Employees of Hartford Fire Insurance Company find something extra in their pay envelopes

1. According to the Courant, several large insurance companies in town had considered similar wage increases to cover the high cost of living, but these companies had, so far, on made individual increases.
2. Hartford Fire was the first of these companies to increase pay generally.

From Bissell’s letter to the employees of Hartford Fire:

• “The problem involved in the hitherto steady increase in all items of living expense, especially as it affects our tried and loyal employees, has for a number of months been having careful consideration.”
• “We trust that you will recognize in the action outlined above an earnest effort on our part to assist our employees in meeting the situation brought about by abnormal social and industrial conditions, and we assure you that it gives us great personal satisfaction to be able to make this announcement at this time.”

Richard M. Bissell was president of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company.

Unattributed, “Extra month’s pay for Hartford Fire Insurance Co. folk,” Hartford Courant, October 2, 1919, page 4.