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ePUBLISHED WEEKLY (GARG Sree TRADESMAN COMPANY, PUBLISHERSA oo) ASS | EST. 1883
SOAS SSO OO OU IE SES OSLO Ra ee AS Sa ZESESS
Forty-eighth Year GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1930 Number 2466
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Library St
A Christmas Wraver
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, God of all the Ages and and of the Dayspring within these hearts of ours, {
} we bless thy Name for the Story of long ago, which becomes our story, too, 4
} and shall touch with its glory the souls of men for ever. We praise thee for 4
} the good tidings of great joy through thy Wondrous Child. ‘
} We think of the Babe, so small and tender, lying in the straw of the manger 4
. among the patient beasts, whose quiet breathing was his lullaby. And we
} pray that we may so reverence the Life within ourselves that we may not ,
, injure the bird or bea-t in malice or carelessness, or for the sake of vanity; ‘
, but, having tenderness for all innocent things, may we rejoice in the friendship .
of faithful creatures.
We think of that Night of waiting, amid the haste and noise of the time,
, when Mary Mother lay listening to the hurried footsteps of travelers and all d
, the rough sounds of the inn. And we pray for all the Mothers of babes soon d
to be born; and pray that the compas:ion of men may be upon all young
, Children, lest in our greedy tumult and blind speed we bring upon ourselves {
} the condemnation of those who cause little ones to perish. 4
} We think of the Wise Men, who came with their Gifts, following the Star. {
i : And we pray that to-day the knowledge and power which men have gained by qi.
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Public Reference Library,
discovering the secrets of earth and sky may be devoted to the good of the
world and not its ill, and may be used to save life and not to destroy it. We
pray that the children of the future may escape the doom of war, and that all
the sons of men may come together within the City of the Light.
We think of the Shepherds, who heard the glad tidings while doing their
daily work, abiding in the field. And we pray for all Toilers to whom this
happy season means weary hands and feet and long hours of labor. May they
be visited by the strong comfort which has its abiding place in common things!
And we pray for those in distress because no man has hired them. May they
find refuge in the help of Man; and may all the world have new hope!
We think of all who heard the Song in the Night, sounding faint and far
away. And we pray for those who will keep their Christmas in strange places
and away from their dear homes. We pray for those upon whom the en-
chanted season throws a shadow of happy years gone by. May they light
candles of patience, kindness and grateful memory, even when there are dark
corners in their hearts. So may all our separations show us how far love can
reach, and our broken circles teach us how closely love can bind.
God of all the Ages and of the Light that lighteth every man, we bless thy
Holy Name; and, with the multitude of the heavenly host and with the mag-
nitude of the lowly ones of earth, we praise thee, saying: Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
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Vivian T. Pomeroy.
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The Brand You Know
‘by HART
HART fa
BRAND
CANNED :
FOODS Vegetables
TRADE MARK
Look for the RED HEART
On The Can
W. R. ROACH & CO.
General Offices
Grand Rapids, Michigan
GOODNESS
in the milling
It takes careful milling, as well
as good oats, to give uniformly
high quality to rolled oats.
Our exclusive process assures
your customer a sweet, flaky
dish of oats entirely free from
the usual mush taste.
Purity Oats and Chest-O-Silver
are the best buys for the inde-
pendent grocer that are on
the market today. Our sales , v ie.
policy is rigid. We sell to no €
chain stores or desk jobbers.
Our guarantee backing every
package is your weapon against
indiscriminate selling.
PURITY OATS COMPA NY
KEOKUK, IOWA 7
Ola Master
COFFEE
Universally Conceded To Be the Best
Brand on the Market For the Money.
SOLD ONLY BY
The Blodgett-Beckley Co.
Main Office Toledo
Detroit Office and Warehouse
517 East Larned Street
MICHIGAN BELL
TELEPHONE CoO.
L.. an effort to get out of bed
to answer the telephone—especially if it means that you
must hurry downstairs to take the call. » » » And during
Calls are made or rasa pea agus a you have
an extension telephone at hand :
the day when you’re upstairs, it’s tiring to run down to
aviswer the telephone. » » » You can have a telephone
at your bedside —an extension of your present line —at
a very small cost—only a few cents a day. » » » To
place. an order, or for information, call the Michigan
Bell Telephone Company and ask for the Business
Office. Installation » willbe made promptly.
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ADES
Forty-eighth Year
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
E. A. Stowe, Editor
PUBLISHED WEEKLY by Tradesman Company,
from its office the Barnhart Building, Grand Rapids.
UNLIKE ANY OTHER PAPER. Frank, free and
fearless for the good that we can do. Each issue com-
plete in itself.
DEVOTED TO the best interests of business men,
SUBSCRIPTION RATES are as follows: $3 per year,
if paid strictly m advance. $4 per year if not paid
in advance. Canadian subscription, $4.04 per year,
payable invariably in advance. Sample copies 10 cents
each. Extra copies of current issues, 10 cents; issues a
nonth or more old, 15 cents; issues a year or more
ald, 25 cents; issues five years or more old 50 cents.
Entered September 23, 1883, at the Postoffice of Grand
Rapids as second class matter under Act of March
3, 1879.
JAMES M. GOLDING
Detroit Representative
507 Kerr Bldg.
HENRY SPRING.
Story of Grand Rapids Pioneer Dry
Goods Dealer.
In the early days of the present cen-
tury a young couple of Farmersville,
Cataraugus county, N. Y., formed a
life copartnership. Sturdy, healthy
bodies, sound minds and honest pur-
poses comprised their stock in trade.
They were Jared S. Spring and
Catherine, his wife. Their simple life
moved modestly, in content, through
summmer’s shine and winter’s storms,
until one cold, blustering morning,
while the snow was drifting about and
sifting into their humble home, Feb.
7, 1830, a little boy came there to stay.
They named him Henry, He was the
oldest of six boys who found good
quarters in the hearts of this robust
couple. The boys were given the ad-
vantage of the district school in the
winter—in summer they were obliged
to lend the might of their small
strength for family support. Tired at
length of “living from hand to mouth,”
the parents decided to try life in the
then “Far West”, hoping thus to better
the opportunities for their boys. In
the spring of 1845, they started, with
their boys. In the spring of 1845, they
started, with their sons, their household
goods on a wagon, a team of horses
and two cows. From Buffalo they took
a steamboat for Detroit, and there be-
gan the struggle over the log ways
and through the deep sands of Mich-
igan. The cows and a bag of meal fur-
nished sustenance until they reached
Cannonsburg in Kent county. In Clin-
ton county the horses were exchanged
for two yoke of oxen. At the present
day the pains and pleasures of such a
journey may be more easily imagined
than realized. They purchased a farm
and the family struggled onward
through fever and ague and dire neces-
sities until fairer skies appeared and
they felt they were literally “out of the
woods,” Jared and Catherine lived to
celebrate their golden wedding anni-
versary, all the six boys being present,
GRAND RAPIDS, WEDN ESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1930
each with wife and family, in Cannon
township, Sept. 2, 1878.
Henry Spring, the subject of this
sketch, began business as a clerk in a
small general assortment store in the
village of Cannonsburg, where barter
was the fashion of the time. Aspiring
to something more, he came, in 1849,
to Grand Rapids, applied to Jefferson
Morrison, then one of the leading mer-
chants of the place, for a position, and
received it. Morrison’s store stood near
the spot where the Spring store func-
tioned for many years. In February,
1854, while in the employ of Lewis
Porter as clerk in a clothing store,
Mr. Spring had an invitation from two
enterprising men of this city— who
were looking for some bright young
man of good habits to whom they could
intrust the management of a large
stock of goods—to unite his business
ability with their capital. They were
David Burnett and Amos Rathbone.
He promptly accepted their proposal.
In February, 1854, he married Annis
Salsbury, daughter of a farmer of
Clarendon, Orleans county, N. Y. Af-
ter a few years his partners retired
from the mercantile firm, leaving Mr.
Spring sole proprietor. From this
modest beginning grew the fine busi-
ness which for many years was so well
known as Spring & Company. From
November, 1860, until the spring of
1876 he was associated with Edwin
Avery, under the firm name of Spring
& Avery. Ina subsequent partnership,
which was formed in 1880, Richard D.
Swartout was an associate.
Mr. Spring delighted to relate an
incident of his boyhood which kindled
the desire by which he was led into the
mercantile life which he so closely and
successfully followed, substantially as
follows: “When I was about ten
years old and we lived near Victor,
N. Y., one morning my mother sent
me to the village with a basket of
eggs, to exchange them for groceries.
It was the first time I had been charg-
ed with such a duty, and I felt that a
responsibility rested upon me to do the
errand so well that she would trust me
again. At the store I was received
politely by a boy but little older than
myself. He attracted me. He was
dressed nicely. His shoes were black
and his collar was white. He deftly
and pleasantly waited upon me, and
I was kindled to a desire to occupy
such a position—to know how to wait
upon people, especially boys, as well
as he did, and be able to trade and
figure up as easily. I remained, asking
him questions about the business, until
there was no excuse to stay longer:
The boy was as polite when I left as
when I came in. From that hour my
chief ambition was to get into a store;
and when, at the age of 15, I entered
a little general store at Cannonsburg,
I was the happiest boy imaginable.”
Mr. Spring led all his competitors in
length of continuous prosecution of the
dry goods business in this city. Up to
the day of his death his eye was
bright, his step elastic, his countenance
smiling and pleasing, his greeting
hearty and cordial. Public spirited and
generous, with ready ear and open
hand for those in misfortune or dis-
tress, he was everywhere recognized
as an honorable, whole-hearted and
genial citizen.
—_>2~+___
If I Were Boss,
I’d assort that fruit and vegetab‘e
display every morning, that basket of
spotted withered apples wouldn’t be
so prominent and the over ripe
bananas ‘would go out of sight.
I'd not be so curt over the phone
even if I were in a hurry. Women
don’t appreciate an attitude of their
being a nuisance and that is the way he
makes it sound during a rush.
I’d hire another clerk on Saturdays
‘and not lose trade by having folks walk
out because they don’t want to wait.
I’d not smoke in folks’ faces. Some
don’t care, but a lot of ’em do.
I'd give salesmen more of a show-
down, I’ve learned a lot from the
salesmen and so could the boss if he’d
open his ears.
I'd either make our delivery boy
drive with sense or fire him. He
does not have to risk breaking every-
one’s neck by speeding, then hang
around in the back room kidding the
clerks,
I’d pay more attention to the kiddies.
Being gruff with them drives them
elsewhere and they come and go for
a lot of stuff during the week.
I'd provide clean aprons every
morning instead of twice a week. Some
of the boys can’t afford to pay their
laundry like I do to have a spotless
one every day. Hugh King Harris.
——_>2->___
Loose Statements Not Warranted.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics finds
that factory employment last month
was only 2.67 per cent. less than in
October, a smaller decline than oc-
curred in the same period a year ago—
assuming that the returns collected by
the bureau from 10,536 establishments
classified into fifty-four groups afford
a fair cross-section of labor conditions
in the country’s manufacturing plants.
Average employment in November
was 76 per cent. of a full normal force
working 90 per cent. of full time. ‘Pay-
rolls 6.05 per cent. less than in Oc-
tober. In these figures there is reason
for encouragement, especially when the
conditions in November are compared
with those of the same month last year.
Here we find that while employment
last month was 18.35 per cent. under
that of a year ago, payroll was less by
28.18 per cent. hese data do not
bear out the assertion frequently heard
that although employment has shrunk,
Number 2466
wages have been fairly well maintained
in spite of the hard times. The facts
here disclosed may be the result of
what William Green, president of the
American federation of labor, charac-
terizes as surreptitious reduction of
wages. They are in any case facts
which should be faced if we are to
deal with the situation intelligently.
The tendency, prevalent in many quar-
ters, to ignore or misrepresent them is
conducive neither to clear thinking nor
to helpful suggestion. In a few in-
dustries—notably the newspaper indus-
try, the food industries and the to-
bacco industries—decreases in payrolls
have not been much greater than in
employment. In the great majority of
the manufacturing industries, however
the amount paid out in wages has de-
clined much more rapidly than the
number of persons engaged. The rea-
son for this is plain. Employers have
sought to distribute wages as widely
as possible so as to prevent as far as
they could accessions to the army of
the jobless. The dilemma with which
they have been confronted has been a
cruel one at best. To assume that
they dealt with it heartlessly when
they considered the welfare of the
greatest number is scarcely warranted.
—_~++~+___
Death of Life-Long Friend of Grocer.
William Smedley, secretary of the
Retail Merchants Association of Penn-
sylvania and editor of the Pennsylvania
Merchant, died last Saturday at -his
home, Alden Park Manor. Although
he had been ill for several months, the
seriousness of his condition was not
generally known in the trade and his
death was not expected.
Mr. Smedley, who was in his early
seventies, spent about fifty years in
the grocery trade and he was one of
the most widely known association
executives in the country. He was a
pioneer in retailer co-operative buying
and under his direction the Pennsyl-
vania Plan of manufacturer and retail-
er organization and aid expanded until
it was represented in 105 communities
with about 8,500 members, including
grocery, meat and hardware units.
Mr. Smedley was born in England
and first became interested in the gro-
cery trade in Pennsylvania as a young
man. More than twenty-five years
ago he helped to organize the Frank-
ford Grocery ‘Co., Inc., one of the larg-
est co-operative selling and buying or-
ganizations of its kind. He was a
founder of the Girard Grocery Co. and
served as manager until sixteen years
ago when he began association work
with the State organization.
Relief Information Bureau of
Citizen’s Committee
Lyon and Monroe Streets
8:30 to 5 Saturday 8:30 to 12
Phone 65-632
LS
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MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
MEN OF MARK.
.
Samuel Postma, Manager of Postma
Biscuit Co.
In humanity there are different strata
of quality. .The declaration that all
men are born free and equal is absurd,
unless it may mean that all are born
equal before the law. It is a patent
fact that one possesses native talent
while another does not; that one is
capable of arising to heights which an-
other cannot attain; that one exerts a
widespread influence, while the field
covered ‘by the influence of another is
decidedly limited. In this latter re-
gard it is character principally which
makes the difference, and if this char-
acter is backed by discipline of the
mind the difference is still more prom-
inent.
In this day and generation it is cus-
tomary for the historian to laud es-
pecially the man who has arisen from
humble and unpromising beginnings.
The student has thus become accus-
tomed to regard early obstacles as an
absolute essential to later success and
the feeling has ‘become more wide-
spread than perhaps is appreciated that
a real handicap rests on him who was
not born in a log cabin and studied by
the aid of a tallow dip; who trod not
the tow path in boyhood or early man-
hood or did not acquire his rudiment-
ary education between the blows of an
axe at the trunk of a tree, or make his
first appearance in this vale of tears
amid some similarly inauspicious sur-
roundings or unpromising environment.
In the light of the recorded careers
of men of note the proposition ad-
vanced ‘by the historian seems to be
fairly justified. Early privation seems
to have been an almost essential ele-
ment in their stimulation toward high-
er things.. Add to the possession of
this stimulation industry and ambition
for erudition and a keen determination
for advancement, and success of that
better kind that is not measured by
dollars and cents is almost inevitable.
So also is the more material success.
A specific illustration of the truth of
this contention is found in the subject
of this sketch, than whom few Michi-
gan food manufacturers are more
widely known, and there is not one
who is more favorably known. His
name is synonymous with sterling
character, and it may be an inspiration
to young men, especially to the young
men who possess little of the world’s
goods, to learn that his early accom-
plishments were acquired under some-
what discouraging circumstances. It
may be a further inspiration to them
to study the mental characteristics of
the man, his cheerfulness of spirit and
his uniform courtesy ‘to all with whom
he comes in contact. ‘Whether natural
or acquired, his regard for the ameni-
ties of life is decidedly marked.
The Postma Biscuit Co. was estab-
lished in a small way by ‘Sipke Postma,
grandfather of the present manager of
the business, in 1882. The founder
lived to the ripe old age of 92. A son,
Sipke, continued the business until the
close of the kaiser’s war, when the
management was assumed by Samuel
Postma, the present executive.
Samuel Postma was born June 9,
1894. ‘He has four brothers and four
sisters, all living, all married and all
residing in Grand Rapids at the pres-
ent time. Mr. Postma was educated
in the public and parochial (Christian
Reformed) schools of the city. He en-
tered the employ of the Postma Co.
~when he was 17 years of age. Two
brothers, Leonard and Anton, are as-
sociated with him in the factory.
Andrew enlisted when the United
States declared war on Germany, went
overseas with - Pershing, remained
thirty-nine months in France and came
back with ‘Pershing.
Samuel enlisted in the artillery di-
vision and was in the service sixteen
and a half months, including seven
months overseas. He received his
training at the MHarrison technical
school, Chicago, Ft. Schuyler, N. Y.,
Ft. Totten, N. Y. and Camp Eustis,
of an altogether new product are both
now under consideration.
'Mr. Postma was married June 9,
1925, to Miss Johanna VanderJagt,
Grand Rapids. They have a son three
years old and reside at 1130 Broadway.
(Mr. Postma owns up to two hobbies
—base ba!l and bass and pike fishing.
He played ball as a boy and still takes
great delight in witnessing either-pro-
fessional or amateur games.
Mr. Postma attributes his success to
hard work, but those.who know him
well and are acquainted with his
methods realize that it required busi-
ness ability of a high order to rescue
the business from the deplorable con-
dition it had tbeen forced into as the
result of the kaiser’s war and the em-
bargo which was placed on the use of
Samuel Postma.
West Virginia. On his return to Grand
Rapids he found the business in a bad
way, On account of the demoralization
attendant on the war, but has succeed-
ed in placing it on a sound position.
It is not a corporation, but a co-
partnership owned by members of the
Postma family. There are twelve em-
ployes in the factory and three men
who call on the trade. Sales are made
direct and through the jobbing trade.
Forty different kinds of cookies are
produced, in addition to Holland rusks
and other specialties. The company
ships goods regularly into twenty dif-
ferent states, including New York,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Iowa, ‘Wisconsin, ‘Colorado,
Montana and California. An enlarge-
ment of the line and the introduction
flour and other food products during
the trying days of that conflict.
Mr. Postma is of almost elephantine
proportions. Like most large men, he
has a happy disposition and a pleasing
personality which makes him a wel-
come visitor wherever he calls.
—__>~+ +
Live to-day as if it were the whole
of life; make to-day a model of career.
You cannot control the course of 1931.
You cannot fathom even the things
that may open for you to-morrow. But
if you will, you can live to-day’s brief
hours prayerfully and honorably. And
Viving one day is life.
—_+++—___
The trouble with most critics is that
they are as narrow-minded and mean
as the people they criticize.
Some Very Significant Business News.
Holiday shopping has been in good
volume this week, but total volume
for the period will be considerably be-
low that of last year.
Two or three bright spots appeared
in the November report of Julius H.
Barnes, chairman of the National Busi-
ness Survey Conference, covering
eleven months. He finds that in cer-
tain industries production and _ con-
sumption have been balanced, thereby
opening the way for increased activity.
He also finds evidence of improvement
in the United Kingdom, Germany,
Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada,
China and India.
Industry is now operating at 86.81
per cent. of capacity, according to
John E. Edgerton, president of the
National Association of Manufactur-
ers. His estimate is based on returns
from 939 companies, employing 477,-
499 persons. Of these companies 216
have increased their employment since
July, 176 have made no change and
547 have been forced to make reduc-
tions.
President Edgerton says that ‘most
of the blame for our tardy economic
recovery is to be found at the door of
the consuming public which has re-
trenched too heavily in its normal
purchase of the ordinary things of
life.”
International Shoe announced price
cuts this week ranging from five to
thirty-five cents a pair. For the year
ended November 30, net income was
$17,031,434.
Royal Baking Powder has been di-
rected by the Federal Trade Commis-
sion to stop issuing statements through
a publicity agent tending to prejud’ce
the public against products of Royal’s
competitors. The company is further
stopped from circulating the report of
the commission’s examiner in the case
in such a form as to indicate that his
report was approved by the Commis-
sion.
Something like permanent employ-
ment as well as better work is the goal
of a movement for greater interest in
personnel problems now
force among relatively small employ-
ers,- according to W. E. Yeomans,
manager of the Industrial Bureau of
the Merchants Association 6f New
York.
J. C. Penney inventories at the end
of November were only $41,000,000, a
reduction of $10,000,000 in eleven
months, in spite of a considerable in-
crease in the number of stores. This
is the result of a new plan for stricter
watch of inventories and operating
costs,
Prices of branded lines of women’s
dresses are likely to be revised down-
wards, according to trade reports, pro-
vided enquiry shows that such a step
can tbe safely taken.
The Federal Trade Commission in
its annual report recommends amend-
ment of the organic act, creating it so
as to put beyond question its right to
make trade investigations at the re-
quest of either house of ‘Congress.
Canada’s gold production is increas-
ing so rapidly that, according to the
minister of mines there, Charles Mc-
Crea, the dominion will next year
move into second place from third as
a source of the monetary metal.
gathering
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December 24, 1930
FOOD VALUE OF EGGS.
——— ee
Interesting Facts Disclosed By Scien-
tific Research.
Eggs of many varieties have been
used as food from earliest times, and
human experience found them good
long before science explained why.
Our estimate of the value of hens’
eggs in the diet is based on’ two sets
of facts—facts regarding their nutri-
tive importance and facts regarding
their adaptability to cookery processes.
The extent of their use depends partly
on such values, partly on their: flavor,
and partly on their cost.
Probably no single article of food
can be utilized by the housewife in a
greater number of dishes than can
eggs. They may be easily and quickly
served at any meal and in a variety of
ways. Alone, or with ham or bacon,
or in omelets, souffles or croquettes
eggs they may appear in the main dish
of any meal. Many quick breads,
cakes, salad dressings, sauces, desserts,
and beverages are made with eggs. Not
only do such dishes look more attrac-
tive when made with a liberal propor-
tion of eggs but they taste better and
they also have a higher food value.
The versatile cook has long since
found a great source of satisfaction in
the physical properties of eggs. The
colloidal nature of the white makes it
possible to incorporate in it millions of
bubbles of air. This air-water emul-
sion can be introduced into food mix-
tures of many kinds to give lightness
and bulk. When properly cooked the
walls of these bubbles harden in place
and such products as sponge cakes,
meringues and fluffy omelets and des-
serts of many varieties come into be-
ing. The emulsifying properties of
egg are also depended upon for the
consistency of mayonnaise.
On the other hand, the property of
certain proteins to coagulate upon heat-
ing, makes it possible to use eggs as
a means of thickening fluids. Custards,
sauces, salad dressings and puddings
of many kinds are given a tender thick-
ened consistency by the skillful cook.
For breakfast, luncheon or dinner as
a main course, entree, salad, sandwich,
dessert, or in beverages, eggs may be
used to enrich the diet and to add to
the attractiveness of the meal by color,
texture and flavor.
From the standpoint of nutrition, it
appears that the egg is really two foods
instead of one. No one would guess
from the outward appearance that such
a neatly sealed package could hold two
foods, easily separable and distinctly
different.
The white part of the egg is almost
a pure watery solution of certain pro-
teins of high biological vatue for body-
building and maintenance. The white
of the egg is noted mainly for just this
one food value. Of this protein ma-
terial most American diets contain an
abundance, especially when we_ use
milk as freely as we should—one quart
for each child and one pint for each
adult daily—and in addition eat freely
of cereals and some lean meat.
