Boxoffice (Oct-Dec 1940)

A POLL OF OPINION ON CARPET CUSHIONS The most important factor in the wearing service received from theatre carpeting is the lining over which it is laid. Carpet linings, in truth, are the “hidden element” — all too little known and thought of by theatre owners. Yet theatre owners who have studied the results obtained from carpet linings can tell by their actual experiences that many a dollar spent for excellent carpets has been wasted by the thoughtless policy of purchasing a “bargain” lining that proved entirely unsuitable for public use. For this reason, every theatre executive will be helped by reading the results of a recent survey among users of carpet paddings. This survey was conducted through a direct mail investigation in the theatre and hotel fields — reaching users with definite practical experience upon which to base their opinions. Sixty-eight per cent of these experienced users stated that all-hair lining is the best material for carpet cushion purposes. This expression of preference appears all the more conclusive when compared with the 12% who were satisfied with hair-andjute, 5% with jute and 2% with rubber. Another question asked in the survey referred to the preferences for a specific brand of nationally advertised carpet padding. Seven out of every ten executives had a definite preference — and 88% of them named a single brand of all-hair cushion carpet lining. The answers to these questions show beyond a doubt that experienced public service users of floor coverings have decided that an all-hair cushion of the highest quality is actually the most economical because it not only does a better job of saving carpets from wear but keeps its softness and resilience indefinitely under the hardest usage. The small additional cost for the better grade of cushion is far outweighed by the money it saves. Comments volunteered by theatre men who answered the questionaires are of particular interest. Among them are the following : “All-hair is the best material — more resilient, does not lump or crawl. Have found through past experience that 38 oz. for aisles and heavier for foyer are most suitable.” “Study of carpet lining just as important as study of carpet.” “Good padding is essential to the life of a carpet. Cheap inferior padding is false economy.” “Original installation, 1200 yds. Carpets laid over 3/4-inch all-hair lining still in service after 12 years hard usage.” “I have found that a good padding prolongs the life of your carpet — be it high priced or cheap carpet. Personally, I would pay more for good padding than for carpet.” Electric Hand Driers and Things They Do For modernizing theatre washrooms, the new electric hand driers are an item that might well be considered. Among the many advantages claimed for this type of toilet room service besides sanitation are: 1. It supplies an “always there” drying service: no empty towel cabinets. 2. A quick, healthful drying for hands and face. 3. Maintains clean washrooms, forever banishing soiled towel litter. 4. Eliminates paper towel stoppage of drain pipes. 5. Removes from the washroom a dangerous fire hazard. 6. Eliminates constant towel expense from annual operating budget. 7. Its proper height permits comfortable drying, with user standing in natural position — no stooping or stretching. This type of equipment is equally well adapted for installation in washrooms of new theatres or modernizing those in existing buildings. And installation is quickly and easily made. A leading manufacturer reports a steady increase in theatre installations. 72 The MODERN THEATRE SECTION