SOCIAL SURVEY — OF —^ FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA — BY — The Social Science Department of Fargo College Under the Direction of MANUEL C. ELMER, Ph. D. Professor of Sociology and Economics FOR THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES - Of - FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA P 1 *^ + 3> ^ Op' "J A 7 c/ FOREWORD Toward the end of the year 1914, the Associated Charities of Fargo, North Dakota, decided that in order to do the most effi¬ cient wofk it was necessary to take an inventory of the problems of the City having direct or indirect bearing upon the work of the Association. It was felt that there were certain facts which should be brought before the citizens of Fargo in order that all might more intelligently cooperate in promoting the communities’ welfare. Professor Elmer of Fargo College volunteered to make this investigation for the Associated Charities, having the following points in view: 1. To discover the social problems of the community. 2. To establish, by statistics, their extent. 3. To suggest remedies where possible. 4. To prepare a map of the city showing conditions with re¬ gard to sewer, water, plumbing, etc. To supplement the study of social conditions, notice was also- taken of the agencies operating in Fargo, and attempting to meet its needs. In short, the object of this survey is to determine the social assets and liabilities of the city. 4 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES President_ Vice-President_ Corresponding Secretary- Treasurer _ Visiting Nurse_ _E. A. Ricker _Mrs. Alex Stern . Mrs. R. E. Weible _Herbert Loomis Miss Barbara Hazel BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mrs. Edward Engerud Mr. C. F. Amidon Mrs. H. E. Magill Mrs. Alex Stern Mrs. McNair Mrs. Max Stern Mr. Max Stern J. P. Hardy Alex Stern Mrs. Kindred Mrs. R. M. Pollock * Deceased. Dr. R. A. Beard Mr. E. A. Ricker Mrs. John Batherick Mrs. Wm. Ball Dean Dowling Mrs. Young Mrs. Hollister Father Vincent Egan Mrs. Ike Herbst Mrs. R. E. Weible *Mrs. E. M. Darrow DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SURVEY M. C. ELMER, Ph. D., Professor of Sociology and Economics, Fargo College STAFF OF ASSISTANTS Clarence Lane A. R. Carpenter Paul Booth Karl Gulick M. A. Wilk R. D. Henry J. H. Jackson Evart Anderson Hazel Hutcheson Margaret Freeman Azalia Kolbe Lillian Zintheo And other members of the Social Science department of Fargo College. SOCIAL SURVEY OP FARGO, N. D. 5 INTRODUCTION In 1871, the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was founded and named after W. G. Fargo, of the Wells Fargo Express Company. The extension of the Railroad into Dakota territory was the most important reason for locating the city at this place. It was custom¬ ary for cities to be located at the junction of every river of any size, and since the Red River of the North, was used for navigation at that time, it was expected that Fargo would become one of the leading cities of the northwest. This has become a fact, but, not because of the navigability of the Red River,—rather because of the fertility of the valley and surrounding country. This latter fact was the means of bringing great numbers of settlers to this, region, who made Fargo the center of their business transactions. Fargo has had a steady, healthy growth ever since its be¬ ginning. The buildings which were first constructed were of cheap material, and as is generally the case in a new town, cheaply con¬ structed, but after the fire of 1893, a new Fargo sprung up, and today the city gives the appearance of a city two or three times its size. Nor is this impression founded merely in the general ap¬ pearance of the city. The business activities, likewise, are com¬ parable to cities having a far greater population. It has indeed become, as was early predicted, “the Gateway of the Northwest,” —and present tendencies would indicate, that its growth will keep pace with the development of this region. The material growth of the city has been so rapid, that it has outstripped its development of civic co-operation. Fargo has out¬ grown the machinery for relieving distress, for preventing vice and crime, and for eliminating disease, which sufficed when it was a small community. Hence it is the purpose of this survey to point out the principle community needs; indicate practical methods of meeting these needs; to make clear the existence within the city of abundant resources for the organization and development of agencies for civic betterment, by a greater co-operation and con¬ centration of the efforts of those already existing. In short, the keynote to the method for dealing with our present problems is to be found in organized, farsighted personal co-operation. 6 SOCIAL SURVEY OP FARGO, N. D. NATURAL PHYSICAL CONDITIONS. The city of Fargo is ideally located to become one of tht most important cities in the northwest. It is on the eastern boundary of North Dakota, in that most fertile region, the Red River Val¬ ley, is 250 miles from St. Paul, 250 miles from Duluth, and 200 miles from Winnipeg, Canada. Fargo is situated on the Red River of the North, in Cass County, North Dakota. The Red River Valley was formed by glacial aqtion and at one time formed the bed of Lake Agassiz. Tht Ottertail River having its source in the Lakes near Detroit, Minnesota and the Bois de Sioux having its source in Lake Tra¬ verse form the Red River by junction at Wahpeton, North Dakota, and from this point flows North through the valley to its outlet in Lake Winnipeg. The drainage area above the City is about 6,000 square miles. There are no streams of any conwequence that act as feeders of the river besides the two mentioned above, and most of the flow is received from the Ottertail. The bed of the valley is mostly a clay overlaid by an average of two feet of loam. The whole area drained above the city is essentially a farming territory with small villages and towns sit¬ uated at various points. There are several cities located on this drainage area among which may be mentioned Fergus Falls, Breck- enridge, Wahpeton and Abercrombie. Originally water was used from the Red River for all pur¬ poses. It was hauled about the city and sold as a commodity. At a later date, about 1879, a pumping station was installed and water supplied through mains laid under a franchise by a Water Company. This source of supply and method of distribution was satisfactory until the water shed became settled and the river be¬ came contaminated by the run off from farms and possibly from sewage from the growing cities situated on the river above the city. There were other objectionable features of the water for a domestic supply and in the early 90’s a number of artesian wells were put down in the western part of the city. These wells pro¬ duced a supply of good water but it was exceedingly hard and con¬ siderable discussion was carried on from time to time as to the desirability of using a water carrying a large amount of mineral solids in solution. Recently a new purification plant and pump¬ ing station have been erected at a cost of $160,000.00. As will be shown in the course of this report, the fullest ad¬ vantages is not taken by the citizens of Fargo, of their excellent SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 7 sewer and water system, a very large percentage of the dwellers of the city, still hying their water from day to day, and having no .sewer connections or plumbing in their houses. (See map.) Island Park, 38 acres, Oak Grove, 16 acres, and Riverside Drive, epding in Belmont Park, make the scenic advantages and possibilities for beautifying the city, unsurpassed in this region. It may safely be said that when the people of the city fully realize the advantages offered in this respect, that Fargo will lead in re¬ spect to its beauty spots, as it has in business enterprise and devel¬ opment along other lines. Fargo is not blessed with any of the natural resources which usually appeal to the casual visitor or inquirer, such as coal, oil, minerals, water power, or great forests, but, the region does abound in as fertile and productive soil as can be found anywhere in the United States. For a time it appeared as tho the example of some of our older sections would be followed, and by a continual recroping to wheat; the soil would be depleted. There is however, already a trend away from this. Farmers are rapidly beginning to adopt diversified farming, thereby making more and more sure the future greatness of our city. The climate of this region is very ideal. While the winters are rather long and cold, there is abundant sunshine, and no ex¬ treme changes, as are sometimes experienced in the Great Lake Re¬ gion. There is however, one item in connection with the long winters; coal and wood must be shipped in from considerable di¬ stances making the added cost of freight a great burden to the poorer classes. Hard coal sold during the past winter for $10.50 per ton, and birch wood for $9.00 per cord. POPULATION. The population of a city is dependant to a very great extent upon the natural physical conditions of the community. The na-' tural advantages and resources of the region, together with the advantageous commercial location are the great determining fac¬ tors in a city’s growth and development. The city of Fargo is so situated that it is bound to become a large city. It’s growth has never been spasmodic, but, regular and continuous, due to a steady increase in business and industry, rather than a temporary boom, as is often the case with new towns. Hence the future growth of Fargo is assured. The following table will indicate the increase in the cities growth: 8 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. Date Population No. Cent 1880 2,693 Increase Per 1890 5,664 2,971 110.3 1900 9,589 3925 69.a 1910 14,331 4,742 49.5 1915 _ _ 19,350 5019 30.00 The statistics for the last five years would indicate that the growth from 1910-1920 will be even greater than the preceeding ten years. Likewise, the fact that at the preesnt time, more dwel¬ ling houses are being erected than at any time since the fire; seems- to assure a continued growth of the city. CITY OF INDIVIDUAL HOMES. Fargo is decidedly a city of individual homes, there being only 170 houses in the city containing more than one family, neither are there very large congested areas. Probably, the most congested area, outside of the business area between the N. P. and G. N. de¬ pots, is on lower Front Street. In one block, on lower Front Street, there are 111 permanent inhabitants, (not to speak of the great number of lodgers and boarders at certain periods of the year). This block (No. 1 Cass Co.) addition) which is next to- the south bridge and the river, is mentioned in this case particu¬ larly because, it has neither water nor sewer connections. IS IT NOT NECESSARY FOR THE HEALTH OF THE REST OF THE CITY THAT SUCH CONDITIONS SHOULD CEASE TO EXIST? There are no distinct districts in Fargo, based entirely upon racial or industrial differences, altho there are several comparative¬ ly well defined districts. Front street, and the adjacent sections is largely the abode of the more recent immigrants, who live there because of differences in the rental rates, rather than because of racial or other causes. There are several localities of a somewhat similar nature, scattered about the city, where the dwellings are old, out of repair, and, which to a large extent, are unconnected with water or sewer; e. g. “the hollow”, and a small district just north of the filtration plant. The three leading nationalities are the Scandinavian, British and German; about 30 per cent of the population is Scandinavian and of Scandinavian descent; 18 per cent British and of British descent and 17 per cent German and of German descent. About 25 per cent are of the second or more’ generations, American born. Up to the present time there has been no great concentration of immigrants in the cities of the state, and to guard against such concentration is the future, the last legislature has created a SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 9 ;State Board of Immigration, whose duty it shall be to study the industrial situation of the State, and encourage the immigration of such persons as are especially needed in North Dakota. Also it shall be their duty to be in touch with all phases of the industrial situation and give necessary aid and suggestions to immigrants, and help them to become properly located. (See Senate Bill No. 194, Sessions of 1915). DOMESTIC LIFE. We are ever confronted by new problems which seem .almost unsurmountable, because their very solution will bring about an entirely new order of things. Modern economic conditions are developing new domestic problems. Labor formerly done in the homes, is now being done in great industrial establishments, mak¬ ing it necessary, where the husband cannot earn enough to sup¬ port the family, for the wife to go abroad and secure work. As above stated, while this is a city of individual homes, still the economic conditions have an influence upon the domestic life, particularly in regard to raising the age of marriage. The average marriage age in Fargo is as follows: Male 27.093 years. Female 23.176 years. Male and Female 25.134 years. Of the leading nationalities: Male American and British _:_26.83 German _ _27.24 Scandinavian _ _27.115 Female Both 22.28 24.54 22.4 24.88 23.518 25.317 The following table will indicate the rate of marriage and di¬ vorce in Cass County. (P. 14261-15760 Regis, of actions, Cass County.) Divorces Marriages Nov. 1911—Nov. 1912 _35 _ Nov. 1912—Nov. 1913_30 _ Nov. 1913—Nov. 1914_36 204 Out of 101 divorce cases the husband was the defendant 80 times, and the wife only 21 times, showing that the infidelity of men is of a much higher ratio than women. Many cases of di¬ vorce arose because of desertion but in North Dakota desertion to other states is a misdemeanor and unless other elements are in¬ volved is not extraditable. 10 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. Birth rat/e: The birth rate for the past three years in the City of Fargo, provided all births were recorded, is as follows: January 2, 1912 to Jan. 2, 1913 _282 January 2, 1913 to January 1914_324 January 2, 1914 to January 2, 1915_.-325 Deathrate: During the same period as the above, the deathrate in Fargo was: January 2, 1912 to January 2, 1913_230 January 2, 1913 to January 2, 1914_258 January 2, 1914 to January 2, 1915_315 Thus for the year 1914-1915 the BIRTH RATE WAS ONLY 10 MORE THAN THE DEATH RATE. We have seen above, that the city of Fargo is growing, but these birth and death statistics would indicate that the population of the city was doing little more than holding its own in numbers, that most of the increase in population was due to migration to the city from the surrounding territory and from immigration from other states and countries. 325 BABIES BORN—77 DID NOT LIVE ONE YEAR! Let us analyze this death-rate a little farther. There were, 325 registered births in the year 1914-1915. During the same year there were registered 77 deaths of children less than one year old. In other words, 23.7 per cent of all babies born in the city, died before they were one year old: while 9 6, or nearly 30 per cent died before reaching the age of 5 years. In Fargo, the infant mortality rate was 237 per 1000; in London, which is near the average for all large cities is 159 per 1000. HOUSING. The housing conditions of a community effect practically every aspect of its social well being, and is one of the most important factors in determining the health and morals of the community. Most of the smaller cities in the U. S. have very meagre housing laws and in this Fargo is no exception. There are many houses existing at the present time in the city, which could hardly be duplicated in our larger cities and what is of still more importance —IT IS POSSIBLE TO CONSTRUCT HOUSES IN FARGO, WHICH DEFY ALMOST EVERY PROVISION FOR HEALTH AND SAFE¬ TY. However, merely getting ordinance passed, without sufficient machinery to see that they are enforced is almost worse than no SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 11 laws whatever, hence if any legislative action is obtained, provi¬ sion should likewise be made for efficient inspection and enforce¬ ment. There are no requirements regarding light and ventilation in halls and rooms, vacant spaces in yards and courts, except in so far as they are in connection with business places, and are de¬ clared insanitary by the health department. Likewise, there are at present NO PROVISIONS REGARDING SURFACE WATER, SEWER CONNECTIONS, SHALLOW WELLS, INDOOR CLOSETS, NOR THE USE OF CELLARS FOR LIVING PURPOSES. Hence one is really surprised that conditions are not 'Worse than they are. 408 DEFECTIVE HOUSES.—RATS! There are in the city of Fargo, 2838 dwellings. Of this num¬ ber, 2430 are in good condition (to this number also must be add¬ ed about 125 houses, which are in the process of being construct¬ ed), while 408 are defective .A large proportion of the 408 de¬ fective houses are in a very poor condition— often containing to¬ tally dark and ill-ventilated rooms,, broken staircases, a mere filthy excavation for a cellar, and abounding with rats. A common com¬ plaint on lower Front Street is that cock-roaches and vermin can be kept down, but that it seems almost impossible to do anything about the rats, since the district abounds with them. WHEN ONE SEES THE .TYPE OF BUILDINGS, AND SEES THE AMOUNT OF REFUSE AND GARBAGE, IN ALL PARTS OF THE CITY, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE RATS—IT IS SURPRISING THAT THERE ARE NOT MORE OF THEM. There is no provision limiting the amount of each lot which may be covered by buildings. At the present time, there are about 43 buildings which cover more than 75 per cent of the lot, but, if the city of Fargo grows as we may safely predict that it will grow, this number will continually increase, and unless some pro¬ vision is made to nip this evil before it reaches any great propor¬ tions, the time will come when we will have the same problems on our hands that other large cities have had. In Block I, “Original Town,” there is one 50 foot lot, upon which there are eight houses. We are already reaping the results of permitting the city to grow up by following the lines of least resistance. Let us stop any further evils by “doing it now!” SEWER AND WATER CONNECTIONS. One House in Every Three Without Sewer or Water. There are no city requirements compelling sewer and water connections, and as a result many houses have neither water nor 12 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. sewer. OUT OF APPROXIMATELY 2900 DWELLINGS IN THE CITY, 1003 OR OVER 1-3 DO NOT HAVE SEWER CONNEC¬ TIONS. And 905 houses do not have water connections. Prac¬ tically one house in every three in the city is not connected with water or sewer. Thus in spite of the fact that we have one of the best water purification plants, and an excellent sewer system only one-third of the city’s dwellers take advantage of them. It has been contended by some, that this condition will gradually be eliminated—but, there is no regulation to prevent new buildings or remodled buildings from having neither water nor sewer. In fact several business places have recently been constructed, which are not connected with either. The extent of these conditions is so great, that immediate attention is imperative.- (The physical map of Fargo shows the location of all dwellings not connected with water or sewer mains.) 970 OUTHOUSES. In connection with the matter of water and sewer, is another very vital problem, e. g. the extent of out-door closets. We have an ordinance which is meant to regulate out-door closets, but in spite of that ordinance, there are in the city today 970 outhouses. Think of it! Out of a total of 2900 dwellings! While at best, such conditions are undesirable, with the least carelessness they become a positive menace, and when we stop to consider the fact that out of these 970 nuisances in the city of Fargo, 105 are in a very bad and insanitary condition—the gravity of the situation cannot but appeal to us, and compel us to realize the need of im¬ mediate action. In addition to the 970 outhouses mentioned, must be added the fact that there are 243 dwellings and apartment houses that have toilet facilities in common with others. Every dwelling in the city of Fargo should be connected with sewer and water and have modern plumbing installed at once. Many property owners when approached regarding the matter have excused themselves saying: “Oh, this building is so old that it does not pay to put any improvements into it.’’ CAN THE PEOPLE OF THIS CITY AFFORD TO ALLOW DWELLING HOUSES TO REMAIN IN THEIR MIDST, WHICH ARE SO DILAPIDATED THAT THEY ARE NOT WORTH BEING MADE SANITARY? There are likewise in the city 153 dwellings whcih do not have proper lighting and ventilation. In some cases this is due to the fact that there are rooms, having no outside windows, in other cases, to the fact that the buildings are so close to each other SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. U. 13 that lighting and ventilation are impossible. What makes this of especial gravity is the fact that these conditions exist where the population is most congested. Many of the worst constructed buildings, take large numbers of roomers and lodgers, add¬ ing to their already too congested conditions, the dangers attend¬ ing a transient class of men. FLIES BREED IN MANURE. One does not usually connect the extensive keeping of live stock with cities, yet often there are many to be found. In Fargo there are 467 families keeping live stock, consisting of cows and horses, while in some cases chickens have been counted; this latter however depended upon the conditions and number kept. Of the 46 7 recorded, 83 places were kept in bad condition, polluting the air of the surrounding community, and increasing the possibilities for breeding flies. It is surprising how little care is taken to pre¬ vent manure and filth from accumulating, or for taking care of it by spraying it to prevent flies from breeding. Chloride of Lime thrown into a manure box , or loose manure sprayed with a solu-, tion of one ounce of Carbolic acid to one quart of crude kerosene, about three times a week will prevent flies from breeding. Some of the worst places are right in the heart of the city and our city is small enough that the places do not need special mention in this report. The odors are so decided, that any one passing along the street may notice them. There is no need of permitting livery barns or other stables to allow filth and manure to accumulate in the alleys. They should be compelled to haul it away from day to day, or else keep it in tight boxes, which could be sprayed and kept from becoming fly incubators. “WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT!” GAS, FUMES AND SMOKE. Fargo is not yet such an extensive manufacturing city, that the problem of smoke and fumes is a very serious matter. But why should we not meet and deal with that problem before it reaches such proportions that it becomes a menace? We expect Fargo to grow. Other cities have found that the smoke problem is one of the first great problems with which they find themselves face to face. In many cities it has grown to such proportions, that it is well nigh beyond their control. With our railroads passing thru the heart of the city as they do, and industrial establishments springing up on every hand, the problem is already with us. There are already 253 (dwelling houses in the city where the smoke or 14 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. fumes has tecome a decided nuisance. Now if ever is the time to take steps to abate these nuisances. SUMMARY OF HOUSING SURVEY. 