Certain ‘British scientists have re-~
ported some success in curing symp-
toms of, pellagra in rats with egg white
whereas the egg yolk has been found
by United States Public Health Ser-
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
vice to be of doubtful value in pre-
venting ‘blacktongue,
The yolk, on the other hand, is a real
gold mine.
many well-recognized food substances.
It furnishes not only concentrated fuel
for the body, and contains protein of
fine quality, but it has an unusually
rich store of the minerals and vitamins
necessary for growth and development,
and for the maintenance of health and
vigor.
Every 100 calorie portion of egg is
three and one-half ‘times as rich in pro-
tein, twice as rich in calcium, three
times as rich in iron as we believe the
average 100 calorie portion of food for
the adult need be. The egg is rich in
proteins, fat and compounds of phos-
phorus and iron in forms especially
adapted for conversion into body tissue.
Eggs are one of the richest sources
of the fat soluble vitamins, which are
so important for building strong teeth
and bones, for building up resistance
to infection, and for promoting growth.
Hess and others have shown one egg
yolk daily is an effective means of pre-
venting rickets in a child.
Eggs are more like milk in nutritive
values than is any other food—they
are richer than milk in iron but less
rich in calcium. But eggs should not
be considered a substitute for milk—
rather they should be considered a sup-
plement to milk; one egg to every
quart of milk, being a good propor-
tion in which to combine the two in
the diet.
There is reason to believe that an
egg a day for children over 2 years of
age is a safeguard for the formation of
good red blood. Not only do the egg
yolks contain the necessary iron, but
probably also other necessary sub-
stances which are important for blood
building.
Not long ago, ‘Professor Rose of Co-
lumbia University (1923-25) attempted
to find out what difference it would
make to young children when one sim-
ple addition of one egg a day was made -
to the diet. She was able to control the
food of two groups of children for a
period of 21 months. One group was
given a fairly good mixed diet, while
the other received an egg every day
through this long period, in addition to
the regular diet. There was a positive,
though not large difference in percent-
age of hemoglobin and of the number
of erythrocytes in favor of the children
receiving egg, and there was close
parallelism ‘between those blood find-
ings and general physical improvement
of the children.
For children younger than 2 years
the egg yolk only, instead of the whole
egg is to be recommended. Many
physicians suggest beginning to give
egg yolk very early in life. When a
child is born, he has a large store of
iron in his body. This is rapidly used
up because milk which is usually the
sole food of the nfant does not furnish
as much iron as tthe rapidly growing
body of the baby needs, and there
could otherwise result a real iron de~
ficiency in the body of the young child.
To prevent this shortage of one of
the most important minerals, a noted
specialist in child feeding is recom-
mending giving a few drops of egg
yolk daily, beginning at the fifth or
sixth month—some physicians begin
It contains not one, but >
as early as the third or fourth week—
and increasing the quantity gradually
until by the time he is 18 months old,
he will be taking from one-ha‘f to one
egg yolk daily.
Dr. Hazel E. Stiebeling,
Federal Food Economist.
a
Attempt To Oust Chain Stores
From Nebraska.
Formal demand is made upon
Attorney-General Sorensen, of
Nebraska, by attorneys for the in-
dependent retailers’ ‘associations
of the State that he begin proceed-
ings to oust the Safeway Corpora-
tion, operator of chain stores,
from the State, in a brief filed
with that officer, in which the evi-
dence taken at recent hearings is
summarized. The laws which he
is asked to invoke prohibit chains
from selling an article at a lower
price in one section, and which
forbid practices tending to and
intended to monopolize any line
of business.
The #estimony is summarized
by the brief as showing that the
main requirement of the jaw has
been met, prima facie evidence of
unfair discrimination, and that it is
now up to the chain corporation
to prove that price cutting was
not done intentionally for the pur-
pose of destroying the business of
competitors.
It is also insisted that the testi-
mony discloses many incidents
where the chain units have cut
prices where there can be no other
conclusion than that it was to in-
jure competitors. In one instance
flour of a brand popularized by
the independents was bought by
a Safeway manager from inde-
pendent stores through a third
party and then placed on sale at
30 cents a sack less than it was
customarily sold for. Other prac-
tices that are denounced by the
independents’ attorney as delib-
erate and ruthless are listed.
The evidence showed that the
Safeway Corporation is domesti-
cated in Nevada, has headquarters
in California and is controlled by
a Maryland holding company.
The independents say that it is
well organized to stamp out local
competition in any one State, and
that a revolving fund is maintain-
ed in Nebraska out of which losses
of the “shock troop units’ are
paid from profits of the others.
The Safeway Corporation,
which operates seventy-five gro-
cery units in Nebraska, in its brief
asks the Attorney-General to re-
fuse the demands of independent
merchants that he proceed against
it as a violator of the law requir-
ing uniform prices to be main-
tained. Its attorneys quote a num-
ber of court decisions to show that
the law has always been inter-
preted as requiring proof that
where articles are sold at a lower
price in one section or commun-
ity than in another there must
have been an intention to destroy
the business of a competitor.
In some of these it is expressly
S 3
stated that the legislature cannot
create a presumption of guilt un-
less that presumption has a ration-
al connection between the facts
proved and the ultimate fact pre-
sumed.
The chain corporation takes the
position that the fact that its stores
sell at lower prices than do their
independent competitors cannot
be construed to mean that the
managers are guilty of discrim-
ination. It says its stores are all
operated on the cash and carry
plan, under which it is possible to
operate at 15 per cent. below that
of service stores, and hence its
prices are 10 to 15 per cent. lower
to begin with.
It is contended that if an inde-
pendent decides to meet the com-
petition of a chain store and re-
duces his prices to its level the
chain store has the right to reduce
its prices 10 or 15 per cent. more,
and that when it does so it is only
meeting competition, which the
law says is a justification for vary-
ing prices.
The main reliance is on the
claim that the law is aimed only
to prevent one competitor from
pursuing a policy intended to de-
stroy his rivals in business, and
when that intent is absent a dealer
in one locality may make what-
ever price he pleases. Figures
from all of the Nebraska stores
are given to show that only five
of them were unprofitable during
the last year, and testimony quot-
ed to show that these lost money
because - of small volume and
large overhead.
In the meantime Safety Stores
on Saturday opened its first unit
in Omaha. This store carries a full
line of groceries, produce and
meats. In its advertisement of the
opening the company refers to
itself as the ““West’s largest food
concern” with more than 5,000
outlets in twenty states and sales
of more than $100,000,000 a
year.
——_-e-+>____
This Is My Beloved Son.
From time, the Flood of Light!
__ From earth, the Flower!
Miraculous birth-right!
Holy the hour!
Word made esh! due born to bring
Gifts of love; while angels sing
, There on high
Through the sky:
“This is My Beloved Son!”
From love most manifest!
From life! from power!
Maternity how blest
Henceforth in dower
Which endureth now. as then,
“Peace on earth, good will to men!”
Heaven so near
All can hear:
“This is My Beloved Son!”
The Bright and Morning Star!
So ended night
When wise men from afar
First saw the light!
He’s the Lily of the Valley
And the Corner Stone long ready!
He alone
Will atone—
“This is My Beloved Soul!”
Charles A. Heath.
Oppose, if you will, when the matter
is ‘being discussed; but once the de-
cision is reached, use all your power to
make it a success,
2.2
The human relations of a store re-
flect the personality of the man at the
head.
4
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
MOVEMENTS OF MERCHANTS.
Detroit — Mau, 1227 Washington
boulevard, has changed its name to
the Washington Boulevard Fur Shop.
Albion—Thieves entered the cloth-
in store of Davis & Campbell, Dec.
18 and carried away considerable
stock.
Croswell—Ennest & Campbell, Inc.,
dealer in flour, feed and produce, has
changed its name to the Blaidsdell
Stores, Inc.
Lake Linden—Fire damaged the
Charles P. Kiefer stock of men’s cloth-
ing, etc., to the extent of about $5,000,
partly covered by insurance.
Kalamazoo—R. A. McKinney, re-
cently of Toledo, Ohio, has assumed
the management of the Home Fur-
nishing Co. store, North Burdick
street.
Detroit—The Levitt Co., 1276 Penob-
scot building, has been incorporated to
deal in general merchandise with a cap-
ital stock of $2,000, all subscribed and
paid in.
New Haven—The Michigan Grain &
Feed Co. has: been incorporated with
a capital stock of 50,000 shares at $1
a share, $1,800 being subscribed and
paid in.
Detroit—The Basket Bread Baking
Co., 4111 Alexandrine avenue, has been
incorporated with a capital stock of
$1,500, all, subscribed and $375 paid
in in cash.
Battle Creek—The Michigan Pur-
chasing Association, Inc., has been in-
corporated with a capital stock of
10,000 shares at $1 a share, $4,000
being subscribed and paid in in cash.
Wayne—The Wayne Dairy. Co. has
merged its business into a stock com-
pany under the style of the Wayne
Dairy, Inc., with a capital stock of
$20,000, $2,100 being subscribed and
$2,000 paid in in cash.
Flint—Carter’s Dairy Co. 2108
West Court street, has been incorpo-
rated to deal in dairy products, cheese
and ice cream with a capital stock of
100 shares at $100 a share, $10,000
being subscribed and paid in.
Deerton—Fire destroyed the store
building and stock of general merchan-
dise of Walter Hougisto Dec. 18. All
the mail in the post office, which was
housed in the same building was saved.
Loss is estimated at about $7,000.
Detroit—The Ross Coffee Co., 125
West Larned street, has been incor-
porated with a capital stock of $20,000
preferred and 1,000 shares at $2.27 a
share, of which amount $9,997.60 Las
been subscribed and $2,000 paid in.
Ann Arbor — The Precision Parts
Co., Ypsi-Ann building, has been in-
corporated to act as manufacturers’
agent and deal in automotive parts,
etc., with a capital stock of $10,000,
$2,400 being subscribed and paid in.
Dearborn—The Corey-Wood Motor
Sales, Inc., 118 East Michigan avenue,
has been incorporated to deal in auto-
mobiles, radios, electric refrigerators,
etc., with a capital stock of .$10,000,
$5,000 being subscribed and paid in.
St. Johns—Harry E. Mack, 70, vete-
ran shoe merchant, died at his home
here. He had lived here thirty-eight
years.. Funeral services were held at
his former home with burial at Sagi-
naw where he formerly lived. He
leaves a widow, two sons,
daughter,
Jackson—The Dean Fuel & Supply
Co., 1400 Francis street, has merged
its business into a stock company un-
der the style of the. Dean Fuel Co.,
with a capital stock of 2,500 shares at
$10 a share, $6,000 being subscribed
and paid in in cash.
Kalamazoo—Don K. Strickland has
closed his drug store at. 241 South
Burdick street and removed the stock
and fixtures to the Oakland Pharmacy,
West Michigan avenue and Academy
street, which he conducts with Edward
F. Crabb as a partner.
Lowell—T. Gazella, dealer in sport-
ing goods, has purchased the J. W.
Rutherford stock of bazaar goods. He
will close out the bazaar goods at
special sale and remove his stock - ot
sporting goods to the Rutherford store
and continue the business:
Detroit—Ben Victor, dealer in dry
goods and men’s furnishings, 2935
Hastings street, has’ merged the busi-
ness into a stock company under the
style of the Ben Victor Company, Inc.,
with a capital stock of $15,000, $12,000
being subscribed and paid in.
Grand Rapids—The Borgman Stores,
which celebrated their 11th business
anniversary Dec. 20, are closing out at
special sale, their stock of dry goods
and shoes at 820 and 822 West Leon-
ard street and will confine their entire
attention to the cash and carry grocery
business.
Kalamazoo—Harold Dietrich, drug-
gist at Cork street and Portage Road,
has sold his stock and store fixtures
to his brother, Alfred J. Dietrich, for
the past ten years pharmacist with the
Don K. Strickland drug store on South
Burdick street. Mr. Dietrich will con-
tinue the business at the same location
under the same style, the Lakeway
Pharmacy.
Manufacturing Matters.
Belding—The Smyrna Milling Co.
has been incorporated with a capital
stock of $25,000, of which $8,950 has
been subscribed and paid in in cash.
Detroit—The Anti Freeze Wiper,
Inc., 303 Bass building, 7338 Wood-
ward avenue, has been incorporated
with a capital stock of $11,000, all sub-
scribed and paid in.
Benton Harbor—The Saranac Pat-
ents Holding Co., West Main street,
has been incorporated with a capital
stock of 3,120 shares at $1 a share,
$3,120 being subscribed and $1,000 paid
in in cash.
Detroit—The Electric Crane &
Hoist Service Co., 1111 Beaufait
avenue, has been incorporated with a
capital stock of $10,000, of which
amount $1,500 has been subscribed and
paid in in cash,
Detroit—The Michigan Automatic
Merchandising Co., 2366 Penobscot
building, vending machines, candy and
tobacco, has been incorporated with
a capital stock of 2,500 shares at $10
a share, $25,000 being subscribed and
$2,800 paid in in cash.
Detroit—George A. Hormel & Cc..
meat packers, with headquarters at
Austin, Minn., have opened a district
sales office at Detroit, with V. E.
Wham in charge. The company is
and one ~
planning a heavy advertising campaign
on its line of tinned meats and -chick-
en. x :
—__+-—~- 2.
Thoughts Inspired By the New Year.
Grandville,, Dec. 22—All hail -New
Year which follows so soon after glori-
ous Christmas.
New Year and Christmas constitute
a week and more for general rejoicing.
The New Year for the forming of
good resolutions which are very fre-
quently ‘broken almost in their con-
ception. Nevertheless it does young
hearts good to feel that for the new
year they will be better than they were
in the past.
Sleigh ‘bells jingle as well on the
New Year as on the birthday of a
Savior. There we mistake. There are
no sleighs any more, no prancing Dob-
bins, hence no bells. Well, we shall
do the best we can by celebrating in
an automobile sort of way. The writer,
however, celebrates at home watching
the falling snow if there chance to be
any, and listing to his memory of holi-
days long gone away.
New Years in camp or on the river
skating. Such grand good times were
those, but to-day no tall pines rear
their heads skyward to sigh in the
breeze while husky woodsmen hie
themselves away behind the family
horse to take their best girls-to the
barn dance a few miles inland.
No use sighing for the good old days
when reformatory vows were made to
the great spirit of the woods. Smoking,
drinking and careening through the
city’s saloons constituted a part of
those iniquities, all gone now to make
room for the better things of life.
This is a strange world when we
come to think it over and strange peo-
ple are in it. It would be a good thing
if everybody would this New Year
turn over a new leaf and make a vow
to do good and nothing but good here-
after.
New Years had as many worshippers
as Christmas in the long ago. And
why not? It was a day for celebrating
if not for fasting and prayer such as
Thanksgiving day. The buzzing bees,
dances and wildwood parties were
plentiful enough. Perhaps the human
heart was about the same the nas in
the rattling times of to-day.
Personality is what counts. Person-
ality and spirituality go hand in hand.
This husk in which man lives is but
the outer casing for a noble soul or a
dangerous villain. We each and all
make our mark in the world even
though some of us are not bright
mentally.
New Years brings new responsibili-
ties which should not be neglected.
Congress doubtless enjoys entering
upon a new year in which it can dawdle
its time away throwing rotten eggs at
President Hoover. If we could send
such men to the National halls of leg-
islation as that late sterling citizen
Gerrit Diekema there would be less
fool bills passed and Congress might
be regarded with some degree of re-
spect.
Our Congress is a band of bright
wits who come together to do the Na-
tion good. All sorts of schemes are
hatched for the good of the people.
The work sweatingly carried on in
‘Congress for our starving farmers is
worthy of all commendation. Why
should they not spend a few hundred
millions of the peoples taxes to doing
something for the soil tillers? Sod-
busters they were once called. Moss-
backs and hayseeds. To-day the soil-
tiller has risen several degrees in the
estimation of the Nation.
The New Year should bring much
hope for the drought-ridden farmers.
When such an august body as Con-
gress takes their interests in hand it
is time for other people to take notice.
Why should the farmer’s apples be
beaten down to less than one dollar
and a half a bushel even though said
apples are many of them wormy and
the larger share of them sour eno~-gh
to make a pig squeal. Considering
the falling off in labor one must con-
cede that victuals must naturally take
a tumble. :
- The New Year jis full of promise.
Let us rejoice that so much interest
has been brought about in Congress,
that prices: will not go so low as to
bring starvation to the farmer’s door
whatever may befall the man who
buys these products.
There is every prospect of a happy
New Year ahead. We should all re-
joice to know that the Nation at large
is looking after the soil sufferers.
Supply and demand has lost its pull.
If there is an over supply of wheat
feed it to the pigs and cows. And
then you know some there are who
have advocated a policy of burning the
wheat so that scarcity may fetch the
price to normal for the producer.
The cloud of semi-despair which has
hovered over the Nation is bound to
have a silver lining. We as a Nation
have far passed the century mark.
There have been panics, years of dull
times and lack of work for willing
laborers yet no record can be produced
that many of our folks have passed out
of the world through the starvation
route and we are not going to begin
that sort of thing at this late day.
Charity begins at home, and right
here in America is where the reform
is to take place. The coming year has
Prospects bright with silver lined
clouds that speak only good for all.
New Years day is a day to be loved
and celebrated. It holds out bright
prospects ahead. Let us then get down
and do our level best that good times
may come again, and that prosperity
may again hold sway throughout tk
Republic founded by Washington and
saved by Lincoln.
The peace of a new day dawns that
is lighted with the torch of future hap-
piness and work for all. Old Timer.
——_>+-+____
Gabby Gleanings From Grand Rapids.
Ten members of the Quality Service
organization of Holland came to Grand
Rapids last Thursday as the guests of
the Western Michigan Grocer Co.
They were treated to a beefsteak din-
ner at the Hotel Mertens, after which
they inspected the plant of the host
and devoted the remainder of the eve-
ning to the discussion of topics of
mutual interest.
Christmas shopping surged ahead in
local stores to-day, the volume of busi-
ness establishing what is believed to
be the peak day of the season. The
crowded attendance of most stores in-
dicated that much purchasing held off
to the last minute was being done. In
some quarters the view was expressed
that the late buying will materially
swell the month’s sales figures and
that the total dollar volume of the
larger establishments may yet ap-
proach within striking distance of that
of 1929. ‘While the average sale is
lower, it is pointed out that gains are
being made of from 25 to 33 per cent.
in transactions.
The main store of Lee & Cady
(Grand Rapids) will be closed for in-
ventory at 1 o’clock Wednesday, Dec.
31, to be open for business Friday and
Saturday, as usual. The cash and car-
ry branches will be open as usual all
day Wednesday.
A correspondent asks if it is true that
the Secretary of the Association of
Commerce has been receiving an an-
nual salary of $15,000. It is not true.
He has been drawing a salary of $10,-
000 per year. The present occupant of
that office has agreed to vacate it
immeédiately after Jan. 1.
a oe,
‘ ®
ah
4 4
* °
December 24, 1930
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
Essential Features of the -Grocery
te Staples. hea
Sugar—Jobbers hold cane granulated
at 5.30 and beet granulated at 5.10c.
Tea—The market is very dull and
will be for some weeks to come. Busi-
ness is simply day by day for what
must be had. Prices show no change
for the week. It would not pay to
shade at this season of the year.
Coffee—The week has not brought
a great deal of change to the coffee
market. Future Rio and Santos, green
and in a large way, have continued
easy with one or two slight flashes of
firmness. Spot Rio and Santos is pos-
sibly %c less than a week before and
if prophesies mean anything, is due to
go lower. Milds show no change from
a week ago. Jobbing market on roast-
ed coffee is showing rather an easy
undertone, but is adjusting itself to the
lower green market in spots as it al-
ways does.
Canned Fruits—Canned fruits are in
a good position to advance after the
first of the year, as they have maintain-
ed their strength throughout the long
period of inactivity and are still close-
ly held by Coast factors. ‘Cheap offer-
ings have been few and scattered, and
have had no effect upon the general
stability of the market. ‘Peaches are
in exeellent position with stocks moy-
ing better than anticipated, and the
best consuming months just ahead.
Grapefruit also is strong, in spite of
cecasional price shading and an ex-
ceptionally low offer made by a Flor-
ida canner who has just started to
pack.
Canned Vegetables—String beans,
corn and tomatoes are among the
foods which appear to be_ basica'ly
strong, as distributors are carrying
only light stocks, as is evidenced by
the fact that there has alieedy been
some enquiry by the trade for January
snipment. Standard beans have moved
in suck volume that they made up for
the dearth of sales in higher grades,
so that total sales are running close to
last year. The situation in Maine in
respect to Golden ‘Bantam and Crosby
corn is firmer as much of the recent
distress selling is over. Distributors
look for a recession from opening
prices after the first of the year, how-
ever, but as white corn is scarce, it
would be premature to predict what
the market is likely to do. The out-
look for Seuthern tomatoes is more
favorable. as standards have gone into
heavy consumption, due to low prices
and there should be considerable re-
placement business done soon.
Dried Fruits—With the raisin pool
now in control of growers’ stocks and
packers forced to quote prices on the
basis of 5c for choice bulk Thompsons
at Fresno, ‘buyers will undoubtedly
come into the market soon after the
holidays in a larger way, and they will
be more in a mood to anticipate their
future requirements as the trend is
definitely upward. Reports from dis-
tributing districts other than New
York indicate that consumption meas-
ures up to that of a year ago. Prunes
are unchanged, but operators on the
Coast apparently can move them free-
ly enough if they maintain attractive
prices. The shortage of large sized
prunes in California has been a firm-
ing influence, while Europe’s demand
for smaller sizes has cut the huge crop
in that State down to. proportions
where it is more easily handled. Grow- ’
ers are trying to boost prices to —pack-
ers, who are resisting such efforts in
the face of present conditions. A good
proportion of the crop, it is ‘believed,
will therefore be left on the trees. Apri:
cots are very firm, and top qualities are
now about all cleaned up. ‘The oper-
ators are working quotations higher
gradually and are confident that they
can market the small remainder of
their holdings at increased prices. The
higher grades of peaches are also more
closely held, and while buying has not
been of a volume nature, it neverthe-
less has been steady enough to keep
the market hard.
Canned Fish—The market. is very
quiet and almost nothing is selling
except in a small way from day to
day. Prices show no change.
Salt Fish—There is little activity in
the salt fish market at the present
time as the trade-has previously cov-
ered itself on stocks sufficient to carry
it over the new year. Trading is ex-
pected to pick up soon, however, as
stocks in the hands of distributors and
retailers are light and production this
year has shown a decline over last
year. Prices are well maintained at
their present levels and may work
higher.
Beans and Peas—The one firm item
in the dried bean market, red kidneys,
also turned weak and shows a decline.
Practically all other items are also
weak and declining. Demand is very
poor. The same is to be said of dried
peas.
Cheese—Demand for cheese is rath-
er poor. The market has been weak
since the last report.
Nuts—Shelled almonds from Spain
and Italy continue at their present
basis and demand is maintained in good
volume. Almonds have been a favorite
this season, and have found their way
into many new channels of consump-
tion as well as being used more freely
in assortments. This applies both for
imported and domestic types. Califor-
nia almonds in the shell have enjoyed
a good year, with some Coast operators
anxious to boost prices, but reluctant
to do so until the Almond Growers’
Exchange joins in the movement. Wal-
nuts in the shell have moved out of
California freely, and many independ-
ent packers cleaned up their stocks
early. The association, however, has
found some difficulty in moving its top
grades, but still feels confident they
will move in the spring. Unshelled
walnuts from Europe and China show
a very firm tone abroad, and offerings
arrive here sparingly. French shellers
have eased off from the top prices
asked recently. Stocks in the hands
of operators are reported as ge‘ting
down to low levels and European coun-
tries have proved to be more attractive
markets for shelled nuts than America,
owing to the high tariff and rigid in-
spections here. Turkish filbert shell-
ers are quoting firmer prices all the
time, but there appears to be adequate
stocks on the spot. Demand on the
spot has not followed the bullish trend
of the primary market, although Ley-
ants are admitted'y low priced,;as com-
pared with last year.
