They were built facing east and west, so that all occupying them could benefit by the sun’s rays and yet be protected from the intense heat in summer from the south side, or from the severe cold in winter on the north side.
The public parlors and library were at the end of each upper floor. The inexpensive apartment houses were built not only to last for ages but to give comfortable homes to its inmates. They were built plainly but of material that gave them a superior appearance. As the society owned the buildings, the members could secure better apartments as they increased their shares, or as soon as a better grade was built. Apartment hotels were built in modern style to accommodate those of large means and who wished to secure their money by investing it in the society’s shares. Money so invested proved to be absolutely safe besides returning a better interest, and whether a small amount or large it came to the member (without any annoyance or delay) either weekly, monthly or quarterly.
All members had to be truthful and honest in their dealings or they could not receive titles. Only titled members had votes on the regulations and rules pertaining to the society.
Members were allowed $100 on their shares for every new member they presented if the member thus secured remained in the society two years and paid all dues.
This percentage was added towards the purchasing of shares for the member who presented the new member.
Many members secured shares in this way that helped them eventually to have homes that they could never have in any other way.
Members could build tent houses for summer use by paying rent for the land.
Members who lived on the land controlled by the society had the benefit of free burial when they lived in the Colony two years, and had paid for two shares (these shares were used to partly pay the expense, the society paying the balance); this was only done when the members were buried in the Colony’s burying ground or cemetery.
All members who intended leaving their shares after their demise to any one except to the society had to make a will to that effect, or the society claimed the right to use the value of such shares for the benefit of the aged members who were unable to provide all they required. All shares left with the society by members who dropped out and did not sell them was used for the same purposes in five years after the last payment was made.
When any member left children or any one dependent upon them they were expected to secure their shares to them, and if the children were young the society held said shares until the children became members entitling them to the privileges, or it used the amount for their care until they were old enough to work. In such cases the society or some member adopted the children and became responsible for them.