1. No. of houses in good condition__ 2430 2. No. of houses in defective condition_408 3. No. of houses containing more than one family_170 4. No. of cellar and basement dwellings_607 5. No. of houses covering 50 per cent of lot_323 6 . No. of houses covering 75 per cent of lot___ 43 7. No. of yards in good condition _2491 8 . No. of yards in bad condition--- 415 9. No. of families having but one room_1_ 38 10. No. of families having but 2 room_ 85 11. No. of families having but 3 room __ 84 12. No. of houses without sewer connections _1003 13. No. of houses lacking toilet facilities_243 14. No. of houses lacking water connections_905 15. No. of houses with outdoor closets, fair condition_865 16. No. of houses with outdoor closets, bad condition_105 17. No. of houses lacking proper light and ventilation_153 18. No. of apartment houses lacking fire escapes ___ 17 19. Places keeping live stock (conditions fair to good)_384 20. Places keeping live stock, conditions bad_ 83 21. Places where air is poisoned by smoke or fumes etc_253 22. No. families taking roomers or boarders_745 2 3. No. houses where garbage is dumped in yard or alley_351 24. No. cellars in bad condition_ 187 25. No. alleys in bad conditions____i_._ 56 LODGING HOUSES AND HOTELS Number of rooms lacking proper light and ventilation_^_107 Number of places lacking fire escapes_:___20 Number without sewer connections ___ 13 Number without water connections_•___ 12 Number lacking proper toilet facilities __ 8 Number with out-houses _ 11 Number with courts in bad condition_ 19 Number with alleys in bad condition___ 22 Number lacking refrigerators _ 3 Number with kitchens in bad condition_^_^____ 14 Number re-serving food ^_;________ 17 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 15 RESTAURANTS AND LUNCH COUNTERS Number of buildings in bad condition----- 4 Number of courts in bad condition-— 5 Number of alleys in bad condition_ 5 Number of basements in bad condition_:- 3 Number of kitchens in bad condition_ 14 Number of kitchens lacking refrigerators_ 2 Number re-serving food___ 9 Number lacking proper light and ventilation_ 5 GROCERIES, CONFECTIONARY STORES AND MEAT MARKETS Number of buildings in bad condition- 15 Number of courts in bad condition - 15 Number of alleys in bad condition_ 11 Number with show cases in bad condition_ 8 Number with goods in bad condition_ 7 Number with refrigerators in bad condition_ 12 Number with basements in bad condition_ 13 Number with store rooms in bad condition_ 8 Number lacking proper light and ventilation_ 29 OTHER STORES AND OFFICES Number of buildings in bad condition___’_ 43 Number of courts and alleys in bad condition _ 84 Number of show cases in bad condition_ 17 Number of basements in bad condition_ 19 Number having goods in bad condition_ 16 Number of store rooms in bad condition__ 17 Number lacking proper light and ventilation _ 182 The above study of housing conditions discloses the follow¬ ing special needs: 1. Provisions requiring all houses to be connected with sewer and water systems of the city. 2 . Complete elimination of the 970 outdoor closets. 3. Proper care of all livestock and the adoption of a sanitary method of disposing of all manure and refuse. 4. Control of the smoke nuisance before it reaches uncontrol- able proportions. 5. Building code, limiting the amount of lot which can be built upon. 6 . Provision against the construction of dwellings lacking proper lighting and ventilating facilities. 16 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. PUBLIC UTILITIES. The rapid development of public utilities and their proper management and control is becoming of ever increasing importance. Formerly keeping up the highways and bridges was the extent to which a town was compelled to go. To this was soon added sewage and garbage disposal, the water supply, fire protection, lighting of streets, the problem of local transportation and control of street traffic. In fact municipal life has become so complicated and so dependant upon the services of these various utilities that the failure of any one to function properly will affect the life of the entire community, and may result in untold hardship. STREETS AND LOCAL TRANSPORTATIONS. The composition of the soil of the Red River Valley, while ideal for wheat raising, is anything by ideal for road-beds. Fargo has some very excellent streets and avenues, but there are also a great many streets which are in deplorable condition during cer¬ tain seasons of the year. Often there dirt streets are permitted to get into worse conditions than ordinary country roads, but as rapidly as is possible, new pavement is being put in. This year a new pavement is being laid on Broadway, between the N .P. and G. N. tracks. Several other streches of pavement are being con structed this summer (1915) which are not included in the table given below. Amounts and types of paving, May 1st, 1915. Type Linear feet Bithulithic_-_ _15,043 Bithulithic Concrete_24,875 Creosoted Wood Block _12,228 * Cedar Block _ 5,412 Portland Cement Concrete_1,311 Vitrified Brick_4,335 Brick Pavements of Fargo Moorhead St. RR. Co. *Some of this has since been repaved. The streets of Fargo, as a whole are well located, and have the added advantage of varying in width, in accordance with their use, thus Broadway, is exceptionally wide in the business section, where the greatest congestion is apt to occur. There is however, one pressing need, namely a viaduct at the crossing of the N. P. tracks. The Railway, passing as it does thru the heart of the business district, is becoming an increasing annoyance and danger Square yds. 51,277 89,073 63,607 28,632 2,831 23,490 12,123 SOCIAL SURVEY OP FARGO, N. D. 17 as the city increases in size. The time is coming when it will be imperative that either a viaduct be constructed or the tracks raised above the street level, and this should be done before it is forced by some irreparable accident. 350 BAD ALLEYS. Paved streets and paved alleys are taken care of by the city in a very efficient manner, but all other alleys are treated as pri¬ vate property, and must be attended to by the owners, in a man¬ ner prescribed by the Health Department. While the alleys are to be treated as private property, it does not necessarily mean that any individual should treat the alley as tho he were the sole owner of it, and as tho it were located far out in the counrty. Yet this seems to be the attitude of some. DURING THE GREATER PART OF THE YEAR, OVER 350 CITY DWELLERS THREW THEIR GARBAGE AND REFUSE INTO THE ALLEY. This was also true in some cases, where horses or cows were kept, in which the alley was often turned into a manure yard—without any re¬ gard for other people living in the vicinity, not to speak of the community in general. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION. Local transportation is taken care of by dray and transfer lines, hack and auto service and by street cars. For a short time this spring “Jitney Busses” were run largely in competition with the Street Car Lines. For a time there was no city regulation of these “auto busses”, and a large number of them sprang into existance. But somewhat later, in addition to the license, a bond of $10,000.00 was required, consequently, the number was cut down, and it was necessary to raise the price for carrying the public. Fargo, likewise, has a street car line which makes a loop about both the north and south sides, and extends to Moorhead and Dilworth. The greatest dissatisfaction registered against the company is in regard to the infrequency of the cars. The street car is the regular vehicle of transportation for working people. Others may have private means of transportation, but because of the infrequency of cars in residence districts, the street cars prove very inadequate for the class especially deserving it. In winter the matter is agravated, when shop-girls and school girls are com¬ pelled either to start for their days work much earlier than would otherwise be necessary ,or if a car is missed, wait in the cold from 15 to 30 minutes for another car. 18 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. It is contended that the Street Railway Co. cannot give better service without loss to the company. But there are many other municipalities which are no larger than the combined cities of Moorhead and Fargo, which do have far better service. If the St. Ry. Co. cannot give the best service, might it not he possible for the city of Fargo ,to take over the street car lines and utilize the available water power which is now going to waste? Section of the privileges granted to the Street Ry. by an or¬ dinance o fthe City Council of Fargo, Nov. 1, 1912. “Sec. 1. The Fargo and Moorhead Street Railway Co., a N. D. corporation its lesses, successors and assigns, are given the priv¬ ileges for twenty-five years to use assigned streets. Any other street may be used, if a map of the proposed extensions is filed with the city engineer, and is approved by the city council. Sec. 2. Power must be transmitted by single overhead trol¬ ley. Any motive power except steam may be used. In case of necessity animal power may be used. Sec. 3. The track shall be 4 feet, 8 y 2 inches wide. The rails must weigh, at least 48 lbs. to the yard. The track and 18” must be kept in good order. Must be paved with same material as the street. Any damage must be replaced. Rates must be 5 cents for one continuous' ride. If sold in blocks of $1.00 rates for students to be 4c. Street cars to be modernly equipped, must carry mail or bag¬ gage at reasonable charges. The franchise covers a period of 25 years. On week days cars must be operated from 6 A. M. to 12 P. M. On Sunday from 7 A. M. to 11 P. M. The cars must run at least every 24 minutes on loop lines, and every 36 minutes on other lines of the system. The failure to comply with these regulations, which constitute the main part of the agreement, cancels franchise upon 60 days notice.” SEWAGE AND GARBAGE DISPOSAL. Fargo has a well constructed sewer system, which on the whole has proved superior, and causes less trouble than is the case in many cities. There are times when some basement closets are back flooded but, these cases are rare, and practically unavoid¬ able, because of the topographical conditions. There is no sewage disposal plant, the sewers empty into the Red River, below the SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 19 dam, and about a mile below the intake. Thus the water supply of the city is not endangered by the disposal of the sewage. The sewer system does not cover all of the outlying districts of the city, but is rapidly being extended to all the outlying districts As above stated, the most crying needs at present are (1) TO COM¬ PEL ALL HOUSES ADJACENT TO STREETS CONTAINING SEWER TO CONNECT THEREWITH, AND (2) TO EXTEND THE SEWER MAINS INTO THE CONGESTED SECTION ON LOWER FRONT STREET. (See map of city.) The only possible excuse for the existence of 1000 dwellings being without sewer connections, out of approximately 2900, is that there has not yet been time to do so. But it is in the older parts of the city where these conditions are most prevalent, altho not entirely, for one can see by the “City Map”, that dwellings lacking sewer connections, and having ‘out door closets’ exist in the very heart of the best residence sections. Hence we see, that the problem is not one confined to a small portion of the city, but to the city as a whole. LETS MAKE FARGO THE CLEANEST CITY IN THE UNITED STATES! The problem of disposing of the Garbage is one of the biggest problems which confronts a growing city, and since Fargo is grow¬ ing with ever increasing rapidity, the problem of garbage disposal is an ever increasing problem. Up until the passage of the ordi¬ nance cited below, the problem of garbage disposal was left to individuals and private companies. The garbage was collected in open wagons, and the rounds made once a week in residence di¬ stricts, and every day in the business sections. A charge of 25c was made per can full. This method has proven very inadequate. Individuals, permitted garbage to accumulate till the can was full to overflowing; made crude attempts to burn garbage in the alley; dumped it in the back yard or alley. Of this latter class there were 350 parties, and like those lacking sewer connections, not confined to one district, but thoroughly distributed in every part of the city. The matter became so pressing that various organiza¬ tions took the matter up. The people making this City Survey, agitated the matter, and special requests were sent in to the Com¬ mission. An incinerator was voted down at a recent city elec¬ tion but, it was perhaps due to the fact that it was tied up with other provisions which a majority of voters did not wish to sup¬ port. The following garbage ordinance is in effect at the present time, as a result of this recent agitation, but, has not yet had a chance to prove its worth. 