—_+-.___
Review of the Produce Market.
~Apples—Current quotations are as
follows:
Spies, A Grade 9 v5 os $2.50
No. 2; Commercial 20 1.50
ING 2 Paney 292 ee ee 3.50
Baldwins, A .Grade _______-_____ 2.00
Baldwins, Commercial __._____-- 1.25
Metntosh, A Grade 2. : 2 2:50
McIntosh, Commercial ________. 1.50
Snows; A:-Grade! - 2.00
Snows, Commercial =.-__---____ 1.25
Wagners,-A-Grade 222030 1.75
Wagners, Commercial __--_____- 1.00
Banana, A -Grade _.-... 1.75
Banana, Commercia] _____.. 1.25
Delicious, A Grade___ = -_ >= 2.50
Delicious. 6 Grade 2s 1.75
N. W. Greenings, A Grade ______ 1.50
N. W. Greenings, Commercial __ 1.00
R. I. Greenings,: A-Grade _______ 2.50
R. I. Greenings, '\Commercial __-- 1.50
Grimes Golden, A Grade ________ 2.00
Grimes Golden, C Grade ________ 1.00
HubbardStons, A Grade __-_____ 1.75
Hubbardstons, C Grade ________ 1.25
Jonathans, A Grade ______._____ 2.50
Jonathans; € Grade 125
Wings A Grade 2.25
Shiawassee, A Grade ______--__ 2.00
Shiawassee, C Grade __________ 1.25
Talman Sweets, A Grade ______ 2.00
Talman Sweets, C Grade ______ 125
Pippins, 20 oz., 34% in. min. ____ 1.75
Pops © Grade 1.25
Cooking Apples, all varieties _-__ .75
Butter—Unchanged from a week
ago, due to light demand and plenty
of receipts. Jobbers hold 1 Ib. plain
wrapped prints at 3lc and 65 lb. tubs
at 30c for extras and 29c for firsts.
Dried: Beans—Michigan jobbers are
quoting as follows:
© o Pea Beans $4.65
Tight Red Kidney. 7.50
Dark Red Kidney: = 7.25
Bananas—6@6%c per lb.
Cabbage—85c per bu.
Carrots—85c per bu,
Cauliflower—$2.50 per crate of 12
to 16 home grown.
Celery—40@60c per bunch for home
grown.
Cocoanuts—80c per doz. or $6 per
bag .
Cranberries—Late Howes, $3.75 per
4 bbl.
Cucumbers—No. 1 hot house, $2.50
per doz.
Eggs—It has been rather a buyer's
market during the past week, prices
having slumped 2@3c per doz. De-
mand for fine fresh eggs is good and
the receipts are being taken fairly well.
Nevertheless, the feeling is rather that
it is a buyer’s market. Storage eggs
are poor and inclined to be weak. Job-
bers pay 22c for No. 1 fresh and 17c
for pullet eggs. Cold storage operators
offer their supplies on the following
basis:
XX candled in cartons ____._____ 21c
Mew candied 2-3 19c
* Candied. 20 16c
Checks 2225500 eee 15c
Grapefruit — Marsh Seedless from
Texas is sold as follows:
oe oe es $4.75
OF oe 4.50
We 4.25.
mi 5
OE 4.00
Extra fancy sells as follows:
Bo ee $3.50
Oo ee 3.50
FSR SSS SE Sh Jets ne 3.50
SOF ee ey 3.75
6 ee 3.25
Choice is held as follows:
We $3.25
OR 3.25
AO 3.25
Mo 3.25
Ope ee 3.25
yee one es Sa Ean 3.00
Grapes—$1.85 for Calif. Emperors in
25 lb. sawdust lugs.
Green Onions—60c for Shalots.
Lettuce — In good demand on the
following basis:
Imperial Valley, 4s, per crate _---$5.00
Imperial Valley, 5s, per crate ___ 5.00
Hot house leaf, in 10 lb. baskets __ 75c
Lemons—To-day’s quotations are as
follows:
60 Sunkist $6.75
300 Sunkist’ 2 6.75
300 Red Ball -- 5.3 5.75
S00 Red Ball. es 5.75
Limes—$1.75 per box,
Nuts — Michigan Black Walnuts,
$1.50 per bu.; Hickory, $2 per bu.
Oranges—Fancy Sunkist California
Navels are now sold as follows:
6 oe $6.75
a 6.00
00 fe 5.50
PA a 4.75
MAO ee 4.25
Bae 3.75
Oe on 3.75
WE 3.75
Floridas extra fancy are held as fol-
lows:
WG oo $3.00
TS “3.00
7G 3.00
UD ee 3.00
Oe 3.00
ON 2.75
OOO oe 243
Gee 2.75
Onions—Spanish from Spain, $1.75
per crate; home grown yellow in 100
Ib. sacks, $1.
Parsley—50c per doz. bunches.
Peppers — Green, 50c per doz. for
California.
Potatoes—Home grown, $1.10 per
bu.; Wisconsin, $2.25 per 100 Ib. sack;
Idaho, $2.50 per 100 Ib. sack; 90c per
25 Ib. sack,
Poultry—Wilson & Company pay as
follows:
Early Springs, 10 20c
Bleavy fowls 2 s'220= 32 ee 18c
Eseht fowls: 2 a 14c
Ducks os cb ee 14c
CeeSe: 12c
Burkeys) = 622 ic0 0 ei ce
Spinach—$1.25 per bu.
Squash—Hubbard, $3.50 per 100-Ibs.
Sweet Potatoes—Indiana, $2.85 per
bu.
Tomatoes—$1.40 for 6 lb. container,
hot house.
Turnips—$1.25 per bu. for new.
Veal Calves — Wilson & Company
pay as follows:
Hany 2228 ee a ile
Gadd) 225 a oe
Medium = 222-4) ee 8c
Poor 225 8c
WE FACE DISASTER
Unless We Put a Crimp on the
Chains.
It has ever been the history of
nations that conditions arise,
which, if permitted to endure, will
destroy that nation, and the fun-
damental reason for these condi-
tions is invariably the product of
two causes: The greed and avarice
of man, which ultimately leads to
despotism.
History presents many pages of
the example and result of despot-
ism. For a few brief minutes J
would ask that you consider with
me the life of our own America,
which although the youngest Na-
tion in the world is yet the most
powerful and which in a brief
span of years has won the respect
and the esteem of the entire
world.
We will turn back to the days
if the early colonists. We see them
living in their frugal manner blaz-
ing the trail for the civilization
that you and | to-day enjoy. We
see them, sitting happily beside
their firesides, proud of their
homes and their farms and joyful
of their achievements, but, alas,
the stern hand of a foreign power
was laid heavily upon their shoul-
ders and they were forced to ac-
cede to demands that to-day to us
seem almost unbelievable. Forced
as they were to contribute from
their meager earnings and pitiful
supplies they were changed from
a happy people to underlings and
were servants of tyranny. Gone
was their pride in their homes;
gone were the hopes for- their
children; despair supplanted joy;
and misery descended to stifle out
their initiative and their ambi-
tions.
No more did they gather on
the commons to discuss their fu-
ture advancement; no longer did
they assemble in the market place
to perfect plans’ for schools and
churches. They became cogs in
a large wheel to furnish finances
for the mother country to do the
things they should themselves be
doing. Money and products were
sailing across the sea to be swal-
lowed up never to return to the
source of production.
But there burned in the hearts
of those sturdy pioneers the spark
of patriotism which finally flashed
into flame and destroyed the yoke
of bondage and once again the
star of progress guided the way
for rapid strides in happiness and
prosperity.
Their incentive restored, they
again took up their work and ci-
ties and villages flourished; farms
were tilled and mines opened.
Each individual toiled in his par-
ticular line of endeavor in fair
competition to his neighbor. As
he prospered, his community
prospered and as the community
prospered the Nation prospered
to the mighty land she is to-day.
Why was this? Because the money
he accumulated he placed in -cit-
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
culation in his community; be-
cause he was an integral part of
that community, and he rejoiced
in its advancement. He knew that
if he became ill or unemployed,
his friends and neighbors would
come to his rescue. He had an
account at the local bank and
should this be exhausted, a credit
was established that would sustain
him until he was again employed.
His earnings he spent in his com-
munity, and he had every right to
expect that his community would
stand by him, and it did not fail
him.
Suppose, on the other hand,
that this man did not have the
community spirit; that he had
spent his money in stores that
were only receiving depots to send
his earnings out of the community
under the guise of false economy.
He would have no credit, no
bank account, no right to expect
aid, from the community to which
he was indifferent. He becomes
merely a worker who earns
enough one day to prepare him-
self to work another. His whole
life is spent in want and toil, and
such a life is without value, either
to himself, his community or to
his country.
To-day, my friends, we of
America are facing a situation sim-
ilar in many respects to that of
our forefathers. We have in our
cities many stores and industries
which are under the guidance of
centralized wealth. Even as a tiny
rivulet flowing through our fair
lands feeds the mighty ocean, so
also, do these industries continue
in an endless chain to bear to this
great sea of wealth, the money
which should remain in the com-
munity in which it is produced,
but which goes to swell the
oceanic coffers of Eastern capital.
I would liken this system to the
subterranean channels which sap
the sparkling waters from the bub-
bling springs which supply our
country. This water is carried
down the channel to the oceans
where it is lost. Eventually these
springs will dry up and the land
which they so graciously supplied
becomes a barren waste. The
stores and industries of centralized
capital are even now slowly and
surely sapping the strength from
our local business men and unless
restrained will destroy our pros-
perity and annihilate our Nation,
for a nation is only progressive in
so far as its people are progressive.
What will the result be? The
wealth of America will in time be
controlled by a few upon whose
whims and mercy shall depend
our citizens.
Business and commerce will be
in their hands and we shall be
compelled to pay for livelihood
whatever sum they demand, even
as tribute was extorted from our
forefathers.
It might seem to some that in
their purchases here, they are sav-
ing money by buying from stores
known as the chain stores; but
there is a serious side to this situa-
tion. By assuming that they can
buy some commodities cheaper
than they can from the local mer-
chant is it not natural to assume
that when the local merchant is no
more, the commodities purchased
at the chain store will be increased
in price. An example of this is
shown by the war between the
Gould and Mackay cable:
The Gould system had been
charging from 60 cents to 80 cents
a word; the Mackay charge 40
cents a word. The Gould system
undertook to induce the rival to
put the price back to 60 cents.
The rival refused and thereupon,
the Gould combination dropped
to 12!% cents for the purpose of
destroying the rival. The Mackay
Cable fixed the tariff at 25 cents,
saying to its customers, ““You are
intelligent enough to understand
what this war means. If our cables
are defeated, the Gould system
will go back not only to the old
price, but will add enough to re-
imburse itself for the cost of de-
stroying us. If you really wish
for competition, if you desire a
reasonable service at a reasonable
rate, you will support us.” From
that the people at that time knew
that the Mackay system was cor-
rect and they patronized the
Mackay system, forcing the Gould
system to meet its prices, and it is
apparent that if to-day the cen-
tralized chain stores force their
rival, the local business man out
of business, they will immediately
raise their prices and make you
and me pay not only an increased
purchase price, but in addition
thereto, the amount that it cost
to make the independent mer-
chant close his store.
Shall this system continue? Is
there no remedy for this condi-
tion? My friends, there is a rem-
edy.
It calls for serious thought and
united action on our part. It calls
for patronage by us of our local
merchants, who are the bulwark
between us and centralization. It
behooves us to consider the in-
evitable and not remain indiffer-
ent to our own welfare.
We must not be dazzled into
blindness by the glare of the pres-
ent. We must see the future. We
shall not be duped by the sunshine
of the moment or the promise of
an hour. We must see beyond the
horizon of a penny saved. We
must stand as one man and say:
“Mr. Local Business Man you are
our friend; you are the rival who
stands between us and disaster
and our friend shall not be al-
lowed to die, because if he dies
we necessarily go down in disas-
ter. Leo J. Scott.
a2 >
It’s always a tragedy when circum-
stances prevent a man from expressing
the hest that is in him.
—- - * o
It’s getting mighty expensive for a
husband to take an interest in modern
household devices.
Decernber 24, 1930
Talking Turkey To the Chain
Gang.
As this is being circulated over
all of Michigan and a wide sector
of the U. S. A. folks will be either
getting ready to eat turkey, they
will be eating it or will be picking
their teeth after the feast. For the
date line is the 24th day of De-
cember, 1930, and isn’t it about
as good a time, as any other, to
talk turkey?
In the automobile industry there
are some optimistic reports for the
coming year. We can thank for-
tune the chain gang hasn't quite
mastered the auto game in spite
of automotive mergers and com-
binations.
But take the retailers, all lines,
any line, and it hasn’t been any
too wonderful a Christmas. I’m
sick and tired of the howling
Calamity Janes who think the
country has gone to pot and ruin.
I'm sick of those blind folks
who just won't see what has done
more to gum up the works for
1930 than all the other causes put
together. We hear a lot about the
“trouble down in Wall street’’
causing the past depression. Sure,
Wall street.
But who hangs out down in that
select neighborhood? ~ Is it the
corner grocer, the butcher, the
baker and the garage man? Not
so you can notice it. If we were to
see Sears Roebuck, Montgomery
Ward, Mr. Kroeger, Mr. Wool-
worth, Mr. Penny, Mr. Walgreen,
Mr. Kresge and more of this same
clique down there, we wouldn't
be surprised. That’s what they are
in business for — to keep Wall
street on the map.
But the chain gangs haven't
been taking quite so much in the
way of dividends of late. That’s
the big light in the sky and the
reason there’s going to be a better
flavor to the New Year's bird.
When we get right down to
fundamental facts on the social
economy of the so-called hard
times of the past few months,
don’t let anyone try to side-track
you as to the facts. Where did a
great big percentage of the money
in this country go to for the past
five years? It went right down to
that same little Wall street, and
the gentlemen | have named, the
chain syndicates, mergers and
consolidations, Mr. A. & P. and
the rest, took a lot of this good
money and we only had the emp-
ty bean cans left to show for it.
And bean cans ain’t worth a
tinker’s darn to pay the landlady,
the gas man and the dentist, no
sir! H. ford has used some in his
flivvers, but he don’t buy ’em in
the open market.
We have been planking down
our cash and seeing it mailed out,
carted out and bailed out of town
and the banks kept on drawing on
reserves to pay local wages, help
folks pay taxes and support char-
ity, and still the money oozed,
ebbed and poured out. It is com-
mon sense to know that we can't
a
eats,
December 24, 1930
squeeze an orange or a sponge
bone dry and expect to have any
juice or moisture left:
We cannot squeeze all the mon-
ey out of circulation and have
good times, so we have had a
concrete example of the facts we
have been trying so hard to get
you to see (that is the public, we
are talking to now). The money
went to the chain gangs and many
of our good folks went to the
soup houses.
But to get back to Christmas
day turkey—
Talking direct to the chain op-
erators of the United States.
Here’s turkey talk, to you. Listen:
Don’t you think on this day of
days, this season of seasons, you
should be ashamed of yourselves?
Do you think you have made
the kiddies of this Nation happy
by forcing dads out of work, so
they had to get up on Christmas
morning to face empty stockings?
Don’t you feel just a little stir
of conscience (if you have any)
when you think at this Yuletide
season, of the starvation wages
you have doled out, when you
consider those thousands upon
thousands of traveling men who
have been forced to curtail all
Christmas giving, all Christmas
feasting and joy?
Don’t you feel like crawling in
a hole when you stop to realize
it has been your arrogant, selfish,
grasping, mercenary system which
has blighted the Christmas trees,
quenched the home fires and sad-
dened the Nation by taking away
the surplus profits of hamlet,
town and city, to leave nothing
but depleted bank accounts and
not enough for honest citizens to
pay their taxes?
Christmas, the day of peace
and good-will toward men—what
a hollow mockery in the light of
the chain store illuminations?
‘How can you, the chain stores of
this Nation, face this season with
a smile. The facts have been es-
tablished. Material facts, there
have been convictions in court,
legal evidence of fraudulent prac-
tices, trickery advertising, short
weights. It has been a long and a
terrible arraignment, but at this
season it is not well to harbor
anything but the most charitable
of feelings.
If we talk turkey at Yuletime, it
is because we wonder if it may not
aid somewhat in a future solution
of the evils of the day.
Really, you chain store oper-
ators, the heads, the brains, the
sinew (not the local managers or
just the district superintendents)
what does Christmas mean _ to
you?
Our Puritan forefathers fought
and suffered for a free and inde-
pendent Nation. They were thank-
ful for their blessings and to them
Christmas was the most wonderful
day in all the world. It meant a
visualization, a bringing closer to
their hearts, the ideals for which
they were giving their lives, their
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
every effort. To-day that same
spirit of independence has been
made a plaything for the greedy
hands of monopolistic oppression.
Christmas has no significance to
the folks who make up your sys-
tems, your cliques, your mergers
—for corporations are soulless,
syndicates are heartless, so empty
stockings, broken hearts, blasted
opportunities may be but empty
phrases to you.
We are talking turkey to you,
at turkey time. Through the
months to come, having had ex-
perience with one lean Christmas
due to your chain tactics and ruin-
ous financial juggling, others will
be thinking, talking turkey, too.
You who have nearly made a
wreck of one Christmas should be
eternally ashamed of yourselves.
But through these coming months
you will do well to scan the stock
market value of your own stock,
to keep an eye on the dwindling
dividends.
Yes, chain gang, folks have had
their bitter lesson. You have gone
a step too far and the turkey talk
of the Nation will be in legislation,
taxation, education and in fair
play buying and trading. Your
sources of supply will not be so
easily swayed to the practice of
low wages and cutting down the
pay rolls.
With your dwindling power
normal times will come again.
With your system a success, from
your angle, normalcy would be
but a myth. It is turkey time, the
time of peace and good will. It
is not the season for argument or
for airing unpleasant truths. Yet
it is of all times the time you
should vision the facts as they
exist, realize the misery and sad-
ness you have caused.
What a blessed Yuletide season
it would have been had you never
appeared to darken the horizon.
What has been done may be rem-
edied, and through the awakened
public spirit of justice and inde-
pendent fair play, that remedy
will be applied.
New Year is around the corner.
We have had our turkey. Now
for the bird of freedom. _
Hugh King Harris.
Never Too Late.
Ionia, Dec. 19—I trust it is not toc
late to extend my congratulations in
connection with your Forty-eighth
Anniversary number. I went through
it from “kiver to kiver” with a great
deal of pleasure. From the standpoint
of both printer and editor it was per-
fect. You have as much right to be
proud of it as a mother has of her new
born babe. A splendid contribution to
Michigan journalism. :
Fred D. Keister.
—_2 + >—____
Thanks, Brothers.
Muskegon, Dec. 22—Enclosed please
find a membership card of the Con-
sumers League of Muskegon. This is
sent you in appreciation of the many
kind things you have said about Mus-
kegon independent merchants and the
fine and exceedingly timely and sug-
gestive articles appearing in the
Tradesman every week in your in-
tensive and effective fight against the
chain stores. F. H. Long, ‘Sec’y.
When You Shout “Thief” Be Sure of
Your Ground.
One of the surest ways for a retail
merchant to get himself into a peck of
trouble is to accuse someone of theft
and not be able to prove it. The cir-
cumstances may point strongly to the
guilt of the accused; yet, unless the
merchant has proof that will be con-
vincing to the average jury, he had
better go slow in making a charge of
this kind.
This is true because, in a great ma-
jority of cases, where a merchant fails
to make a case against one accused of
theft, the latter will have good grounds
for a suit for damages. In other words,
the merchant may then be called to
account for false imprisonment or
malicious prosecution, depending upon
the facts of the case. There is great
danger here in acting hastily, as wit-
ness the following.
In this case, when a retail merchant
opened his place one morning he dis-
covered that it had been ‘buglarized
during the previous night. He checked
up and found that a quantity of mer-
chandiseWincluding shoes, hosiery, and
other articles were missing, the total
value of which he judged to be about
fifty dollars.
The loss was not great, but the mer-
chant decided to try his hand at locat-
ing the thief, and, accompanied by two
other men, he took up the trail from
where he found tracks just outside the
store window. It had rained the night
before just before the thief had entered
the store by removing a window, and
when the latter left the premises with
the stolen goods he made _ distinct
tracks, which were subsequently frozen
as it turned cold about that time.
The merchant and his companions
followed these tracks down the road,
across a field, through a woods and
marsh, and finally came to a halt 100
yards from C’s house. They did not
trace the tracks to the house, but did
circle the premises and failed to find
where the tracks left the place. Also
along the way they found lint from a
sack on a fence the thief had crossed,
also a wrapper from the hosiery that
had been taken from the store. On
the above evidence, the merchant made
oath to a warrant and had C’s premises
searched. Nothing belonging to the
merchant was found.
OPPORTUNITIES NEVER
FURNITURE PURCHASERS
_ An entire building devoted to the sales of Furniture made
exclusively by Grand Rapids Manufacturers.
WHOLESALE and RETAIL.
The Furniture Galleries of Grand Rapids, Inc.
25-27 Commerce Ave., S. W., Grand Rapids, Michigan.
We Wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
and Hope everybody will enjoy
Prosperity next Year
Western Michigan Grocery Company
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
7
”
Following this, as is usual in cases
of this kind, C brought an action for
damages for malicious prosecution
against the merchant in which he de-
manded, $15,000. Upon the trial of the
cause, C introduced the search war-
rant that had been sworn to by the
merchant, and after proving that no
property of the merchant was found
after the search had been conducted
upon his premises, he rested his case.
The merchant then sought to escape
liability on the ground that under the
facts of the case he had reasonable
ground for think ing that C was guilty.
From which it was argued that he, the
merchant, was justified in having the
search made. The trial court left the
case to the jury, and the latter found
for C in the sum of $1,500. From judg-
ment on this the merchant appealed,
and the higher court, in passing upon
the question of whether the merchant
had sufficient grounds to justify him in
Swearing to a search warrant, among
other things, said:
“The tracks in no way suggested the
thief, and, while the lint on the fence
and the hosiery wrapper by the route
of tracks may suggest that the person
who made the tracks was carrying the
goods in a bag, and did carry them
into the clearing and toward C’s house,
there is no evidence or circumstances
that in anyway pointed to ‘C as the
guilty party, except the fact that he
owned the land, and the goods prob-
ably were on his land. This was only
a suspicion.”
In line with the foregoing, the court
affirmed the judgment against the mer-
chant, on the ground that the circum-
stances did not justify him in making
the accusation of theft against C. So
the merchant lost the goods, the law-
suit, and was compelled to shoulder a
very substantial judgment for his mis-
take in judgment.
The foregoing case constitutes a
striking illustration of the importance
of care in making accusations of theft
against parties who may be suspected.
And unless a merchant has very con-
vincing evidence of the guilt of a party,
he had better remain quiet and keep
his suspicions to himself. Truly, the
case reviewed illustrates the import-
ance to a merchant of being sure of his
ground before shouting “thief.”
Leslie ‘Childs.
