.6 
 
 Tea Vi .10 
 
 Coffee J^ .12 
 
 Dates 1 .10 1416 9 0.425 0.4243 0.00146 97.0 
 
 5.57 63509 22S2 93.4085 34.3250 0.38247 914.3 1334.5
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 19 
 
 No. of units 3 
 
 Cost per unit per month ....$8.19 
 
 " " family per week ... . 5.57 
 "day 81 
 
 " " unit " " 27 
 
 Since the budget calculations are usually made 
 by the month the following table has been ar- 
 ranged on a monthly basis. This table is based 
 upon the ration quoted above. The quantities of 
 food are of course approximate since it would not 
 be practical to weigh each portion. These tables 
 do give, however, the same well-balanced ration as 
 that described in the beginning of this chapter. 
 
 Ration Allowances — One Month 
 
 1 Adult and 2 Children 1 Adult and 4 Children 2 Adults and 3 Children 
 
 1 " "3 
 
 2 " "1 
 
 2 
 
 " 2 
 
 1 " 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 S 
 
 1 Adult and 6 Children 1 Adult and 7 Children 1 Adult and 8 Children 
 
 2 " "4 
 
 2 
 
 " 5 
 
 1 " 
 
 9 
 
 
 2 
 
 .. g 
 
 2 " 
 2 " 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 Food Amount 
 
 Amount 
 
 Amount 
 
 Amount Amount 
 
 Amount 
 
 Bread. ..34. 66 lbs. 
 
 39.44 lbs. 
 
 52.00 lbs. 
 
 62.83 lbs. 73.66 lbs. 
 
 98.21 lbs. 
 
 Butter . . 6.49 " 
 
 6.49 " 
 
 6.49 " 
 
 8.66 " 8.66 " 
 
 10.82 " 
 
 Milk 60.62qts. 
 
 60.62 qts. 
 
 60.62 qts. 
 
 90.93 qts. 90.93 qts. 
 
 90.93 qts. 
 
 Eggs .... 4 . 33 doz. 
 
 4.33 doz. 
 
 4.33 doz. 
 
 6.49 doz. 8.66 doz 
 
 8.66 doz. 
 
 Cereal . .12.99 lbs. 
 
 17.32 lbs. 
 
 21.65 lbs. 
 
 25.98 lbs. 28.14 lbs. 
 
 28.14 lbs. 
 
 Tea, Coffee and 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cocoa . . 3 . 24 " 
 
 4.33 " 
 
 5.41 " 
 
 5.41 " 5.41 " 
 
 6.49 " 
 
 Sugar. . .14.07 " 
 
 15.15 " 
 
 15.15 " 
 
 20.56 " 24.89 " 
 
 29.22 " 
 
 Meat .. .14.07 " 
 
 17.32 " 
 
 22.19 " 
 
 17.32 " 22.73 " 
 
 27.06 " 
 
 Pot 43.3 " 
 
 51.96 " 
 
 64.95 " 
 
 69.28 " 77.94 " 
 
 90.93 " 
 
 Veg 51.96 •' 
 
 51.96 " 
 
 47.63 " 
 
 64.95 " 82.27 " 
 
 95.26 " 
 
 Fruit . . .23.81 " 
 
 25.98 " 
 
 30.31 " 
 
 47.63 " 60.62 " 
 
 69.28 "
 
 20 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Anyone who has had experience in working with 
 the tenement population knows how intimate a 
 connection exists between food and the more com- 
 mon diseases of poverty. Among our seventy-five 
 famines, before the granting of the allowance, 
 record after record reads — ''Children anaemic," 
 ''Mother suffering from malnutrition." Because 
 of this, special care has been taken with the dietary, 
 and part two will set forth the results. 
 
 Table for Converting Unit Needs into Dollars and Cents 
 
 Cost per month at Cost per month at 
 
 Units 0.27 per day Units $.30 per day 
 
 1.0 $ 8.19 1.0 % 9.10 
 
 1.1 9.00 1.1 10.01 
 
 1.2 9.83 1.2 10.92 
 
 1.3 10.65 1.3 11.63 
 
 1.4 11.47 1.4 12.74 
 
 1.5 12.29 1.5 13.65 
 
 1.6 13.10 1.6 14.56 
 
 1.7 13.93 1.7 15.47 
 
 1.8 14.74 1.8 16.38 
 
 1.9 15.56 1.9 17.29 
 
 2.0 16.38 2.0 18.20 
 
 2.1 17.20 2.1 19.11 
 
 2.2 18.02 2.2 20.02 
 
 2.3 18.84 2.3 20.93 
 
 2.4 19.66 2.4 21.84 
 
 2.5 20.48 2.5 22.75 
 
 2.6 21.29 2.6 23.66 
 
 2.7 22.11 2.7 24.57
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 21 
 
 Cost per month at Cost per month at 
 
 Units $.27 per day Units $.30 per day 
 
 2.8 22.93 2.8 $25.48 
 
 2.9 23.75 2.9 26.39 
 
 3.0 24.57 3.0 27.30 
 
 3.1 25.39 3.1 28.21 
 
 3.2 26.21 3.2 29.12 
 
 3.3 27.02 3.3 30.03 
 
 3.4 27.85 3.4 30.94 
 
 3.5 28.67 3.5 31.85 
 
 3.6 29.48 3.6 32.76 
 
 3.7 30.30 3.7 33.67 
 
 3.8 31.12 3.8 34.58 
 
 3.9 31.94 3.9 35.49 
 
 4.0 32.76 4.0 38.40 
 
 4.1 33.58 4.1 37.31 
 
 4.2 34.40 4.2 38.22 
 
 4.3 35.22 4.3 29.13 
 
 4.4 36.04 4.4 40.04 
 
 4.5 36.86 4.5 40.95 
 
 4.6 37.67 4.6 41.86 
 
 4.7 38.49 4.7 42.77 
 
 4.8 39.31 4.8 43.68 
 
 4.9 40.13 4.9 44.59 
 
 5.0 40.95 5.0 45.50 
 
 5.1 41.77 5.1 46.41 
 
 5.2 42.59 5.2 47.32 
 
 5.3 43.41 5.3 48.23 
 
 5.4 44.23 5.4 49.14 
 
 5.5 45.05 5.5 50.05 
 
 5.6 45.86 5.6 50.98 
 
 5.7 46.68 5.7 51.87 
 
 5.8 47.50 5.8 52.78 
 
 5.9 48.32 5.9 53.69
 
 22 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 
 Cost per month at 
 
 
 
 Cost per month at 
 
 Units 
 
 $.27 per day 
 
 Units 
 
 $.30 per day 
 
 6.0 
 
 49.14 
 
 ....6.0... 
 
 $54.60 
 
 6.1 
 
 49.96 
 
 ....6 
 
 .1. . 
 
 55.51 
 
 6.2 
 
 50.76 
 
 6 
 
 ....6 
 
 .2. 
 .3. . 
 
 56.42 
 
 6.3 
 
 51.60 
 
 57.33 
 
 6.4 
 
 52.42 
 
 ....6 
 
 .4. . 
 
 58.24 
 
 6.5 
 
 53.24 
 
 ....6 
 
 .5. . 
 
 59.15 
 
 6.6 
 
 54.05 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 60.06 
 
 6.7 
 
 54.87 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 60.97 
 
 6.8 
 
 55.69 
 
 ....6 
 6, 
 
 .8. . , 
 9 
 
 61.88 
 
 6.9 
 
 56.51 
 
 62.79 
 
 7.0 
 
 57.33 
 
 ....7, 
 
 .0. . 
 
 63.70 
 
 7.1 
 
 58.15 
 
 ....7, 
 
 .1. . 
 
 64.61 
 
 7.2 
 
 58.97 
 
 ....7, 
 
 .2. . 
 
 65.52 
 
 7.3 
 
 59.79 
 
 7 
 
 3 
 
 66 43 
 
 7.4 
 
 60.61 
 
 ....7 
 
 .4. . 
 
 67.34 
 
 7.5 
 
 61.45 
 
 ....7, 
 
 .5. . 
 
 68.25 
 
 7.6 
 
 62.24 
 
 . . . .7 
 
 .6. . 
 
 69.16 
 
 7.7 
 
 63.06 
 
 7, 
 
 7 
 
 70.07 
 
 7.8 
 
 63.88 
 
 7, 
 
 8 
 
 70.98 
 
 7.9 
 
 64.70 
 
 ....7, 
 
 .9. .. 
 
 71.69 
 
 8.0 
 
 65.52 
 
 ....8, 
 
 0. . . 
 
 72.90 
 
 8.1 
 
 66.34 
 
 ....8 
 
 ,1. . 
 
 73.71 
 
 8.2 
 
 67.16 
 
 ....8. 
 
 .2. . , 
 
 74.62 
 
 8.3 
 
 67.98 
 
 ....8, 
 
 3. . . 
 
 75.33 
 
 8.4 
 
 68.60 
 
 ....8, 
 
 4. . . 
 
 76.44 
 
 8.5 
 
 69.62 
 
 ....8. 
 
 5. . . 
 
 77.35 
 
 8.6 
 
 70.43 
 
 8 
 
 6 
 
 78.26 
 
 8.7 
 
 71.25 
 
 8. 
 
 7 
 
 79.17 
 
 8.8 
 
 72.07 
 
 8, 
 
 8 
 
 80 . 08 
 
 8.9 
 
 72.89 
 
 ....8. 
 
 ,9. . . 
 
 80.99
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 23 
 
 Fuel and Light 
 
 Information was also sought on this item and an 
 average of all the neighborhoods of the city showed 
 that a tenement apartment of three rooms could 
 be heated and lighted at the rate of $3.25 per 
 month, provided the problem were viewed by the 
 year. According to season it would read something 
 like this: 
 
 Winter $5.00 to $6.00 
 
 Spring and Autumn $2 . 50 to $3 . 50 
 
 Midsummer $2.00 
 
 In estimating needs for this item this allowance 
 was not increased as the size of the apartments 
 increased, since most of the families made constant 
 use of only three rooms, even though they might 
 possess more. 
 
 Clothing 
 
 The clothing needs were difficult to decide upon. 
 It is obviously not an easy thing to standardize 
 clothing. During the previous five years, however, 
 there has been in the informal budgets kept by 
 the women much light thrown upon this subject. 
 The tentative sum fixed upon was $2.00 per in- 
 dividual per month. It was understood that this
 
 24 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 would provide sufficient clothing only on condition 
 that the mother would have time and strength as 
 well as ability to do her own sewing and mending. 
 
 It will be understood that the clothing division 
 suggested below is far from satisfying the workers. 
 It is merely an attempt to make the best possible 
 use of a necessarily small clothing allowance. The 
 final figures are based largely on actual practice. 
 The most casual observer will see at once that 
 there is no provision for the small but necessary 
 accessories of dress. The annual clothing allowance 
 for man, woman and four children is as follows: 
 man, $30.20; woman, $28.75; boy 14, $26.05; girl 
 12, $22.25; girl 6, $17.85; girl 3, $10.75. 
 
 The following division of this allowance is quoted 
 from ''Clothing the Family," by Mary A. Ditmas. 
 Mrs. Ditmas while sewing teacher of the division 
 did some intensive work in clothing budgets. 
 
 DIVISION OF CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR MAN, 
 WOMAN AND 4 CHILDREN 
 
 Man 
 1 suit $10.00 
 
 1 pair trousers 2 . 00 
 
 2 light shirts at $.75 each 1 . 50 
 
 3 colored shirts at $.75 each 2 . 25 
 
 2 pairs shoes 5 . 00 
 
 8 pairs hose at $.15 a pau- 1 . 20
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 25 
 
 Underwear: 
 
 Winter, 2 suits at $1.00 each $2.00 
 
 Summer, 3 suits at $.75 each 2.50 
 
 2 hats 1.75 
 
 1 necktie 25 
 
 1 pair suspenders 25 
 
 4 collars 50 
 
 2 sets sleeping garments 1 .00 
 
 Total $30.20 
 
 Clothing for Woman — One Year 
 
 Shoes, 2 pairs, $2.50 each $ 5.00 
 
 Repairs 1 . 25 
 
 Aprons, 3 (homemade) 45 
 
 Hats, Winter hat 1.50 
 
 Summer hat 1 . 25 
 
 Coats, Winter, 1 3.00 
 
 Summer, 1 2.00 
 
 Dresses, 2 wash dresses (homemade) 2 . 00 
 
 2 house dresses (homemade) 1 . 50 
 
 Skirts, 1 woolen 2 .00 
 
 Waists, 2 wash waists (homemade) 1 .00 
 
 Hosiery, 6 pairs 60 
 
 Gloves, 1 pair cotton 25 
 
 1 pair woolen 75 
 
 Underwear: 
 
 Winter, three union suits, $.75 each 2.25 
 
 Summer, three union suits, $.25 each 75 
 
 2 corset covers (homemade) 75 
 
 2 flannelette skirts (homemade) 50 
 
 2 night dresses (homemade) 70 
 
 1 pair corsets 1 . 00 
 
 Linen 50 
 
 Total $28.75
 
 26 The Minimum Cost of Limig 
 
 Girl of Twelve Years 
 
 Shoes, 2 pair at $2.00 .....$ 4.00 
 
 Repairs 1 . 25 
 
 1 pair rubbers 65 
 
 Gloves, 2 pair woolen at $.25 50 
 
 Hats, Winter (trimmed at home) 1 .00 
 
 Summer (trimmed at home) 75 
 
 Coats, Winter 2.50 
 
 Summer 1 . 00 
 
 Sweater (homemade) 1 . 25 
 
 Dresses, one woolen dress 1 . 50 
 
 3 wash dresses (homemade) (at $.50) 1 .50 
 
 Skirts, 1 woolen skirt (homemade) 1.00 
 
 Waists, 2 middy blouses (homemade) 75 
 
 Hosiery, 6 pair at $.10 60 
 
 Underwear: 
 