20 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. ORDINANCE AS PASSED MAY 21, 1915. “Accumulation of Garbage in City Limits Prohibited. “Section 1. No person or persons shall permit or suffer to accumulate in or about any yard, lot, place or premises, or upon any street, sidewalk adjacent or abutting upon any lot, block, lace or premises owned and occupied by huim or them, or for which her or they may be agent or agents, within the city limits, refuse vegetables, decayed or decaying substances, garbage or filth of any kind, not suffer such yard, lot, place or premises to be or remain in such condition. GARBAGE DEFINED. Section 2. “The word “garbage’' wherever it occurs in this ordinance shall be construed to mean all manner of kitchen or table refuse, and offal including decayed or spoiled fruit, animal or vegetable matter. GARBAGE CAN. Section 3. “Every owner or occupant of any house, hotel, restaurant, building, flat, apartment or tenement in this city, where persons reside, board or lodge, or wheje animal or vege¬ table food is prepared, or served, shall provide for such house, hotel, restaurant, building, flat, apartment or tenement building, one such vessel for each floor, flat, apartment of story of such building, and if such floor, flat, apartment of story be occupied by more than five persons, than one of such vessels for each addi¬ tional five persons. Every occupant, tenant, or person in charge of such house, hotel, restaurant, building, flat, apartment or tene¬ ment, shall cause to be deposited in such vessel, all garbage pro¬ duced in or brought therein as soon as the same is produced or brought therein. Such vessel for garbage shall be water tight, and made of metal with a close-fitting metal cover, and shall have a capacity of not less than ten or more than twenty gallons, which garbage receptles should be so place.d on the premises under the direction of the commissioner of health as to be easily accessbile to the garbage collector. WHAT MAY BE PLACED IN GARBAGE CANS. eSc. 4. “It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to mix or in the same vessel or in the same vessel or receptacle, ashes, manure or other such substance, with any kitchen garbage intended for delivery to a scavenger or other persons shall haul or cart SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 21 away from any house, place or premises any mixture of garbage or filth as aforesaid, without the written order of the commissioner of health. GARBAGE SHALL BE REMOVED. Sec. 5. “All garbage receptacles shall be emptied and the contents thereof removed by the garbage collector as often as such receptacles become full, and in case of private residences, at inter¬ vals of not more than twice a week, and in case of hotels of twenty rooms or more, once each day, between the 1st day of May, and the 1st day of October, and during other months of the year, the garbage shall be removed at least once each week. WHO MAY REMOVE. Sec. 6. “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corpo¬ ration, or any agent or employee thereof to haul, carry or convey, through, along or upon any public street, alley or sidewalk, within the city of Fargo, any garbage as classified under this ordinance, except the city scavenger or such other persons as may be author¬ ized by the health commissioner. GARBAGE WAGON. Sec. 7. “All wagons used for the collection and removal of garbage shall be fitted with a good substantial water tight street tank, with a close-fitting top so as to prevent the escaping of any of the contents therefrom and shall have the words “garbage wagon” plainly painted thereon, so as to legible at least eight feet. All such wagons shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at least twice a week and such wagons shall not remain a longer time at any one place than is absolutely necessary for the loading, and shall not be permitted to stop or stand at any public place. GARBAGE CONTRACT. Sec. 8. “If it shall be deemed advisable by the Board of City Commissioners, the auditor shall advertise for bids, which notice shall be published twice, once each week in the official newspaper of the City of Fargo for such number of men, wagons and teams as the commissioners or board of health may designate. Each bid shall be accompanied by a certified check in the sum of $6.00 payable to the order of the City Treasurer, which check shall be forfeited to the city if the successful bidder fails to enter into a contract with the City of Fargo, and give bond as provided in this ordinance. 22 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. The contract or contracts, as may be, shall be awarded to the lowest bidder or bidders if to be let by competitive bids. The person or persons obtained such contract from said city shall exe¬ cute a bond to the City of Fargo, in such sum as the city com¬ missioners may provide, which shall be at least double the amount of the contract price, with sureties as shall be approved by the president of the Board of City Commissioners for the full and faith¬ ful preformance of all the agreements of said contract, and a complete compliance with this ordinance. DUTY OF HEALTH BOARD. Sec. 9. “It shall be the duty of the commissioner of health of the city of Fargo, to make such rules as he may deem neces¬ sary, to regulate, enforce and carry out the provisions of this ordinance. OTHER FOREIGN MATTER, HOW REMOVED. Sec. 10. “Manure, ashes and such other foreign matters, not included as garbage in this ordinance and which is detrimental to the health and cleanliness of the city, may be removed by the city or by such persons as they may designate as often as it is deemed necessary by the commissioner of health, and the expense thereof shall be assessed up to the property especially benefited thereby, in the manner as provided for the assessment of sidewalk repairs. GARBAGE FUND. Sec. 11. “All work done under the provisions of this ord¬ inance shall be under the direction of the commissioner of health, at the expense of the city, and a fund shall be provided therefor by general taxation to be known as the garbage fund, except when it is necessary to remove garbage oftener than twice each week under the provision of this ordinance, the expense thereof shall be paid by the owner or tenant of said premises forthwith upon de¬ mand, and upon the failure so to do said expense shall be assessed up to the property especially benefited thereby in the manner provided for the assessment of sidewalk repairs. PENALTY. Sec. 12. “Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not less than five dollars ($5.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each and every offense, or by imprisonment not exceeding thirty days, or both such fine and imprisonment in the direction of the court. SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 23 Sec. 13. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force ten days from and after its final passage and publication.” 940 DWELLINGS NOT CONNECTED WITH WATER MAINS. The source of the city water supply is the Red River. The city has one of the finest water purification plant and pumping station in the Northwest* and equipped for supplying the needs of a population of 40,000. The water thus purified and pumped into the mains is of the very finest quality, but as elsewhere stated, is not taken the fullest advantage of by the city dwellers. While there are still portions of the city where the mains do not extent, a glance at the City Map will show the extent of the mains, and the great number of houses situated along them which are still unconnected. There are about 2 600 water consumers in the city —BUT THERE ARE STILL 940 DWELLINGS NOT CONNECTED WITH CITY WATER. The city is able to take care of these. Many still use the unfiltered water from the Red River, for all but drinking purposes. When the city demands that all unsanitary out-houses be done away with, the water situation will likewise be greatly improved. Another source of city water is from Artesian wells, which is delivered to all parts of the city and Pokegama water used for drinking purposes. The comsumption of water per capital in Fargo is about 130 gal. per day. The flat rates are: Per quarter $2.75, house tap and kitchen tap. Per quarter $5.50, bath, toilet and house tap. Per quarter $6.50, bath, 2 toilets and house use. Meter rates, are $0.15 per thousand gallons with a service rate of: $0.40 per month for 5-8 in meter. $0.60 per month for 3-4 in meter. $1.00 per month for 1 in meter. $1.50 per month for iy 2 in meter. There is an effort being made to have all householders put in meters, the cost being actually lower for dwelling houses, than a flat rate. There has also been a recent change in the poliyc of handling the water works finances. Formerly the city was per¬ mitted the use of water for various municipal purposes free of charge, but by a referendum, the people voted to charge the city for water thus used, just as a private comsumer would be. 24 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. FIRE PROTECTION. Fargo has a very adequate fire department, and its efficiency is shown by the control it has had on the situation in spite of the dangerous conditions existing in many parts of the city; such as old delapidated wooden buildings in every congested quarter, piles of old lumber and rubbish, as are found back of many houses, bill boards, etc., and a general attitude of carlessness on the part of the people. A comparison of our fire-fighting equipment with that of Grand Forks is as follows: FARGO 2 city service trucks. 4 hose wagons. 1 steam engine. 1 aerial ladder truck. 15 men employed. GRAND FORKS 1 city service truck. 2 hose wagons. 1 steam engine. 7 men employed. However, the fact that we have a well equipped department does not insure us against any great conflagration. Unless we take great efforts to illiminate some of our existing conditions, we are liable to have a fire some day, which no department can control. LIGHTING. The lighting system of Fargo are owned by a private com¬ pany, the Union Light, Heat and Power Company. The electric light service is excellent altho the rates differ somewhat when compared with our neighboring cities. The rates are as follows: For 1st 100 K. W. H. Fargo 11c. For 1st 100 K. W. H. Grand Forks, 9c. For 1st 100 K. W. H. Moorhead, 8c. For 1st 100 K. W. H. Fergus Falls, 7c. With a 10 per cent reduction in all cases when paid cash or within a limited time. The gas and the heating plant are likewise owned by the same Union Light, Heat and Power Company. Most of the business houses on Broadway are heated from the Central plant, in all 78 business houses are heated by the Company. This is a much more efficient method of heating than by individual plants. The meter-rate is $0.65 per thousand pound of steam. OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES. There is an urgent need for a new postoffice. The present business having outgrown the quarters available. A site for a SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 25 new building has been purchased to the rear of the present build¬ ing, but not much more has been done. The present building is entirely too small. During rush sea¬ sons it is necessary to use the court-room upstairs to handle the parcel post. The telegraph service of Fargo is excellent. Western Union and the Postal Telegraph give Fargo the best service of any city of its size in the world. It can be compared to cities of from 200,000 to 3000,000 inhabitants. It has the largest relay office of any city between the “Twin Cities” and the western coast. There are 50 employes the year round. There are three telephone systems in the city, the Bell Co., owning the local system, the Northwestern telephone Exchagne Co., haying the long distance system and the American Telephone and telegraph Co., having a long distance system. There is one telephone for every five persons in the city, which is an excep¬ tionally high percentage. PUBLIC BUILDINGS. There are 19 public buildings inclusive of the 9 public School buildings. Auditorium, valued at $92,000, in the heart of the city: Post Office, $150,000; Court House, $120,000; City Hall $50,000; Masonic Temple, $1250,000; Y. M. C. A. $80,000; Three libraries, $250,000; Filtration Plant $200,000; Public Schools $550,000. There is in addition a central market open in summer for vegetables and at times in winter and autumn, for meats and poultry. The city has purchased additional property and the central market will be enlarged to meet the needs of this rapidly growing community. Fargo is much freer of unsightly posts than many cities. The telephone lines are all under ground. Electric light posts, are how¬ ever used on all streets. In the business section these have been replaced by ornamental lamp posts, making Fargo a most beautifully lighted city. Unsightly cloth signs are prohibited and we trust the time is near when a ban will be put on Bill boards. There are 3450 linear feet of Bill boards in the city and they not only detract from the beauty of the city, but, serve as a place for gathering refuse and debris, adding to the city’s untidiness and giving it an unsightly appearance. DISEASE AND HEALTH MEASURES. The first necessity to insure the health of any community, is a thorough cooperation of all the people, and especially of physicians. 