BEFORE OFFERED TO
>
&
JEWS IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
As;-the celebration recently held in
historic Faneuil Hall,-Boston, of the
275th anniversary of the settlement of
the Jews in this country called to pub-
lic attention, the Jews are among the
oldest elements of our population.
Their first settlement in this continent
was made in New York, then New
Amsterdam, in 1655. The Santa Ca-
terina had arrived late in 1654, probably
from Brazil, with twenty-three Jews
on board. They were not hospitably
received. Governor Peter Stuyvesant
was determined that they should not
remain and he changed his attitude
only when the directors of the Dutch
East India Company in, Holland took
the side of the newcomers.
Within a few months after their ar-
rival an ordinance was passed provid-
ing that Jews should not be permitted
to serve in the militia but that in lieu
of such service they should each pay
a tax of sixty-five stivers—equivalent
to several dollars to-day—a month.
This action brought to the fore one
Asser Levy, who refused to pay the
tax and petitioned the Council for per-
nussion to perform military duty like
all the other citizens of the colony or
else for relief from the tax. His peti-
tion was rejected. Apparently he ap-
pealed to the authorities in Holland,
for it is on record that he performed
guard duty. He continued the battle
for equal rights of Jews and finally
they were fully recognized as burghers.
Throughout our history the Jews
have played an honorable and con-
spicuous part in both public and pri-
vate life. They were among the most
patriotic Americans during the Revolu-
tion, risking their lives and their for-
tunes on behalf of the struggling young
nation. One of them, Haym Solomon,
not only advanced large sums 10
Robert Morris, the Government’s hard-
pressed Superintendent of Finance, but
also assisted individuals whose names
are now household words but who were
in need. Among these was Madison.
In finance, in education, in science
and in philanthropy the Jews have
written their names imperishably in
American annals. If they found in this
country a freedom which was not al-
ways accorded them in other places,
they gave in return the best that was in
them. In celebrating their 275 years
here, they have every reason to be
proud of the contribution they have
made to American civilization.
CONSERVING RETAIL PROFITS.
In retail merchandising, no less than
in industry, the problem of conserving
net profit is demanding careful thought,
While the Harvard figures for several
years past have demonstrated a declin-
ing retail profit trend, the year now
drawing to a close is felt by retail exec-
utives to have been an exceptionally
difficult one. Combined with the effect
of the industrial slump and the reduced
purchasing power arising from unem-
ployment, several other factors, arising
mainly out of the price situation, have
taken their toll.
These factors began to exert their
full influence last June, following a
Spring season that compared fairly
well with a year ago. In midsummer
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
the decline in retail prices, in readjust-
ment to lower wholesale price and com-
modity levels, became quite rapid. This
produced a sharp drop in the size of the
average sale and a lower dollar volume
that to date have not been offset by
the gain in the number of transactions.
Moreover, to clear stocks on hand
quickly, the majority of stores took
heavier mark-down than usual, while
many retailers also lowered the mark-
up on new merchandise purchases.
It appears likely that the situation
engendered by these developments will
continue to affect retailing for at least
the first quarter of the new year. This
leads many retailers to believe that
profits need to be conserved by main-
taining legitimate mark-ups, by fewer
mark-downs, by avoiding losses by ad-
justing merchandising more accurately
to consumers’ demand, and also by
soundly conceived expense reduction.
It may well be borne in mind that
the current situation discloses sources
of merchandising strength as well as
weaknesses, and that more than a few
merchants laid the foundation for their
later success during similar periods of
readjustment.
WE’RE DAMNED BOTH WAYS.
There is apparently nothing the
United States can do to achieve pop-
ularity abroad. In our recent days of
prosperity, when we confidently be-
lieved that mass production had elim-
inated the economic cycle and the fu-
ture was an endless vision of mount-
ing stock prices, we were bitterly as-
sailed for our materialism and con-
demned as usurers. Now that our
dreams have faded and we face the
harsh realities of overproduction, un-
employment and even breadlines, does
-Europe welcome us to the fraternity
of the economically depressed and ac-
cept us as fellow sufferers in a world
sadly out of joint? It does not.
Just as our prosperity was judged
to be at the expense of less fortunate
nations, so our depression is said to
be the cause of their present woes. As
spokesman for a disgruntled Italy the
omniscient Mussolini waxes sarcastic
about our fall from our high estate,
tears to threads the theories on which
we had built up our prosperity and
declares that the late lamented stock
market crash pushed Italy into the
high seas “and from that day naviga-
tion has become extremely difficult for
us.”
Yesterday we were envied for being
so rich, so prosperous, so self-sufficient;
to-day we are blamed because we could
not continue to live at this high level.
There is no health in us.
BUSINESS INDEX AT LOW.
The principal basic developments
during the week were undoubtedly
those represented in a further sharp
decline in the weekly index of business
activity and in another drop in com-
modity prices. The Annalist weekly
index of commodity prices has fallen
to 115.4, a figure which represents the
lowest general price level since some
time shortly after the outbreak of the
kaiser’s war. The only satisfaction that
can be derived from these develop-
ments seems to be that at its present
level the business index undoubtedly
represents a degree of stagnation
which, as nearly as can be judged by
an examination of comparable monthly
indexes extending over the last half
century, has never lasted more than a
month or two.
At the same time it should be ob-
served that recovery from such severe
depression to normal (except in the
cycle preceding the war) has always
required at least thirteen months and,
in one instance, ninteen months. An
examination of past records reveals the
fact that the bottom of a major depres-
sion is also frequently characterized
by a fresh onslaught on commodity
prices such as that which has occurred
this last week.
Other economic factors are favorable
to an upturn in business. Short-term,
money rates are lower to-day than at
the beginning of recoveries from many
previous major depressions, and the
bond market seems to have been stag-
ing a secondary decline such as that
which preceded business recovery in
1921. Finally, recent bank failures ap-
parently represent a cleaning out of
weak spots in the banking structure
which, when completed, should leave
the general financial situation in a
much sounder condition.
MOTHERS WHO NEED NOT DIE
More than 16,000 women in_ this
country die every year from causes re-
lated to motherhood. This record con-
stitutes the highest death rate in the
world. It is not surprising, therefore,
to learn that two-thirds, or 10,000, of
these deaths are preventable. The
proof is at hand. In 4,700 cases cared
for by the Maternity Center Association
in the Bellevue-Yorkville district in
New York City the death rate was re-
duced to one-third of the general aver-
age for mothers in the same section
who did not receive such service. In
addition, the deaths of infants during
their first month of life were reduced
by a third. The result of this care at
the maternity center was the establish-
ment of a death rate for mothers be-
low even that of Denmark, which has
the lowest such rate known. What
is needed is a spreading of information
regarding proper care for expectant
mothers.
STUDY STABILIZATION.
Reports that producers next year
will give considerable thought to the
possibilities of stabilizing employment
are among the encouraging signs on
the business horizon. Responding to
pleas of unemployment boards and
committees, hundreds of executives are
subscribing to the theory that they can
benefit their workers, communities and
themselves by perfecting stabilization
programs.
While the workers’ welfare may be
uppermost in the minds of those ad-
vising steady employment, the benefits
to be derived by employers themselves
are considerable. Any effort to stabil-
ize employment implies a study of pro-
duction costs, perfection of more level
schedules of output anda thorough
enquiry into market possibilities. Busi-
ness leaders have been urging these
considerations upon manufacturers for
years, but their progress has been
December 24, 1930
hampered by the indifference of many
producers. Approaching the same
ground from a different angle, the un-
employment committees have com-
manded greater attention, possibly be-
cause they make their pleas under more
dramatic circumstances.
Small plants as well as large fac-
tories are starting to experiment with
policies aimed at producing year-round
employment. Chief among these en-
deavors is the suggested rationing of
output over a twelve-month period.
Authorities point out that the greatest
possibilities for reducing production
expense and eliminating unscientific
peaks and valleys in output lie in this
direction.
THE LINCOLN TRAIL.
Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois have
undertaken a project of unusual inter-
est and not a little difficulty in the
proposed memorial highway to mark
the trail of the Lincoln family from
the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln,
near Hodgenville, Ky., to Springfield,
Ill., where he is buried. Official repre-
sentatives of the three states are in
accord on tentative plans for a road
350 feet wide and are preparing to
carry forward this ambitious undertak-
ing as rapidly as possible. The route
will link three Lincoln shrines — at
Hodgenville, Lincoln City, Ind., and
Springfield—as well as other places
intimately connected with the early
life of the martyred President.
One great difficulty will be that of
tracing and following the trail from
Hodgenville to Lincoln City. Thomas
Lincoln made the first journey in 1816
almost entirely by water, floating on
a raft down Rolling Fork, Salt River
and the Ohio to the mouth of Ander-
son Creek, near Troy, Ind. The rest
of the journey to the present site of
Lincoln City, about nineteen miles, was
made on foot.
The success of this undertaking will
be a boon to thousands of tourists who
visit the Lincoln country in Kentucky
and Illinois annually and will give de-
served prominence to the Indiana dis-
trict by making it more easily accessible.
DRY GOODS CONDITIONS.
The general tenor of comments on
holiday trade continues to. indicate
gains in transactions, with a smaller
average sale. The decline in the latter,
however, is much less than the drop
in retail prices. Hence, when it is taken
into consideration that each additional
sale means either an added customer
or the turnover of one more item of
merchandise, the situation is seen to
have its favorable aspects, at least
on the score of more “customer con-
tacts” which reveal that a store is
holding or increasing its popularity
with consumers.
Just how much the decline in dollar
volume for the month will be is, of
course, still in doubt. In view of the
lower prices prevailing and current
economic difficulties, retailers see in a
moderate decline no reason for undue
concern. Moreover, the fact that. the
shopping period before Christmas this
year has one extra day, as compared
with 1929, will influence favorably the
total volume of sales,
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December 24, 1930°
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
OUT AROUND.
Things Seen and Heard on > Week
End Trip-
. I have seen many instances of the
slaughter of values through the sale
of insolvent estates, but the marketing
of the assets of the Grand Rapids
Body 'Co. by the receivers of that or-
ganization presents about the worst
case of depreciation I have ever had
brought to my attention. The estate
must have about three-quarters of a
million liabilities, including capital
stock, merchandise accounts, bank in-
debtedness, bonds and receivers’ cer-
tificates. The personal property was
recently authorized by Judge Brown
to be sold for $10,000, of which $8,000
will be claimed to pay the 1930 per-
sonal tax. The land and buildings
will ‘be sold at public auction Jan. 7.
It is doubtful if little is realized above
the 1930 property tax, which amounts
to $10,000. The real estate comprises
five acres of land bounded by North
Front street, the Grand Trunk Rail-
way and the river. It has a side
track on its own land from the main
line of the Grand Trunk. It is located
on a paved street, on!y one block
from the Scribner street car line. The
city assessors tax the property on a
valuation of $50,000. The buildings
would cost around $200,000 to replace.
Theyeare completely equipped with an
up-to-date sprinkling system. The
power plant is ample to drive all the
machinery needed for the entire fac-
tory system. The office building is
comparatively new, with a_ beautiful
assembly room on the second floor
which was intended for the use of the
employes of the factory. This building
alone would cost more to replace than
the receivers are likely to realize from
the entire property remaining unsold,
which would be considered dirt cheap
in good times at $200,000.
For many years Grand Rapids has
lacked adequate facilities for small
concerns which require a little assist-
ance in the way of small spaces suit-
able for manufacturing purposes. Tor
twenty years the old Comstock factory
on upper Monroe avenue was_ the
kindergarten institution of Grand Rap-
ids. It furnished a home and habita-
tion for many a new undertaking in
the manufacturing line. Several of the
most prosperous factories we now
possess started originally in the old
Comstock tub and bail factory. ‘With
the revival of business soon due to
appear the Grand Rapids Body Co.
plant would be an ideal institution for
the Association of Commerce to ac-
quire to supply the requirements which
will face the industrial’ department
during the next few years. The build-
ing can be occupied thy one tenant or
by several tenants, depending on the
space required by occupant or occu-
pants. Nothing the Association of
Commerce could do to assist in the
growth of Grand Rapids would be so
helpful as this action at this time.
Will the Association of Commerce
avail itself of this opportunity? I
doubt it. The policy of the organiza-
tion has been to increase the wages of
incompetents who oecupy places of
power and responsibility (without ade-
quate functioning) to such an extent
that it probably has no surplus funds
on hand to enable it to acquire such a
property at this time. President
Schouten is currently reported to be -
on the Sunny Side of Easy street, hav-
ing from half a million to a million
dollars in his strong box, most of
which has been accumulated on out-of-
town investments. ‘He could acquire
the property and hand it over to the
Association of Commerce with. the un-
derstanding that the organization pay
the taxes and insurance for twenty
years. By the end of that time the
five acres of land will probably be
worth a quarter of a million dollars or
more. Whether he will accept this
suggestion in. the spirit in which it is
offered remains to tbe seen. Nothing
he could do would contribute more to
the growth and prosperity of Grand
Rapids than to act on this suggestion,
which would reverse the general pol-
icy of the Association of ‘Commerce
for the past twenty years, which has
been destructive instead of construc-
tive. '
I am exceedingly sorry to put these
statements in cold type, but I cannot
lay any claim to truthful writing un-
less I record the truth as it looks to
me. I can easily see why the facts are
as I have stated, ‘bluntly as they may
appear to a superficial observer. [or
twenty years the Association of Com-
merce has been controlled by a clique
bent solely on continuing themselves
and their friends in control of the or-
ganization. No public function can
accomplish anything worth while if
it is dominated by class, clique or clan.
No organization ever gets anywhere
in this wor'd if it is subservient solely
to human selfishness of the most sordid
character, which soon develops—as
has been the case with the Associa-
tion of Commerce—into an engine of
destruction for those who would not
consent to work with the conspirators
or who ventured to think or act in op-
position to the ‘big boss of the clique.
This policy has ‘finally reached the
culmination which I have predicted for
it for several years. Supporting mem-
bers are in arrears in their subscrip-
tion payments to the tune of between
$12,000 to $15,000 and the organization
is behind in its payment to its officers
and others. The arrearage is growing
larger every month, which means that
a radical ,reduction in salaries and
other expenses will have to be adopted
for 1931 in order to maintain its exist-
ence. It is exceedingly fortunate that
the body has as its President a man of
dominance and determination like
John Schouten, who will take the bul
by the horns and clean out the dead-
wood which has kept the organization
from functioning as it should have
functioned during the past dozen years
or more.
When I was elected President of the
organization, more than twenty years
ago, I found we had 1,200 members on
our list, 400 of whom had paid no dues
for several years.- I immediately in-
structed the secretary to strike off our
list all who were more than a year in
arrears on their membership payments.
This reduced our list of paying mem-
bers to 800, to which we made many
entire amount.
1
valuable additions during the two
years I served as chief executive.
Within a month after I took this
drastic action, a gentleman who never
cared much for me or my methods
circulated this report: ‘Stowe has
busted the Board of Trade. Four
hundred members have quit the or-
ganization since he was elected Presi-
dent.” I have never been able to fig-
ure out any reason why any man
should receive the benefits of any or-
ganization unless he is willing to do
his full share in contributing to its
support.
The location of the Grand Rapids
Body ‘Co. is one of historic interest to
Grand Rapids people. It was the or-
iginal site of the Wonderly Lumber
Co., which came into existence with
a great flourish of trumpets in the
early ’70s. As I recall
stance the stockholders
H. Wonderly, John
Wm. H. Jones. The company met
disaster and made a most wretched
failure, which culminating in the
bankruptcy court, which freed the
stockholders from further liability.
John Widdicomb refused to accept the
situation and paid every creditor of
the company his share of the total in-
debtedness, which was one-quarter,
according to his ideas, his stock own-
ership having been one-quarter of the
He was thirty years in
doing this, hut succeeded in liquidat-
ing every penny of his portion of the
the circum-
were Joseph
Widdicomb and
indebtedtess long ‘before he d’ed.
When Wonderly saw that disaster
faced the organization, he requested
John Widdicom)h to induce his wife to
sell her $30,000 interest in the Widdi-
comb Furniture Co. and put the pro-
ceeds in the Wonderly Lumber Co.
William Widdicom)h once told me that
when he heard of the proposition he
went to his brother’s home and on
bended knees implored his sister-in-
law not to acquiesce in this arrange-
ment. He told her that the Wonderly
Co. was doomed to failure and that if
she gave up her stock in the Widdi-
comb Furniture Co. his brother, John,
would have nothing to start in busi-
ness with again, while if she retained
her holding her husband could come
back to the Widdicomb Furniture Co.
on a fine footing. Mrs. John Widdi-
comb very wisely coincided with the
sane judgment of her rother-in-law
and when the wreckage of the Won-
derly Lumber Co. was cleaned up
John Widdicomb resumed his former
position with the Widdicomb Furni-
ture ‘Co., where he remained many
years,
In 1880 Mr. Wonderly organized the
Kent Furniture Co. and engaged in
business on the same location’in the
manufacture of sideboards and center
tables and painted and ornamental
goods for cottage use. This under-
taking was never very successful, but
did not swing into the bankruptcy
court until after Mr. Wonderly’s
death.
The next occupant of the premises
was John Widdicomb, who occupied
the buildings as a branch of his main
_ factory, producing cheaper goods than
he turned out in his main factory. On
the termination of his lease he sur-
rendered the property to the owners.
It has served other occupants until it
finally passed into the hands of the
Grand Rapids Body Co., which added
one more to the long list of failures
which have occurred on that location.
In writing recently to George B.
Catlin, librarian and morgue manager
“of the Detroit News, I asked him to
give me particulars regarding
the wonderful department he has
created for the newspaper which en-
joys the largest advertising income of
American’ publication. His re-
sponse: was as follows:
some
any
It is the common experience among
newspaper workers that “each man in
his time p.ays many parts.” My per-
manent and continuous endeavors in
newspaper work began with the Morn-
ing Telegram of Grand Rapids in the
fall of 1884. as circulator. From that
I shifted to a job as reporter and soon
was made city editor. In the summer
of 1892 I came to Detroit to begin
work on the News. The first busi-
ness of a newspaper man in a new
habitat is to make himself well ac-
quainted with the town, its officials
and its people. ‘So my first labors
were on the police ‘beat and the munici-
pal courts. In niy idle moments I
wrote feature articles for the Sunday
edition and in 1896 I was made an
editorial writer. Successfully dodged
two opportunities as city editor, having
wearied of the job which makes a man
a sort of bumping post between the
policy of the newspaper and its pub‘ic.
Wrote editorials, book reviews and
feature articles and European war ar-
ticles until the fall of 1917, when I
was appointed to the task of providing
the News with a reference library,
with no restrictions as to my discre-
tion and no limitations as to: the money
] would see fit to spend. During the
next three years I spent more than
$50,000, with the result-that the News
now has the best reference library -cf
any newspaper in the country and
probably in the world. The endeavor
is to keep the library at its present
volume—a little more than 22,000 vo:-
umes—and to grow only by elimina-
tion and replacement. The fiction
section contains about 1.000 volumes
of standard works. All the remainder
is reference material. The morgue or
scraparium is maintained as a -supple-
mentary department, with its own
staff of nine people while the library
has a staff of eight.
Visitors from Chicago, New York,
Philadelphia and other big cities at
first wonder how we can make profit-
able use of so expensive and complex
an adjunct to a newspaper but we are
soon abe to show them its utility.
A newspaper attempts to publish the
current news of the day and to tell the
public what the publishers think the
public wants to know and ought to
know. The library and scraparium are
collateral branches of the institution
which function in telling the public
what it really wants to know but does
not know how to ‘find out. It really
functions as an invisible newspaper be-
cause very little of its product figures
conspicuously in the printed page. We
receive daily from 60 to 100 enquiries
for information of every ‘conceivable
variety. Science, biography, history,
politics, sociology, information about
countries, people, inventions, discov-
eries, etc. In fact, it is impossible to
even suggest the range of private en-
quiries which come to us by letter,
telephone and personal calls. Verv
little of this ever appears in the pub-
lished columns of the News, most of
it being furnished direct and by private
letter, even if no stamped envelope is
enclosed with the enquiry.
Advertising men make constant use
of such materials. Students of a large
10
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
class in high schools and colleges are
assigned a subject which calls for cer-
tain books. The first to call at the
public libraries get the books and the
rest of them come to us. Here they
find not only the ‘books they seek but
a vast amount of supplementary ma-
terials in indexed clippings and maga-
zine articles, which are not available at
the public libraries. Club women who
prepare papers come to us, lecturers
and even congressmen and ministers
of the gospel, because we are generally
up to the minute with the sort of in-
formation they seek.
At the public libraries the book
wanted is often “out.” With us it is
always “in” and where we can lay
hands on it at once. Our catalogue
combines with the usual Melville
Dewey system a most elaborate analy-
tic index which sets before the seeker
a very complete schedule of all the
available material on every subject. In
addition we have a very. elaborate il-
lustration and picture index. which
lists by volume and page every book
illustration in the library and more
than 400.000 illustrations (portraits
and views) in the scraparium; more
than 60,000 cuts and more than 2,000,-
000 clippings. All this material is in-
stantly available on demand for we
allow nothing to go out. We have
alcoves and tables where the seeker
for data can sit down to work and
have everything brought to his hand
by the attendants.
This, of course, involves a pretty
sizeable original investment and a
heavy cost for maintenance and ser-
vice; and it does not produce a dollar
of direct revenue. One might say,
offhand, that it is a prodigal waste and
a venture entirely outside the proper
field of newspaper work. But they
forget that the two biggest assets of
a newspaper are the good will and
the public confidence and reliance.
These are what we earn day by day
and every day and the endeavor earns
reputation which could be won in no
other way.
The newspaper is bound to become
more and more an educational institu-
tion and resort for information that
its daily news columns do not and can-
not supply. It also affords certain ac-
commodations of incalculable value to
all sorts of people. For example:
You knew Will Chalmers, who was
for several years superintendent of
schools in Grand Rapids and later a
congressman from Ohio. One day he
bustled into the News library to see
me. Said he: “I am booked to deliver
a speech in Buffalo to-night. Through
some sort of accident I have lost my
speech. The substance of it is in a
speech I delivered in Congress not
long ago. I have been to the public
library and there I was told that my
last resort would be to you. ‘Can you
help me?” .
In two minutes I faid the text of his
speech in his hands and he had a type-
written copy made and went on his
way rejoicing. Said he: “I cannot
tell you how much that means to me.
Your institutional service amazes me.”
A stranger came in and explained
that he had just arrived from Chicago
where he was a member of a big legal
firm. “We have an important case
coming on this afternoon in the Fed-
eral Court. One of my partners has
had all the handling of it and he has
ali the papers. He is desperately ill
in a Chicago hospital. We cannot find
his records of the case. The trial
cannot be postponed again and I know
nothing about the case, which has
been dragging on for months. Can
you help me out?”
Again I was able to hand him an
envelope full of clippings about the
case and he sat down, took notes and
said he was ready now to go to trial.
Such free service costs the News a
lot of money, but it buys something
that cannot be found at the chain gro-
cery or any other place except the
News library. And such things are
happening every day.
I have written at this length be-
cause I am an enthusiast with a per-
sonal theory with regard to the func-
tion of the invisible newspaper, as an
instrument of human service and gen-
eral public education. Maybe I’m
daft, but the scheme works beautifully
and our visible reward is the manifest-
ed gratification and appreciation of
those who are served. We don’t know
where we are going, but we are on
our way.