 Winter, 3 union suits at $.50 1 . 50 
 
 Summer, 3 union suits at $.10 30 
 
 2 flannelette skirts (homemade) 80 
 
 2 night dresses (homemade) 60 
 
 2 white muslin petticoats (homemade) 30 
 
 Ribbons, etc 50 
 
 Total $22.25 
 
 Boy of Fourteen Years 
 
 Overcoats, winter, one coat $ 4 . 50 
 
 One sweater 1 .00 
 
 Hats, two 75 
 
 Suits, one 2 . 50 
 
 Trousers, 3 wash trousers 1 . 50 
 
 One woolen trouscr 75 
 
 Blouses, 4 cotton (homemade) at $.20 80 
 
 3 outing blouses 1 . 50 
 
 Gloves, 1 pair 25 
 
 Hosiery, 12 pairs stockings 1 . 20
 
 The Estimate of Minimum Requirement 27 
 
 Shoes, 3 pairs at SI. 75 $ 5.25 
 
 Repairs 2 . 00 
 
 Rubbers 60 
 
 Underwear: 
 
 Summer, 3 suits at $.25 75 
 
 Winter, 3 suits at $.75 2 .25 
 
 Underbodies (homemade) 45 
 
 Total $26.05 
 
 Girl op Six Years 
 
 Shoes, 2 pairs at $1.25 $ 2.50 
 
 Repairs 1.25 
 
 Rubbers 60 
 
 Gloves, 2 pairs woolen at $.25 50 
 
 Hats, 1 felt (trimmed at home) 75 
 
 1 summer (trimmed at home) 50 
 
 Coats, winter (made at home) 1 . 75 
 
 Summer (made at home) 1 . 00 
 
 Sweater (made at home) 50 
 
 Dresses, 2 woolen (homemade) 1 . 50 
 
 4 wash dresses (homemade) 1 . 75 
 
 Hosiery, 6 pairs at $.10 60 
 
 Underwear, 3 underwaists (homemade) 35 
 
 Winter, 3 union suits at $.50 1 . 50 
 
 Summer, 3 shirts 30 
 
 4 pairs muslin drawers (homemade) 60 
 
 2 flannelette skirts (homemade) 50 
 
 2 cotton petticoats 50 
 
 2 nightgowns 40 
 
 Ribbons 50 
 
 Total $17.85 
 
 Girl of Three Years 
 
 Shoes, 2 pairs at $1.25 $ 2.50 
 
 Repairs 75 
 
 Hats, 2 caps at $.25 50
 
 28 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Suits or dresses: 
 
 4 wash suits or dresses (homemade) $ 1 . 50 
 
 4 pairs rompers (homemade) 60 
 
 Coats, 1 winter 2 . 00 
 
 1 summer (homemade) 1 .00 
 
 Hosiery, 4 pairs stockings 40 
 
 Underwear, 3 winter union suits at $.25 75 
 
 3 summer union suits at $.15 45 
 
 2 nightgowns (homemade) 30 
 
 Total $10.75 
 
 SUNDRIES 
 
 The workers realized that the provision possible 
 for this item would be inadequate. The amount 
 finally fixed was $1.00 each for the first three mem- 
 bers of the family per month, and fifty cents each 
 for each additional person. This provided only for 
 the barest necessities. This item had also to in- 
 clude provision for insurance. The Association 
 advocates insurance only for the breadwinner. 
 Most of the families, however, make payments for 
 children's insurance.
 
 PART II 
 
 THE SEVENTY-FIVE EXPENSE ACCOUNTS 
 IN DETAIL
 
 The figures on the following pages give the main 
 items in the budget, and the actual expenditures 
 for these items in each family. The estimate 
 spoken of has been slightly modified to meet 
 individual needs. The estimate for sundries at 
 the time the study was made was $2.00 per 
 family per month. The increase according to size 
 of family came later. The sum paid for insurance 
 by each family has been added to the estimate for 
 sundries. When the $2.00 rate was in use it was 
 understood that special needs must be provided for 
 through some other source.
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 31 
 
 YEARLY SUMMARY OF SEVENTY-FIVE BUDGETS 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act, over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 
 Family No. 1, Woman, 2 children, 13, 8 
 
 Rent free free free . . .$386.00 
 
 Food 17.33.. 207.96.. 289.48 $81.52 
 
 F. &L.... 3.25.. 39.00.. 24.24 $14.76..BaI. end 
 
 Clo 6.00.. 72.00.. 29.82 42. 18. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.30.. 39.60.. 40.90 1.30 $1.56 
 
 $29.88. .$358.56. .$384.44. .$386.00. .$82.82. .$56.94 
 
 Family No. 2, Woman, 2 children, 11, 5 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$156.00. .$520.33 
 
 Food 17.33.. 207.96.. 240.89 $32.93 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 17.15 $21.85 
 
 Clo 6.00.. 72.00.. 33.83 38.17. .Bal. end 
 
 Sund 3.07.. 36.84.. 61.29 24.45 of 12 mo. 
 
 Baby'sBd 2.30 2.30 $8.87 
 
 $42.65. .$511.80. .$511.46. .$520.33. .$59.68. .$60.02 
 
 Family No. 3, Woman, 2 children, 15, 11 
 
 Rent free free free $269.96 
 
 Food $17.33. .$209.96. .$193.18 $16.78 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 43.21 $4.21 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 6.00.. 72.00.. 15.89 56. 11. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.00.. 36.00.. 15.16 20.84. .$2.52 
 
 $29.58. .$356.96. .$267.44. .$269.96. .$ 4.21. .$93.73 
 
 Family No. 4, Woman, 3 children, 10, 9, 6 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$156.05. .$569.11. .$ .05 
 
 Food 18.02.. 216.24.. 286.70 70.46 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 41.36 2.36 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 39.97 $56.03. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 5.00.. 39.60.. 42.19 2.59 $2.84 
 
 $47.27. .$546.84. .$566.27. .$569.11. .$75.46. .$56.03 
 
 Family No. 5, Woman, 3 children, 9, 6, 4 
 
 Rent $12.00. .$144.00. .$150.00. .$483.68. .$ 6.00 
 
 Food 17.33.. 207.96.. 187.36 $20.60 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 29.19 9. 81.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 6.00.. 72.00.. 60.39 11.61. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.73.. 44.76.. 49.16 4.40 $7.58 
 
 $42.31. .$507.72. .$476.10. .$483.68. .$10.40. .$42.02
 
 32 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. 
 1 mo. IS mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 
 
 Family No. 6, Woman, 3 children, 8, 6, 4 
 
 Rent $10.00. .$120.00. .$120.00. .$515.61 
 
 Food 18.07.. 210.84. 
 
 F. &L.... 3.25.. 39.00. 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00. 
 
 Sund 4.39.. 52.68. 
 
 Act. over Act. under 
 budget budget Summary 
 
 256.05 $39.21 
 
 27.19 $11.81..Bal. end 
 
 47.37 48.63. .of 12 mo. 
 
 64.95 12.27 $.05 
 
 $43.71. .$524.52. .$515.56. .$515.61. .$51.48. .$60.44 
 
 Family No. 7, Woman, 3 children, 8, 6, 4 
 
 Rent $10.00. .$120.00. .$122.00. .$602.44. .$ 2.00. 
 
 Food 
 
 . 17.20. 
 
 206.40. 
 
 F. &L... 
 
 . 3.25. 
 
 39.00. 
 
 Clo 
 
 . 8.00. 
 
 96.00. 
 
 Sund.... 
 
 . 5.25. 
 
 63.00. 
 
 219.72 13.32 
 
 31.77 $ 7.23. .Bal. end 
 
 47.06 48.94. .of 12 mo. 
 
 134.49 71.49 $47.40 
 
 $43.70. .$524.40. .$555.04. .$602.44. .$86.81. .$56.17 
 
 Family No. 8, Woman, 3 children, 17, 11, 5 
 
 Rent $11.00. .$132.00. .$151.00. .$701.36. .$19.00. 
 
 Food . . . 
 
 . . 27.85. 
 
 . 334.20 
 
 F. &L.. 
 
 .. 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00 
 
 Clo 
 
 . . 10.00. 
 
 . 120.00 
 
 Sund . . . 
 
 . . 7.68. 
 
 . 92.16 
 
 
 $59.78. 
 
 .$717.36 
 
 307 . 08 $26 . 52 
 
 16.85 22. 15.. Bal. end 
 
 79.53 40.47. .of 12 mo. 
 
 126.05 34.49 $19.65 
 
 .$681. 71.. $701. 36.. $53. 49. .$89. 14 
 
 Family No. 9, Woman, 3 children, 14, 10, 8 
 
 Rent $12.00. .$144.00. .$135.00. .$535.03 $ 9.00. 
 
 Food . . 
 F. &L. 
 Clo. . . . 
 Sund.. 
 
 20.27.. 
 3.25.. 
 8.00.. 
 3.47.. 
 
 243.24., 
 39.00. 
 96.00. 
 41.64.. 
 
 220.76 22.46 
 
 32.59 0.41.. Bal. end 
 
 43.54 52. 46.. of 12 mo. 
 
 79.90 $38.26 $23.22 
 
 $46.99. .$563.88. .$511.81. .$535.03. .$38.26. .$90.33 
 
 Family No. 10, Woman, 3 children, 11, 8, 6 
 
 Rent $16. 00.. $192. 00.. S1S4. 00.. $594. 46 $ 8.00. 
 
 Food . . . 
 
 . . 18.84. 
 
 . 220.08. 
 
 F. &L.. 
 
 .. 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 Clo. . . . 
 
 . . 8.00. 
 
 . 96.00. 
 
 Sund . . . 
 
 . . 3.38. 
 
 . 40.56. 
 
 
 $49.47. 
 
 .$593.64. 
 
 291.49 $65.41 
 
 28.31 10. 69.. Bal. end 
 
 35.18 60. 82.. of 12 mo. 
 
 47.27 6.71 $8.21 
 
 .$586.25. .$594. 46.. $72. 12.. $79. 51
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 33 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 11, Woman, 3 children, 11, 10, 5 
 
 Rent $ 8.00..$ 96.00..$ 84.00. .$491.05 $12.00 
 
 Food 21.84.. 262.08.. 259.35 2.72 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 33.61 5.39..Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 57.13 38.87. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 2.91.. 34.92.. 56.28 $21.36 $.68 
 
 $44.00. .$528.00. .$490.37. .$491.05. .$21.36. .$58.98 
 
 Family No. 12, Woman, 3 children, 8, 6, 4 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$156.00. .$572.27 
 
 Food 20.02.. 240.24.. 261.47 $21.23 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 30.40 $8.60..Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 72.91 23.09. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.60.. 43.20.. 51.24 8.04 $.25 
 
 $47.87. .$572.02. .$572.02. .$572.27. .$29.27. . $31.69 
 
 Family No. 13, Woman, 3 children, 12, 10, 7 
 
 Rent $21.00. .$252.00. .$252.00 . .$731.48 
 
 Food 20.48.. 245.76.. 336.11 $90.35 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 35.83 $3.27..Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 48.00 48.00. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.95.. 47.40.. 56.21 8.81 $3.33 
 
 $56. 68. .$680. 16.. $728. 15.. $731. 48.. $99. 16.. $51. 27 
 
 Family No. 14, Woman, 3 children, 12, 10, 7 
 
 Rent $18. 00.. $216. 00.. $216. 00.. $711. 14 
 
 Food 20.48.. 245.76.. 313.76 $68.00 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 36.85 $2.15 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 63.45 32. 55.. Hal. end 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00.. 38.50 14.50 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 3.90.. 46.80.. 35.80 11. 00.. $6. 78 
 
 $55.63. .$667.56. .$704.36. .$711.14. .$82.50. .$45.70 
 
 Family No. 15, Woman, 3 children, 10, 9, 3 
 
 Rent $11. 00.. $132. 00. .$1.32.00 .. $516.16 
 
 Food 
 
 . 22.11., 
 
 265.32. 
 
 F.&L... 
 
 . 3.25.. 
 
 39.00 
 
 Clo 
 
 ,. 8.00., 
 
 , 96.00 
 
 Sund. ... 
 
 . 2.00.. 
 
 24.00, 
 
 259.24 $ 6.08 
 
 32.81 6. 19.. Hal. end 
 
 53.44 42.56. .of 12 mo. 
 
 32.66 $ 8.66 $6.01 
 
 $46.36. .$556.32. .$510. 15.. $516. 16..$ 8.66. «?^4.83
 
 34 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 16, Woman, 3 children, 12, 8, 6 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$143.00. .$642.86 $13.00 
 
 Food 28.21.. 338.52.. 306.51 32.01 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 32.55 6.45 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 56.53 39.47. .Bal. end 
 
 Sund 3.66.. 43.92.. 63.72 $19.80 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 4.60.. 55.20.. 31.25 23,95. .$9.30 
 
 $60. 72.. $728. 64.. $633. 56.. $642. 86.. $19. 80. $114. 85 
 
 Family No. 17, Woman, 3 children, 10, 8, 5 
 
 .$ 84. 00.. $503. 29 $84.00 
 
 . 270.10 $53.86 
 
 . 36.23 2. 77.. Bal. end 
 
 . 57.97 38.03. .of 12 mo. 
 
 . 44.53 2.53 • $10.46 
 
 Rent . . . 
 
 ..$14.00. 
 
