TENT SEATS AND GUYS by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 25, 1878

TENT SEATS AND GUYS.

By R. M. Kilgore

If our discourses were only twenty or thirty minutes long, we might not need seats with backs to them. But when we invite men and women of all classes and ages to our meetings, and expect them to sit and listen an hour or more to what we have to say, it is very necessary that we make them as comfortable as we can. It has been a matter of great anxiety, among our ministers who are laboring with our tents, about attaching backs to our temporary seats.

I have received inquiries as to the arrangements we have made in this respect. Our present method is the best we have seen, and gives perfect satisfaction. The risers are simply twelve-inch boards, twelve feet long, on which are six seats. They are raised by blocks till they average fifteen inches from the ground. Each of these forms a section, on each side of which is an aisle, so that persons can walk without stepping over the risers.

To each of these seats we have a back made as follows:—

On each riser, behind each seat, is bolted, with one bolt, near the top of the riser, a nicely planed piece 1¼ inches by 3 inches, two feet long, in the top of which is a slot, 3 inches long to receive a three-inch strip the same length of the seat, which forms the back. Below the bolt and in front of the upright piece, near the foot, is nailed a small block to hold it in position. Thus hinged, the back can fall forward, and in transporting them can be left on the riser, and carried without injury. By having these pieces and strips all planed and made by machinery, and the holes for the bolts all bored, everything will fit nicely, look well and the expense will not be great. The backs should be about 16 inches high, and at such an angle as to make them the most comfortable.

GUYS.

I have used the iron guy for five or six years on our large tents, and am satisfied that they are far superior to the rope. They will not shrink or expand with the changes of the weather, and so far I have seen none cut with knives in the hands of mischievous or malicious persons. They are stronger and more durable than ropes. There is no wear-out to them, therefore they are more economical.

After experimenting, I find the following the best way to make them:—

Three long joints, connected with two links of the same material, so that they can be folded. At one end there should be a foot of the best trace-chain, with a ring through which this can pass, this forming a loop to pass around the ground stake; at the other end, another foot of chain to attach to the top of the upright posts, and connect with the tent. These chains should be burned so as to toughen them. Each turn should be welded. I find that the 5/16 round iron is strong enough, and it makes a very light guy. It costs just a cent a foot here. Trace-chains 30 cents apiece, and to make them it costs 40 cents a guy. For a large tent with 8 ft. wall a guy should be made about thirteen feet long.

R. M. KILGORE.