V009-162

Letter from E. S. Babcock to Antone Gora, Esq.

Bound Correspondence: Volume 9, page 162

02/17/1890

Babcock, Elijah S.

 

Babcock writes to Gora regarding drunken cooks, and the rate of pay for trial chef position (continued from V009-162, continues on V009-163).

Hotel del Coronado; Letters; Correspondence; Elijah S. Babcock; E. S. Babcock; Hotel industry; Anton Gora; Chefs; Employment; Kitchen staff; Pay rates

1500 Orange Avenue

California - Coronado

 

Dining at the Del

MS-0025

English

 

Letter (correspondence)

8 inches X 11 inches

No

V009-161, V009-163

drinking purposes. I think that during a general rush, when the cooks' work is the hardest, when they have the free use of wine they are apt to drink too much, and at the very time when they should have full command of themselves become more or less under the influence of the liquor. I do not myself, nor do I allow any employee of the hotel to have any liquor without paying for it, and I intend to try to have that rule apply to the kitchen department during the next season. If the cooks insist on drinking they will have to purchase their liquor, and if they drink too much we will have to make changes, the same as would be necessary in any other department.
Should you come do you think the cooks under Mr Compagnon would be apt to remain? I know it is customary for all the cooks to walk out when the Chef does. Knowing that you know them have thought they might stay, and that is why I thought of you.
I could not accept your proposition as contained in your letter, as I will not, under any conditions, board in the hotel the wife of any employee who is not on the pay roll. Mr Cook, my assistant, has been made no exception to this rule. Secondly, I would not be willing to pay you $150 per month before your capacity to run the kitchen economically had been tested. Would be willing to give you $125 at the start, and advance you to $150 if you made

 

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