 .$108.00. 
 
 Food. .. 
 
 . . 18.02. 
 
 . 216.24. 
 
 F.&L.. 
 
 . . 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 Clo 
 
 . . 8.00. 
 
 . 96.00. 
 
 Sund . . . 
 
 . . 3.50. 
 
 . 42.00. 
 
 $46. 77.. $561. 24. .$492.83. .$503.29. .$56. 39. $124. 80 
 
 Family No. 18, Woman, 3 children, 14, 11, 4 
 
 Rent $10.00. .$120.00. .$ 99.25. .$406.25 $20.75 
 
 Food 19.66.. 235.92.. 230.62 5.30 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 39.77 $ .77 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 54.74 41.26. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00.. 30.42 6.42 $11.45 
 
 $42.91. .$514.92. .$454.80. .$466.25. .$ 7.19. .$67.31 
 
 Family No. 19, Woman, 3 children, 12, 10, 9 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$149.50. .$526.65 $ 6.50 
 
 Food 18.44.. 221.28.. 241.29 $20.01 
 
 F.&L.... 3.25.. 39.00.. 24.81 14. 19.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 57.35 38.65. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 2.65.. 31.80.. 42.51 10.71 $11.19 
 
 $45.34. .$544.08. .$515.40. .$526.65. .$30.72. .$59.34 
 
 Family No. 20, Woman 3 children, 11, 9, 6, 
 
 Rent $ 1.00..$ 12.00..$ 12.00. .$494.61 
 
 Food 18.02.. 216.24.. 290.00 $73.76 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 36.90. .^ $2. 10. .Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 65.05 30.95. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.73.. 44.76.. 75.25 30.49 $15.41 
 
 $34. 00.. $408. 00.. $479. 20. .$494.01 .$104.25. .$33.05
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 35 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 21, Woman, 3 children, 14, 11, 8 
 
 .$111. 00.. $554. 63. .$15.00 
 
 . 277.02 41.10 
 
 . 29.69 $9.31..Bal. end 
 
 . 48.58 47. 42.. of 12 mo. 
 
 . 69.56 22.16 $18.78 
 
 Rent. .. 
 
 ..$ 8.00. 
 
 .$ 96.00. 
 
 Food... 
 
 . . 19.65. 
 
 . 2.35.92. 
 
 F. & L. . 
 
 . . 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 Clo 
 
 . . 8.00. 
 
 . 96.00. 
 
 Sund... 
 
 .. 3.95. 
 
 . 47.40. 
 
 $42. 85.. $514. 32.. $535. 85. .$554. 63.. $78. 26.. $56. 73 
 
 Family No. 22, Woman, 3 children, 10, 7, 4 
 
 Rent $10.00. .$120.00. .$105.00. .$415.89 $15.00 
 
 Food 25.39.. 304.68.. 237.18 67.50 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 43.00 $4.06 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 11.76 108.24. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 4.00.. 48.00.. 17.32 30.68. .$1.57 
 
 $52. 64.. $631. 68.. $414. 32.. $415. 89..$ 4. 06. $221. 42 
 
 Family No. 23, Woman, 3 children, 11, 8, 5 
 
 Rent $15.00. .$180.00. .$180.00. .$698.86 
 
 Food 24.57.. 294.84.. 311.14 $16.30 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 41.59 2.59 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 42.29 .$53.71. .Bal. end 
 
 Simd 4.50.. 54.00.. 98.77 44.77 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 2.60.. 31.20.. 22.00 9. 20.. $3. 07 
 
 $57.92. .$695.04. .$695.79. .$698.86. .$63.66. .$62.91 
 
 Family No. 24, Woman, 3 children, 12, 11, 10 . 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$149.50. .$559.09 $ 6.50 
 
 Food 20.47.. 245.64.. 267.18 $21.54 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 25.06 13.94. .Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 78.20 17.80. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.50.. 42.00.. 32.66 9. 34.. $6. 49 
 
 $48.22. .$578.64. .$552.60. .$559.09. .$21.54. .$47.58 
 
 Family No. 25, Woman, 3 children, 14, 10, 8 
 
 Rent $11.00. .$132.00. .$138.00. .$657.66. .$ 6.00 
 
 Food 29.48.. 353.76.. 322.37 $31.39 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 34.35 4. 65.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 60.42 59.58. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 4.60.. 55.20.. 92.21 37.01 $10.31 
 
 $58.33. .$699.96. .$647.35. .$657.66. .$41.01. .$95.62
 
 36 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 26. Woman, 3 children, 10, 8, 5 
 
 Rent $14. 00.. $168. 00.. $157. 00., $651. 46 $11.00 
 
 Food 24.47.. 293.64.. 309.12 $15.48 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 17.83 21.17. .Bal. end 
 
 CIo 8.00.. 96.00.. 71.83 24. 17. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.51.. 42.12.. 91.64 49.52 $4.04 
 
 $53.23. .$638.76. .$647.42. .$651.46. .$65.00. .$56.34 
 
 Family No. 27, Woman, 3 children, 15, 10, 9 
 
 Rent $14.00. .$168.00. .$179.50. .$008.88. .$11.50 
 
 Food 22.11.. 265.32.. 238.63 $26.69 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 36.18 2. 82.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 101.71 5.71 of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.00.. 36.00.. 51.32 15.32 $1.54 
 
 $50.36. .$704.32. . .$607 . 34 . . $608 . 88 . .$32.53. .$29.51 
 
 Family No. 28, Woman, 3 children, 12, 10, 7 
 
 Rent $13.00. 
 
 Food 22.11. 
 
 F.&L.... 3.25. 
 
 Clo 8.00. 
 
 Sund 2.00. 
 
 $156 
 
 00 
 
 265 
 
 32 
 
 39 
 
 00 
 
 96 
 
 00 
 
 24 
 
 00 
 
 .$156.00. .$592.74 
 
 . 259.55 $ 5.77 
 
 . 26.88 12.12 Bal. end 
 
 . 43.69 52.31. .of 12 mo. 
 
 . 65.04 $41.04 $35.58 
 
 $48.36. .$580.32. .$551.16. .$592.74. .$41.04. .$71.20 
 
 Family No. 29, Woman, 3 children, 11, 8, 6 
 
 Rent $10.00. .$120.00. .$115.00. .$396.55 $ 5.00. 
 
 Food . . . 
 
 . 19.66. 
 
 235.92 
 
 F.&L... 
 
 . 3.25. 
 
 39.00 
 
 Clo 
 
 . 8.00. 
 
 96.00 
 
 Sund . . . 
 
 . 3.30. 
 
 39.60 
 
 193.67 42.25 
 
 15.95 23.05 Bal. end 
 
 34.81 61. 19.. of 12 mo. 
 
 33.41 6. 19. .$3.71 
 
 $44.21. .$530.52. .$392.84. .$396.55 $137.68 
 
 Family No. 30, Woman, 4 children, 15, 13, 12, 10 
 
 Rent $19.00. .$228.00 
 
 Food 27.84.. 
 
 F.&L. .. 3.25.. 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 
 
 334 . 08 
 39.00 
 
 120.00 
 24.00 
 
 $.52.09. ..$745.08 
 
 .$208.25. .$671.38 $19.75 
 
 . 342 . 63 $ 8 . 55 
 
 ...39.44 M Bal. end 
 
 . 31.31 88.69. .of 12 mo. 
 
 . 47.15 23.15 $2.60 
 
 .$668.78. .$071.38. .$32. M $108.44
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 37 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 31, Woman, 4 children, 13, 11, 9, 7 
 
 Rent $14.00. .S168.00. .$148.00. .$515.10. . $26.38. .$20.00 
 
 Food 24.57.. 294.84.. 220.55 74.29 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 18.92 20.08. .Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 55.59 64 .41. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.73.. 44.76.. 71.14 $.90 
 
 $55.55. .$666.60. .$514.20. .$515.10. .$26. 38. $178. 78 
 
 Family No. 32, Woman, 4 children, 10, 8, 6, 5 
 
 Rent $12.00. .$144.00. .$132.00. .$502.07 $12.00 
 
 Food 22.93.. 255.16.. 265.07 $ 9.91 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 22.65 16.35. .Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 47.19 72.81. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 4.00.. 48.00.. 35.15 12.85. .$.01 
 
 $52.18. .$606.16. .$502.06. .$502.07. .$ 9. 91. $114. 01 
 
 Family No. 33, Woman, 4 children, 12, 9, 8, 6 
 
 Rent $21.00. .$252.00. .$243.00. .$024.60 $ 9.00 
 
 Food 22.11.. 265.32.. 245.70 19.62 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 20.83 14. 17.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 28.01 91.99. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 6.98.. 83.76.. 78.19 5. 57.. $4. 87 
 
 $63,34. .$760.08. .$619.73. .$624.60 $140.35 
 
 Family No. 34, Woman, 4 children, 15, 13, 11, 4 
 
 Rent $12. 00.. $144. 00.. $176. 00.. $752. 66.. $32. 00 
 
 Food 34.40.. 412.80.. 385.54 $27.26 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 39.02 02 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 70.36 49.64. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 4.00.. 48.00.. 79.32 31.32 $2.42 
 
 $63.65. .$763.80. .$750.24. .$752.66. .$63.34. .$76.90 
 
 Family No. 35, Woman, 4 children, 9, 7, 6, 4 
 
 Rent $14.00. .$168.00. .$168.00. .$625.39 
 
 Food 20.47.. 245.64.. 251.08 $ 5.44 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 29.65 $ 9.35. .Bal. end 
 
 Clo 9.00.. 108.00.. 88.57 19.43. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.95.. 47.40.. 81.06 33.66 $7.03 
 
 $50.67. .$608.04. .$618.36. .$625.39. .$39.10. .$28.78
 
 38 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 36, Woman, 4 children, 16, 11, 9, 8 
 
 Rent S13. 50.. $162. 00.. $161. 65.. $647. 47 $ .35 
 
 Food 27 . 02. . 324 . 24 . . 324 . 87 $ .63 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 54.50 15.40 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 52.37 67.63. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Simd 2.00.. 24.00.. 33.51 9.51 $20.67 
 
 $55.77. .$669.24. .$626.80. .$647.47. .$25.54. .$67.98 
 
 Family No. 37, Woman, 4 children, 14, 13, 11, 9 
 
 Rent $ 18.00. .$406.26. .$18.00 
 
 Food $22. 11.. $265. 32.. 258.24 $ 7.08 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 34.70 4. 30.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 55.36 64.64. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.30.. 39.60.. 39.45 15.. $.51 
 
 $38.66. .$463.92. .$405.75. .$406.26. .$18.00. .$76.17 
 
 Family No. 38, Woman, 4 children, 17, 15, 13, 11 
 
 Rent $10.00. .$120.00. .$125.00. .$566.54. .$ 5.00. 
 
 Food 22.93.. 275.16.. 280.76 5.60 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 25.50 $13. 50.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 8.00.. 96.00.. 47.98 48.02. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.50.. 42.00.. 87.24 45.24 $.06 
 
 $47.68. .$572. 16. .$566.48. .$566.54. .$55.84. .$61.52 
 
 Family No. 39, Woman, 4 children, 7, 6, 5, 3 
 
 .$156. 00.. $615. 82. 
 
 Rent. .. 
 
 ..$13.00. 
 
 .$156.00. 
 
 Food... 
 
 .. 21.35. 
 
 . 256.20. 
 
 F.&L.. 
 
 . . 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 Clo 
 
 .. 10.00. 
 
 . 120.00. 
 
 Sund . . . 
 
 .. 3.40. 
 
 . 40.80. 
 
 314.76 $58.50 
 
 30.31 $ 8.09. .Bal. end 
 
 63.29 56.71. .of 12 mo. 
 
 48.99 8.19 $2.47 
 
 $51.00. .$012.00. .$613.35. .$615.82. .$66.75. .$65.40 
 
 Family No. 40, Woman, 4 children, 13, 11, 8, 4 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$1.50.00. .$1.56.00. .$573.39 
 
 Food 25.75.. 309.00.. 319.16 $10.16 
 
 .$1.'')0 
 
 .00 
 
 . 309 
 
 .00 
 
 , 39 
 
 .00 
 
 . 48 
 
 .00 
 
 36. 
 
 00. 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 16.81 $22. 19.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 4.00.. 48.00.. 40.38 7.62..ofl2mo 
 
 Sund 3.00.. 36.00.. 70.43 34.43 $29.38 
 
 $49.00. .$588.00. .$002.78. .$573.39. .$44.59. .$29.81
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 39 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 41, Woman, 4 children, 9, 7, 5, 3 
 
 Rent $12.00. .$144.00. .$144.00. .$542.10 
 
 Food 19.13.. 229.56.. 206.19 $23.36 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 35.12 3.88 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 49.41 70.59..BaI. end 
 
 Sund 3.95.. 47.40.. 73.46 $26.06 of 12 mo. 
 
 Nur. fees . 1,30.. 15.60.. 32.45 16.85 $1.47 
 
 $49. 63.. $595. 56. .$540.63. .$542.10. .$42.91. .$97.83 
 
 Family No. 42, Woman, 4 children, 16, 13, 9, 5 
 
 Rent $1200. .$144.00. .$136.00. .$685.78 $ 8.00 
 
 Food 29.48. . 353.76. . 349.96 3.80 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 45.54 $6.54 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 65.49 54.51..Bal. end 
 
 Sund 3.73.. 44.36.. 56.85 12.09 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 2.40.. 28.80.. 29.68 88 $2.26 
 
 $60.86. .$730.32. .$683.52. .$685.78. .$19.51. .$66.31 
 
 Family No. 43, Woman, 4 children, 14, 12, 9, 5 
 
 Rent $ 7.50. .$ 90.00. .$125.00. .$639.05. .$35.00 
 
 339.10 $21.26 
 
 20.18 18.82..Ba!. end 
 
 80.58 39.42. .of 12 mo. 
 
