As the elevator gained popularity in the late 1800s, it had a profound effect on the way we organize our cities and ourselves. It was also blamed for a rise in crime, for causing something called brain fever, for destroying civil society, and more.
1953: Chicago Union Opens Drive Against Automatic Elevatorstrello1953
“Elevator Operators Union, have begun a drive against automatic, operator-less elevators. The union fears many of its members may be thrown out of work and the need for future elevator operators will decrease. Elevator manufacturers say that Chicago leads the nation in the installation of fully automatic elevators in office buildings.Martin- J. Dwyer, president of Local 65 representing 4,000 operators and starters, is taking his plea directly to office and apartment building tenants. "Rent isn't going to be lowered because of automatic elevators,” he added that operators on elevators are a safety and protective factor, He said assaults; robberies and even murders that have taken place in apartment houses and in their vestibules could have been prevented it elevators in the buildings were manned by operators. He also said that elevator operators have been given certain police powers and they carry badges designating the authority.”
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