The seventy-five year old mercantile
house of M. Hale Company, South
Haven, writes me as follows regard-
ing the cracker and cookie situation:
South Haven, Dec. 20—We have
read with interest the Tradesman of
Dec. 10. ‘We are particularly inter-
ested in your reference to the National
Biscuit Co. and Shredded Wheat prod-
ucts. We believe with you that every
independent merchant should refrain
from handling the product of manu-
facturers who favor the chain stores,
such as the National Biscuit Co.,
Loose-Wiles, etc., but what are the
independent merchants to do? They
must have crackers, cookies, etc., to
offer to their custoniers or they would
deliberately drive their trade to the
chain stores. If you, Mr. Stowe, can
direct us to some manufacturer of
similar products, who will play fair
with independent stores, we stand
ready to drop every unfair manufac-
turer, and we believe at least 75 per
cent. of our independent grocers in
South Haven would do likewise. We
believe the least independent mer-
chants can do in appreciation of your
earnest endeavor to better conditions
of the independent merchants, and for
their own good, is to heed your advice,
and therebv assist and encourage you
in this worth-while fight. Wishing
you success in your unselfish fight for
the betterment of conditions for the
indeperdent merchant.
M. Hale Company.
Although the National and Loose-
Wiles organizations have been pretty
active in acquiring independent bak-
eries, yet there are many independent
plants still in the ‘field, some of which
produce goods fully equal to the high
standard of the companies above
named.
I have the definite promise of Ed-
mund Schust that no more Loose-
Wiles goods will be sold to chain
stores in Michigan. Any merchant
who observes any goods produced by
the Loose-Wiles concern going into
chain stores hereafter is requested to
acquaint me with the facts at once.
Following the lead of Sears, Roe-
buck & Co., whose next mail order
catalogue, to be issued some time in
February, will carry the advertising
of other products than its own, it has
been reported that the National Bellas
Hess Co. and Montgomery Ward &
Co. will follow suit and sell advertis-
ing space in their catalogues to “out-
siders.”. This is only another way of
securing price concessions from manu-
facturers, so that the mail order houses
may be placed in a position where they
can undersell the regular merchants.
Of course, the arrangement is neither
ethical nor honorable. It is only an-
other name for blackmail. As time
goes on and the practice becomes
thoroughly established no manufactur-
er will find himself able to secure any
orders from the mail order houses un-
til he has first signed an iron-clad con-
tract for so-called advertising space in
the mail order catalogues. In order
that this programme may embody the
feature of price discrimination the price
made on space will probably be sev-
eral times more than circumstances
justify, thus enabling the mail order
houses to sell the products thus ex-
ploited much less than buyers who
have no blackmail advantage can pos-
sibly obtain them. It will be inter-
esting to note how anxious manufac-
turers will be to grasp this opportunity.
A happy thought flashed through
my mind as I was concluding this
week’s Out Around. It would involve
a little effort on the part of my many
friends in trade, but the results would
be so cumulative in the aggregate that
I believe it would be worth the ex-
penditure of time. Briefly stated, I
think it would be a fine idea for every
Tradesman patron to request any
neighboring merchant who is not on
our list to hand over $3 to be sent on
to the office the last week in Decem-
ber for a 1931 subscription. A promise
that such will be done does not usually
amount to much, because we are all
forgetful creatures and too often over-
look ‘our promises to do things we
ought to do. If every merchant now
with us would act on this suggestion
it would automatically double our list
in a single week. It might bother us
somewhat to handle such a large influx
of new customers, but we are willing
to accept the responsibility.
E. A. Stowe.
—_> ~~.
Under Consumption Instead of Over
Production.
Greenville, Dec. 18—We have seen
it asserted many times through the
press, minus any proof, that the cause
of the present, the worst panic ever
experienced ‘by this country, was
caused by over production. I contend
instead of over production that we
have the worst stages that we ever
experienced of under consumption. I
will present proof: Last year the crops
pertaining to agriculture were normal.
The people. well employed. You did
not hear a word about over production.
The crops all over the United States
this year were more than one-half less
than last year. If the people were as
well employed this year as they were
last year, they would consume all of
this one-half crop in six months. You
call this over production.
Now let us see about under con-
sumption. It would be safe to say that
last year the common laborers in the
factories averaged $3 per day or $18
per week. One-half of these have been
supported the past six months by the
public. They get $1 per week for each
member of the family. Where there
were two or three in the family, they
would in the latter case have $3 to
spend, compared with $18 in the for-
mer. Now if such conditions are not
under consumption, what is?
Instead of overcoming these bad
conditions by increasing the buying
power. The Hoover men are increas-
ing the present condition by cutting
the men’s wages from one-fourth to
one-half.
The Hooverites told us during their
campaign of 1928 that they wanted the
duty increased on imports, so they
could pay the men better wages. The
duty was raised to such an extent that
it increased the cost of living to the
amount of about four billion dollars
per year.
Then give me any good reason why
the soldiers of the kaiser’s war should
not be paid, when the Government has
owed them for twelve years. Tell me
of any Goyernment official who would
wait twelve years for his salary. The
amount we owe them put in circulation
would give immediate relief.
Mr. Mellon, the Treasurer, says,
“That that amount of money put in
circulation would hurt business.” He
meant the banks. Do they need any
sympathy? But to favor them he
would starve millions of poor people
who are much better citizens than he.
How much more of these conditions
will it take to wake up the people and
cause them to elect statesmen instead
of politicians? E. Reynolds.
—_—_>~-~.__
Corporations Wound Up.
The following Michigan corporations
have recently filed notices of dissolu-
tion with the Secretary of State:
Detroit Hotel Co., Detroit.
Phelps ‘Corp., Detroit.
Eveland Co., Inc., Detroit.
Keystone State Corp., Detroit.
Mason & Co., Detroit.
Manzell Estates Corp., Detroit.
Dancer Brogan Co., Lansing.
Medical Products Corp., Detroit.
Schlieder Corp., Detroit.
Hartford Fruit Growers and Farmers
Exchange, Hartford.
Huron Hills Estates, Detroit.
Autorad Electric ‘Corp., Detroit.
Decem Development ‘Co., Lake.
Jefferson Auburn Co., Detroit.
W. R. Keasey and 'Co., Pontiac.
Doty-Salisbury Co., Flint.
Strifling Realty Co., Detroit.
Automat Beverage Co., Detroit.
Wade Products Co., Detroit.
—_+>~-+___
Rayon Uncertainty Persists.
The reported failure of the rayon
conference in London to achieve stabil-
ization of prices has resulted in the
creation of greater uncertainty among
producers of rayon underwear. Some
knitters of rayon underwear fabrics
are reported to be selling their prod-
uct at low prices, made possible be-
cause of special quotations on
continued” numbers of rayon yarn.
The feeling persists in some quarters
that a rayon price cut is inevitable and
that it may be sharper than expected.
In the meanwhile underwear manufac-
turers are operating very closely, due
to the fact that buyers are purchasing
only small quantities of goods, and say
they will continue to do so until the
situation is clarified.
————_.- ~~.
See Unlined Hats Health Menace.
The present mode of wearing tight-
fitting, unlined hats is dangerous to
women, according to a communication
sent by the Hat Lining Association of
America to the health research bureau
in the women’s apparel industry. The
hat lining group contends that the un-
lined types of millinery cause ex-
cessive perspiration, which absorbs the
dyes used and brings them into direct
contact with the skin of the wearer,
a condition “likely to cause diseases of
the skin or hair.” Jerome Samuels,
head of the bureau, which was organ-
ized recently to study the effect on
health of style fads, says an investiga-
tion will be made.
“dis-
——_2+.____
Will Start Future Trading in Potatoes.
Chicago, Dec. 23—At to-day’s meet-
ing of the Board of Directors of the
Chicago ‘Mercantile Exchange it was
decided to start future trading in po-
tatoes for March delivery on Jan. 5.
One potato house, Bacon Bros., con-
sisting of John Bacon and Henry
Bacon, have joined the Exchange and
will join the Clearing House. The
Exchange has planned the inclusion
of fruits and vegetables in its scope
of future trading for a long time, and
this is the first actual step in this
direction,
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December 24, 1930
NATIONAL STANDARDS. °
Formulating Requirements For Staple
Canned Foods.
The ‘McNary-Mapes bill, which
amended the Federal Food and Drugs
Act and which was passed by the last
session of Congress, authorizes the
Secretary of Agriculture to determine,
establish, and promulgate from time
to time a reasonable standard of qual-
ity, condition, and ‘fill of container for
each generic class of canned food, ex-
cept meat and its products, and can-
ned milk.
It also authorizes the Secretary of
Agriculture to prescribe a form of a
statement which must appear in a con-
spicuous manner on each package or
label of canned food falling below the
standard and which will indicate that
such canned food falls ‘below such
standard.
The word “class” means, and is lim-
ited to, a generic product and does not
mean a grade, variety, or species of the
generic product. By “canned food” is
meant food hermetically sealed in con-
tainers and sterilized by heat.
Since the passage of the amendment,
the Food and Drug Administration of
the Department of Agriculture has
been formulating standards for some
of the staple products. ‘Material
progress has been made in preparing
tentafive drafts of standards for the
following canned products: Tomatoes,
corn, peas, string beans, peaches, apri-
cots, apples, pears, cherries and _sal-
mon. (Before these standards can be
put into form suitable for public hear-
ings ,a large amount of laboratory
our customers
are becoming
“FRESH COFFEE
CONSCIOUS”
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
work will be necessary to determine
certain physical and chemical constants
essential to enforce the standards.
The food control jaboratory of the.
administration is devoting much atten-
tion to this work. Some of the fac-
tors being considered are size, texture,
color, consistency, blemishes, and the
presence of extraneous material. The
aim, so far as practicable, is to devise
simple and accurate methods of meas-
urement that can ‘be applied readily by
the canner and distributor and inter-
preted readily by the consumer.
Existing commercial grades are of
little value in formulating standards
under the McNary-Mapes amendment,
because they are based largely on indi-
vidual and expert judgment of quali-
ties which do not lend themselves to
accurate measurement and which are
frequently local in scope. The stand-
ards under the McNary-Mapes amend-
ment must be Niational in scope, must
be equally applicable in all localities,
and must be sufficiently accurate to
withstand possible court action.
‘Consideration will be given to trade
practice and consumer understanding
as to what constitutes a standard prod-
uct. Public hearings will be held at
which the tentative standards will be
discussed and criticism and sugges-
tion invited. Announcements of these
hearings will be made, giving sufficient
time to those interested to arrange to
be present or represented.
If additional information is brought
out at the hearings, the standards wi'l
be revised when necessary and sub-
mitted to the Secretary of Agriculture
for adoption and promulgation. At the
HE tremendous national and local advertising cam-
paigns behind Chase & Sanborn’s Dated Coffee are
bringing the advantages of serving fresh coffee to the
present rate of progress it is antici-
pated that hearings on some of the
standards will be held before the end
of the year. The amendment provides
a period of 90-days after the promul-
gation of each standards before be-
comes effective.
The amendment, as passed, in no
way relaxes the enforcement of the
Federal Food and Drugs Act. It ac-
tually widens the scope of that law.
Foods which fall below the established
standard may not violate the act in
any respect. Like standard products,
they must be honestly labeled, must
be pure and wholesome, and in addi-
tion must ‘bear a label clearly announc-
ing their sub-standard quality.
The Food and Drug Administration
is devoting much time to determining
the form of this statement. It was
Obviously the intent of Congress that
the required labeling shall clearly in-
form the purchaser that the product
does not conform to the standard, but
it is also apparent that the designation
should not be of such a stigmatizing
character as to convey the impression
that the product is unfit for food. The
amendment recognizes that there are
classes of canned food products which
while not of a quality entitling them
to be sold as United States standard,
are none the less legal under the Food
and Drugs ‘Act if sold under an in-
forming type of label.
The Food and Drug Administration
has sought from many sources, includ-
ing manufacturers, distributors and
consumers, suggestions as to the
proper designation for substandard
goods to be recommended for adop-
attention of your customers. Housewives are becoming
‘Fresh Coffee Conscious’. They are demanding freshness
in coffee as well as in the other foods they buy.
Chase & Sanborn’s Dated Coffee is always fresh. Twice
a week Standard Brands delivery service brings it direct
from the roaster to you. You buy just enough each time
to take care of the demand for a few days only. Never
any great amount of money is tied up in this fast-
moving item.
5 BIG REASONS why you should
push STANDARD BRANDS Products
3—Quick turnover and
quick profits.
4—A reputation of fresh-
ness with every product.
5—Nation-wide advertising.
1—Prompt service and fre-
quent deliveries.
2-—Small stocks properly
regulated and small in-
vestments,
Cu
Capitalize on the modern trend—and the influence
the great advertising campaigns are creating in your
neighborhood. Recommend Chase & Sanborn’s
) Dated Coffee to all your customers.
ASE & SANBORN’S
dated COFFEE...
Distributed by STANDARD BRANDS INCORPORATED
. 11
tion by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Numerous suggestions have been re-
ceived. Although no official décision
has been reached, many of those who
have ‘been consulted believe that the
simple statement, “Below United
States standards,” conspicuously dis-
played on the label, will meet the re-
quirements of the law. It is urged
that this statement has the merit of
brevity.
Those who propose it believe that,
as the result of the interpretation which
the Department of Agriculture will
make public, it will be accepted
promptly by the consumer and used
intelligently in purchasing canned
goods. Although the suggested desig-
nation has not been acted upon by the
Department, it is undoubtedly one of
those that will be advanced for dis-
cussion at the public hearings.
From the standpoint of the house-
wife, the enactment of this amendment
should be advantageous in that she
will be able to buy canned foods with
a much more definite knowledge of
their quality than has heretofore been
possible. If her means are limited she
can select goods of substandard qual-
ity at reduced price, with a full
knowledge of their character but with
assurance that they are pure and
wholesome and have satisfactory food
value. °
If, on the other hand, her means per-
mit a more expensive article, she is
assured, through the label, against the
unwitting purcahse of a substandard
article. W. 'G. Campbell.
——_>++___
To-morrow is a long way off.
12
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
FINANCIAL
European Drives Home Some Lessons
Years will pass before many Ameri-
cans will.look on this world depression
objectively ‘but in the current Foreign
Affairs Dr. Gustav Stolper as a Euro-
pean, draws some unpleasant lessons
that our Nationalists must learn if we
cure this menacing economic ill.
This editor of Der Deutsche Volks-
wirt dares to lay his critical hand on
our standard of living, which all
Americans regard as holy, not to ad-
vocate its reduction but to expose the
futility of its perpetuation along the
lines we now pursue. Previous to the
war a free movement of capital and
labor tended to equalize the standard
of living among all civilized nations. In
the rush of modern life not many au-
thorities emphasize so clearly as Dr.
Stolper the divergence in this respect
that the war inspired.
Like it or not, the fact is that just
as the wor!d outside is dependent on
the United States economically, the
latter is dependent on the vicissitudes
of the outside world. Says this author-
ity: “The drop in raw materials could
never have gone so devastatingly far
if the greater part of Europe had not
been economically disorganized and
therefore suffering from greatly reduc-
ed powers of consumption. The
American worker is paying the price
‘of this dependence to-day in increased
“unemployment and in a decline in
-wages. The trend toward an equaliza-
‘tion of standards of living which peo-
ple thought could be avoided is slowly
asserting itself in spite of everything.
Before the war, however, it was a
trend upward, whereby the so-called
backward nations were lifting them-
selves to the standards of the better
developed countries. Now it is a level-
“ing downward, with the standards of
“the wealthier nations threatening to
fall.”
Through tariff measures American
Statesmen seem to believe that they
can halt any serious decline in our
standard of living imposed through
“contact with world difficulties. They
believe that the American wage level
can be maintained indefinitely through
this erection of a high customs bar-
rier and through restrictions in immi-
“gration but this authority believes
“both of these policies mistaken. The
consequence of them only can he that
the effects of American depression on
the rest of the world will be intensi-
fied, and that there will be a similar
intensification of the counter-effects of
world depression upon America. When
one is creditor to the rest of the world
and the world can, in the last analysis,
pay interest and, amortization. only in
goods or in labor, one cannot adopt the
exclusion of man power and the ex-
clusion of commodities at the same
time. Sooner or later the circle re-
veals itself as vicious—sooner rather
than later, would be my present opin-
ion!
“The discrepancy in standards of
living between America and Europe is
not by any means the only such dis-
crepancy that is cuasing international
tension, but it is certainly the most
important. The danger from the dis-
crepancy in living standards arises
from the working of the economic law.
America cannot avoid this danger so
long as she clings to her isolation and
believes she can regu’ate her economic
life all by herself. Tendencies toward
class struggles within a nation can be
exorcised only by one remedy: democ-
racy. Democracy would seem to be
the only remedy available for soften-
ing and moderating class differences
between nations.”
That Americans so universally adopt
a Nationalist rather than a world at-
titude toward matters economic is un-
fortunate, but not hopeless, since it
resuits from an inexperience in inter-
national politics that time is correcting.
Paul Willard Garrett.
[Copyrighted, 1930.]
o>
Ayres Sees 1931 Recovery Slow. -
Colonel Leonard P. Ayres in his
bulletin this month sticks to the hope
that 1931 will usher in recovery, but
the Cleveland prophet surrounds his
prediction this time with a caution not
usual for him.
That this depression in business is
“profoundly disconcerting and_ dis-
illusioning” many an individual had
come to recognize, but when a dis-
tinguished business commentator, such
as ‘Colone! Ayres, openly makes that
statement it is significant. For right
or wrong, this authority usually speaks
with assurarice.
What he now says is that “this busi-
ness depression is very much more se-
vere than anyone expected it to be.
It will take rank as one of the import-
ant major depressions of our entire
economic history. To the .typical
American business man it is not only
unexpectedly severe; it is also pro-
foundly disconcerting and disillusion-
ing. It is hard for him to understand
why we should have a serious depres-
sion. Our manufacturing plants have
an unparalleled productive capacity.
Our industrial workers are ski‘led and
eager for employment. Our stocks of
raw materials are more than adequate.
Our banks have immense resources.
Our people are great consumers as well
as active producers. But business de-
pression is here.” .
Interesting it is to have the Cleve-
land Trust Company recapitulate as
the three reasons for the 1930 inter-
national depression a combination of
economic maladjustments any one of
which would have been sufficient in
itself to depress business but which al}
fell at once. These were (1) the inter-
national race to increase production
and capture markets, (2) the breaking
down of price control schemes in the
commodity fie’'d and (3) the period of
acute credit stringency.
‘Nobody is warratted in expecting a
rapid recovery from this depression in
view of conditions as interpreted by
many economists, including Colonel
Ayres. That the various stages of a
business cycle are prosperity, decline,
depression, recovery and back once
more to prosperity is a bit of history
suggesting that “the next development
will be recovery, and the records of
the depressions of the past half cen-
tury combine to support the hope and
even the qualified opinion that the evi-
dences of its beginnings will be appar-
ent in the spring of 1931.”
Interesting it is to get the views of
this authority on the prospect for 1931
which he summarizes as_ follows:
“Business recovery will begin as a
combination of many minor improve-
ments, and that will be accompanied
by the deve‘opments that normally oc-
cur in such a period. These should in-
clude rising trends for short-term :in-
terest rates, bond prices and stock
prices, and advances before the end of
the year in wholesale prices, and in-
dustrial employment. Some increases
over 1930 seem probable in building
construction, iron and steel output and
the production of automobiles.
“The average levels for industrial
wages, the cost of living and the cost
of building will probably be lower for
1931 than for 1930. Increases are
probable in our export and import
trade, the net profits of railroads and
utilities and, unfortunately, in the total
numrbets of busiiess insolvencies. The
year 1931 will probably be a year of
slow recovery, with activity not get-
ting back to normal by the end of the
year. There seems to be fair prospect,
however, that it will ‘be characterized
by progressive improvements, instead
of by recurrent declines.”
Paul Willard Garrett.
[Copyrighted, 1930.]
—_~+~+.__——
When we see ourselves in a sitttation
which must be endured and gone
through, it is best to make up our
minds ‘to it, meet it with ‘frmness, and
accommodate everything to it in the
best way practicable. This lessens the
evil; while fretting and fuming only
serves to increase your own torments.
—Thomas Jefferson.
L. A. GEISTERT & CO.
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December 24, 1938
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
13
Trust Urged For Savings Banks.
Formation of a large investment
trust under the sponsorship of savings
banks whose shares would be retailed
by the banks for the benefit of thrifty
depositors who wish to buy securities
has been suggested by Harvey Blod-
gett in a discussion of investment
problems in the Savings Bank Journal.
The fixed type of investment trust,
based on a few selected common stocks
of leading corporations, has had _ its
widest appeal among small investors.
Persons with $100 to $500 to invest
have found these trust shares make a
simple and satisfactory form of in-
vestment,
Mr. Blodgett believes if savings
banks sponsored an investment trust
they would save millions of dollars for
depositors that otherwise might go
into fraudulent securities.
The portfolio of the proposed trust,
according to Mr. Blodgett’s suggestion,
would ‘be composed mainly of securi-
ties of the character which mutual sav-
ings banks are permitted by law to
buy instead of common stocks.
“The mutual bank is the ideal in-
vestment trust,’ says Mr. Blodgett;
“yet there are only about 600 to serve
120,000,000 persons. These banks are
inaccessible to the majority of the
population. Depositors of 25,000 banks
stand in need of diversification facilities
now enjoyed by the wea!thy.
“With such an investment trust serv-
ing small investors—and large ones,
too—the depositor with $100, $500 or
more could diversify his funds among
a large number of expertly chosen and
managed _ securities. Contrast that
with his present opportunities.”
Advantages of such an arrangement
outlined by Mr. Blodgett would be ob-
tained by depositors as well as banks,
it was pointed out.
The public would be educated on
sound investments, investment pro-
grams would be concentrated in banks
where savings were accumulated and
banks would be in a position to assist
depositors in founding estates. Banks
would have a ready answer for de-
positors who wanted higher rates than
paid by savings banks.
William Russell White.
——__-+-«-—
Disregards Old Rules For Evaluating
Many Stocks.
Extreme emphasis on earnings in
evaluating stocks these days, and the
pressure from distress selling, is driv-
ing the market of many good issues
down to levels*under their “net quick
assets.”
When prosperity runs high investors
go to an extreme in reckoning what
they will pay for stocks on the basis
of prospects. They do not then think
much about assets. They do not even
think much about current earnings.
Their evaluation comes from calcula-
tions on possible future earnings.
Depression breeds an extreme con-
servatism in evaluating stocks. It
leads to the philosophy we see to-day.
Investors take very little on faith. They
do not even accept at face value state-
ments on “net quick assets.’ No fewer
than 150 going industrial corporations
in the present market sell at quota-
tions less than the “net quick assets.”
By “net quick assets” we mean cash
temporary investments, raw materials,
finished products and receivables after
allowance for preferred stock elimina-
tions at par.
You do not need to reach into the
lists of unimportant industrials to find
examples. You will find such con-
spicuous stocks selling below “net
quick assets,” taking the last available
reports, as follows:
American Car and Foundry
Aviation Corporation
Bohn Aluminum
Case Threshing
Chrysler
Certainteed Products
‘Congoleum
Continental Motors
Endicott Johnson
Firestone Tire
General Cigar
Goodrich
Gulf States Steel
Hupp Motor
Julius Kayser
Lima Locomotive
Lorillard
Miami Copper
Manhattan Shirt
Mack Truck
Montgomery Ward
Murray Corporation
Remington Rand
Simmons
U. S. Pipe and Foundry
Willys Overland
In times like these the question
arises in any analysis of a balance
sheet: How quick are the net quick
assets? Its answer involves an analy-
sis of the positions in raw materials
and receivables.
