THE REPUBLICAN POST

October 14, 1909

 

NEW DRINKING FOUNTAIN

 

A sanitary drinking cup was installed in the Public School building last Thursday.  On that day the board was criticized through a local organ for not using an appropriation made by the Woman’s Clubs of the city for the purchase of a $25 sanitary drinking cup.  Supt. Steenis learned of a sanitary cup that was the result of the inventive mind of a fellow teacher, Mr. Tobey.  The cup is placed on a moveable tube connected with the waterworks pipe over a wash sink.  When the cup is turned back against the wall it cuts off the flow of water.  When turned about at a point in front of the person standing before the fountain or at an angle of ninety degrees from the wall, the water will boil up and run over all sides of the cup.  The child is directed to reach down and swallow the water that gently bubbles up into the mouth.  Each one is cautioned not to touch the lips to the cup.  After all have supplied their wants, frequently they return to quench an imaginary thirst time after time during a single intermission.  By swinging the cup around against the wall the water stops flowing and the cup stand brim full.

Though claimed to be the best sanitary cup on the market, it costs schools about one-eighth as much as other designs heavily embellished with patents.