26 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. The duty in regard to such matters is clearly specified in North Dakota. “Whenever it shall come to the knowledge of any physician or other person that a case of tuberculosis, typhoid fever or any other dangerous infectious disease exists within the jurisdiction of any county or city board of health he shall immediately report to the superintendent of the County Board of Health or to the City Health Officer in whichever jurisdiction the case may be, the name and place of residence if known, of every person afflicted with such disease, and if he is attending physician of such person he shall report not less then twice each week, the condition of each person so afflicted with the state of such disease.” DISEASES NOT QUARANTINED. Measles, mumps, chickenpox, infant paralysis, typhoid, and tuberculosis, (from interview with Health Officer). There is a measure which, if successful, will quarantine infant paralysis. During the past five years there have been several epidemics of measles, scarlet fever, chickenpox, and several cases af typhoid. No report is made of measles or chicken pox altho school reports and other information would indicate there are over 1000 cases of these each year. There have also been many cases of scarlet fever and diptheria. It is deplorable that these diseases continue. The city Health Officer, insists that the amount of diseases could be prevented, if proper precautions were observed. This will be ad¬ mitted by everyone. Then why not act at once? Why permit an¬ other epidemic to occur, which will take the lives and impair the vitality of members of our community, not to speak of the great economic loss? It lies with us! What are we going to cio about it ! ! ! „ WHAT WE ARE DOING. 1. There is a Health Inspector of the Schools, who m^kes a thoro inspection annuallly regarding tonsils, adenoids, defective vision, hearing and bad teeth. In 1914 it was found that 8 per cent had adenoids and bad tonsils; 20 per cent had bad teeth; 1 per cent defective hearing, and from 3 to 5 per cent defective eyesight. This inspection has proven very effective. Would not a more frequent inspection prove more so? Would it not be a good business to spend a little more in the prevention of disease, and a little less for the cure thereof? 2. There is a visiting nurse hired by the city, who has like¬ wise had charge of the work of the Associated Charities. A fuller SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 27 report of this work is given further on, but it might be stated here, that the greatest drawback to this part of the citys preventive work, is the “lack of thorough co-operation” on the part of the various organizations interested in relief and preventive work. 3. The City Health Department is proving itself especially efficient this year. ^ This has proven to be the case to a large de¬ gree, because three of our citizens, Mrs. Bolley, Mrs. Sheldon, and Mrs. Kindred have been appointed by the City Commission to act as special Health Inspectors, to assist Dr. Scanlon. They inspect all eating places, groceries and meat markets monthly, and report to the Commission concerning existing conditions. It is almost im¬ possible to state the change that has taken place in conditions since this work was started. Places which were positively filthy, have cleaned up, put in new epuipment, and renovated generally. But the item of greatest value is this, they are keeping clean— because these inspectors make their tour, each month, and do not have any stated time for appearing. It might be added here, that the work of these ladies is donated to the city. Let us all join in this work and do what we can to make Fargo, the Cleanest City in the Northwest! The inspection of milk in Fargo is far superior to any other city in the Northwest. Most of the milk sold in the city is pasteur¬ ized, thus doing away with about 80 per cent, of the trouble caused by pemature fermenting. Under an ordinance passed in 1905, any person, firm or corporation shipping milk must: 1. Have a license. 2. Have buildings, stable conditions and premises inspected. 3. Have cows inspected and tagged; milk and cream inspected. Distributing points are required to keep in readiness for inspection at any time, and keep all milk on ice. Milk cannot be sold from animal which has not undergone the tuberculin test, or if milk is impure either from adulteration, dirt, lack of given amount of butterfat. Inspector shall at all times be free to inspect and condemn cows in diseased conditions. The Inspector shall be a competent veterinarian, and shall give bond to the extent of $1,000 to insure faithful service. The majority of meats used in Fargo comes from large pack¬ ing houses. Fargo has no municipal slaughter house, where killing can be done under sanitary conditions and where meats can be readily inspected. Until such provision is made, the dealers must of necessity receive shipments of packing house goods, and the con¬ sumer will pay high prices, when he might get better and fresher meats for less money. Likewise, the lack of an abattoir (slaughter 28 SOCIAL SURVEY OF' FARGO, N. D. house) gives rise to conditions reported by our assistant Health Inspectors, where butchering is done, in the basement or back rooms of the shop. The danger of this arises not only from un¬ cleanliness, but from the dangers of uninspected animals being killed. While the city of Fargo has some conditions which sur¬ pass those found in other cities of its size, such as our milk and dairy inspection, and our health department, with its three volun¬ teer assistants, still we dare not stop and become satified. Let us compare the amount paid out by the city for its various depart¬ ments. Police (Including Courts) _ $16,957.50 Streets - 16,582.35 Fire - 18,249.52 Health_ 8,000.00 Total of all appropriations_$156,000.00 There is no appropriation made by the city for health educa¬ tion. The local newspapers do much, in the way of editorials and articles, and Dr. Ladd, publishes some bulletins on his work, but there is nothing done by the city to bring before the people the necessary knowledge to prevent and get rid of disease. There are rigid laws regarding the reporting of all forms of contagious dis¬ eases, but even some of the physicans are lax in this matter, seeming to think it a favor to the patient, if he is let out of quarantine be¬ fore the required number of days has been fulfilled. One physician is said to have given antitoxin by the month. How can this laxity in regard to health matters be overcome? By creating a sentiment againt it; by a complete cooperation of every one in demanding that laws shall be enforced!! LEGISLATIVE RESTRICTIONS AND REGULATIONS. One of the first items of interest in regard to legal restrictions and regulations is the fact that North Dakota has constitutional Prohibition of the sale of intoxicating liquors. It is true, that large quantities of liquors have always been sold in this state, but this was done in direct violation of the law, and was made poss¬ ible because of lax enforcement. There has probably been less of this illegal traffic going on in Fargo than in some other cities in North Dakota, because liquor could be secured in Moorhead. Now that Moorhead has gone dry, there will be a need of greater vigilance in this matter in Fargo, altho this additional work will be more than offset by the reduction in the number of drunks it has been necessary SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 29 to deal with. During the year 1914 the police have m.'de the fol¬ lowing arrests: For drunkenness_:- 762 For vagrancy _ 164 For disorderly conduct _ 265 For non-support _ 2 For crimes against property_ 59 Totaling ___ 1252 No record was kept of residence, so it is impossible to tell whether most of these cases were transients, visitors or citizens. Neither was any record kept of first offenders, as it was deemed unimportant. However, unless very complete records are kept in regard to such matters there is little that can be done to remedy conditions. If there is an unusually large percentage of first offenders, there is probably some local cause which may be removed, or, on the other hand, if there are persons who persist in com¬ mitting petty offenses, it can be seen that the “usual fine” of jail sentence does not suffice. For example: readers of our local papers will recognize the following, which appears again and again in our papers: “-arrested by — — at 11:40 Monday night for soliciting, pleaded guilty to that charge when arrainged yester¬ day morning and was fined $10, which she paid and was released” or “-was arrested last night on a charge of disorderly conduct. Being unable to pay the fine, he was given the ‘usual sentence’ ”. This same thing occurs rgain and again, with the same individuals, thus seemingly indicating that the “usual sentence” is rather in¬ effective. Is it not worth trying to put some of these habitual •offenders, on probation, since this continual arrest, fine or jail sentence and release, to be arrested again, is evidently ineffective? A NEW JAIL NEEDED! How many of our people have ever seen our City Jail? Surely, but a very small number, or our present place of detention would long since have ceased to exist. The number of inmates in the city jail varies. There have been very few days during the past year when there has not been one or more prisoners locked up. At times there have been as many as 34 in the jail at one time. There are four small cells 5x10 and 10 feet high, with one cot and a 12x12 window, and no toilet or wash bowl. In addition to these there is a “Bull Pen”, 18x30 feet, which has a toilet and sink for washing, and two 30x30 windows. 