 63.90 38.90 $10.29 
 
 Food 
 
 ,. 30.03.. 
 
 . 360.36.. 
 
 F.&L... 
 
 ,. 3.25.. 
 
 , 39.00.. 
 
 Clo 
 
 ,. 10.00.. 
 
 . 120.00.. 
 
 Sund 
 
 ,. 2.00.. 
 
 24.00.. 
 
 $52.78. .$633.36. .$628.76. .$639,05. .$74.90. .$79.50 
 
 Family No. 44, Woman, 4 children, 12, 8, 5, 3 
 
 Rent $11.00. .$132.00. .$126.50. .$544.06 $ 5.50 
 
 270.73 $ 5.41 
 
 22.49 16.51..BaI. end 
 
 54.61 65. 39.. of 12 mo. 
 
 67.02 24.78 $2.71 
 
 Food. ... 
 
 . . 22.11.. 
 
 . 265.32 
 
 F. & L. . . 
 
 , . 3.25.. 
 
 . 39.00 
 
 Clo 
 
 , . 10.00., 
 
 . 120.00 
 
 Sund 
 
 ,. 3.52.. 
 
 42.24 
 
 $49,88. .$598.56. .$541.35. .$544.06. .$30.19. .$87.40 
 
 Family No. 45, Woman, 4 children, 12, 9, 5, 2 
 
 Rent $ 5.00. .$ 60.00. .$ 80.00. .$557.55. .$20.00 
 
 Food 
 
 ,. 22.11.. 
 
 , 265,32 
 
 F.&L... 
 
 . 3.25.. 
 
 39.00 
 
 Clo 
 
 , . 10.00., 
 
 , 120,00 
 
 Sund 
 
 . 4 , 38 . . 
 
 52.56 
 
 291.37 26.05 
 
 19.89 $19.11. .Bal. end 
 
 75.72 44. 28.. of 12 mo. 
 
 82,79 30.23 $7.78 
 
 $44.74. .$549.78. .$549.78. .$557.55. . $76.28. .$63.39
 
 40 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 
 Family No. 46, Woman, 4 children, 16, 10, 8, 6 
 
 Rent $13. 00.. $156. 00. .$147.00. .8751 .50 $ 9.00 
 
 Food 27.84.. 334.08.. 332.67 1.41 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 31.26 7.74 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 87.76 32.24..Bal. end 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00.. 77.47 $53.47 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 2.60.. 31.20.. 53.20 22.00 $22.14 
 
 $58.69. .$704.28. .$729.36. .$751.50. .$75.47. .$50.39 
 
 Family No. 47, Woman, 4 children, 15, 13, 11, 6 
 
 .$168.00. .$.505.38 
 
 Rent . . . 
 
 ..$14.00. 
 
 .$168.00 
 
 Food. .. 
 
 .. 26.21. 
 
 . 314.52 
 
 F. & L. . 
 
 . . 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00 
 
 Clo 
 
 .. 10.00. 
 
 . 120.00 
 
 Sund . . . 
 
 .. 2.00. 
 
 . 24.00 
 
 262.76 $51.76 
 
 5.95 33.05..Bal. end 
 
 26.05 93.95. .of 12 mo. 
 
 25.20 $ 1.20 $17.42 
 
 $55.46. .$665.52. .$487.96. .$505.38. .$ 1.20. $178. 76 
 
 Family No. 48, Woman, 4 children, 12, 9, 7, 5 
 
 Rent $11.00. .$132.00. .$122.00. .$550.32 $10.00 
 
 Food 22.95.. 275.40.. 282.49 $ 7.09 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 38.64 36..Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 60.76 59.24. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00.. 45.55 21.55 $.88 
 
 $49.20. .$590.40. .$549.44. .$550.32. .$28.64. .$09.60 
 
 Family No. 49, Woman, 5 children, 15, 13, 9, 7, 5 
 
 Rent $15.00. .$180.00. .$168.75. .$716.51 $11.25 
 
 Food 32.30.. 387.60.. 334.56 53.04 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 43.46 $4.40 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 12.00. . 144.00. . 73.63 70.37. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 4.60.. 55.20.. 96.69 41.49 $.58 
 
 $67.15. .$805.80. .$717.09. .$716.51. .$45.95. $134.66 
 
 Family No. 50, Woman, 5 children, 18, 12, 9, 7, 4 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$195.00. .$634.80. .$39.00 
 
 Food 27.02.. 324.24.. 298.49 $25.75 
 
 F.&L.... 3.25.. 39.00.. 31.89 7.11. .Bal. end 
 
 Clo 6.00.. 72.00.. 99.28 27.28 of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 2.88.. .34. .56.. 46.09 11.53 $35.95 
 
 $52.15. .$625.80. .$670.75. .$634.80. .$77.81. .$32.86
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 41 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 51, Woman, 5 children, 15, 14, 11, 6, 5 
 
 Rent S10.50. .$126.00. .$136.00. .$691.03. .$10.00 
 
 Food 31.12.. 373.44.. 376.01 2.57 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 35.35 $3.65..Bal. end 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 144.00.. 91.33 52.67. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00.. 52.03 28.03 $.31 
 
 $58.87. .$706.44. .$690.72. .$691.03. .$40.60. .$56.32 
 
 Family No. 52, Woman, 5 children, 19, 11, 10, 8, 5 
 
 Rent $15.00. .$165.00. .$150.00. .$832. 16 $15.00 
 
 Food 26.50.. 291.50.. 285.94 5.56 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 35.75.. 35.05 70..Bal. end 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 132.00.. 137.73 $5.73 of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 6.00.. 66.00.. 143.49 77.49 $79.95 
 
 $62. 75. .$690. 25.. $752. 21. .$832.16. .$83.22. .$21.26 
 
 Family No. 53, Woman, 5 children, 11, 9, 7, 5, 4 
 
 Rent $ 9.50. .$114.00. .$ 96.50. .$482.50 $17.50. 
 
 Food. .. 
 
 .. 22.11. 
 
 . 265.33. 
 
 . 278.27. 
 
 $12.94. 
 
 
 F. & L. . 
 
 . . 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 . 22.27. 
 
 
 . 16.73 
 
 Clo 
 
 .. 10.00. 
 
 . 120.00. 
 
 . 70.03. 
 
 
 . 49.97 
 
 Sund... 
 
 .. 2.00. 
 
 . 24.00. 
 
 . 17.11. 
 
 
 . 6.89 
 
 
 $46.86. 
 
 .$562.33. 
 
 .$484.18. 
 
 .$482. 50.. $12. 94. 
 
 .$91.09 
 
 . Bal. end 
 .of 12 mo. 
 .$1.68 
 
 Family No. 54, Woman, 5 children, 7, 6, 5, 4, 2 
 
 Rent $10.00. .$120.00. .$120.00. .$485.41 
 
 Food 23.00. 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 18.10 $20. 90.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 39.60 80.40. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.00.. 30.00.. 23.73 12. 27.. $5. 90 
 
 $49.25. 
 
 276.00. 
 
 . 278.08. 
 
 
 .$ 2. 
 
 .08. 
 
 
 , 39.00. 
 
 . 18.10. 
 
 
 
 
 .$20.90. 
 
 , 120.00. 
 
 . 39.60. 
 
 
 
 
 . 80.40. 
 
 30.00. 
 
 . 23.73. 
 
 
 
 
 . 12.27. 
 
 $591.00. 
 
 .$479.51. 
 
 .$485.41. 
 
 .$ 2.08. 
 
 $113.57 
 
 Family No. 55, Woman, 5 children, 13, 11, 7, 4, 20 months 
 
 Rent $14.00. .$168.00. .$168.00. .$727.87 
 
 Food 28.84.. 346.08.. 337.90 $ 8.18 
 
 F.&L.... 3.25.. 39.00.. 40.97 $1.97 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 70.43 49, 57.. Bal. end 
 
 Sund 4.40.. 52.80. . 106.92 54.12 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 2.70 2.70 $.95 
 
 $60. 49.. $725. 88.. $726. 92.. $727. 87.. $58. 79.. $57. 75
 
 42 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 56, Woman, 5 children, 17, 15, 11, 9, 7 
 
 Rent $15.00. .$180.00. .$174.50. .$897.56 $ 5.50 
 
 Food 38.50.. 502.00.. 370.01 131.99 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 54.62 $15.62 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 144.00.. 109.14 34.86 
 
 Sund 2.44.. 29.28.. 123.23 93.95 Bal. end 
 
 C. F 2.60.. 31.20.. 58.50 27.30 of 12 mo. 
 
 Debtpd 3.31 3.31 $4.25 
 
 $73. 79.. $925. 43.. $893. 31.. $897. 46. $140. 18. $172. 35 
 
 Family No. 57, Woman, 5 children, 13, 12, 9, 7, 5 
 
 Rent $18.00. .$216.00. .$216.00. .$863.57 
 
 Food 31.12.. 373.44.. 369.96 $3.48 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 50.87 $11.87 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 144.00.. 62.35 81.65. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 4.40.. 52.80.. 73.31 20.51 $91.08 
 
 $68.77. .$825.24. .$772.49. .$863.57. .$32.38. .$85.13 
 
 Family No. 58, Woman, 5 children, 17, 15, 13, 7, 4 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$156.00. .$845.97 
 
 411.73 $ 8.77 
 
 Food 
 
 . 33.58.. 
 
 , 402.96.. 
 
 F.&L... 
 
 . 3.25.. 
 
 , 39.00.. 
 
 Clo 
 
 . 10.00.. 
 
 120.00.. 
 
 Sund 
 
 . 3.91.. 
 
 46.92.. 
 
 C. F 
 
 . 2.40.. 
 
 28.80.. 
 
 29.23 $ 9.77 
 
 96.64 23. 36.. Bal. end 
 
 51.57 4.65 of 12 mo. 
 
 82.60 53.80 $18.20 
 
 $66.14. .$793.68. .$827.77. .$845.97. .$67.22. .$33.13 
 
 Family No. 59, Woman, 5 children, 10, 7, 4, 3, 18 months 
 
 Rent $14. 00.. $168. 00.. $176. 00.. $692. 84..$ 8.00 
 
 Food 25.27.. 303.24.. 316.49 13.25 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 53.20 14.20 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 144.00.. 76.84 $67.16. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.52.. 42.24.. 69.24 27.00 $1.07 
 
 $58.04. .$696. 48.. $691. 77. .$692.84. .$62.45. .$67.16 
 
 Family No. 60, Woman, 5 children, 11, 10, 8, 5, 4 
 
 Rent $11. 50.. $138. 00.. $138. 00. .$685.81 
 
 Food 30.94.. 371.28.. 347.42 $23.86 
 
 F.&L.... 3.25.. 39.00.. 47.55 $8.55 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 12,00.. 144.00.. 124.05 19.95. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00.. 29.32 5.32 $.53 
 
 $59.69. .$716.28. .$686.34. .$685.81. .$13.87. .$43.81
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 43 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 61, Woman, 5 children, 13, 11, 9, 8, 5 
 
 Rent S16.00. .$192.00. .$176.00. .$767.62 $16.00 
 
 383.90 $ 8.78 
 
 36.68 2.32 
 
 74.06 69.94..Bal. end 
 
 86.03 38.63 of 12 mo. 
 
 8.75 53. 65.. $2. 20 
 
 Food 
 
 . 31.26.. 
 
 375.12. 
 
 F. &L... 
 
 , . 3.25.. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 CIo 
 
 , . 12.00.. 
 
 , 144.00. 
 
 Sund 
 
 .. 3.95.. 
 
 , 47.40. 
 
 C. F 
 
 . 5.20.. 
 
 62.40. 
 
 $71.66. .$859.92. .$765.42. .$767.62. .$47. 41. $141. 91 
 
 Family No. 62, Woman, 5 children, 13, 11, 8, 4, 2 
 
 Rent $15.00. .$180.00. .$180.00. .$764.43 
 
 Food 
 
 . 30.00.. 
 
 360.00. 
 
 F. & L. . . 
 
 . 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 Clo 
 
 . . 14.00., 
 
 . 168.00. 
 
 Sund 
 
 . 5.03.. 
 
 60.36. 
 
 380.39 $20.39 
 
 35.00 $ 4.00..Bal. end 
 
 129.79 38.21. .of 12 mo. 
 
 38.70 21.66. .$.55 
 
 $67.28. .$807.36. .$763.88. .$764.43. .$20.39. .$63.87 
 
 Family No. 63, Woman, 5 children, 11, 10, 8, 7, 4 
 
 Rent $11.00. .$132.00. .$132.00. .$681.98 
 
 Food 30.94.. 371.28.. 360.24 $11.04 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 19.43 19.57..Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00.. 76,19 43,81. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 4.40.. 52.30.. 89.72 $37.42 $4.40 
 
 $59.59. .$714.58. .$677.58. .$681.98. .$37.42. .$74.42 
 
 Family No. 64, Woman, 6 children, 13, 11, 10, 7, 5, 8 mo. 
 