But leaving all that aside the inter-
esting decline in these prominent
stocks to levels under their “net quick
assets” focuses the attention of in-
vestors on the broad future for indus-
try. Have good companies lost their
ability to earn? To answer this ques-
tion we must know whether the mar-
ket in its present evaluation is swing-
ing to an extreme in its emphasis on
earnings and its disregard in many
instances of assets or simply over-
doing pessimism as in 1929 it did
optimism. Paul Wlilard Garrett.
[Copyrighted, 1930.]
—_++>—___
Retail Bread Prices Under Investiga-
tion.
An investigation of bread prices in
Washington and other cities is being
conducted by the Anti-trust Division
of the Department of Justice, the At-
torney General, William D. Mitchell,
orally announced iDec. 9.
This investigation, the Attorney
General said, is being made to “ascer-
tain the reasons for the spread between
the cost of raw materials and the fin-
ished product.” Assistant Attorney
General John Lord O’Brian, in charge
of the Anti-trust Division, is directing
the investigation. Mr. Mitchell indi-
cated that the only concern of the De-
partment with the prices of bread and
the bread situation generally is in con-
nection with violations of the anti-
trust laws.
The Attorney General stated that the
investigation was initiated within the
Department of Justice and was not
commenced at. the request of the Fed-
eral Farm Board,
GRAND RAPIDS NATIONAL BANK
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Established 1860—Incorporated 1865 — Nine Community Branches
GRAND RAPIDS NATIONAL COMPANY
Investment Securities
Affiliated with Grand Rapids National Bank
The Measure ot a Bank
The ability of any banking institution
is measured by its good name, its financial
resources and its physical equipment.
Judged by these standards we are proud
of our bank. It has always been linked
with the progress of its Community and.
its resources are more than adequate.
Q
GRAND RAPIDS SAVINGS BANK
“The Bank Where You Feel At Home”
16 CONVENIENT OFFICES
ii
ew: 3281 FPO —S..
22:3 DE Biss
14
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
Random Notes Made While Crossing
the Atlantic.
[All rights reserved.]
Fugitive thoughtlets: Wine very
pleasing. Deck chairs in bad order,
despite high cost. Splendid laundry
work on the Roma for less than in
good American hotels. Passed Azores
afternoon of Oct. 15. Rushing to see
them, find ascensore—elevator—out of
order; works well when ship does not
roll. Two large islands near at hand
dotted with pretty villas and small
towns.
Advertising posted in ship informs
that a manufacturer of pastes has been
knighted by the king as the maker of
the best spaghetti in the world; 104
forms, each with its name! Has only
one place of business—Via della Scrofa,
which suggests scrofula—in Roma. We
make note to see and sample. Cakes,
ices and desserts in general on Roma
are masterpieces. The chef sure knows
his biz.
Inspection of first-class quarters
brings out the truth that these Italian
boats cater far too strongly to that
crowd and neglect equitable provision
for comfort and luxury of second-class.
The disproportion in size, character,
luxury, convenience is glaring. Differ-
ence is not even partly justified by the
small variation in cost—$70 spread on
the minimum fare. And this, too, on
a purely passenger boat, for the vast
ship carries a total of only 2,400 when
filled—1,800 passengers and 600 per-
sonnel,
Time rushes by. Weather so good
that we are slowing down so as not
to reach Gibraltar too soon. Days
which dragged at first now flit past
like scenery on a train. We shall be
sorry to land. After eight days of
loneliness we now see many ships, all
converging toward the Straits or com-
ing from them. Our room steward
who “Spic Inglis.’ Name of Al Mar-
coni seems familiar—like you know me,
Al.
The Roma is driven by four propel-
lers. Those are geared direct to eight
turbines, two on each shaft. Turbines
run 1600, propellers 400 revolutions per
minute. Gears are angled and so pre-
cisely cut that there is absolutely no
vibration or noise. It is really watch-
making. What seems like vibration
comes from the varying density of the
water on the propellers and there is
mighty little of that. Formerly it was
standard practice to lubricate shaft
bearing — all large bearings in
fact — with a mixture of oil and
water. But all these bearings
are oi! lubricated only, and they run
much cooler than in olden times. The
oil is recovered, passed through a cen-
trifugal separator, just like in a cream-
ery, and used over until completely
consumed. There. are thirteen oil fired
boilers, with sixty-six burners. That
would have meant a crowd of toiling,
sweating men in the old coal burners.
Here it means five or six who walk
about in perfectly fresh air forced
down by the blowers, touching a bur-
ner here and there. Shafts are about
fourteen inches in diameter. Size of
propellers I am not sure of. It was
stated as five meters; but that would
be sixteen and one-quarter feet, and I
- sprinkling intermittently.
would have to be shown that any en-
gines at all could turn up such propel-
lers to 400 revolutions. The only
reciprocating engines — except the
winches—on the ship are the condens-
ing pumps.
Last impression of this ship’s com-
pany in Seconda Classe is of the eve-
ning gatherings in the music room.
There these natural born violinists and
cellists with piano accompaniment dis-
course music, the antipodes of jazz.
These are classic operas and it would
illuminate many of our American pro-
vincials to sit among these “ignorant
foreigners’—surely it is to laugh—and
note how they enjoy such marvelous
harmonies. There is content in their
faces, and peace, and that perfect un-
derstanding which betokens daily con-
tact with some of the really fine things
of life. Men and women, people who
work with their hands, listen with rapt
attention, quite oblivious to their sur-
roundings; and it is not uncommon for
one—perhaps a grizzled veteran — to
take the tune and carry it perfectly
through several bars.
What is education? It is the process
of education—a drawing out of what
we have within. If, then, there be
nothing within, nothing can come out.
Let us, to whom have been given
boundless opportunities and resources,
have a care how we look down on
folks like these. For not from the ear-
liest dawn of their history, a history
which is measured by centuries while
ours is limited to decades, have they
manifested any lack of latent forces
and capacities; and where there is in-
nate capacity, education will eventually
find a way.
October 18. Up at 4:30 to see Gi-
braltar. Sea perfectly smooth, but rain
Many ships
converging to the Straits. After 5:30
everybody was up and we anchored
in Bay of Algeciras, under the great
Rock, at about 6:30. The water under
our bows was dotted with row boats
which seemed to be fisher’s craft; but
these turned into bum boats, each with
a line of merchandise to offer these ten-
derfoot tourists. The variety was re-
markable. The little cockel shells lay,
alongside, tossed in the foam of the
propellers, men_ standing on_ the
thwarts apparently in imminent danger
of being spilled overboard; but one
soon realizes that these are men and
boys who literaly live on the water and
keep their balance as automatically as
on a sidewalk,
Here we see the first specimens oi
oarsmen whose ancestry goes back to
the galleys. Of these we shall have
plenty exemplars in Naples and other
seaports. They row forward or back-
ward, standing or sitting, with equal
facility, and they row with an -exacti-
tude of science to be acquired only by
a lifetime of practice. The stroke is
what we find in Venice which, to an
amateur, seems to start in the middle
and end altogether too soon with half
its possibilities accomplished; but ina
fact we get here the most speed and
progress for the effort, for it is the
after end of any oar stroke that does
the work.
The gondoliers of Venice operate
one oar and on one side only, yet they
shoot their craft forward with fine
speed—when so inclined—and not only
do they guide their craft straght, but
swing corners either way with a pre-
cision, without waste effort, not to be
learned in a day or many days. It is
a delight to watch these rowers, men
and boys, dip in perfect unison, hardly
forward of directly abeam, throw their
weight onto the oar with a quick
pressure, end with a jerk into which is
put the last ounce of strength, then
recover for the next stroke. Fine torsos
they have and hard arm muscles. It
was such as these that moved the
commerce of the world for ages—a
fircely gruelling labor under which
only the fittest could survive. Those
were times when men’s lives were
cheap—slaves to be had for the taking
—so many of them that it did not
“pay” to care for them. If one fainted
at his task in the galleries or fell under
the lash, it was short work with him.
He was dumped overboard—another
being at hand to take his place. Has
the coddled man of to-day much
chance for long survival as against
such as even now come forward out
of comparable surroundings? Let’s re-
read Ben Hur and think it over.
These boatmen offered candy and
cigarettes, baskets of fruits, Andalusian
shawls — made in Philadelphia likely
‘enough—Roman scaris and what have
you in great variety. Here, too, was
old-time chaffering, with the usual con-
sequences to the chafferree, who got
left regardless of the price he paid.
For a “Roman” scarf was started at
“Tena dollah” under the first-class
rail, “Fiva dollah” in second class and
“Whata you give?” among second class
intermediate. From thence the price
dropped the minute one manifested
willingness to bargain until, maybe,
one offered $1.50. Then he found it
avorth 75 cents in real money. Baskets
of fruit sold for 25 cents at the start;
but as the single hour of our stay
elapsed, the price went to three for 25
cents and finally a nickel would buy
all one wanted.
Merchandise was sent up on a line
which was cast aboard with long prac-
ticed skill. What one bought or de-
sired to inspect was put into a basket
and the money —if any—vwas sent
down that way; and this up and down
about forty feet from deck to boat.
Will Rogers never cast his lariat with
greater precision.
The harbor of Algeciras is pretty,
peacful and safe. In the quiet of such
a peaceful morning it was difficult to
realize how nearly the Agadir Incident,
played in and near Algeciras, precip-
itated a world war some years before
1914, Paul Findlay.
——_2->>—__
A Display of “Whims.”
The manager of a large store in De-
troit divides into two classes the mer-
chandise which is displayed on open
top tables. In one of these groups he
places all novelty items and similar
articles, and in the other he includes
the more staple demand articles. One
group he designates as “Whim
Goods;” the other as “Essential
Goods.”
The whim goods are displayed at
the front of the store where they are
sure to be seen by all who come in.
The essential goods are placed on the
rear tables as it is presumed that the
customer will either ask for such
items, or look over the tables until he
finds them.
This system has materially increased
the sales of “whim” merchandise with-
out apparently affecting the sales of
the more staple goods.
—_—_--»___
Wrong Number.
“Look here,’ said the angry
tomer, “I came in here yesterday and
asked for a dozen rolls and when I
got home found only ten in the sack.”
“Excuse it, please,” said the baker,
“that girl who waited on you used to
cus-
be a telephone operator.”
™
Fenion
Davis
&
Boyle
Lavestment Bankers
v
Detroit
Grand Ranids
Chicago
Diversify Your
Investments!
With
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Adding Machines, Typewriters, Ete.
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Used Machines $15 up—1l yr. Guar.
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8 So. Ionia. G. R. Mich. 41518
Phone 61366
JOHN P. LYNCH
SALES CO.
SPECIAL SALE EXPERTS
Expert Advertising
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209-210-211 Murray Bldg.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
eA Ets
e ®
-} -
i }
ao s”
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€ °
eA Ets
December 24, 1930
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE
Pertinent Suggestions on Farm Fire
Prevention.
The next time you are out of doors
on a beautiful, starlit night, look up-
ward at the wondrous display in the
heavens. Then try to realize that we
in America burn through carelessness
in one year enough property value to
cover each of the stars you see with
$80,000 in currency and still have a
little left over.
Or imagine a city of 80,283 modern
homes, with a population of 482,000
persons, destroyed each year by fire,
mainly through carelessness.
The fire loss in 1929 was $473,000,-
000 or more than $1,000 a minute. It
is almost one-tenth of all the money
in circulation in the United States in
1929. It represents the interest on
ten billion dollars. It means that ten
billion dollars must stand idle each
year to produce enough to cover our
fire losses.
The property loss is utterly aston-
ishing, but the loss of life is equally
so. Ten thousand lives are sacrificed
to fire each year. Take a crowd of 60,-
000 persons filing out of one of our
baseball games. Strike down every
sixth person as the stream of human-
ity emerges from the gates. This is a
fair picture of what fire does to human
life” in the United States each year.
I am going to tell you something
which may be still more startling. One
third of all this loss, both in life and
property, occurs on the farms. Every
time the sun goes down, nearly a half
million dollars in farm property goes
up in smoke. It amounts to about
$150,000,000 a year in property and
3,500 lives.
One farm fire every 15 minutes is the
record, or 100 fires every 24 hours. The
farm ‘fire never dies out. Before the
smoke has cleared away or the ashes
have cooled on one loss, the wild cry
of “Fire” is heard in another farm
community.
It is a rather recent discovery that
such a large part of our National loss
occurs on the farm. It means that
fire prevention on the farm from now
on will be one of the major activities
of the entire fire prevention movement.
Our fire loss is nothing to be proud
of. It is a disgrace. It is a confession
of carelessness and neglect, because 80
to 90 per cent. of all fires are the re-
sult of carelessness and neglect. Four
out of every five farm fires are pre-
ventable. The same proportion is true
as to loss of life.
Governor Emmerson said in his Fire
Prevention proclamation, “To prevent
fire is the personal responsibility of
everyone. It should ‘be taken seriously.”
I say that all this desolation of pre-
ventable fire will not cease until our
people generally accept and discharge
this responsibility.
You on the farm are especially inter-
ested in protection against lightning,
because most of the lightning losses
fall on the farm. Many of you are
confused on the lightning rod question,
because in years gone by a great many
farmers were victimized by sharp and
unscrupulous salesmen. The fact is that
lightning rods, properly installed, fur-
nish almost 100 per cent. protection.
But the system will not function prop-
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
erly unless it is grounded to perman-
ent moisture. Remember that. The
grounds must be deep enough to reach
subsoil which always is damp. Wire
fences should be grounded at intervals
to protect stock in fields.
Defective chimneys and_ heating
plants are a serious hazard. Clean out
your chimneys once a year, especially
if you burn soft coal. Repair cracks
and open joints promptly. They allow
live sparks to get out. If this happens
in the attic you may not discover the
fire in time to save your home, Always
build flues from the ground up. Flues
built on brackets are likely to crack
from settling and vibration of the
house.
Keep heating p!ants in repair. Smoke
pipes should be a safe distance from
anything which will burn. Do not try
to get up your heat all at ence on a
cold morning. It is safer to take your
time. Besides being a fire hazard, over-
heating is likely to damage your heater.
If you use stoves, set them a safe dis-
tance from walls, or protect the walls
with metal over a sheet of asbestos.
If the stove pipe has to pass through a
partition, use a well-ventilated, double
thimble. Always use a metal mat un-
der stoves to take care of any hot
coals which may fall.
Wooden shingle roofs have been out-
lawed in many cities and should be on
the farm. When they get old they
catch chimney sparks, causing roof
fires. Use only fire-resisting shingles
or roofing material.
If you are one of those who uses
kerosene to start fires in the kitchen
range or heater, stop it now. Yours
may be the next name to be added to
the long list of dead or horribly in-
jured if you do not. Kerosene has a
habit of exploding and kicking back
when used in this way. Those who
have escaped are just fortunate, that’s
all.
Do not allow smoking in barns or
outbuildings. Use lanterns in these
buildings with utmost care. If it is
necessary to strike a match, be sure
that it is extinguished when you are
through with it.
Electricity has come to be a blessing
to many farms, just as it is in the cities.
It ends the hazards of kerosene lamps
and lanterns, but brings some of its
own. Be sure that your wiring is
properly done and do not overload your
circuits. If your fuses blow out, find
the trouble. Never put pennies behind
fuses. They do not stop the trouble,
but simply permit it to go on until,
perhaps, it causes a fire ‘because of a
short circuit or overload.
If you use an electric iron, always
turn off the current before you leave
it. Otherwise it may burn its way
through the ironing board and start a
nice little blaze.
Dry cleaning with gasoline or
naphtha is dangerous business. The
smallest spark will ignite the fumes.
If you must do your own dry cleaning,
do it out of doors. Do not rub silks or
of static electricity and you may’ be
enveloped in flames before you realize
woolens. ‘Rubbing may cause a spark
what has happened.
Store gasoline and kerosene outside
the house or barns altogether. A sep-
arate, well ventilated shed is the thing.
And keep children away from it.- Your
insurance policies prohibit the storage
of gasoline in your buildings and if
you violate this provision, you may
find your policies void if you should
have a fire. This is true even if the
gasoline had nothing to do with the
fire. The fact that you stored it in a
building in violation of your policy is
sufficient. A court decision is on rec-
ord which holds that gasoline in the
tank of an automobile constitutes gas-
oline storage. So you had better have
separate buildings for your automobiles
and gasoline driven machinery.
Spontaneous combustion causes
many mysterious farm fires. ‘Green
hay will heat and ignite. Be sure that
it is thoroughly cured before you store
it. Oily rags and clothes also are sub-
ject to spontaneous combustion. Keep
them in metal lockers or containers.
15
Many farm buildings are so close
together that if one burns the others
are likely to catch fire. Plan your
buildings so that they will be a rea-
sonably safe distance apart. Then you
will not be entirely wiped out if fire
should occur.
Keep everything tidy and clean.
Rubbish is the starting place for count-
less fires. Do not let it accumulate.
Remember, a clean place seldom burns.
Throughout the entire Nation in-
terest must be concentrated at all
times on the prevention of fire.
The total loss in the Nation is great,
but it is made up of thousands of
smaller losses scattered throughout the
land. If these individual losses are
reduced, the total will take care of it-
self. In other words, we must have
(Continued on page 31)
OUR FIRE INSURANCE
POLICIES ARE CONCURRENT
. with any standard stock policies that
you are buying
The Net Cost is 30% Less
Michigan Bankers and Merchants Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
of Fremont, Michigan
WILLIAM N. SENF, Secretary-Treasurer
stock companies.
444 Pine Street. Calumet
THE FINNISH MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
Calumet, Michigan
Pays the BIG PROFITS
In the Fire Insurance Business
TO ITS POLICY HOLDERS
Has paid from 40 to 68% for 32 consecutive years, Issues
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Accepts Mercantile and Dwelling Risks.
Has more Assets and Surplus per $1000 than the largest
Phone 358
Affiliated with
320 Houseman Bldg.
The Michigan
Retail Dry Goods Association
Insuring Mercantile property and dwellings
Present rate of dividend to policy holders 30%
THE GRAND RAPIDS MERCHANTS MUTUAL
FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
Grand Rapids, Mich.
16
RANDOM NOTES FROM ROME.
Made For Tradesman Readers By Our
European Traveler.
[All rights reserved.]
Thoughts while approaching Italy:
Europe has plenty for us to see. I
know that from many voyages during
the last sixty years. Each trip widens
my horizon, even as any European
who visits America with open mind
will find his outlook broadened. But
to go abroad and draw comparisons is
provincial, narrowing, the reverse of
open-mindedness, It is not that Europe
is “better” or “not so good” as Amer-
ica. We go not to find such comforts
and conveniences as we have at home.
We shall not find such except in hotels
which ape America. And if we go to
such places, we might as well stay at
home, for we shall achieve no fair
méasure of acquaintance with what we
have ostensibly come to see.
We properly go, for example, to
Brunswick to see such wooden buildings
as exist nowhere else; to Pompeii to
sense what life was like 2,000 years
ago in a city centuries old when de-
stroyed; to Rome for background of
our 1930 civilization; and we shall miss
the spirit of it all if we do not mingle
with the people in their homes, their
markets, about their daily lives, with
eyes, ears and hearts open to take -im-
pressions. Let us know folks intimate-
ly in their native environment, in their
wonted habitations. Seeking the good
that is in them, the sweetness of their
lives, we shall find the good will that.
never fails anyone who carries a sim-
ilar cargo with him:
In this spirit would we have Eu-
ropeans visit America that they, too,
may take back with them a truer con-
ception and understanding of our coun-
try and of ourselves—a worthy aim
surely, since understanding among peo-
ples bringeth peace to the nations.
Our luck to have a beautifully clear
morning, Oct. 20, to enter Bay of
Naples. Attempted description taboo
for me. Plenty others have tried that.
But “See Naples and die.” Why die?
What I have seen of Naples makes me
want, frankly, to live longer. I like
the place—all of it—every feature ap-
peals to me. Even the backward as-
pects, of which there are plenty in this
town which the Caesars seem to have
called Neapolis or New Town, do not ~
to my mind evince the sordidness of
dingy poverty one sees in the modern
city of Glasgow. What adverse com-
ments I make—and I expect to make
them frankly when such are indicated
—are intended to be good-natured,
helpful—shall I say “constructive?”
The Aquarium, for example, is her-
alded as a prime attraction and it is
municipally owned. It comes then as
a jarring note to be asked twelve. lire
entrance fee. Then “Acquaria di Citta”
takes on sinister significance—Citta
being pronounced cheeta. All Naples
is. “guide” infested. ‘Services’ are
thrust forward from every corner; -in-
front of every museum or monunient,
with a persistence difficult to-discour-
age. “No” is not taken at par. “Not
any—no guide wanted—do not want
any auto—nothing doing,” these only
bring the résponse: “Fine drive—low
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
rate—good car.” They all speak enough
English to have these few phrases well
articulated. One must learn to ignore
them with silence or say plainly:
“Niente—no volenta” against moderate
persistence and “basta” which trans-
lates “enough” but idomatically means
emphatically and fianlly; NO, Cut it
Out, Absolutely Nothing Wanted—
Shut Up!
Having a marveious Aquarium in
San Francisco which the city maintains
for its citizens’ free enjoyment, we
passed the 60 cent place and felt that
Naples was making a real mistake.
One vast improvement one finds in
Italy over old conditions; and I am
told El Duce is to be credited with the
extension and strengthening thereof.
This is the rule that every employe in
any national museum, monument or
other national feature is prohibited
from accepting tips or other gratuities.
Knowing this, we have quite rigidly
abstained from spoiling such a meri-
torious custom. But it is difficult to
resist the officiousness of the “ufficieri”
and dodge the profferred attention of
official guides in museums. This is
doubly difficult for an American in
present circumstances of exchange.
One must continually remind. one’s
self that a lire to an Italian is still 19
cents, and, moreover, what’s. the use
kicking about the tipping evil if we do
nothing about it? If we can buy lire for
534 cents, why not enjoy our advan-
tage? During thirty-six years experi-
ence as a grocer, either as a boy or
man, I never knew a customer to hand
out a tip regardless of the plethora of
extra service so frequently rendered.
From that angle I am getting much
pleasure out of things as they now
obtain in Italy.
Iamgine the fun of checking an um-
brella in a museum. You hand it to a
uniformed functionary, who takes it
with extreme gravity and gives you a
check for it. When you reclaim it, he
rings up 20 cents on his cash register.
Your smallest change is 50 cents,
which he takes with smiling acknowl-
edgement and with no evident intention
to return any surplus. But if you are
right minded, you wait for the 30 cents
overage—and of course, he hands it
out. He does not exactly fall on your
neck as he does it, but I am bound
to say he makes the best of the situa-
tion. The joke is that the 20 cents he
lang up translates into a tiny fraction
over one cent in real money. One can
be quite an important financial person-
age with mighty little American cash.
Things are otherwise vastly improv-
ed in Italy since we were over last
in 1924. Then it was really not safe
to give anybody more money than he
was entitled to receive. Change was
not returned in any except the-hotels
and a few of the high grade shops. It
behooved one to have the exact amount
not only for the cabby, but -for every-
body. We were attracted one night in
Venice by. @ display of chocolate in a
window with prices marked for so
much. We bought half that quantity,
tendered twice the price—and got back
exactly nothing. For some reason, vol-
ubly explained, there had been an error
in the marking. One excuse was as
good as another to us, for they all
meant mulcting of the unwary.