30 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. WOMEN’S CELLS. In a space about 10x30 feet are three or four cots, one toilet and wash bowl and two 30x30 windows. This appartment is separated from the mens’ by a heavy sheet iron partition which does not extend entirely to the ceiling, thus making it possible for con¬ versation to pass from one side to the other. Last year at one time there were seven women in this room. This prison, located at N. P. Avenue and Roberts Street, with the office of the police department, City Weigher and Associated Charities, all located on the basement floor of the City Hall, is about 3 feet below the level of the street. The quarters are crowd¬ ed and, unsanitary. No regular work is provided the prisoners hence, except for some occasional work, as cutting weeds, in the summer time, they sit in idleness. The City Jail may be summed up briefly by saying, that it is in a MOST DEPLORABLE CONDITION, and is entirely unsuited for the purpose, namely—CORRECTION: Citizens of Fargo, Visit your City Jail and judge for yourself, as to whether a man or woman who has been confined there, will become a better citizen. If it does not serve to better adjust them to the community, and in no way make better citizens out them, what in the name of com¬ mon sense, is the use of locking them up for a few days and turn¬ ing them out worse than before? CHILD CARE. There are approximately 370 children cared for in Fargo annually by the recognized institutions, organized for the care of children. Of this number about 60 were from Fargo ,while the rest were from other sections of this and neighboring states. The Florence Crittenton Home cared for 76 babies; 8 Juve¬ nile court cases; and 22 births among which latter, only 1 case was from Fargo. The N. D. Children’s Home cared for 176 children during the year. 126 were received for the first time. Accurate figures were not obtained from St. John’s Orphanage, but from 100 to 125 children are cared for by that institution an¬ nually.- The Florence Crittendon Home is adequate for need directly connected with its own work, but the additional care of Juvenile Court cases has overtaxed its resources. A cottage has been estab¬ lished for this particular phase of the work, and is proving to be most successful. SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 31 It is interesting to note that this is the only institution in the country effectively handling Juvenile Court cases, in this way. The girls are given as nearly normal home life as possible, thus fitting them for normal social life again. The Crittenton Home admits such cases from the Juvenile Court as are absolutely nec¬ essary, this however, contrary to the rules of the National F. C. H. organization. Besides infants born there, care is also given to children and their mothers who are temporarily in need of help, or where the mother is unable to provide for her child. The children are not placed for adoption, unless the mother dies while in the Home, in which case the state appoints Superintendent Top¬ ping to act as the child’s guardian until it is adopted by a family meeting her approval. The child’s relatives, are however, given an opportunity to take or refuse the child. There is a special need for a State Industrial School in North Dakota. The N. D. Children’s Home is very much overcrowded and has some very pressing needs, viz., a fenced-in play ground; more dormitory room, and a special teacher, as the attendance of the children at the public school, has not proven as satisfactory as could be wished. There is likewise a need for appropriation for special nursing in time of acute illness. This home admits any dependent, neglected or homeless child, regardless of race or color unless it has some inherited or incur¬ able malady that would prevent its adoption in a family home. Temporary care is given to children of mothers struggling with adversity, but private parties may not bring children here to board. Children are placed out on two conditions. A legal adoption in the courts; Indenture. Applicants for children must be kindheart- ed, humane and of good report, of such financial conditions to give the child advantages, must cherish child in a Christian manner and provide suitable and proper education. All children are “followed up’’ until they become self supporting. The St. John’s Orphanage is open to all orphan and depen¬ dent children. They are placed out for legal adoption only. The family must be Catholics and must provide an education for the child until it becomes self supporting. The Society likewise keeps in touch with the child until he is self supporting. BABY BOARDING HOUSES AND MATERNITY HOMES The above three institutions do not account for all of the dependent children in the community. There are in addition to the above, at least six private maternity homes and baby and child boarding houses in Fargo and two or three in Moorhead, who are connected with similar places on this side of the Red river. Some 32 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. of these places are in care of persons who do the best they can under the conditions, but, even at best, one woman carihg for 12 or 15 babies, or from 14 to 20 older children, cannot give them the necessary care. The children in both baby-boarding houses and maternity homes are placed out in families not legally adopted, and no records concerning them kept. Out of six persons inter¬ viewed, all admitted that they could not even tell the number of children thus placed out, and that they kept no records whatever, except in one instance where it was said something near the truth could be arrived at by consulting her account book. One woman admitted placing children out, (children which she claimed to have received from a maternity home, when they were only a few hours old), and said they had not been legally adopted, but even the mother did not know the whereabouts of the child. Another case; that her brother had found a place for a baby, but she didn’t know where. Different keepers of these places have made rough estimates of the number of babies and children cared for; these estimates total up to about 120. If this were a wild, unsettled community, there might be some excuse for these conditions, but, not only do we claim to have an exceptionally highly enlightened community, but in addi¬ tion, there is a very efficient State Law relating to these matters. The following is the State Law pertaining to these matters: “An Act Regulating Maternity Hospitals, Boarding Houses for Infants, and the Business of Placing Infants; Fixing Liability for the Care of Infants and Providing for their Removal; Prohib¬ iting the Sending of Pregnant Women to Other Counties Where Their Children Become Public Dependants and Prescribing Penal¬ ties for Violation of this Act. “Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the State of North Dakota: Section 1. Maternity Hospital. That it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association to conduct or maintain a maternity hospital, to conduct or maintain a boarding house for infants, to conduct or maintain a boarding home for children, or to engage or assist in conducting a place for placing infants as herein defined; without having in full force a written license there¬ for from the district court of the county in which such maternity hospital, boarding house or boarding home is conducted and main¬ tained; provided that nothing in this Act shall apply to any state institution maintained and operated by this state. SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 33 Section 2. Maternity Hospital Definition. The term materni¬ ty hospital as used in this Act shall be held to mean a house or other place maintained or conducted by any one who advertises himself or boarding house; or a house or any other place in which hispital or boarding house; or a house or any other place in which any person receives, cares for or treats, within a period of six months, more than one woman during pregnancy, or during or after delivery, except women related to him by blood or marriage; Provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to pre¬ vent a nurse from practicing her profession under the care of a physician in the home of the patient, or in a regular hospital other than a maternity hospital or boarding house for infants. Section 3. Boarding House for Infants.- Definition. The term boarding house for infants as used in this Act shall be held to mean a house or other place conducted or maintained by one who adver¬ tises himself or holds himself out as conducting a boarding house for infants under three years of age, or who receives illegitimate children under three years of age, or who has in his custody or control two or more infants under three years of age unattended by parents or guardians, for the purpose of providing such child¬ ren with food or lodging, excepting children related to him by blood or marriage or who have been legally adopted by him. Section 4. Boarding Home for Children. Definition. The term boarding home for children as used in this Act shall be held to mean any children’s home, orphanage, or other institutions, as¬ sociations, organization or individual engaged in receiving, caring for and finding homes for orphans, dependent and neglected children. Section 5. Placing Infants. Definition. Whoever advertiess himself or holds himself out as placing or finding homes for, or otherwise disposing of infants under three years of age, or who¬ ever, within a period of six months," actually places or assists in placing in homes of persons other than relatives,- or causes or as¬ sists in causing the adoption or disposal otherwise of more than two infants under three years of age, shall be deemed as engaged in or assisting in conducting a business of placing infants. Section 6. license. How Issued. (Contents). The judge of the district court shall have the power to grant licenses to per¬ sons or organizations to maintain maternity hospitals, or boarding houses for infants as defined in Sections 2, 3 and 5 of this Act, upon the payment of a fee of five dollars to the clerk of court, said fee to be turned into the county treasury and used to defray the expenses incurred by said district judge in carrying out the 34 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. provisions of this Act. No license shall be granted for a term ex¬ ceeding one year. It shall state the name of the licensee, the par¬ ticular premise in or at which the business shall be carried on and the number of women or infants that may be treated, maintained, boarded or cared for at any one time; and said license shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the house or other place in the house at which the business is conducted. No greater number of women or infants shall be kept at one time on the premises than is authorized in the license, and no woman or infmts shall be kept or disposed of within a building or place not designated in the li¬ cense. The record of such license when issued, shall be kept by the clerk of the court, who shall forthwith give a copy of said li¬ cense to the board of health of the city or county in which the li¬ censed business is to be conducted. The judge of district court shall designate a person to visit and inspect the premises, and in¬ vestigate the manner of conducting the business licensed. Such persons shall have the right to call for and examine the records required by this Act to be kept, and to inquire into all matters con¬ cerning such hospital and house and the women and children there¬ in, and it shall be the duty of the licensee to give all reasonable facility for examining records, inspecting the premises and seeing the inmates thereof. Every such visit, inspection and investigation made by a city or county board of health shall be reported by that board to the judge of the district court. Section 7. Rules and Regulations. It shall be the duty of the judge of district court to provide such general regulations and rules for the conduct of all maternity hospitals and boarding houses for infants and for the business of placing infants that shall seem advisable to said judge and not inconsistent with any of the pro¬ visions of this Act. The judge of district court may revoke such license when in his discretion any provision of the Act is violated; or in any case where, in the opinion of the judge, such maternity hospital or such boarding house for infants is maintained without due regard to the health, comfort and morality of the inmates, or without due regard to the common rules of hygiene, or when any such infants have been placed in homes given in adoption or other¬ wise disposed of without proper provisions or regard for the health, comfort, maintenance, and moral welfare of the infants. The judge of district court shall note such revocation upon the face of the record thereof and shall give notice, in writing, of such revocation to the licensee