Part 7 (2/2)

The ”DELAG” Pa.s.senger Zeppelin ”Bodensee.”

Pa.s.sengers enjoying an excursion over Berlin.]

Other machines were built, smaller, but of all-metal construction. After the war ”The Staaken Giant” (Plate 24) was put into commission. It, too, was all-metal, carried four motors and was distinctly a commercial plane. During many successful trials it carried eighteen pa.s.sengers at a speed of 145 miles an hour. Later on, a two-engine commercial land plane was nearing completion when the Inter-allied Aeronautical Commission ordered all work stopped, and the activities at Staaken ceased.

Social Welfare Inst.i.tutions of the Zeppelin Organizations

One of the main requisites for success in any industry is the welfare of the men and women employed; and the establishment of the great Zeppelin organization created a community of employees in the small town on Lake Constance which demanded increasing attention as the organization expanded.

At first questions of industrial and social welfare were settled by a special department within Luftschiffbau-Zeppelin, but in September, 1913, a separate organization (Zeppelin Wohlfahrt G.M.B.H.) was provided. Count Zeppelin specified that homes for the men be provided immediately; that they should be built ”economically but that they should make for comfort.” One hundred and one single family houses were completed in July, 1916, and the new community was named Zeppelindorf (Zeppelin village) (Plate 29). Each house sits in a garden which enables the occupant to raise his own vegetables and fruits.

The club house was opened in March, 1917. Here is a large dining room for the workmen, which is also used for concerts, plays, meetings and other social activities. There are several club rooms. Nearby are the laundry, ice plant, steam plant, and other common utilities. The ”Inn”

and general store are also patronized by the people of Friedrichshafen.

Later an agricultural department was established for the purpose of supplying good food at low prices. Five large farms are worked by this branch and cattle raising and fruit growing have made it one of the most notable inst.i.tutions in Central Europe.

[PLATE 42: The ”DELAG” Pa.s.senger Zeppelin ”Bodensee.”

The crew at the finish of the s.h.i.+p's 100th flight between Berlin and Friedrichshafen, December 1919.

The ”DELAG” Pa.s.senger Zeppelin ”Nordstern.”

Control car, front view.]

There is a savings bank which pays slightly more than the ordinary interest rate which followed the erection of the public library where all employees are encouraged in self-instruction. All sorts of scientific books, popular works and magazines are provided, beside the many lectures. Courses in domestic science are held for the women.

There was so much building to be done that a brick factory became one of the most important inst.i.tutions in Zeppelin Village, which has also acquired an athletic field under the direction of an instructor in physical culture.

Practically the same community, with all the inst.i.tutions, etc., has been created for the Zeppelin workers at Staaken, on the outskirts of Berlin.

[PLATE 43: The ”DELAG” Pa.s.senger Zeppelin ”Nordstern.”

Elevator Rudder and Alt.i.tude Controls.

Chief Engineer's Station Engine Telegraphs.

Steering Wheel and Compa.s.s.]

CHAPTER III

Operations of Commercial Zeppelins

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