But El Duce has instituted a fixed
price system. Not only is each cabby
provided with a meter which keeps
track of his proper charges, but goods
in stores are all marked in plain fig-
ures. There is some disposition among
Neapolitans to slip it over on the ten-
derfoot, though not very much—unless
the opportunity is particularly good.
In Rome the disposition to deal fairly
is quite evident and very comforting,
but it is hardly quite accurate—nor is
it fair, whatever may have formerly
been the case—to say, as was said to
us: “It is impossible to find honesty
anywhere in Naples.”
During our first day in Naples we
got our bearings in surprisingly short
order. We tried out a- Hotel “de
Lusso,” meaning de lux, and were nat
much impressed. For one thing, the
elevator was in sad need of the “ripara-
tions” which seem to be a chronic pro-
cess in connection with Italian “facili-
ties.” And there were so many flies
about our breakfast table that we de-
cided to move. We also sampled the
uneven stone pavements of this busy
city, almost with real disaster to our
no-longer-youthful bones and_ joints.
The fact that we two rode for what
seemed to be miles for the equivalent
of 25 cents was hardly an offset to our
shaking up.
Reminded that “you must get used to
dirty linen in Italy.” Eagerly willing
direction is given any stranger with
plenty words plus graphic pantomime.
Say “Grazie” or “Thank You” in re-
turn and the rejoinder is “Don’t men-
tion it.” Tried Pensione Maurice—not
so good. Dined at Hotel Coninentale
where there is such good French cook-
ing that we decided to stay here.
“Continental Breakfast’—not the hotel
this time—unchanged. One gets two
small rolls, sweet butter, a bit of jam
and cafe-au-lait. Any thing else, with-
in very narrow range, obtainable at
extra cost.
Fruit for breakfast simply is not
done. Canned grapefruit obtainable at
5 lire, or 26%c per portion. Some
travelers recommend the Latterias—
might say Milkeries—for low-priced
satisfactory luncheon places, but that
depends on the point of view. We
have seen only one so far that was not
repulsively filthy. Of that one, see
later notes. Same holds good of side-
walk tea places—cups rinsed in cold
water, none too clean. Standards of
public food serving about on a par with
our third-grade eating houses of 1880.
Saturday Evening Post costs 42 cents,
but ordinary wine, large and small bot-
tles, comes at 45 cents and 25 cents.
Might say 25 cents, two for 45 cents.
Continentale Hotel—Albergo Conti-
nentale—has a cook who is really a
public benefactor. Reminds me _ of
early experience with Amos P. Wilder,
father of Thornton. He graduated from
Yale some thirty-six years ago and
immediately went to Madison, Wiscon-
sin, as editor of the Wisconsin State
Journal. Quite. properly, he made the
rounds of the stores and came to Find-
lay’s. ‘s
His New. Havenese jarred on me.
December 24, 1930
I thought him a big head. But quite
soon I learned that he had much on
the bean, was a genuine gentleman, a
thorough man. We became fast friends
and now, after more than a generation,
he in New Haven, until lately on the
famous Courier-Journal, and I in many
places, we remain close friends across
distances of time and space.
Wilder was a Findlay customer so
jong as he resided in Madison. One
evening he dropped in just as I had
cut one of the New York cheddar
cheeses for which Findaly’s was highly
reputed, and I had him sample it. He
was as pleased with it as real cheese
connoisseurs always were. “Paul, he
said, “any man who sells such cheese
is a public benefactor. I am going to
run a local about that cheese.”
Wilder was young. I was somewhat
younger. We have not met now for
over twenty years and in the long in-
terval he has been United States Min-
ister to China. On two visits to New
Haven of late years I have missed him.
But we keep in desultory touch now in
the fullness of our mutual years.
One wonderful Italian dessert is
made of chestnuts boiled, blanched,
mashed, impregnated with chocolate
and pressed through a potato ricer.
The mass is then covered with sweet-
ened whipped cream and believe me,
Theobroma had nothing on this. It is
called Mont Blanc. If we coud grow
such chestnuts—castagna, pronounced
cas-TAN-ya — we might equal this
delicacy.
The narrow ways of Naples are not
straight. Only light or air that pene-
trates the “homes” therein must come
through the open door, for that is the
only aperature in the most typical and
commonest specimens. There is one
room, the bed in the midst of it—a
living-cooking-sleeping-room and work-
shop combined. Women run sewing
machines therein which, as dusk comes
on, are moved into the doorway, and
young girls sew on black cloth, strain-
ing their young eyes in the dingy light.
Others work on lace and various prod-
ucts, while children sprawl everywhere
in the indescrible filth of those narrow
alleys.
Artificers in in iron work at their
benches, assisted by boys of ten or so
who operate the vises. These every-
where work in the light of small elec-
tric lamps of, say, 25 watt strength,
all right in the open doorways. Rain
in such places must stop all work ex-
cept what may be possible in the dark-
ened interiors. But rain also furnishes
the only cleansing of the unspeakable
dirtiness of these ways of ‘incredible
squalor. The slums of New York and
its Ghetto regions have been charac-
terized as without parallel for conges-
tion, but we thought almost any of the
slums we know in New York would be
a vast improvement on “living condi-
tions” in these workmen’s homes in
Naples.
Indeed, the germ theory is here-
abouts entirely disproved, for if it were
true, none of these folk would be alive
to tell the tale of their sordid lives,
And the kindly climate of spring and
autumn, plus the wholesome refrigera-
tion of winter, must be credited that
they are able to live at all. Summer
December 24, 1930
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
17
must be a reflection of Dante’s Inferno,
Mid all of this are found food shops
clustered about limited marketing
spaces, portions of the toadway barred
from vehicular traffic. Specialization
runs to the limit—must; because shops
are mere closets. A woman egg mer-
chant sells nothing but eggs; one who
vends chestnuts has nothing else to
offer; the dealer in verdura — fresh
vegetables—sells no fruits; the cheese
merchant carries no other items, And
with all that, displays are remarkably
good.
Naples is naturally strong on fish—
some of it, incidentally, being alto-
gether too strongly flavored for us.
The stocks present great variety.
Prices, such as we could interpret, were
unbelievably low. One kind was utterly
unknown to us. It remained unknown
until we got it in Rome. Then we found
it quite a delicacy. It is little cuttle
fish, devil fish, the octopus, taken in
its harmless adolescence. It is delicious
fried in batter,
3ut despite this aspect of squalor,
filth, apparent misery of surroundings,
these folk are placid faced. A specialty
of all the women is to sit. They sit
endlessly. They sit and grow fatter.
They talk with endless vociferousness.
They seem, in a word, to do a tremen-
dous lot of nothing. They are strong,
all of them; distinctly a sturdy race,
their menfolk consumers of vast vol-
umes of richly oiled foods, backed up
with immense helpings of favorite se-
lections from their varied pastes, wash-
ed down with liberal libations of vino
di castello, rossi or bianci—meaning
wine of the walled town, the city, the
locale, red or white, according to
choice.
Their hordes of children play in the
gutters, on the roadways, mixed with
the dogs, which are numerous, the cats,
which are legion, and the chickens,
which are plenty; and we have yet to
see a child who was not vigorous look-
ing, placid of expression, the reverse
of abused, neglected, ill fed or unhappy.
One can not judge hastily of the
cumulative effects: of ages of hereditary
background. Maybe it were as well
that we judge not. Paul Findlay.
—_2->____
Producer Advises Chain Rivals To Use
Chain. Methods.
Having studied the types of people
in various cities who are now out of
employment, a work clothing manu-
facturer has come to the conclusion
that a very large percentage of them
have been thrown out of employment
by the growth of the chain store sys-
tem. The chain, by making it impos-
sible for many jobbers and retailers to
continue in business, have caused loss
of employment*to thousands of sales-
men, clerks and other office help, work-
ers in shipping rooms, etc., he declares.
He estimates that-at least 50,000 re-
tailers have been put out of business
by the chain stores, and because these
merchants and their clerks, drivers,
office help, etc., are not accustomed to
work on farms they have drifted to the
cities in the search for white-collar
jobs.
He contends that only occasionally
is the ex-merchant or his clerk em-
ployed by the chain store. The latter
gets along with considerably fewer
employes than the old independents
did, and the warehouses which the
chains have, and which in a sense have
replaced the jobbers, also employ few-
er people than the jobbing houses.
Despite the fact that the chains
operate with less help, they do not
undersell other retailers and they use
the extra profits to pay dividends on
watered stock, he claims. The chains
undersell only on a few leaders, he
says, but make a good profit on all
other items.
His ‘belief is that individual retailers
can meet chain competition only by
adopting chain store methods. They
should select two or three articles as
leaders, sell them at cost, or below
cost, and get a profit on everything
else. Such a policy will not only im-
prove their business, but will tend to
limit the chains because the individual
retailer has the added advantage of
personal acquaintance with his trade.
——__ ++
Return of Passenger Pigeons.
The passenger pigeon, which was
common throughout the East and
Middle West up to about 50 years ago,
was killed in such great quantities for
food that many biologists believe that
it has been entirely wiped out as a
species on this continent.
A staff writer in the Detroit “News”
of Jan. 5 reports that two men from
different sections of Michigan, both of
whom had shot and plucked many of
these birds in Michigan and other
states in the 1870's, had observed a
few passenger pigeons in Michigan
and Indiana last year.
Pennsylvania was once famous for
the passenger pigeons seen there. The
sudden and complete disappearance of
this species was not only a great
tragedy to bird lovers generally, but
was a biological phenomenon which
even the wholesale killing of the birds
does not entirely explain.
It is expected that students of bird
lore of the Northern Peninsula of
Michigan will make special effort to
report additional discoveries of the
species. It is hoped, too, that old
residents of Pennsylvania who were
familiar with the birds during the past
century will take special care to recog-
nize and report any passenger pigeons
if they should be so fortunate as to
see them.
Previously,. reports of passenger
pigeons were believed by experts to
have concerned the dove or the band-
tailed pigeon of the West. Now, how-
ever, that observations have been re-
ported by men who are said to have
known the species too well to have
been mistaken, it is expected that if the
passenger pigeon actually has come
back more will be seen and these dis-
coveries recorded. Henry Clepper.
—_2>___
Lull in Knit Goods Activity.
The knit goods market ‘expects a lull
in buying of merchandise for the next
two weeks, but. is looking forward to
a good deal of activity after the first
of the year. Some interest is being
accorded the opening of Fall sweaters,
which is expected to take place after
Jan. 1. Prices are expected to be re-
vised downward in accordance with the
reductions in the ‘Spring lines opened
recently, ranging in some instances as
high as 15 per cent., it was said.
COFFEE
The recognized quality
line with a wonderful
list of satisfied consu-
mers.
Morton House
Quaker
Nedrow
Imperial
Majestic
Boston Breakfast Blend
LEE & CADY
18
DRY GOODS
Michigan Retail Dry Goods Association.
President—-J. B. Mills, Detroit.
First Vice-President—Geo. E. Martin,
Benton Harbor.
Second Vice-President—J. T. Milliken,
Traverse City.
Secretary-Treasurer—Thomas Pitketh-
ly, Flint.
Manager—Jason E. Hammond, Lansing.
The Date of the Annual Convention.
Lansing, Dec. 22—In fixing the date
of the next annual convention for
April 23 and 24 we had two or three
ideas in mind. We wish to avoid the
storms of March which interfere with
automobile traffic and get beyond the
usual Easter trading season. We also
had one thought in mind and that was
that many of our members, especially
the heads of department and larger dry
goods stores, spend their winter vaca-
tions in a warmer climate, such as
Florida or ‘California.
A letter has recently been written
to a few, urging them to plan their
winter vacation so that they can re-
turn and enjoy the convention with us.
We need their presence and counsel.
We hope that our members generally
will take heed of this item in this bulle-
tin and plan your return from your
winter vacations in time for the con-
vention.
Our Program Committee will meet
immediately after the holidays and a
worth-while convention will be staged
for the Hotel Statler, Detroit, Thurs-
day and Friday, April 23 and 24.
After fifteen years of effort by the
champions of this measure, the Cap-
per-Kelly ‘bill (H. R. 11) was reported
out by the committee at the last ses-
sion of ‘Congress ard has passed the
Rules Committee for preferred con-
sideration on the floor.
This bill is too much involved to
admit of discussion in this letter. Many
amendments have been made and it
appears by an editorial in the last
number of the Business Weekly that
quite a number of wholesalers and re-
tailers are supporting it.
The ‘National Retail Dry ‘Goods As-
sociation, representing the department
stores, is opposed to the measure. We
will be prepared from time to time to
give our members the arguments for
and against this measure. In the mean-
time we trust you will be getting in
touch with your member in Congress
so that he may know what your opin-
ions are. The chances are that the
bill will come to a vote in the near
future.
The National ‘Retail Dry Goods As-
sociation have made arrangements with
George V. Sheridan, of Columbus,
Ohio, to keep the mercantile associa-
tions of the country informed as to
sales tax bills which are introduced in
the legislatures of the different states.
Here at Lansing we will keep an
‘eye on all bills of that kind which are
introduced here. We are sufficiently
in touch with the ‘National Association
and with Mr. Sheridan so that we can
get our ideas across to them. Keep
your eye out for letters and communi-
cations on the subject of sales tax dur-
ing the next two or three months.
During the last few weeks we have
had occasion to take over some of the
worries of ‘five or six of our members
in their efforts to terminate their pat-
tern contracts and make satisfactory
settlements.
In some of these controversies we
find that the pattern companies are not
entirely at fault. From the nature of
the business it is quite necessary for
pattern companies to make a contract
for a definite length of time so that
they may know how large a supply to
have on hand to take care of their
patrons.
Styles are constantly changing and
patterns soon become out of date so
far as their practical use is concerned.
Merchants should carefully take care
of their discards at the proper time,
as specified in their signed agreements,
and do what they can to shield pattern
ee ee ee
MICHIGAN
companies from unnecessary loss. We
urge our members to be fair in their
settlements.
It is not our intention in this letter
to discuss the cunning provisions in
the pattern contracts which are intend-
ed to protect the interests of the pat-
tern companies. They are there evi-
dently ‘because they need certain pro-
tection from those who are not dilisent
in following up the details of their
agreements.
Our advice to our member is: When
making new contracts make them for
one year at a time, at least not more
than two years, and insist that the
period of notice shall be thirty days,
at least not more than sixty. Carefully
avoid the six months’ termination per-
iod notice. Do not let the agent be-
guile you into the notion that the de-
mand for patterns is going to increase. -
You have had experience enough along
this line to know that they will not.
Carefully avoid ordering more monthly
supplies of all kinds than will be need-
ed, and whatever happens, do not make
any supplementary agreement. that
continues the life of the contract you
have already signed. Better terminate
it entirely and begin over again. What-
ever you do, bear in mind that there
are two sides to every agreement and
deal with pattern companies accord-
ingly. Jason E. Hammond.
Mgr. Mich. Retail Dry Goods Ass’n.
2. —____
The Two-in-One Fur Coat Fashion.
Fashion may, and frequently does,
do things with a lavish hand, and it
would seem this year as if she had
particularly concentrated on providing
every known form and degree of elab-
oration. It might appear at first glance
that this would prove costly for those
of us who wish always to be in step
with her, but many a time, among her
diversified offerings, are items that are
the acme of economy.
Such a style was the collarless tweed
or cloth coat presented early in the
season with a separate jacket or postil-
lion-like cape of fur—the jacket giving
the coat additional warmth for really
chilly days, or being sufficient in itself
over a wool dress for balmy days. That
this gesture of economy was a popular
one and will continue into the Spring
is evidenced by Patou’s recent collec-
tion in which his outstanding coat was
a collarless one, with his fur salon of-
fering ten or twelve pelerine sugges-
tions to go with it.
But there are several months to go
before we can brave the elements in
these combination fur and coat fash-
ions, so that still another two-in-one
idea is now presented to take care of
immediate needs. This time it is all
in fur, yet still well within the limits
of an economically budgeted income
because the fur is lapin.
Its claim to two-in-one adaptability
lies in the fact that it may be either
a fashionably brief fur garment ending
at the waist with a belt, or a long
belted coat. The secret of this ver-
satility is the single length of metal
slide fastener concealed under the belt.
According to the direction in which
one pulls the talon slide, one removes
the skirt from the jacketed top or at-
taches it firmly to it.
For the North-bound traveler, in
search of Winter sports, this two-piece
coat solves not only the problem of
excess baggage but that of a coat for
every kind of occasion. Should one
abandon the role of an active partici-
pant for that of a spectator, there is
the long coat; for skating or a hike,
TRADESMAN
one has a short one; and should the
resort require a certain amount of for-
mality of an evening, the jacket ver-
sion again fills the bill. And it is well
within reason that on a way-below-
zero night the skirt might fill the role
of an extra blanket! Then again, in its
shortened state, it is ideal for early
Spring wear, with one of the new col-
larless coats or with a wool frock.
The two-in-one idea has also been
incorporated in a velvet and white
lapin wrap for evening wear. A long
velvet skirt is slipped under a packet
top of ermine-cut lapin and is fastened
to its lining by a talon slide arrange-
ment. Thus one achieves in a single
purchase the fashionable long black
velvet and white fur wrap and a short
white fur wrap, a smart evening ac-
cessory at any time of year.—N. Y.
Times. _
—_+-+
Warm Underthings Are Brought Up
To Date.
The red flannels of prehistoric times
and the long-legged, long-armed crea-
tions of our childhood will never again
return to haunt our waking hours, and
with their passing one can now men-
tion “Winter woolies” without fear of
recalling those old bogies from their
justly earned limbo. Anyone who
goes in extensively for Winter sports
in really wintry climes, such as Que-
bec or Lake Placid boasts, knows that
woolen underthings of some kind are
so essential as to merit more than a
passing mention.
For nothing but wool, or wool in
combination with silk or cotton, can
give one the warmth without bulk that
is required nowadays by the sports-
woman who insists that even her most
active and business-like sports clothes
have a smartly trim look.
Knickers, or bloomers, are probably
the most important of the sports wool
underwear, since one can, of course,
always add another sweater or so for
warmth about the shoulders and waist.
The cut of the new wool knickers
carefully considers the requirements of
sports garb. Since the knitted weave
allows ample give, there is no super-
fluous fullness even where there is
elastic.
If one wishes an allover effect, so to
speak, one may add a vestee of the
same material as one’s knickers or one
may take to a combination where the
same carefully tailored construction is
again evident.
The materials of which these sports
woolies are made deserve especial
mention, for they are often as fine and
sheer as a chiffon silk jersey, and cer-
tainly they are every bit as feminine in
appearance. In their colors, one will
find the same delicate flesh tones, the
same enchanting pinks and peaches
that Paris usually reserves for her
daintiest bits of silk and lace lingerie.
Rabbit’s wool is a favorite because
of its smooth soft touch. To give it
greater wearing qualities and more
permanence of shape it is frequently
combined with silk or wool. Merino,
which is a woolen version of the pop-
ular cotton balbriggan weave, is an-
other excellent material, and this, too,
is combined with either silk or wool.
—_—_»+-.
Study your employer to learn how
he does it.
“straits.
December 24, 1930
Will Seek Enduring Foundations.
The National Retail Dry Goods As-
sociation is to hold its twelfth annual
convention in New York next Feb-
ruary under the slogan “Build Sound
Management — From 1930 Experi-
ences.” The slogan is a good one if
by “1930 experiences” is meant the
fruits of older bad practice. Studying
our misfortunes of this year may teach
us how to bear them with a grin. But
if we want to smile with confidence
in the future we shall have to go far-
ther back to the sources of our pres-
ent suffering and make sure of avoid-
ing them in the future. This does not
imply that the retailers should spend
their convention labors in trying to
discover the origins of our present
The world is full of such
delvers. It implies only that mer-
chants seeking to profit from the les-
sons of sad experience should make
sure that they know the roots of their
own difficulties and resist the tempta-
tion to be satisfied with scrutinizing
the all too apparent growth from
these noxious roots. Sound manage-
ment built from the experience of
1928-29 will seek enduring foundations
in merchandising policies which meas-
ure results in steady growth, not in
volume that swells with the rise of
enthusiasm.
—_>+.___
The danger ‘to America is not in the
direction of the failure to maintain its
economic position, but in the direction
of the failure to maintain its ideals.—
Calvin Coolidge.
—_>++____
Generosity by a man who can’t af-
ford it is mere four-flushing.
° During 1930 °
you have
shown your
- . appreciation
of our
“LuoBelle
an
LE
ee |
[HAIR NETS |
by substantial orders.
e
At this holiday season we
extend to you our sincere
wishes for a most prosperous
year to come.
TIONAL GARY
ORPORATION
M. HERZOG, Pres.
Successors to
NATIONAL TRADING CO.
and THEO. H. GARY CO.
251 Fourth Ave., New York, N. Y.
585 South Franklin St., Chicago, Ill.
NA
Cc
ow
«[ 3
# pie
Pa
‘
«fs
If you can’t boss yourself you won’t
get hired to boss others.
Announcing
The Torson Arch
Shoe for Boys
one of forty-two
styles in
Men’s,
Young Men’s and
Boys’
Shoes for Spring.
Four, Five and Six Dollar
Retailers carried
In Stock.
®
Herold Bertsch
Shoe Co.
Manufacturers of Quality
Footwear
Since 1892.
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
MICHIGAN SHOE DEALERS
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
L.H. BAKER, Secy-Treas.
FIRE AND TORNADO INSURANCE
Peete .__.__ _.__._..__..' 9241, 32066
Saved to Policyholders
Since Organization ____-_-_- 425,396.21
Write to
Lansing, Michigan
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
RETAIL GROCER
Retail Grocers and Meat Dealers Associa-
tion of Michigan.
— Gerritt VanderHooning,
Grand Rapids.
First Vice-Bresident—William Schultz,
Ann Arbor.
Second Vice-President—Paul Schmidt,
Lansing.
Secretary — Herman Hanson, Grand
Rapids.
Treasurer—O. H. Bailey, Sr., Lansing.
Directors — Ole Peterson, Muskegon;
Frank Marxer, Saginaw; Leigh Thomas,
Ann Arbor; M. C. Goossen, Lansing; R.
J. LaBarge, Pontiac.
American Packed Coffee $1.58 Per
Pound in Rome.
The Paris edition of the New York
Herald of Noy. 23 carried the news of
the arrival of National Secretary
Janssen and our old friend Frank
(Fleischmann) Meyer. These are the
two advance agents of the projected
United States grocers excursion to
Europe on the steamship Dresden next
summer. It is planned to visit Eng-
land, France, Switzerland, Italy, Aus-
tria and Germany; and the news item
indicated that the United States gro-
cers seek an international trade as-
sociation. Three hundred grocers are
expected to go and much of the work
will be under the wing of Standard
Brands, Inc., the new organization in
which is embraced Fleischmann, Royal
Baking Powder, F. W. Gillet & Co.,
Ltd. (Canada), Chase & Sanborn, Wid-
lar Food Products and 'Wright-Cross-
ley & Co., Ltd., England.
An object of the trip is said to be
study of retail conditions in the coun-
tries indicated.
This project was outlined in Dayton
last June, so it is not altogether new
to anybody. ‘Brother Janssen told me
all about it in Del Monte last Septem-
ber. It is a fine proposal from any
standpoint and my opinion is that any
grocer who goes on the Dresden will
get his money’s worth in full measure;
but it may be as well that we go with
our eyes open and our ideas and ex-
pectations clarified so that we may
know something of what we may hope
to see and to find in Europe.