 Rent $13.00. .$156.00. .$169.00. .$767.98. . $13.00 
 
 Food 30.67.. 368.04.. 390.29 22.25 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 40.20 1.20 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120,00.. 109,04 $10.96. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 3.08.. 36.96.. 55,69 18.73 $3.76 
 
 $60.00. .$720.00. .$764.22. .$767.98. .$55.18. .$10.96 
 
 Family No. 65, Woman, 6 children, 14, 13, 10, 9, 7, 6 
 
 Rent $14. 00.. $168. 00. .$168,00. .$851.76 
 
 Food 37.67.. 442,04.. 431.13 $10,91 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 44.03 $5,03 Bal. end 
 
 Clo 14,00.. 168.00.. 124.76 43.24. , of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 7.70.. 92,40.. 72.77 19.63. .$11.07 
 
 $76.62. .$909. 44.. $840. 69. .$851.76..$ 5.03. .$73.78
 
 44 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Est. of needs 
 1 mo. 12 mo. 
 
 Act. Exv. Act. Inc. 
 12 mo. 12 mo. 
 
 Act. over Act. under 
 budget budget Summary 
 
 Family No. 66, Woman, 6 children, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 5 
 
 Rent. 
 Food. 
 F. &L 
 CIo... 
 Sund. 
 C. F.. 
 
 S12.00. 
 38 . 95 . 
 
 3.25. 
 12.00. 
 
 5.18. 
 
 5.20. 
 
 $144.00. 
 . 467.40. 
 . 39.00. 
 . 144.00. 
 . 62.16. 
 . 62.40. 
 
 $125.00. .$913.15 $19.00 
 
 . 521.88 $54.48 
 
 . 17.19 21.81 
 
 . 83.96 60.04..Bal. end 
 
 . 84.91 22.75 of 12 mo. 
 
 . 74.15 11.75 $6.06 
 
 $76.58. .$918.96. .$907.09. .$913. 15. .$88. 23. $100. 85 
 
 Family No. 67, Woman, 6 children, 19, 18, 15, 14, 9, 6 
 
 Rent $18.00. .$216.00. .$243.00 $1,172.50. .$27.00 
 
 Food 40.13.. 481.56.. 561.74 80.18 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00.. 63.82 24.82 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 144.00.. 91.67 $52.33..BaI. end 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00.. 173.67 149.67 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 30.80. 
 
 30.80 $7.80 
 
 $75.38. .$904.56$1,164.70$1,172.50.$312.47. .$52.33 
 
 Family No. 68, Woman, 6 children, 16, 13, 11, 8, 6, 2 
 
 Rent $15. 00.. $180. 00..$ 81 .00. .$417.25 $99.00. 
 
 Food 28.67.. 344.04.. 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00. 
 
 Clo 10.00.. 120.00. 
 
 Sund 2.00.. 24.00., 
 
 178.33 165.71 
 
 15.73 23.27. .Bal. end 
 
 80.33 39.67. .of 12 mo. 
 
 51.27 $27.27 $10.59 
 
 $58.92. .$707.04. .$406.66. .$417.25. .$27.27.8327.65 
 
 Family No. 69, Woman, 6 children, 15, 13, 9, 7, 6, 4 
 
 Rent $15.00. .$180.00. .$175.00. .$790.31 $ 5.00. 
 
 Food 28.67.. 344.04. 
 
 F.&L 3.25.. 39.00. 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 144.00. 
 
 Sund 4.60.. 55.20. 
 
 388.61 $44. .J7 
 
 42.72 3.72 Bal. end 
 
 36.80 107.20. .of 12 mo. 
 
 89 . 78 34 . 58 $29 . 33 
 
 $63.52. .$762.24. .$732.91. .$790.31. .$82. 87. $112. 20 
 
 Family No. 70, Woman, 7 children, 15, 14, 12, 11, 10, 6, 5 
 Rent ,S12.50. .$150.00. .$153.00. .$765.88. .$ 3.00. . 
 
 Food 37.67.. 
 
 F.&L.... 3.25.. 
 
 Clo 14.00.. 
 
 Sund 62.65. . 
 
 452.04. 
 
 39.00. 
 168.00. 
 
 91.80. 
 
 362.99 $89.05 
 
 57.14 18.14 Bal. end 
 
 61.27 106.73. .of 12 mo. 
 
 99.22 7.42 $.32.26 
 
 $70.07. .$900.84. .$733.62. .$765. 
 
 .$28.56.195.78
 
 Expense Accounts of the Seventy-five Families 45 
 
 Est. of needs Act. Exp. Act. Inc. Act. over Act. under 
 1 mo. IZ mo. 12 mo. 12 mo. budget budget Summary 
 Family No. 71, Woman, 7 children, 17, 15, 13, 11, 9, 7, 3 
 
 Rent $20. 00.. $240. 00. .$203. 00 $1,139. 32 $37.00 
 
 520.88 29.44 
 
 42.44 $ 3.44 
 
 163.43 28.57..Bal. end 
 
 109.66 75.58 of 12 mo. 
 
 94.39 92. 81.. $5. 52 
 
 Food 
 
 , . 45.86.. 
 
 . 550.32. 
 
 F. &L... 
 
 . 3.25., 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 Clo 
 
 . . 16.00., 
 
 . 192.00. 
 
 Sund.... 
 
 . 2,84.. 
 
 34.08. 
 
 C. F 
 
 . 15.60.. 
 
 187.20. 
 
 $103. 55 $1,242. 60 $1,133. 80 $1,139. 32.. $79. 02. $187. 82 
 
 Family No. 72, Woman, 7 children, 16, 14, 11, 9, 7, 4, 2 
 
 Rent $14.00. .$168,00. .$168.00. .$852.17 
 
 Food 40.95.. 491.40.. 410,35 $81.05 
 
 F. &L 3.25.. 39.00.. 30.00 9,00 
 
 Clo 12.00.. 144,00,. 115,87 28,13,.Bal. end 
 
 Sund 4.38.. 52,56.. 63.98 $11.42 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 5.20.. 62,40.. 53.55 8. 85,, $10, 42 
 
 $79.78. .$957.36. .$841.75. .$852.17. .$11. 42, $127, 03 
 
 Family No. 73, Woman, 7 children, 15, 14, 12, 10, 9, 7, 4 
 
 Rent $15,00, .$180,00, .$132,00, ,$898,68 $48,00 
 
 Food 36,04,. 432,48.. 449,81 $17.33 
 
 F. &L 3,25.. 39,00.. 65,61 26,61 
 
 Clo 14,00.. 168,00.. 64,93 103,07..Bal end. 
 
 Sund 3.64.. 43.68.. 174,42 130,74 of 12 mo. 
 
 C. F 2.60.. 31,20.. 9.60 21,60. .$2.31 
 
 $74,53. .$894.36. .$896,37. .$898. 68. $174. 68, $172. 67 
 
 Family No. 74, Woman, 7 children, 18, 16, 14, 12, 8, 7, 5 
 
 Rent $17,00. .$204,00, ,$198.00 $1,145.41 $ 6,00 
 
 626.67 $66.51 
 
 40.13 1.13 Bal. end 
 
 111.68 80.32. , of 12 mo. 
 
 170.86 110,86 $1.93 
 
 Food 
 
 .. 46.68.. 
 
 560,16. 
 
 F.&L... 
 
 . 3.25. 
 
 . 39.00. 
 
 Clo 
 
 , . 16.00,. 
 
 . 192,00. 
 
 Sund 
 
 . 5,00,. 
 
 60.00. 
 
 $87.93 $1,055. 16 $1,147. 34 $1.145. 41, $178, 50., $86, 32 
 
 Family No. 75, Woman, 8 children, 17, 15, 13, 10, 9, 8, 7, 5 
 
 Rent $15.50, .$186.00. .$161,00. .$930,00 $25,00 
 
 Food 49,14,. 589,68.. 502,55 87.13 
 
 F.&L 3,25,. 39,00.. 31,96 7. 04.. Bal. end 
 
 Clo 18.00.. 216.00.. 91.77 124.23. .of 12 mo. 
 
 Sund 5.54.. 66.48., 135.36 $68,88 $7,36 
 
 $91. 43 $1,097. 16.. $922. 64. .$930.00. .$68. 88. $243. 40
 
 PART III 
 WHAT THE STUDY REVEALED
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Conditions Previous to Steady Income 
 
 The families have been known to the Associa- 
 tion for varying periods before the death of the 
 breadwinner. In all cases the income had been 
 irregular or insufficient or both for a considerable 
 time. The health of various members had suf- 
 fered accordingly. 
 
 Before the granting of the regular income there 
 was careful instruction in each family for at least 
 six months. During this time members of the 
 Home Economics' staff gave lessons in planning, 
 buying and feeding, so that the housekeeper might 
 be prepared to use her income to the best advan- 
 tage. 
 
 During the time when the various families were 
 being supported by the mothers' earnings, by 
 church and other societies, the income was in- 
 determinate in fifty-nine of the families. In the 
 other sixteen it was possible to approximate the 
 income. Of this number, according to the estimate 
 on which this study is based, there was a deficit 
 
 49
 
 50 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 in all cases, the highest being $34.00 per month, 
 the lowest $1.00, and the average $14.00 monthly. 
 It is safe to say that not one of the seventy-five 
 famihes had escaped some degree of ill health 
 because of insufficient income. 
 
 After the allowances were granted the families 
 were grouped according to income as follows: 
 
 Income 
 
 Number of Families 
 
 Between 200 and 300 
 
 1 
 
 " 300 " 400 
 
 2 
 
 " 400 " 500 
 
 8 
 
 " 500 " 600 
 
 22 
 
 " 600 " 700 
 
 18 
 
 " 700 " 800 
 
 12 
 
 " 800 " 900 
 
 7 
 
 " 900 " 1000 
 
 2 
 
 " 1100 " 1200 
 
 3 
 
 75 
 
 At the end of the first year of steady income six 
 of the seventy-five showed a deficit, the average 
 deficit for the twelve months being $27.99. The 
 remaining sixty-nine showed a surplus, the average 
 being $9.72. 
 
 The following table shows the number of families 
 who spent more than the estimate, and the average 
 amount of this expenditure, also the number of
 
 Conditions Previous to Steady Income 51 
 
 families who spent less than the estimate of the 
 average sum in each case: 
 
 Itemized Analysis of the Above 
 
 No. Families Average No. Families Average 
 Item Above Sum Below Sum 
 
 Rent 18 $14.97 31 $18.02 
 
 Food 38 29.80 37 29.30 
 
 Fuel and Light. . .24 8.12 51 11.30 
 
 Clothing 5 15.43 70 54.55 
 
 Insurance* 29 12.43 32 4.92 
 
 Sundries 64 28.35 11 10.94 
 
 Carfare 8 28.37 6 35.30 
 
 One important part of the plan was the supervi- 
 sion of health conditions by the Association's 
 nurses. Before the granting of the cash allowance 
 a record was made of the health of each member of 
 all the families after a careful medical examina- 
 tion. The nurses' records show the progress from 
 month to month, and the following is a verbatim 
 report of conditions in each family at the end of 
 the year: 
 
 HEALTH CONDITIONS AFTER A YEAR OF STEADY 
 INCOME 
 
 Family Health After Year of Teaching and Steady Income 
 
 FamUy No. 1 . . Family well. 
 
 " " 2. .Conditions satisfactory. 
 
 * Budgets include insurance under Sundries.
 
 52 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Family Health After Year of Teaching and Steady Income 
 
 Family No. 3. .Children improved in health. 
 
 " 4 .. Health of family improved. 
 
 " 5. .Family all well. 
 
 " 6 .. Plan a success. Conditions excellent. 
 
 " 7 .. Children improved. Medical care given. Satis- 
 factory results. 
 
 " 8. .Conditions satisfactory. 
 
 " 9.. Health good. 
 
 " 10. .Family all in better health. 
 
 " 11. .Marked difference in health. 
 
 " 12. .Health improved. Steady advance at all points. 
 
 " 13 . . Health of family good. 
 
 " 14. .Family all in better health. 
 
 " 15. .Children show good effects from care from 
 mother. 
 
 " 16.. Good results. 
 
 " 17 . . Improved in all ways. 
 
 " 18. .General health of family good. 
 
 " 19. .Excellent health. 
 
 " 20. .Woman and children all show marked improve- 
 ment. 
 
 " 21 . . Entire family well. 
 
 " 22. .Woman delicate but improved in health. Chil- 
 dren well. 
 
 " 23 .. Conditions much improved. Health of famUy 
 good. 
 
 " 24. .Health of all the family improved. 
 
 " 25.. Children show good effects of home care of 
 mother. Health improved. 
 
 " 26. .Children well. Woman much improved. 
 
 " 27. .Living conditions greatly improved. Woman 
 under medical care. 
 
 " 28. .Health conditions satisfactory. 
 
 " 29 . . Health of family good. 
 
 " 30 .. Health much improved. 
 
 " 31.. Health good.
 
 Conditions Previous to Steady Income 53 
 
 Family Health After Year of Teaching and Steady Income 
 Family No. 32. .All the family well. 
 
 " " 33. .AH the family show marked improvement in 
 
 health since steady income. 
 " " 34 . . Woman not strong but great improvement noted 
 
 in all members of the family. 
 " " 35 .. Slow but steady improvement. 
 
 " 36..Family all well. 
 " " 37 . . Health decidedly improved. 
 " " 38 .. Great improvement in health. 
 " "39. .Family better but still shows the effect of long 
 
 continued under-nourishment. 
 " " 40 .. Family greatly improved since granting of steady 
 
 income. 
 " " 41 . .Great improvement in health of all the family. 
 " " 42.. Health of family good. 
 " " 43 .. Slow but steady improvement. 
 " " 44. .Health of family good. 
 " " 45. .Health decidedly improved. 
 " " 46. .Woman's health improving rapidly after steady 
 
 income came. 
 " " 47 .. Steady improvement in every possible way . 
 " " 48.. Much better health. 
 " " 49.. Family weU. 
 " " 50. .Health improved but still below. 
 " " 51 . . General health of all the family good. 
 " " 52. .Woman and children all well. 
 " " 53. .Family in good health. 
 " " 54.. Entire family well. 
 " " 55. .Health of entire family improved since steady 
 
 income began. 
 