by delivering the notice to him in person, or leav¬ ing it on the licensed premises, and shall forthwith notify the board SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 35 of health of such city and county in which such premises are sit¬ uated. Section 8. Admission of Patients. Record. Report. Every person, firm, corporation or association that conducts, or holds a license to conduct a maternity hospital as herein defined, shall, upon the admission of any woman or patient, make a record in a form to be prescribed by the judge of district court, wherein shall be entered by the true and correct name of such woman or patient, together with all her places of residence during the year preceding her admission to such hospital. Within twenty-four hours after a woman is admitted to a maternity hospital, a report of such admission shall be made to the judge of the district court. Every birth which takes place in any such maternity hospital shall be at¬ tended by a legally qualified physician or licensed midwife and a record shall be kept by the persons conducting such hospital, con¬ taining the date of the birth of the infant, together with the name, sex and color thereof, the name and address of the mother of such infant and of the physician or licensed midwife attending the birth. If the mother shall refuse to give a given name to such child, the persons in charge of the hospital shall give the same a given name and enter it in the records of the birth. The surname of the child shall be that of the father, whether such child is legitimate or ille¬ gitimate, if the name of the father is known. A copy of the re¬ cords mentioned in this section shall be sent to the judge of the district court within two days after the birth of such infants. Section 9. Birth and Other Records. Every person, firm, cor¬ poration or association that is conducting a maternity hospital, a boarding house for infants, or is placing infants, as defined in this Act, or is holding a license as provided herein, shall keep a record in a form to be prescribed by the judge of district court wherein shall be entered the name, age, sex and color of every child born on His premises or brought Yo him for placing, or finding a home for, or giving out for adoption, or otherwise disposing of the same, together with the name and address of each of the parents of said child; the name of every woman of and of every child who dies while in his care,* together with the date of such death; also the name and residence of the person with whom the child is placed or by whom it is adopted ;this entry to be made within twenty- four hours after such child is given out', taken away or disposed of in any manner. A correct copy of such record shall be sent to the judge of the district court at such times as the judge shall require.” 36 SOCIAL SURVEY OF F'ARGO, N. D. INSPECTION NEEDED All but two of the persons approached seem indignant, or in¬ different concerning this law. One person saymg, she thought baby boarding houses should be carefully regulated, but in regard to maternity homes that the Government has no business to go snooping into person’s private affairs, and that she would not con¬ form to it. If forced to conform to it she would close up. The babies in these places are nearly all illegitimate, and come here from far and near. Some are even sent from the Twin Cities. Are we as citizens of Fargo going to permit this condition to con¬ tinue, and let Fargo become an unregulated dumping ground, for persons desiring to dispose of their babies? What kind of citi¬ zens can we expect of these unsupervised children, who are without parental care, without any legal care, and for whom, even the per¬ sons who place them out, have no responsibility, when once they are passed on to another party. There is perhaps no other part of the state where the above Law will apply more than right here. This is one of our immed¬ iate duties. “What are we going to do about it?’’ As has been stated, there are numerous organizations and in¬ dividuals in Fargo having for their purpose, the amelioration of the social ills of the group in which they are located, but there is one Organization whose primary object is the co-ordination of the work of these other bodies. This Organization is the Associated Charities. THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES In order to do the best and most efficient work it is necessary that all societies and all persons interested in Social work should cooperate with one another in every way and at all times. With¬ out cooperation all charity becomes inefficient and extravagant. Many people and societies do cooperate with one another, but there are some who do not see the need of closer cooperation. These are wasting to a great extent their own and other people’s efforts to be of service to the community. Instead of anyone taking it upon themselves to feed homeless and dependent persons or provide them with money, they should be referred to the Associated Charities, where their cases may be properly investigated and work, food, clothing, lodging, transpor¬ tation or medical care will be provided for them as may be found necessary. When possible, relatives and friends will be communi¬ cated with, who will often provide for the dependent person and he or she will not become a public charge. SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 37 Of like importance in the attempt to achieve best results, is the matter of duplication. All persons and organizations of Fargo who have the best interests of the community at heart should co¬ operate in making the Associated Charities the CENTRAL BUREAU, or CLEARING HOUSE for all charity work of the city. If a case is being handled by any person or society, the matter should b<^ reported to the Associated Charities, so that proper records can be made and the responsibility for that particular case be definitely located. FREE EMPLOYMENT BUREAU The free employment bureau has far more than paid off its maintenance in the amount of money earned by tne people who made use of it during the past year. The work has more than doubled; in 1913 employment was secured by 438 persons; in 1914 employment was secured for a total of 976. Here is another phase of our work where, if those having work to offer and those de¬ siring work would cooperate more fully our success along this line could be even greater than it has been. SUMMARY OF THE BUREAU FOR 1913 AND 1914 Women sent out by the day-991 Men sent out by the day----307 Permanent positions for girls_ 7 Total number openings for work offered -1106 Annual cost of Maintenance_$326.00 We consider this a good investment. Personal interviews in office _ 1,052 Business calls__ 245 Investigations for county _ 94 Investigations for other organizations _ 17 Letters received and answered_ 300 Homeless girls and women applied for help_s._ 10 Homeless men applied for help_ 114 Families assisted _ 80 Legal aid for girls and women_ 5 Rent paid for families, number_ 4 Number of garments distributed _ 1,700 VISITING NURSE DEPARTMENT Professional calls for 1913 and 1914 2,344 38 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. ITEMIZED REPORT FOR 1914 ONLY: Obstetrical cases cared for- 32 Measles (patients nursed and parents instructed) - 27 Tuberculosis patients instructed, nursing care- 15 Bronchitis _ 1 Pleurisy- 1 Pneumonia __ 4 Rheumatism _ 2 Heart Disease_ 3 Meningitis _ 1 Nephritis _ 1 Paralysis _ 1 Anemia _ 1 Cholera Infantum _ 9 Wounds dressed in office_ 5 Old age _ 3 Diphtheria _:_ 1 Insane patients_ 2 Feeble minded patients_ 3 Tonsils and Adenoids—operative cases _ 5 Patients sent to hospitals_ 13 Medical care for special cases_ 6 Typhoid Fever _ 3 Total number patients_ 134 This report does not include the work done since January, 1915. Receipts Balance on hand May 18, 1913-$ 77.00 Balance on hand January 18, 1914- 161.40 City warrants _1_ 1,100.00 County warrants _ 950.00 Visiting Nurse fees_ 100.00 Membership dues _ 124.00 Other donations _ 378.00 Total _$2776.18 Expenses Visiting nurse salary _$1,979.32 Assistant nurse _ 42.52 Salary for clerk _ 362.50 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 39 Meals and lodging for transients- 40.45 Rent -- - : - 38.25 Shack for Tubercular patient- 17.85 Transportation for transients--- 24.04 Loan _ 14.00 Livery and drayage- 19.50 Office supplies _; 31.97 Groceries _ 11.57 Drugs _ 20.60 Special nurse fees - 9.50 Shoes and clothing--- 8.60 Miss Ottinger for services_,- 5.00 Associated Charities, Mpls. special- 3.00 Miss Carrie Johnson -:— 3.00 Telegraphing _ 2.95 Office rent - 133.50 Water rent _ 4.00 Bunting _ 1.65 Glasses for two_ 7.50 Total _ $2,763.42 Deficit of _ 13.26 HOMELESS MEN Fargo is so centrally located, that men flock in from all parts of the country, and the question of finding employment for them during the winter is a serious matter. Men who have always worked regularly frequently find themselves out of a job without a moment’s notice. It is sometimes weeks and even months before another can be found. There are of course many men who are always out of work, and men who work only long enough anywhere to earn a little money with which to take themselves elsewhere. It is* the best policy never to give material relief to these men without offering work if it can be found. But if there is nothing to do they must be provided with food, clothing and lodging until otherwise cared for. DO YOU WANT TO DO SOME CONSTRUCTION WORK? Here is the point where every citizen of Fargo can help rem¬ edy conditions. You can do more real good if you provide some work and help some individual by permitting him to earn a meal, than by giving him a “hand-out” and telling him to pass on—this 40 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. as nothing else in our local activities demands cooperation, for the building up of our efficient municipal employment bureau. NO WORK ! HUNGER ! COLD ! There are often times when there is positively no work to be found, and when there are great numbers of men in our city. That situation was very evident last winter, when the Glad Tidings Mission found it necessary to do something. Another winter is coming. It may be better or worse—but the probabilities are that there will be about the same number of men out of work and money, as last year. The situation must be met. Those men .must be fed, and sheltered. We might as well prepare for the situation which we are all reasonably sure will arise, and provide for a Municipal Lodging House At Once! _ There are still several months before winter. Let’s get busy now. Provide some munici¬ pal work for these men, so that they may honestly earn the help given them. If a municipal lodging house, and municipal work is provided, (either through private cooperation with muncipal labor bureau, or otherwise), the honest, but needly man will be provided for, and the man who is merely lazy will have to work or move on. WIDOWS AND DESERTED WIVES Alcoholism and wife desertion are probably the most frequent causes of poverty, but sickness and death contribute their share. The problem of finding suitable means of support for women who have the support of two or more children thrust upon them through no fault of their own is not an easy matter. To send a mother out to work all day and leave the little ones in the house with an irresponsible little girl, or still worse, to leave them all day alone in the house or on the street, as is so often the case, is always disastrous to the little children. These usually grow up dissipated men and irrisponsible women, which should not be possible in an enlightened community. The new Mother’s Pension law should do much to improve these conditions. A deserter husband can usually be brought to- justice if he can be located. But if he is a drunkard; the family is often worse off with him than without him. Such men should be made Wards of the State as much as the insane. They could then be given em¬ ployment with which to support the family. Few men in the laboring class realize the importance of providing against an emergency by insuring their lives, so that when death comes to them their families are left destitute, perhaps one of the most im- SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 41 portant reasons for this is the fact that we have no Insurance Company which specializes in small policies, and the people are unable to buy more expensive insurance. EDUCATION On June 20th, 1914 there were 4,318 children of school age in the city. On March 1st, 1915 there were 3,067 children in the public schools, the difference may of course be accounted for by the fact that there are many children of the school age attending private schools, and also that some few have been excused for various reasons. How many of our children get all the education the city. offers them? The following is a statement of attendance received this spring from the school authorities. Sept. 1913 May 1914 Number in 5th grade _ 257 330 Number in 6th grade . _. 