The “DELAG” Passenger Zeppelin “Nordstern.”
Leaving Friedrichshafen for France. Note the progressive increase in the size of the sheds.
The “DELAG” Passenger Zeppelin “Bodensee.”
Passengers 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 passengers 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 Institutions 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 institutions in Central Europe.