 " " 56 .. Remarkable gain in health of all members of the 
 
 family. 
 " " 57. .Family improved rapidly. 
 " " 58. .Remarkable improvement. 
 " " 59. .Steady improvement. 
 " " 60 . . Good improvement in all the family.
 
 54 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Family Health After Year of Teaching and Steady Income 
 
 Family No. 61. .Woman gaining strength and courage. 
 
 " " 62. .Vast improvement in all directions. 
 
 " " 63 .. Steadily improving. 
 
 " " 64 .. Steady improvement. Children very well. 
 
 " " 65. .AH conditions improving rapidly. 
 
 " " 66 .. Children show splendid improvement. 
 
 " " 67 .. All improved. 
 
 " " 68. .Entire family well. 
 
 " " 69. .Family all improved. 
 
 " 70. .All well. 
 
 " " 71. .Slow but steady improvement. 
 
 " 72.. Excellent health. 
 
 " " 73 .. Family all well. 
 
 " " 74. .Conditions improved. 
 
 " " 75. .Steady improvement. 
 
 The most cursory examination of the above 
 records leads inevitably to the conclusion that 
 even a minimum sum carefully administered, will 
 do much for families who have been living on a 
 ' ' hand-to-mouth ' ' basis. 
 
 We may sum up as follows : A carefully planned 
 minimum standard can lay the foundation of 
 good health for all members of the family. Such 
 a sum can restore shattered nerves and renew 
 courage for a mother who has been harassed by 
 irregular and uncertain payments of an income 
 inadequate at the best. Such an assured minimum 
 can change pale and listless children into rosy- 
 cheeked romping boys and girls.
 
 Conditions Previous to Steady Income 55 
 
 It is worth while to consider now just what prac- 
 tical application can be made of the facts noted 
 above. The present study is not concerned pri- 
 marily with the sources of the family income. This 
 income may be received in the form of a pension 
 from private or State funds, from the earnings of 
 the children, or from the combined earnings of 
 all the members of the family. One object has 
 been to help in fixing an adequate standard of 
 living for families in corresponding income groups. 
 
 In the succeeding pages when the items of the 
 estimate are discussed in detail there will be sug- 
 gestions for improvement in this estimate. These 
 suggestions may lead it is hoped to the considera- 
 tion of the next step in this campaign of home 
 preservation. This next step will be to discuss 
 just how much must be added to the estimate of 
 living needs so that the family income may pro- 
 vide a comfortable balance.
 
 CHAPTER II 
 Housing Conditions 
 
 The sum paid for rent was largely a concession 
 to circumstances. It will be worth while to as- 
 certain, first, the percentage spent for rent by 
 each family according to income; second, the 
 number of rooms needed to keep the family in 
 health and comfort; third, the maximum of con- 
 venience procurable by families in this income 
 group; and finally, the fluctuations of rent ac- 
 cording to the number of rooms. 
 
 Of the seventy-five families, one with an income 
 of $200-$300, paid its rent by janitor service; 
 famihes in the S300-$400 group paid 28% of theu- 
 income for rent; those in the $400-$500, a per- 
 centage of 17-25; in the $500-1600, a percentage 
 of 16-33; in the $600-$700, a percentage of 18-38; 
 in the $700-$800, a percentage of 18-34; in the 
 $800-1900, a percentage of 16-33; in the $900- 
 $1,000, a percentage of 13-17; and in the $1,000 
 to $1,100 group, a percentage of 17-18 of the 
 
 income. 
 
 56
 
 Housing Conditions 57 
 
 NUMBER OP ROOMS NEEDED 
 
 Perhaps the best way to discuss this question 
 is to give a report of the number of rooms the 
 famines actually had. It has already been stated 
 that the housing conditions were somewhat of a 
 compromise, and the workers were agreed that, 
 while the famihes were comfortable in these 
 quarters, and while the rent paid was all that they 
 could afford, ideally, 50% of the famihes should 
 have had at least one room additional. 
 
 When considered according to the number of 
 rooms needed, the famihes fall into the following 
 groups : 
 
 Group 1 — three famihes of three individuals 
 each, one of these having three rooms, the other 
 two famihes having four rooms. 
 
 Group 2 — twenty-six families of four individ- 
 uals, one having two rooms, twelve having three 
 rooms, twelve having four rooms, and one having 
 five rooms. 
 
 Group 3 — nineteen famihes of five individuals 
 each, seven having three rooms, ten having four 
 rooms, and two having five rooms. 
 
 Group 4 — fifteen famihes of six individuals
 
 58 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 each, five having three rooms, eight having four 
 rooms, and two having five rooms. 
 
 Group 5 — six famiUes of seven individuals each, 
 three having three rooms, two having four rooms, 
 and one having five rooms. 
 
 Group 6 — five famihes of eight individuals each, 
 four having four rooms, and one having five rooms. 
 
 Group 7 — one family of nine individuals having 
 four rooms. 
 
 CONVENIENCES 
 
 Of the seventy-five families, thirteen had private 
 bathrooms, forty-four private toilets, thirty had 
 joint use of toilets in the hall, and one, a toilet in 
 the yard. 
 
 RENT ACCORDING TO NUMBER OF ROOMS 
 
 When considered according to the amount of 
 space furnished for a given sum, the apartments 
 may be grouped as follows: 
 
 Group 1 — two apartments of two rooms, rent 
 for each $10.00. 
 
 Group 2 — twenty-nine apartments of three 
 rooms; two having rent paid by janitor service, 
 one renting at $7.50 per month, two at $8.00,
 
 Housing Conditions 59 
 
 one at $9.50, five at $10.00, four at $11.00, two 
 at $12.00, eight at $13.00, two at $14.00, one at 
 $15.00, and one at $19.00. 
 
 Group 3 — forty apartments of four rooms; three 
 of these having rent paid by janitor service, one 
 at $10.50 per month, two at $11.00, three at $11.50, 
 three at $12.00, seven at $13.00, one at $13.50, 
 six at $14.00, three at $15.00, one at $15.50, two 
 at $16.00, two at $17.00, two at $18.00, two 
 at $20.00, and two at $21.00. 
 
 Group 4 — six apartments of five rooms; one 
 having rent paid by janitor service, one at $12.00 
 per month, one at $12.50, one at $14.00, one at 
 $15.00, and one at $16.00 per month. 
 
 Examination of the expense accounts shows that 
 none of the famiUes can afford for rent a sum 
 sufficient to insure really satisfactory housing. 
 Indeed, one might say that existence in a typical 
 tenement house is never wholly satisfactory from 
 the point of view of sanitation, privacy and enjoy- 
 ment. That om* families live in them such well- 
 ordered fives, is a tribute to the resourcefulness 
 and pluck of the housekeeper, as well as to the 
 general cheerfulness of spirit prevailing among 
 the various members of the family group.
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 The Seventy-five Dietaries Considered in Detail 
 
 In fixing the ration allowance, the families are 
 grouped according to size. It has already been 
 stated that the ration allowance is planned so that 
 groups of families may use it as a guide. 
 
 In the first group we have families numbers 1 
 to 29, inclusive, in the second group, families 
 numbers 30 to 48, inclusive, in the third group, 
 families numbers 49 to 69, inclusive, in the fifth 
 group, families numbers 70 to 74, inclusive, and 
 family number 75, forms the sixth group. 
 
 60
 
 The Seventy-jive Dietaries in Detail 
 
 61 
 
 O Ol t^ o 
 
 1? '^ 
 
 00 IN CO N 
 
 lO 05 O ■»*< N- o 
 M (M 03 tH rt 
 
 "^ Xi - 
 
 COOOOitOCOON 
 COrfi'-iiOO'^O'!!' 
 
 OOM'^'Oi-llNooO 
 >7C0'0'-'C0O<Nt>.C<3 
 "^ CO «5 N ■* N M 
 
 in £ : 
 
 ■* l-H rt 
 
 O O <N O 
 
 COOiOOS'-iOOOOOO 
 
 S3 £ 
 
 oo>-iooo>NM<-*oo 
 
 OC<300t^'<J<'^(N'-' 
 CO t^ CO -^ IN "-l CO 
 
 O t-- O O O 
 
 CO O O CO CD t^ 
 
 ffi ^ -< 
 Jg t^ CO 
 
 «0 rt T}< 
 
 " £ 
 
 ^ s 
 
 rt CO CD IN O O N 
 ■*i»0(NU3t~t^'-llN 
 
 •-I c 
 
 C5 "J* M CO 
 
 IN 0> IN (N lO lO ^ 
 (N IN t^ --I >-l Tl< 
 
 •=< £ = 
 
 ''5'*OOaiOcOOO''5 
 COiOtNiOCOOOO 
 «3 t^ IN IN IN i-H Tf( 
 
 o ^^ o 
 
 h -^ 
 
 CU >7 rt 
 Cej 1^ CO 
 
 05 -H 
 
 "J* 00 •"^ -^ 
 
 t^ CO CO 03 "H rt CO 
 
 OiNi-HOOOOOrooOOJ 
 ■ -- ■ CO IN O t- OO 
 
 CO CO ro CO 
 
 r^ rH C5 F-l 1-1 lO 
 
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 t~ 00 IN CO t>- -^ 
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 t^ O cc (1, 
 
 ^^ -J u^ taj t-1 QJ '^l O
 
 62 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 00 rt 00 o o 
 
 W r1 
 
 IN £ - -g. 
 o S S ?2 
 
 12; o 
 
 rti 00 g 
 
 in o •"< 
 
 O 00 "O to 
 
 t, CO :^ (N r-i IN 
 
 
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 00 ^ 
 
 00 
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 IN 
 
 lO 
 
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 in £ 
 
 050iO'*CO(NiOOO 
 
 z s 
 
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 ^ o N 00 .-t to o; 
 
 CO --I 00 <N <N 
 
 ^ £ 
 
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 The Seventy-five Dietaries in Detail 63 
 
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 64 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
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 The Seventy-five Dietaries in Detail 
 
 65 
 
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 66 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 
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 The Seventy-jive Dietaries in Detail 67 
 
 When the matter of instruction in diet was 
 first contemplated the workers realized that they 
 were facing a long campaign. In planning this 
 campaign, the dietitians weighed carefully the 
 need for each reform in diet, and the relative 
 chances of success. They realized that it was a 
 delicate matter to lay even the friendliest of 
 hands on home matters, and so they decided to 
 concentrate on one point at a time. Furthermore, 
 it was planned to make each of these points the 
 maximum of interest until some definite result 
 should be accomplished. Left to its own devices, 
 the average family in such a group, breakfasts 
 on bread or sugar buns and tea. The noon 
 meal, if ''supper" is the chief one of the day, 
 will probably be "something quick," mayhap 
 potato-salad or ham from the delicatessen store, 
 with more tea; while the hot supper, if there 
 has been no interruption of pay day, will 
 always have meat, and almost always the meat 
 will be fried. Besides this there will be pota- 
 toes and sometimes a vegetable, with bread 
 and coffee. ''The children must take what 
 we do" — this means the strong coffee and 
 tea, cold lunches, fried food, with no cer-
 
 68 TJie Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 tainty of the much needed milk, vegetables 
 and fruit. 
 
 In judging results of the food work, each part 
 of the plan of instruction will be considered 
 separately. Besides this, the dietary standard as 
 a whole, will be discussed in relation to what ac- 
 tually happened in the famihes. 
 
 The plan of instruction included the following: 
 
 1. Food value of milk and economy in its use. 
 
 2. The advantage of a reasonable amount of 
 meat. 
 
 3. The necessity for fruits and vegetables. 
 
 4. The use of cereals to give variety to the 
 starchy foods. 
 
 5. Harmful effects of tea and coffee for children. 
 
 We have aheady noted that the dietary stand- 
 ard was used merely as a guide. The famihes 
 were given advice and instruction in food matters, 
 but the final choice was left to each housekeeper. 
 It was thought wisest to follow this course, since 
 arbitrary dictation would defeat the chief aim 
 of the instruction. Furthermore, the real value 
 of the standard itself could be better judged if a 
 reasonable amount of freedom of choice were 
 given.
 
 The Seventy-five Dietaries in Detail 69 
 
 Summary of the Food Figures 
 
 Families approaching 
 
 Standard Below Above 
 
 MUk 60% 40% 
 
 Meat 4% 96% 
 
 Fruit and Vegetables 54% 6% 40% 
 
 Bread 8% 92% 
 
 Cereals 41% 8% 51% 
 
 RESULTS FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION IN THE FOOD VALUE 
 OF MILK 
 
 The dietitians feel that the results here were 
 fairly satisfactory. Slow and patient work is 
 needed to bring about changes in food habits, 
 and the women responded very well in this partic- 
 ular. It is true that many educational agencies 
 throughout the city have contributed to a popular 
 knowledge concerning the value of milk, so that 
 the A. I. C. P. workers found instruction on this 
 point comparatively easy. 
 
 In 1906, when the home teaching began, few 
 families were using milk of any description with 
 any degree of regularity, and it was quite excep- 
 tional to find one using bottled milk. At the 
 present time it is safe to say that it is the excep- 
 tion to find a family that does not at least reaUze 
 the value of bottled milk.
 
 70 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 The dietitians did not lose heart over the 40% 
 of the famihes who fell below the milk standard. 
 In each home there are special problems, and 
 circumstances often conspire to make progress 
 slow. 
 