244 279 Number in 7th grade 217 244 Number in 8th grade 168 Sept. 1913 185 .May 1914 Number in 1st year High School 168 144 Number in 2nd year High School 130 _ 110 Number in 3rd year High School 83 75 Number in 4th year High School - 71 68 There are two noticeable facts about this report. 1st. Many pupils miss the first month of school. 2nd. Many of our children do not even acquire an eighth grade education. It is true this report is not a true indication of that fact, since it takes only one year into account, but, still, the falling off from grade to grade is so great, that it shows the tendency in the matter. TRUANCY There is no separate and distinct truancy department in con¬ nection with our public schools. The work is carried on for the most part by Mrs. Erma Irwin Poppler, who is a regularly ap¬ pointed juvenile officer. She is notified of persistent cases of truancy by the principals of the various schools, and likewise finds cases in connection with her other work. An investigation is made of the conditions surrounding the delinquent child, the fami¬ ly life, etc., and an effort is made to remedy the conditions by a 42 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. cooperation of parents and teacher. Rev. O. E. McCracken and Mr. Frank D. Hall are likewise regularly appointed truant officers. Extreme cases of truancy are taken before Judge Pollock for correction. JUVENILE COURT During the year 1914, there were 43 cases brought before the Juvenile Court. Of this number 26 were boys and 17 girls. Like¬ wise, out of the 43 cases, 27 were children 16 years of age or under. There is no industrial school in North Dakota, hence several of the girls were put into the care of Miss Topping of the Crittenton Home. A cottage was provided, and one of the most unique experiments in the country successfully carried out. The girls are given a normal home life, which is the thing they needed—and the lack of which caused them to come under the jurisdiction of the court. It has been found that the probation system works very ef¬ fectively in the case of children. Why not apply it to adults? Many of them are little more than children mentally, and are in need of just such care and supervision as is given by a system of probation. As has been mentioned above. Visit our City Jail, and judge for yourself whether or not a man will be better or worse after spending some time in that inhuman, unsanitary place. CHURCHES (Lenore Smith, President Philathea Class, Plymouth Congregational Sunday School). There are twenty-eight churches in Fargo, representing var¬ ious denominations. There is a city Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A., and a division of the Salvation Army, all of which are in active con¬ dition. Of the three above mentioned, the greater amount of in¬ terest seems to center in the Y. M. C. A. Besides the city organiza¬ tions, there are Y. M. C. A.’s and Y. W. C. A.’s in connection with several of the local colleges There are separate churches for every nationality that is represented to any extent in the city. The churches are united on practically all civic questions. There is favor towards church federation amongs the majority of the Protestant churches, and there is practically no opposition to the church in the community. The city has a Ministrel Association including most of the Protestant ministers of the city. The Association takes an active part in civic improvements, and in social and moral problems, the SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 43 ministers of the city are sympathetic and responsive in matters of social welfare to more than the usual degree. Generally speaking, .the various churches do not rvoid the poor districts, though a number of them depend on the Glad Tid¬ ings Mission to care for those outside their own denomination. Practically the only group not reached by any church are a few Greek Catholics, and some negros. The majority of the stu¬ dents of business colleges are non-attendants at the church ser¬ vices, but active measures are being taken towards interesting them in regular service. All the churches are interested in missions, both home and foreign, and practically all of them furnish some sort of training along religious and social lines for their young people. The most popular work of this kind is obtained through the young peoples meetings and the Sunday School, especially through the* organized classes of the Sunday School. A fair percentage of the churches prefer taking sole charge of donations for charitable purposes, in preference to active co-opera¬ tion with charitable organizations. This fact seems to be due to skepticism in regard to the organization of the charitable societies, rather than to any denominations differences. In some communities the difference between churched and non- churched denominations, corresponds to social differences. Some creeds forbid amusements furnished under the auspices of the church in other denominations. In no case does there seem to be any open antipathy towards the church on the part of any of the citizens. Practically every church has some method of attracting peo¬ ple of the community to its services, the most popular of which seems to be by means of special music, and occasional lectures and speeches given by outsiders. All told, the combined membership of the churches of the city comprises between twenty-five and thirty per cent of the cities’ population. The combined membership of the Y. M. C. A.’s is about 1152 and of the Y. W. C. A.’s about 425. Nearly fifty per cent of these are church members in regular standing. Prdctibally every class of people in the city is represented in these societies, md the majority are interested in both the social arid religious meetings. Bible and mission study classes are held weekly' and social meetings and lectures are arranged for, when possible. 44 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. RECREATION Fargo is a city of young people, This is true not only because of the large number of young people who have left older communi¬ ties, and gone into business in Fargo—but because of the great numbers who come here to attend the various schools and colleges. What Does Fargo Do For the Leisure of It’s Young People? The principal lines of recreation are the dance halls, the puo- lic parks, theatres, pool halls, bowling alleys, gymnasiums, athe- letics, and in winter time skating. 1. Dance Halls. There are four public dance halls in Fargo, the city has a strict ordinance for the regulation of these places of amusement, and it is very well enforced by Mrs. Erma Poppler, Fargo’s Policewoman. Before this supervision was instituted, the conditions were terrible and even with supervision it was some time before they could be properly regulated. There is consider¬ able opposition to the public dance halls in the city, but the counter contention is, that if they are not permitted the young people will go outside the city to unregulated dance halls instead of to the local regulated ones. 2. Parks. As stated above, Fargo is richly endowed with parks Island Park, almost in the center of the city has but one serious drawback. It is not, provided with lights. Install lights in this park, so that it may be used by our young people safely, by the young men and women who have no other parlor, by the working people of the city who cannot afford to go to the lakes for an outing, and without question, Fargo will have not only the finest park of any city of its size in the country—but, the recreation problem will have been met to a very large degree. 3. Theatres. A popular form of recreation is found in the theatres, of which there are six in the city running regularly, and in addition to these, there are periodical performances in the Auditorium. It has been estimated that there is a total average daily attendance of the different show houses amounting to be¬ tween 4,000 and 5,000. We have not verified these figures, but, whatever the exact number may be, the proportion is compara¬ tively high. 4. Pool Halls and Bowling Alleys. There are thirteen pool halls and four bowling alleys in Fargo. In the majority of them the ventilation is very poor, hence as a means for exercise and recreation they are poor at best. They are very well patronized, especially in the winter time, and most of them are well conducted. SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 45 5. Skating. During the winter months, the City of Fargo provides one of the most wholesome and beneficial forms of rec¬ reation to he found—out doors skating. Very few cities are so situated that they may provide recreation of this kind to the extent that Fargo does. Anyone passing down Seventh Street South in the winter time will admit, that here indeed, on the skating rink, is money well spent. An indoor skating rink has recently been opened on Broadway. This is well attended, but as yet it is not possible to comment as to its effect upon the local problem of recreation. We trust it will become an important and valuable addition. 6. In addition to the other forms of recreation offered, are the various forms of athletics. The different colleges and Y. M. C. A., as well as the local leagues not only serve the public by offering opportunity to see these sports—but, of more importance, gives the opportunity to many of our young people to take active part therein. 7. Playgrounds. Many of Our Children Have No Playground But the Street. Does the above statement seem strong in a “City of Homes?”. It probably does. But, for those who doubt—we suggest a walk down Front Street, and ask them where the boys pnd girls there must play if they play at all. There is an open space around the Washington School. Why can we not make that into an enclosed playground for the children in that part of the city? Equip it, get someone to take charge of it—and thus Help These Children to Become Good Citizens. SUMMARY. This report of the investigations made has not been an at¬ tempt to revolutionize the Social Condition of Fargo. It has been, as was said above, a brief Inventory of Our Stock in the Condi¬ tions and Activities of Life in Fargo. What have been found to be some of the leading features: 1. That Fargo is ideally located to become the Most Health¬ ful City in the United States. 2. That its population is increasing rapidly but steadily. 3. Fargo is a city of Individual Homes, but, that there are many defective houses in the city, and that there are yery inade¬ quate housing laws in Fargo. 46 SOCIAL SURVEY OF FARGO, N. D. 4. Fargo has one of the best water and sewer systems in the country^ hut, over one-third of the dwellings are not con¬ nected therewith. 5. Flies and mosquitoes abound because citizens fail to take proper precautions. Let’s clean up and Stay Clean. 6. Garbage situation very bad. Commission recently passed ordinance which may remedy conditions to a large degree for the present—until an incinerator can be built. 7. Unnecessary epidemic of contagious diseases frequent. 8. City Jail in Deplorable Condition and a new jail needed. 9. Supervision of Baby Boarding Houses and Maternity Hos¬ pitals needed. 10. Necessity for concerted action of Everyone in the City needed to remedy social conditions and make Fargo the Best City in the Northwest in Which to Live.