 It was difficult at first to convince the house- 
 keepers that they could "afford" to buy a liberal 
 quantity of milk. After they were convinced 
 that milk not only contributed to the health of 
 the family, but that it also was literally a cheap 
 food, the battle was practically won. 
 
 RESULTS FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION IN THE MODERATE 
 USE OF MEAT 
 
 From the beginning the workers realized that 
 they could accomplish only one thing at a time. 
 They realized that all of the families were buying 
 meat in too large quantities. Education in the 
 value of milk was, however, thought to be of 
 primary importance, and the results of this are 
 noted above. 
 
 The results of the meat instruction do not 
 appear on the surface at first glance. The die- 
 titians succeeded in reducing the excessive amount 
 very considerably in nearly every family. Beside
 
 The Seventy-jive Dietaries in Detail 71 
 
 this, in fixing the food standard the workers real- 
 ized that the meat item was so low that probably 
 none of the families would follow it exactly. The 
 teachers felt sure, however, that no real harm 
 would come from the small proportion of meat, 
 since the other foods were being shifted into their 
 right relationships. 
 
 During the periods of irregular income preceding 
 instruction, large purchases of meat were made 
 whenever there was a temporary increase of 
 money. The dietitians worked very hard to 
 guard against such unwise planning in the future. 
 Women were taught that it was harmful to the 
 health of the famiUes to let this item of food as- 
 sume too large a place in the dietary. 
 
 RESULTS FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION IN USE OF FRUITS 
 AND VEGETABLES 
 
 For some time one of the dietitian's difficulties 
 had been to induce the families to use enough of 
 these foods. It took much persuasion to con- 
 vince mothers that oranges were anything but 
 an extravagance. The merits of ''plenty of milk 
 and eggs" were extolled openly by the women, 
 but the relation of carrots and spinach to bone
 
 72 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 material was quite a new idea. Because of these 
 facts, and because of long acquaintance with the 
 evils resulting from a diet low in fruit and vege- 
 tables, the dietitians were not unduly cast down 
 over the fact that the pendulum swung too far 
 the other way. 
 
 RESULTS FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION IN THE USE OF BREAD 
 AND CEREALS 
 
 There is a tendency among many of the families 
 of the hard working population to depend too 
 largely on the diet of bread and tea. There are 
 two reasons for this, first, its apparent cheap- 
 ness, and second, the ease with which it can be 
 served. 
 
 The dietitians realized this and from the be- 
 ginning of the regular instruction kept these 
 facts in mind. The plan was to introduce a variety 
 of cereals and to cut down somewhat the expendi- 
 tures for bread. A glance at the summary on 
 page 69 shows that not much was accomplished 
 along this line. It is true that a fair proportion 
 came near the cereal allowance, but slightly more 
 than half exceeded it and an overwhelming pro- 
 portion went far beyond the bread allowance.
 
 The Seventy-jive Dietaries in Detail 73 
 
 These facts raise some interesting questions in 
 dietetics. During the time when the famihes were 
 subsisting on a meagre diet it was not surprising 
 that they craved the energy-giving quahties of 
 starch as well as its bulk. Conditions during the 
 present study were, however, quite different. 
 There was an abundance of fruit and vegetables, 
 and plenty of strength foods. The question seems 
 to be how far shall this demand for breadstuffs be 
 respected in formulating future dietary standards. 
 
 RESULTS FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION REGARDING TEA AND 
 COFFEE 
 
 Figures showing actual purchases of tea and 
 coffee have not been tabulated, since the effect 
 of these articles on the actual dietary is indirect 
 only. Instruction concerning the harmful effects 
 of these beverages for children was continuous and 
 results have been satisfactory. There is a close 
 relationship in milk education and the decreased 
 use of the tea and coffee. It was explained to 
 the mothers that the use of these beverages tended 
 to use up the strength of the children faster than 
 the other foods could offset this evil of stimula- 
 tions.
 
 74 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE FORMULATING 
 OF A NEW RATION ALLOWANCE 
 
 1. It is probable that no change need be made 
 in the quantity of milk advised. 
 
 2. The allowance of fruits and vegetables seems 
 to be satisfactory. 
 
 3. Some work should be done on the question 
 of fixing a standard amount of bread. 
 
 4. There should be a sufficiently liberal total 
 allowance to permit the families some freedom in 
 satisfying individual wants in the matter of flavor 
 and variety. 
 
 CLASSIFICATION OF FOOD ACCORDING TO SIZE AND 
 COMPOSITION OF FAMILY 
 
 Considering the food expenditure according to 
 the size of families, we have the following groups: 
 
 Group 1 — three families of three individuals 
 each, one spending 46% of the income for food, 
 one spending 71%, and one 74% of the income 
 for food. 
 
 Group 2 — twenty-six families of four individuals 
 each, one spending 36% of the income for food, 
 one 37%), one 38%,, one 41%, two 43%, two 44%,
 
 The Seventy-five Dietaries in Detail 75 
 
 three 45%, three 47%, three 48%, two 49%, 
 three 50%, one 51%, one 52%, one 57%, and 
 one 62% of the income for food. 
 
 Group 3 — twenty families of five individuals 
 each, one family spending 38% of the income for 
 food, one 39%, one 40%, one 42%, one 44%, two 
 49%, three 50%, three 51%, two 52%, two 53%, 
 one 54%, one 55%, and one 63% of the income 
 for food. 
 
 Group 4 — fifteen families of six individuals each, 
 one spending 41% of the income for food, one 
 42%, one 45%, two 46%, two 47%, one 48%, 
 two 49%, one 50%, one 52%, one 54%, and two 
 57%, of the income for food. 
 
 Group 5 — six families of seven individuals each, 
 one spending 42% of the income for food, one 47%, 
 one 49%, two 50%, and one 57% of the income for 
 food. 
 
 Group 6 — four families of six individuals each, 
 one spending 45% of the income for food, one 47%, 
 one 48%, and one 50% of the income for food. 
 
 Group 7 — one family of eight individuals spend- 
 ing 53% of the income for food. 
 
 It is a generally accepted fact that large families 
 can buy to better advantage than small ones. In
 
 76 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 this group the advantage has not seemed to be so 
 great as might have been expected. The per- 
 centage of expenditure for food remains surpris- 
 ingly imiform. 
 
 CLASSIFICATION OF FOOD EXPENDITURES ACCORD- 
 ING TO INCOME 
 
 Considered according to income the food ex- 
 penditures of the famiUes may be divided as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 Group 1 — one family with an income of $200- 
 $300 spending 71% oi this income for food. 
 
 Group 2 — two families with an income of $300- 
 $400, one spending 48% for food, the other 74% of 
 the income for food. 
 
 Group 3 — nine families with an income of $400- 
 $500, one spending 38% for food, one 42%, one 
 48%, one 52%, one 56%, two 57%, one 62%, and 
 one 63% of the income for food. 
 
 Group Jf. — twenty-one families with an income of 
 $500-$600, one spending 38% for food, one 41%, 
 one 42%, one 43%, two 45%, one 46%, one 47%, 
 one 48%, three 49%, three 50%, two 51%, two 
 52%, one 53%, and one 55%. 
 
 Group 5 — eighteen famiUes with an income of
 
 The Seventy-five Dietaries in Detail 77 
 
 )-$700, one spending 36% for food, one 37%, 
 one 39%, one 40%, two 44%, one 45%, two 47%, 
 one 48%, one 49%, three 50%, one 51%, one 52%, 
 one 53%, and one 54% of the income for food. 
 
 Group 6 — twelve famihes with an income of 
 $700-1800, one spending 43% for food, two 44%, 
 one 45%, two 46%, one 47%, three 49%, one 50%, 
 and one 53% of the income for food. 
 
 Group 7 — seven famihes with an income of $800- 
 $900, one spending 34% for food, one 41%, one 
 42%, two 48%, and two 50% of the income for 
 food. 
 
 Group 8 — two famihes with an income of $900- 
 $1,000, one spending 53% and one 57% of the 
 income for food. 
 
 Group 9 — three famihes with an income of 
 $1,000-$1,200, one spending 45% for food, one 
 47% and one 54% of the income for food. 
 
 From the above it is evident that the income 
 must go beyond the $1,200 amount before a rea- 
 sonable decrease may be expected in the per- 
 centage spent for food.
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 The Clothing Budget 
 
 The clothing item constitutes one of the most 
 serious phases of the problem. The fact that 
 necessity leads the housekeeper to plan first of all 
 for the rent, second for the food, and third for 
 incidentals, shifts the clothing expenditure into a 
 secondary place. 
 
 Circumstances make the lives of our unskilled 
 working folk a series of vicious circles. The very 
 lack of provision for various necessities contributes 
 to the low state of health that, in turn, decreases 
 the power to earn more. 
 
 In the case of the clothing, even with careful 
 planning, the sum left after rent, food, and in- 
 cidentals have been paid for will barely clothe the 
 working and school members of the family. The 
 housekeeper herself must eke out with cast-off 
 garments. Women frequently say — ''I have not 
 had a hat, or a coat" — as the case may be — ''for 
 ten years." 
 
 Clean, comfortable and suitable clothing for the 
 
 78
 
 The Clothing Budget 79 
 
 house mother would react favorably on the welfare 
 of the entire family. The fact that many of our 
 families depend on gifts is not an unmixed blessing. 
 There is a natural shrinking from the wearing of 
 clothing belonging to persons outside of the family 
 circle, and this aversion should be respected. 
 
 The following figures are perhaps one of the 
 most significant in the entire study. In no case 
 was the sum spent for clothing sufficient to provide 
 properly for all members of the family. Later we 
 shall have occasion to speak of the connection of 
 this fact with the meagre appropriation for in- 
 cidentals. Reference to the clothing estimate, 
 page 13 will show, that the provision made was 
 at the best scanty. The fact that not one of our 
 families even approached this sum gives much 
 food for thought. 
 
 The percentage spent for clothing is so low in 
 every case, irrespective of income, that it is not 
 possible to do much in the way of making com- 
 parisons. 
 
 In classifying the clothing expenditures according 
 to income, the families fall into the following groups : 
 
 Group 1 — one family with an income of $200- 
 $300 spending 21% of this income for clothing.
 
 80 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Group 2 — two families with an income of $300- 
 $400, one spending 7%, and one 8% of the income 
 for clothing. 
 
 Group 3 — eight families with an income of $400- 
 $500, one spending 2%, one 3%, one 8%, one 11%, 
 one 12%, two 13%, and one 18% of the income 
 for clothing. 
 
 Group If. — twenty-two families with an income of 
 $500-$600, one spending 5%, one 7%, six 8%, 
 three 9%, four 11%, two 12%, one 14%, and one 
 16% of the income for clothing. 
 
 Group 5 — eighteen families with an income of 
 $600-$700, one spending 4%, one 8%, two 7%, 
 one 9%, four 10%, one 11%, two 12%, one 13%, 
 two 14%, and three 18% of the income for clothing. 
 
 Group 6 — twelve families with an income of 
 $700-$800, one spending 4%, two 6%, one 8%, 
 two 9%, two 10%, two 14%, and two 16% of the 
 income for clothing. 
 
 Group 7 — seven families with an income of 
 $800-$900, one spending 7%, one 11%, two 13%, 
 two 14%, and one 15% of the income for clothing. 
 
 Group 8 — two families with an income of $900- 
 $1,000, each spending 9% of the income for cloth- 
 ing.
 
 The Clothing Budget 81 
 
 Group 9 — three families with an income of 
 $1,000-11,200, one spending 7%, one 8%, and one 
 14% of the income for clothing. 
 
 In fixing the sum allowed in the estimate for 
 clothing, there was no attempt to set a standard. 
 The Association made itself responsible only for 
 the sirni required to meet actual living needs. It 
 has already been stated that practically all of the 
 families depended largely upon gifts of clothing. 
 This fact is another reason for not depending upon 
 the women's own expense accounts for help in 
 setting a standard. Furthermore, it was not prac- 
 tical to secure completely itemized accounts of 
 clothing expenditures from any of the women. 
 A good beginning was made in this direction, how- 
 ever. Systematic record keeping was in itself a 
 tax at first, and the workers made haste slowly 
 here as in the case of the food work. Approxi- 
 mately only 50% of the clothing expenditure was 
 fully itemized. The remaining items were entered 
 in the account books simply as "clothing." 
 
 The entries for clothing that were itemized give 
 details enough to furnish considerable help and 
 information. For example, expenditures for both 
 shoes and stockings were entered in detail in each
 
 82 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 case, as were those for "repairs." The following 
 table is a fair average of the manner in which a 
 clothing budget of $53.44 was spent. The family 
 consisted of woman and three children, ten, nine 
 and three years. The prices also give a good idea 
 of those paid by all the families. 
 
 CLOTHING BUDGET 
 
 First Quarter 
 
 Shoes $1.25 Shoes (2 pr.) $ 3.00 
 
 Stockings, 1 pr 10 Underwear 50 
 
 Apron .20 Rompers 25 
 
 Material 35 Underwear 1 . 00 
 
 CoUar 10 
 
 $6.75 
 
 Second Quarter 
 
 Stockings, 2 pr 25 Rompers (2) 50 
 
 Stockings, 3 pr 35 Kimonas (2) 50 
 
 Stockings, 1 pr 10 Baby's hat 10 
 
 Underwear 50 Garters 05 
 
 Boy's shoes 1 .25 Stockings, 2 pr 25 
 
 2 dresses 96 Dresses (2) 98 
 
 Rompers 25 Stockings, 2 pr 20 
 
 Stockings (3 pr.) 30 Stockings, 2 pr 20 
 
 Child's dress 49 
 
 $7.23 
 
 Third Quarter 
 
 Stockings, 1 pr $ .10 Underwear 35 
 
 Stockings, 2 pr 20 Undervest 19 
 
 Stockings, 3 pr 30 Rompers 25 
 
 Stockings, 6 pr 60 Rompers 25
 
 The Clothing Budget 
 
 83 
 
 Third Quarter — Continued 
 
 Dresses (2) $ .98 
 
 Material 30 
 
 Gloves 10 
 
 Underwear 49 
 
 Rubbers 35 
 
 Rompers 25 
 
 Shoes 1.00 
 
 Skirt 25 
 
 Ribbon 10 
 
 Rompers 25 
 
 Shirtwaist 98 
 
 Corsetcover $ .15 
 
 Waist 59 
 
 Shoes 1 . 50 
 
 Shoes, 2 pr 3 . 50 
 
 Repairs 50 
 
 Ribbon 
 Hat . . . 
 Waist . 
 Dress . 
 
 .20 
 .49 
 .10 
 .49 
 
 $14.81 
 
 Fourth Quarter 
 
 Repairs S .50 Stockings, 15 pr $1 . 50 
 
 Waist 49 
 
 Dress 49 
 
 Underwear 20 
 
 Handkerchiefs 15 
 
 Material 50 
 
 Repairs 1 . 50 
 
 Shoes 1.25 
 
 Underwear 25 
 
 Rompers 25 
 
 Ribbon 20 
 
 Shoes, 2 pr 2 . 50 
 
 Material 25 
 
 Child's Shoes 50 
 
 Child's dress 49 
 
 Waist 49 
 
 Repairs 50 
 
 $5.33 $6.68 
 
 5.33 
 
 $12.01 
 
 Itemized total for year $40 . 80 
 
 Entered as " clothing" 12. 64 
 
 Grand total $53 . 44 
 
 The budget given is quoted verbatim from the 
 housekeeper's own expense book and may be called 
 typical of all the others.
 
 84 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 It is probable that this housekeeper would have 
 come very near to the estimated amount for cloth- 
 ing but for the fact that there was an unexpected 
 falling off of $46.00 in the income of the family. 
 
 In commenting on the necessary educational 
 work the sewing teacher of the Home Economics 
 Division writes as follows: ''The sum fixed in my 
 estimate for clothing is not the ideal, but simply 
 the best that can be done in the way of dividing a 
 minimum income. The family clothing is usually 
 sadly neglected — even the necessary things that 
 are mentioned in the estimate are too often for- 
 gotten. The children are seldom provided with 
 change of undergarments, and nightclothes are 
 seldom thought of. I have tried to teach the 
 mothers the necessity for these things, and to 
 show them that to a limited extent even these can 
 be purchased with the average income of the 
 family in this group. In each family my instruc- 
 tion has included directions for keeping clean and 
 self-respecting, as the result of thoughtful and 
 careful buying." 
 
 In the foregoing paragraph Mrs. Ditmas touches 
 on a vital part of the work. It is true that the 
 comparative cheapness of ready-made garments
 
 The Clothing Budget 85 
 
 must be considered. Experience and observation, 
 however, lead to the conclusion that properly- 
 directed lessons in selection of fabrics and making 
 of garments are necessary if the family problem is 
 to be dealt with adequately. 
 
 Good results in nutrition depend directly on a 
 budget that takes into consideration all the divi- 
 sions of the family expenditures.
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 Fuel and Light 
 
 In comparing what actually happened with the 
 ''ideal division" spoken of on page 12 we realize 
 that families living on a minimum basis can make 
 only a very small provision for the item known as 
 "operating expenses." In fact the mechanism of 
 these households is so simple as to limit this item 
 to the elemental ones of fuel and light. Study of 
 the table on page 13 shows that very few of the 
 famihes even approach the 8% of the income 
 allowed in the ''ideal division." 
 
 It has not been thought necessary to make 
 tabulations as to the kinds of fuel used, since prac- 
 tically all of the families have at least a one-burner 
 gas stove, and most of them, a coal range that 
 may be used in very cold weather. During all 
 except the most extreme weather, the house- 
 keepers carefully save fuel, and the families be- 
 come accustomed to unheated rooms. 
 
 One of the chief drawbacks in the tenement 
 house life is the lack of provision for storage of 
 
 86
 
 Fuel and Light 87 
 
 even moderate amounts of either coal or wood. 
 This makes it necessary for many of the house- 
 keepers to buy coal ''by the pail," and wood by 
 the ''bundle." This fact makes it impossible to 
 estimate the fuel needs on an economical basis. 
 The actual saving on fuel and light when pur- 
 chased by the ton is 50%. 
 
 The expenditures for this item are surprisingly 
 uniform. The average is for the entire group of 
 Association families, approximately two thousand. 
 
 When grouped according to the percentage of 
 income that was spent for fuel and Ught, the 
 families may be classified thus: 
 
 Group 1 — one family with an income of $200- 
 $300, spending 10% of the income for fuel and 
 Hght. 
 
 Group 2 — two families with an income of $300- 
 $400, one spending 7%, and one 4% of the income 
 for fuel and light. 
 
 Group 3 — eight families with an income of $400- 
 $500, three spending 8%, one 4%, one 6%, one 
 7%, one 3%, one 10% of the income for fuel and 
 light. 
 
 Group 4 — twenty-two families with an income of 
 $500-$600, three spending 5%, three 3%, three
 
 88 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 7%, three 6%, six 4%, one 2%, and one 1% of 
 the income for fuel and Hght. 
 
 Group 5 — eighteen famiUes with an income of 
 $600-1700, six spending 5%, three 6%, three 2%, 
 three 4%, one 8%, one 3%, and one 7% of the 
 income for fuel and light. 
 
 Group 6 — twelve families with an income of 
 $700-$800, three spending 4%, five 5%, one 2%, 
 one 3%, one 6%, and one 7% of the income for 
 fuel and light. 
 
 Group 7 — seven families with an income of 
 $800-1900, two spending 5%, one 4%, one 6%, 
 and three 7% of the income for fuel and light. 
 
 Group 8 — two families with an income of $900- 
 $1,000, one spending 5%, and one 7% of the in- 
 come for fuel and light. 
 
 Group 9 — three families with an income of 
 $1,000-$1,200, two spending 3% and one 5% of 
 the income for fuel and light.
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 Incidentals 
 
 When considered according to the percentage of 
 income spent for incidentals, the families fall into 
 the following groups : 
 
 Growp 1 — one family with an income of $200- 
 $300, spending 6% of the income for incidentals. 
 
 Growp 2 — two families with an income of $300- 
 $400, one spending 7% and one 5% of the income 
 for incidentals, 
 
 Growp 3 — eight famiUes with an income of $400- 
 $500, one spending 10%, one 9%, two 6%, two 
 4%, one 8%, and one 12% of the income for 
 incidentals. 
 
 Group If. — twenty-two famihes with an income of 
 $500-$600, four spending 9%, four 4%, one 7%, 
 five 10%, three 6%, one 5%, two 8%, and two 3% 
 of the income for incidentals. 
 
 Group 5 — eighteen families with an income of 
 $600-$700, one spending 18%, three 6%, four 9%, 
 one 10%, one 11%, five 5%, one 3%, and two 8% 
 of the income for incidentals. 
 
 Group 6 — twelve families with an income of 
 
 m
 
 90 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 $700-$800, one spending 12%, one 4%, two 6%, 
 one 8%, three 9%, one 10%, two 5%, and one 
 7% of the income for incidentals. 
 
 Group 7 — seven families with an income of 
 S800-$900, one spending 14%, one 12%, two 4%, 
 one 3%, one 17%, and one 8% of the income for 
 incidentals. 
 
 Group 8 — two families with an income of $900- 
 $1,000, one spending 5%, and one 10% of the 
 income for incidentals. 
 
 Group 9 — three families with an income of 
 $1,000-$1,200, one spending 9%, and two 8% of 
 the income for incidentals. 
 
 As in the case of the clothing, it has been im- 
 possible to use the expense account as a standard 
 on this point. This was due to the fact that the 
 budgets were made out on a basis which allowed 
 for no margin. 
 
 The expense books show several items common 
 to all families. Church, household supplies, 
 school suppHes, laundry materials and insurance 
 are the principal ones. Forty-seven of the seventy- 
 five expense accounts showed entries for recreation, 
 usually tickets for the movies. The average ex- 
 penditure for recreation is $.30 a week.
 
 Incidentals 
 
 91 
 
 The figures on page 51 will show how small a 
 percentage of the income was available for in- 
 cidentals. In families where large expenditures in 
 this direction had to be made, the clothing item 
 was invariably robbed. 
 
 A typical expense account for incidentals is 
 given here : 
 
 Actual Expenditures for Sundries 
 Family, 4 Individuals, $600-$700 Income 
 
 Laundry weekly (.22) 
 
 Church (.16) 
 
 Thread 
 
 Tooth powder 
 
 Geography 
 
 Matches 
 
 Shoe polish 
 
 Needles 
 
 Knife 
 
 Book 
 
 Shoe polish 
 
 Shoe polish 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Papers 
 
 Clothing hooks 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Spending money 
 
 Pictures 
 
 Tooth paste 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Thread 
 
 .$11.44 
 . 8.32 
 .10 
 .10 
 .10 
 .05 
 .10 
 .05 
 .10 
 .04 
 .10 
 .10 
 .08 
 .06 
 .05 
 .08 
 .03 
 .20 
 .10 
 .08 
 .02 
 
 Forward $21.30 
 
 Map for school . . . 
 
 Pail 
 
 Pictures 
 
 Table cloth 
 
 Joe's Club 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Pictures 
 
 Paper 
 
 Joe's Club 
 
 Joe's Club weekly 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Cards 
 
 Shelf paper 
 
 10 yds. sheeting . . 
 
 Towels 
 
 Postals 
 
 Towels 
 
 Shoe polish 
 
 .10 
 .16 
 .20 
 .59 
 .05 
 .10 
 .20 
 .10 
 10 
 .05 
 .10 
 .15 
 .10 
 . 1.10 
 .66 
 .05 
 .15 
 .08 
 Moving expenses 5 . 50 
 
 $21.30 
 
 $30.84
 
 92 
 
 The Minimum Cost of Living 
 
 Forward $30.84 
 
 Mattress 3.24 
 
 Forward $36 . 54 
 
 Writing paper . . 
 Tooth paste . . . 
 
 Paper 
 
 Writing paper . . 
 
 Pleasure 
 
 Picture 
 
 Darning cotton . 
 
 Envelopes 
 
 School supplies . 
 Shoe polish .... 
 Stove polish . . . 
 
 Hair cut 
 
 Joe's Club 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Teakettle 
 
 1 pan 
 
 Spoon holder. . , 
 
 .10 
 .10 
 .07 
 .10 
 .40 
 .05 
 .05 
 .05 
 .10 
 .10 
 .05 
 .15 
 .05 
 .02 
 .10 
 .45 
 .37 
 .15 
 
 Matches 
 
 Postals 
 
 Postals 
 
 Postals 
 
 Bell 
 
 Pictures 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Writing paper 
 Embroidery . . 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Tooth paste . . 
 Matches 
 
 05 
 
 07 
 
 02 
 
 03 
 
 05 
 
 40 
 
 11 
 
 15 
 
 16 
 
 04 
 
 10 
 
 05 
 
 Refrigerator 2 . 00 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Tooth paste . . . 
 Darning cotton 
 
 Stamps 
 
 Dues on book . 
 Shoe polish . . . , 
 
 .04 
 .10 
 .05 
 .04 
 .06 
 .10 
 
 $36.54 
 
 Total $40.16 
 
 Perhaps no other one point as this of a small 
 allowance for sundries shows so well what it means 
 to any family to be without at least a moderate 
 margin. 
 
 Families in the groups under discussion, those 
 of the rank and file of wage earners, have much to 
 give to our national life. The intensive work de- 
 scribed in these pages has shown that it would be 
 well worth while for neighborhoods and com- 
 munities to undertake systematic cooperation for
 
 Incidentals 93 
 
 the purpose of building for future strength. Every 
 family that learns to attain its potential best, 
 physical, mental and spiritual, is a strong power. 
 The problems of independent families are closely 
 allied to those of the families under discussion. 
 Conservation of all resources among independent 
 families reduces to a minimum the number on the 
 verge of the so-called poverty line. 
 
 Someone has said that the essential difference 
 between poverty and riches is — ''To be fifty dol- 
 lars ahead, or fifty dollars behind." If this test 
 were appKed to our seventy-five families only 
 three would be above the poverty line. If, how- 
 ever, we interpret the words ''poverty" and 
 "riches" in the larger sense, we might hope that 
 all families in the group were richer at the end of 
 the year than at the beginning — richer in under- 
 standing of their own needs, in formulating plans 
 for meeting these needs, in the realization that 
 each family had a place of its own to fill in the 
 social scheme, and richer in courage to meet the 
 task of preparing to fill this place. 
 
 Printed in the United States of America
 
 'HE following pages contain advertisements of 
 books by the same author or on kindred subjects
 
 BY THE SAME AUTHOR 
 
 Food for the Invalid and the Convalescent 
 
 $0.75 
 
 A great many books of special menus have been published, 
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 This has been exactly Miss Winifred Stuart Gibbs's pur- 
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 for children, and for the sick and convalescent. 
 
 THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 
 
 Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
 
 Feeding the Family 
 
 By MARY SWARTZ ROSE 
 
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 This is a clear and concise account in simple every-day 
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 THE MACMLLIAN COMPANY 
 
 Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
 
 Chemistry of Food and Nutrition 
 
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 Professor in Columbia University 
 
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 Cloth, i2ttw, $1.25 
 
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