Because I have lived for varying
periods under British conditions, have
at least glanced at France and Switzer-
land, and am living at this writing in
Rome, with the intention to remain
some months, perhaps I may get some
sidelights which may be illuminating
at least so far as Italy is concerned.
For my wife and I are doing what
we were told could not be done. We
are housekeeping in a little Roman
apartment. This “could not be done”
for many reasons. First, we did not
know the language. This, second,
would subject us to all manner of
cheating on prices. Third, we could
no wise manage Italian servants, who
are reputed to be both dense and dis-
honest.
Well, but as to language I may say
more later. I merely say now that it
js not such a tremendous task for an
intelligent person to get over his
meaning in any European country if
he has a background of English, be-
cause English derives from the same
sources as Italian, French, Spanish,
German.
As to being stung on prices we were’
not and are not a bit afraid of that
because, so far as food goes, we know
values. Funny if a grocer did not
know that anywhere. iAs to other
commodities, the traveler always has
the recourse that he can do without.
The intelligent traveler outfits him-
self with necessaries and foregoes
luxuries. And experience shows that
to decline to buy if prices are too
altitudinous results in immediate modi-
fication of demand. In Italy “no
volente,” meaning do not want or
nothing doing, begets the swiftest price
declines you ever saw if one is bar-
gaining. You'd certainly be surprised.
As to the thirdly and lastly—ser-
vants—that bothers us not at all for
the good and sufficient reason that we
don’t use ’em. We roll our own. Oh,
that was something else again; but
there was also business of _ vigorous
headshakings. For how could any-
body hope to find such a tiny place as
we wanted and could keep together in
Rome where all places are big, plan-
ned for numerous servants?
Well, you can only tell when you
try, and within two weeks we are set-
tled in an absolutely new building with
hot water heat, four rooms, etc., and
a large outdoor terrace on the roof,
six stories up, whence we get an out-
look over open country that I do not
try to describe; and all at a rent much
less than we should pay for it any-
where in America. This, you will note,
is largely because we have the Ameri-
can habit of self-reliance—something
these foreigners do not understand as
we do. There is so much their wo-
men cannot do—the simplest things
from the standpoint of a grocer and
his wife who delight to camp in the
Yosemite for weeks and cook their
own meals on an outdoor wood burn-
ing stove.
But I must not write a travelog nor
descriptions of scenery. Let us get on
with merchandising experiences and
contacts.
First, then, in this new district we
have the usudl pioneers among trades
men: the grocer, the baker, the butcher,
the shoe repair shop, the keeper of
household necessities, the—nowadays
to be sure—hairdresser and, of course,
the wine, liquor and beer seller; and
we have lots of fun shopping among
them. Nor have we got stung or seen
any sign of desire to sting from or on
the part of any of these. On the con-
trary, a more helpful, willing, good
natured folk, more eager to please no-
body could hope to find anywhere.
We want, you understand, to get
into close contact with Italian condi-
tions and ways of life. We seek to
avoid American habits, so we may
gain as clear an impression of these
people as possible. But some things
we feel we must have if any way ob-
tainable. And the quest for these turns
up plenty light on the Italians, so it
is all to the good.
‘Coffee, for example. After a month
or two of intimate experience with
what the Italian calls coffee, we feel
that we know just what it is and can
safely go back to our own—when and
as obtainable.
It seemed to us that in Rome, where
great numbers of Americans come,
there must ‘be one or more sources of
supply of American specialties. Farma-
cia Roberts, which, you see, is Roberts’
Pharmacy, told us yes, go to the
Anglo-American Supply Co. We found
(Continued on page 31)
MR. GROCERY MAN! ARE YOU SELLING
BRAAK’S HOMELIKE COOKIES
For a quick turnover let us supply you from our 25 varieties.
Established 1904 :
Call Phones 939 Spring Lake, Michigan
We deliver within a radius of 100 miles.
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one
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GRAND RAPIDS PAPER Box Co.
Manufacturers of SET UP and FOLDING PAPER BOXES
SPECIAL DIE CUTTING AND MOUNTING
G R AN D RA,PIDS, MICHIGAN
e
Wishing you a
Merry Christmas
and a Happy and Prosperous
New Year
oe
PUTNAM FACTORY
NATIONAL CANDY CO.,INC. GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
In More Homes Everyday
RAaLSEomM
America’s dinest Bread
77,1 SANCTUM BAKORIUM ~
YY NEWS :
Quality — we have found — is
an invincible salesman. We
have given him a job for life
in our bakeries.
Always Sell
LILY WHITE FLOUR
“*The Flour the best cooks use.”’
Also our high quality specialties
Rowena Yes Ma’am Graham Rowena Pancake Flour
Rowena Golden G. Meal Rowena Buckwheat Compound
Rowena Whole Wheat Flour
Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded.
VALLEY CITY MILLING CO. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Leading Grocers always have
a supply of
POSTMA’S RUSK
as they are in Demand in all Seasons
Fresh Daily
POSTMA BISCUIT CO.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
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Rusk Bakers Since 1882
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December 24, 1930
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
21
MEAT DEALER
Michigan State Association of Retail
Meat Merchants.
President—Frank Cornell, Grand Rapids
Vice-Pres.—E ¥Y. Abbott, Flint.
Secretary—E. J. La Rose, Detroit.
Treasurer—Pius Goedecke, Detroit.
Next meeting will be held in Grand
Rapids, date not decided.
Specialty Sales in the Meat Depart-
ment.
The preparation of three meals each
day occasionally grows monotonous to
the average housewife (after she has
been doing it for a few years). She
frequeitly finds that her knowledge of
foods and food preparation allows her
to sefve a comparatively small variety
of dishes.
The accompanying letter directs the
attention of the housewife to your
store as a place where she can obtain
suggestions in meats and in methods
of preparation. If you have some em-
ploye who is particularly we?l versed
in these matters, it might be well to
give his name and suggest that house-
wives go directly to him.
The retail meat dealer who can offer
advice and good suggestions to the
housewife about the planning of her
mentis and the preparation of various
dishes is in an excellent position to
itictease his patronage stthstattially.
This does not mean that the meat
dealer and all of his salespeople need
necessari-y be students of home eco-
nomics. It is sufficient if they have a
thorough knowledge of the various
cuts of meat, especially of the so-called
fancy meats, and can talk intelligently
about the uses of thenr. The house-
wife is ordinarily fairly well versed in
the preparation of the better known
cuts, although there are many novel
tnethods of preparing and combining
the round steak, for instance, with
which most housewives are unacquaint-
ed. By familiarizing himself with a
few of.the outstanding recipes in a
reliab'e recipe book, a salesperson
should be able to make helpful sug-
gestions.
The recent impetus which science
has given to the sale of liver can be
augmented if housewives are advised
of new and attractive ways of serving
this healthful dish. The combination
of liver and onions, which is easily
prepared, meets the approval of almost
anyone who enjoys good food. Nor is
it necessary to confine selling talks on
liver to calves’ liver alone; scientific
authorities do not hesitate to say that
beef liver and pork liver are equally as
nutritious as calves’ liver, which has
enjoyed such a tremendous popularity.
Braised liver and vegetables make a
tasty and extremely nutritious com-
bination, and pork or beef liver can be
used in it as successfully as calves’
liver. A third possibility is the excel-
lent combination of liver and bacon
which calls for two of a retailer's prod-
ucts instead of one.
Few housewives are familiar with
different dishes which can be prepared
from beef or veal hearts. This meat
offers a pleasant surprise to appetites
which have become temporarily weary
of the more commonly used foods. A
unique dish which can be prepared
from beef or veal hearts is heart chop
suey. It is not difficult to prepare and
the recipe is easily available.
It is not the writer’s contention that
a dealer’s volume will be substantially
increased through the sales of heart,
liver or sweetbreads. However, the
customet’s good will which the men-
tion of such things may bring is of a
definite value to any store. The house- ’
wife who finds the solution of her food
dilemma in the suggestion of someone
in your store will have a friendly feel-
ing toward your place of business when
she wants pork chops or sirloin steak
for dinner. The bride who knows how
to prepare only the simplest meals will
be grateful to anyone who can make
suggestions which will enable her to
appear a bit more self-confident in her
kitchen. The retailer should have the
opportunity to get ample returns for
his efforts as an instructor in cooking
in her future daily buying.
The dealer who has built business
through the service which he renders
and by selling good products will find
that his trade will stay with him even
in the face of sharp competition,
—_2-++____
Milk as Food For Persons of All Ages.
Young people, from infancy through-
out ado’escence, need an abundance of
milk. It has been estimated that the
growing child, whose bones and teeth
are still forming, needs five times as
much calcium and phosphorus as does
the adult—an adequate reason in itselt
for the presence of milk in liberal
amounts upon his menu.
And, as the formation of bones and
teeth extends into the period prior to
the child's ‘birth, every expectant
mother, whether she lives in city or
country, should receive a large supply
of the calcium and phosphorus so easily
available in milk.
Milk should be drunk in
quantities by young men and young
women who are getting their start in
the adult world. The majority of
these young persons are engaged in
business. They are adjusting them-
selves to the routine existence entailed
in holding down a city job. Too often
they are overworked and poorly paid.
The combination of long hours and
poor pay frequently results in physical
debility with tuberculosis lurking just
around the corner. ‘Wholesome food,
plenty of rest and moderate exercise
are needed to offset the danger. Here
again, nfi!k should occupy a place of
importance,
As for the tired ‘business
woman of maturer years and the house-
wife with the cares of a family upon
her hands, they, too, may derive enor-
mous benefits from drinking milk.
City life is hard on us all, even the
wisest and the most mature. To stand
the strain our bodies need the finest
nourishment which they can receive.
Milk provides such nourishment. In
the midst of a busy day it is the most
efficacious quick lunch.
Dr. Thomas Darlington.
copious
man or
——
To Feature Candelabra Lamps.
Candelabra lamps will be the out-
_standing feature of Spring lines ex-
hibited to the trade in ‘Chicago Jan.
12, lamp manufacturers predicted yes-
terday. Such lamps, equipped with
parchment’ or pleated cloth shades,
they said, will outnumber any other
styles. Predictions that prices would
show an upward trend were made by
several producers, but the majority
were of the opinion that price levels
would remain unchanged.
EGGS - EGGS - EGGS
Low prices increased demand. On request we will be pleased
to quote finest quality Candled Aprils and Mays.
' We are always in the market for Strictly Fresh Eggs, at full
Market prices.
We can supply Egg Cases and Egg Case Material of all kinds.
KENT STORAGE COMPANY - GRAND RAPIDS
GRIDDLES a BUN STEAMERS as
Everything in Restaurant Equipment
Priced Right.
Grand Rapids Store Fixture Co.
7 N. IONIA AVE. Phone 67143 N. FREEMAN, Mgr.
URNS
ANNOUNCING
A new installed wash room of our own, enabling us to furnish
you.daily with fresh Carrots, Beets, Parsnips, Turnips, Celery,
Etc. Give us a trial.
VAN EERDEN COMPANY
201-203 Ellsworth, S. W. Grand Rapids, Mich.
Manufacturers of Sausage and Meat
Products.
Wholesale only.
HERRUD & COMPANY
542 Grandville Ave., Grand Rapids, Mich.
MERCHANT PARCEL FREIGHT SERVICE
SMALL, LIGHT PACKAGE' DPLIVERY SYSTEM.
Cheaper than Freight or Express on small parcels up to 20 Ibs.
We ship only packages weighing 1 to 75 lbs. and 70 inches in size (girth
plus length). State regulated. Every shipment insured.
NORTH STAR LINE, INC.
R. E. TIMM, Gen. Mar.
CRATHMORE HOTEL STATION, GRAND RAPIDS, MICT.
VINKEMULDER COMPANY
Grand Rapids, Michigan
BRANCH AT PETOSKEY, MICH.
Distributors Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Cranberries, Grapefruit, “Yellow Kid’? Bananas, Oranges,
Onions, Fresh Green Vegetables, etc.
ORDER THIS QUICK SELLING
LINE FROM YOUR WAGON
DISTRIBUTOR.
In times when families are trying to
economize, Noodles do not stay long
on the grocers’ shelves.
Mrs. Grass has worked out numerous
ways of making delicious dishes from
her Noodles and the recipe folders are
packed in each package.
Because every package of Mrs. Grass’
Genuine Egg Noodles makes steady
customers for your store, we urge you
to write to us to get the name of your
nearest Wagon Distributor.
I. J. GRASS NOODLE CoO., INC.
Dept. M.
6021-7 Wentworth Ave., Chicago, Ill.
22
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
HARDWARE
Michigan Retail Hardware Association.
President—Louis F. Wolf, Mt. Clemens.
Vice-Pres.—Waldo Bruske, Saginaw.
Secretary—Arthur J. Scott, Marine City.
Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit.
Hints in Regard to the Annual Inven-
tory.
With the arrival of a new year,
stock-taking is once more in order.
There are, indeed, hardware dealers
who, without waiting for the new year,
start this disagreeable bit of store
routine immediately after the Christ-
mas _ holiday.
Such dealers argue that the quicker
stock taking is over, the better for all
concerned. And they are right. Stock
taking is a job which, if given the
chance, may drag an uncomfortably
long time. Consequently, it should be
cleaned up as expeditiously as possible.
There is considerable difference of
opinion as to the best time for stock-
taking. Most hardware dealers seem
to favor the early part of January.
Some dealers begin right after the
New Year holiday. Others wait until
the middle of the month. Still others
delay the job until January is prac-
tically finished. But the aim all along
the line is to get the work done in the
dull winter months, when time is plen-
tiful and stock-taking will involve the
least possible interference with busi-
ness.
Another debatable question is the
relation between stock-taking and the
annual stock-taking sale- Here, again,
there is considerable difference in store
practice. Some dealers put on the big
sale first and take stock afterward; the
argument being that the sale will re-
duce the amount of stock, and the labor
of stock-taking. Others hold the sale
afterward; their view being that you
can’t tell what to feature in such a
sale until you have completely over-
hauled the stock and know just what
there is to offer.
In ‘both these matters the hardware
dealer must be a law unto himself.
There is no positive rule to lay down.
The dealer knows best his own circum-
stances, and can be trusted to decide
intelligently which of two policies will
best suit his individual business. What
one hardware dealer may find to be
sound policy is apt at times to prove
poor policy for another.
It is a safe rule, however, to start
your stock taking as early as possible,
and te rush it through as expeditiously
as possible. Speed must, however, be
always a less important matter than
accuracy. Your first purpose is to
discover just where you stand.
While an early start ought to mean
a quick finish, this is not true of all
stores. There are many stores where,
through lack of efficient methods, the
work of stock-taking is permitted to
drag. The result in such cases is a
serious handicap to business.
The dealer is. apt to argue, “We
don’t do any business anyway, at this
time of year.” But even in dull January
there is business to be done. Because
there is relatively little trade, the
dealer is wise to make the most of it.
And he should permit nothing to inter-
fere with business-getting at this
season.
Stock-taking, if inefficiently handled,
can be a decided hindrance to business.
Clerks engaged in this sort of unin-
spired drudgery are apt to display little
enthusiasm in regard to sales. They
will wait on whatever customers come
in; but their selling is apt to degen-
erate into mere perfunctory order-tak-
ing. Customers, too, are apt to shun
the store where stock-taking is in
progress, realizing that a little later,
when the job is done, they will be
pretty sure to get better store service.
A first step toward expeditious and
satisfactory stock-taking is to have
some well defined plan for handling
the work.
Here, again, it is difficult to lay
down any cut-and-dried scheme of
stock-taking applicable to every hard-
ware store. Each hardware store
presents its own distinct problem. But
in every store it will help immensely
to map out the work in advance, and,
before getting the actual stock-taking
under way, to talk over the problem
with your staff and give them a clear
idea of just what you expect each help-
er to do.
A preliminary store conference of
this sort is just the thing to get the
boys keyed up to the top notch, and
to imbue them with the dominant idea
of getting through this heavy job with
the proper snap. They will do the
work quicker and do it better for
knowing just what is ahead of them
and just what part each member of the
staff has to perform.
Before you start work at all, deter-
mine just where you are to start, and
the order in which you propose to take
up the various departments. Have your
stock book—or books—ready with an
ample supply of freshly sharpened pen-
cils. Impress on your helpers the dom-
inant need of accuracy, and that no
guess work is permissible. Next to ac-
curacy, impress on them the import-
ance of getting the work done quickly.
If you are planning to hold an after-
inventory sale, it is a good plan, when
going through your stock, to set aside
in some particular part of the store,
or of each department, those odds and
ends which, in your judgment ought to
be cleared out at a sacrifice.
Every store, no matter how well-
managed, is certain in time to collect
a considerable amount of slow-moving
stock. Often, through oversight or
carelessness, such stock is carried over
year after year. Some special selling
effort is necessary to move these lines;
and the stock-taking sale affords a good
opportunity to get rid of them. “Keep
the stock clean” is a good axiom; and
you can start your clean-up by segre-
gating these lines when you take stock.
As you proceed wifh your stock-
taking, weed out these slow-selling
items. It may take a little more time,
but when the stock-taking is done you
know just what lines to feature in your
stock-taking sale. If you defer pick-
ing out these items until after taking
stock, you are pretty sure to overlook
a good many of them,
It is important to so arrange the
stock-taking that your regular trade
will not suffer unduly. One hardware
dealer, admittedly successful, gives
some drastic advice on this point, bas-
ed upon his own store policy:
“Advertise your stock-taking ahead
of time. Tell the public a couple of
weeks beforehand that they will oblige
you and benefit themselves by doing
their shopping right away, before you
start to take stock. Also, intimate that
your big stock-taking sale will be
launched the minute stock-taking is
concluded. What with those who hurry
up their shopping to avoid the stock-
taking period and those who wait for
the special inducements afterward, my
trade is concentrated before and after,
leaving a fairly clear period in which
I rush the inventory through with little
interruption. I have followed this plan
for years and can’t see that I’ve lost
any trade. Business has simply evened
up.”
Few hardware dealers are apt to
agree with this drastic method, feeling
that it is equivalent to telling customers
to “get out and keep out.” One dealer
comments: “I believe in keeping them
coming right through the stock-taking
period. Just the same, I would adver-
tise stock-taking—tell the public we
are prepared to wait on them just the
same as usual. The incidental adver-
tising of the stock-taking sale, as sug-
gested by this dealer, is good business.
Never try to hide the fact that you are
to the purchaser of the stock.
A RETAIL HARDWARE OPPORTUNITY
In the Enterprising City of Traverse City, Michigan.
Owing to the death of our President the surviving owners are desirous of
withdrawing from retail business, but do not wish to terminate a business
which has been satisfactorily conducted in one location for 50 years, and one
whose seryice if discontinued would be a distinct loss to the community.
Therefore, we offer for sale, in bulk, the STOCK and GOOD WILL of the
“H & L HARDWARE STORE”
and will lease the three story and basement store building, with fixtures,
THE HANNAH & LAY MERCANTILE COMPANY
P. O. Box 96, TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
Wholesale Only.
342 Market St., S. W.
Manufacturers and Distributors of
SHEET METAL ROOFING AND FURNACE. SUPPLIES,
TONCAN IRON SHEETS,
CONDUCTOR PIPE AND FITTINGS.
We Protect our Dealers.
THE BEHLER-YOUNG CO.
EAVETROUGH,
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Michigan Hardware Co.
100-108 Ellsworth Ave., Corner Oakes
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
B
Wholesalers of Shelf Hardware, Sporting
Goods and
FISHING TACKLE
Automobile Tires and Tubes
Automobile Accessories
Garage Equipment
Radio Sets
Radio Equipment
Harness, Horse Collars
BROWN & SEHLER
COMPANY
Farm Machinery and Garden Tools
Saddlery Hardware
Blankets, Robes
Sheep Lined and
Blanket - Lined Coats
Leather Coats
GRAND RAPIDS,
MICHIGAN
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December 24, 1930
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
23
taking stock. Play it up. By so doing,
you set the stage for the sale that is
to follow.”
As a rule, the hardware dealer will
aim to get all the business he can while
stock-taking is in progress. How to so
arrange the work that regular trade
will be helped instead of hampered is
the question.
Some merchants take stock only at
night-time after the store is closed.
This may work well in some instances;
but as a general rule, late hours are
apt to impair the selling efficiency of
the salespeople next day. In some
stores, stock-taking is restricied to
those hours of the business day, usu-
ally the very early morning, when
there are few customers. Some mer-
chants detail certain members of the
staff to handle the stock-taking, leav-
ing others free to wait on customers.
One hardware dealer has assigned
each member of his staff an all-the-
year-round specialty. Thus, one man
looks after sporting goods, another
specializes in households, a third in
paint and builders hardware, ard so on.
At stock-taking time, each salesman
supervises the stock-taking in his cwn
department.
It is for the hardware dealer to
study the problem and work out the
scheme best suited to his business, In
this connection, last year’s stock-taking
and its experiences should afford val-
uable guidance. You can’t go through
stock-taking even once without seeing
points where your methods can be
improved; and the wise dealer profits
by such experience.
One important phase of stock-taking
should be kept constantly in mind.
It is more than a mere inventory of
the goods on your shelves. It is an
inventory of yourself, your salespeople,
your selling methods, your successes
and your failures. When you compile
your stock lists you should likewise
intelligently size up your past year’s
business, the methods employed, the
results attained, all with a view to af-
fording you intelligent guidance in the
coming year.
Stock-taking will, properly consid-
ered, show where your judgment in
1930 was good and where it was bad;
and help you, in your future dealings,
to correct your past mistakes. General
conditions have changed drastically in
the last year; but intelligent merchants
who are not rooted in the past will in
the long run profit by these changed
conditions. The time is opportune for
you to give your entire business—not
merely your stock but your buying and
selling methods—a drastic and thor-
ough overhauling, with a view to adapt-
ing yourself to new conditions and
making the most of new opportunities.
Your store inventory is only a part of
your real stock-taking.
Victor Lauriston.
>>> __
Be thankful every morning when you
get up that you have something to do
that day which must be done, whether
you like it or not. Being forced to
work, and forced to do your best, will
breed in you temperance and_ self-
control, diligence and strength of will,
cheerfulness and content and a hundred
virtues which the idle never know.—
Charles Kingsley.
Recalling Christmas Days of the Past.
‘Grandville, Dec. 24— Everywhere
Christmas to-night.
This is true of the whole world,
from the snows of the Poles to the
sands of Arabia. ‘Christmas
world’s one great and universal holi-
day, celebrated by both church and
state. It is the universal holiday of all
the world and one in which the kiddies
rejoice with equal zest with their
elders.
‘Santa Claus day and Christmas are
synonymous. The log cabin of the
pioneer holds to the day as well as the
palace of the king. It is the one great
mutual thought of a Saviour born on
this day that given joy to all lands
over which the rising sun throws its
rays.
During our civil war Christmas was
observed by both the Confederate and
Federal armies lined up in battle array.
That intelligent men believing in the
same God could hurl the thunderbolts
of war at each other is one of the mys-
teries past finding out.
It is puzzling to find war and Chris-
tianity going hand in hand through the
world. Peace and love to all mankind
was the herald that the Babe of Beth-
lehem bore, and yet the density of
man’s brain was such as to blur the
facts most woefully.
No matter how many disbelievers in
the Bible there are scarcely any who
discard the belief in the child born in
a manger two thousand years ago. It
is this general belief that has made the
world ‘better and doubtless saved it
from itself in times of stress.
Christmas is the ~reat holiday of all
time. The woodsman’s shanty holds a
row of stockings hung beside the fire-
place to be filled by that patron saint
of childhood, Santa Claus. The idea
that there is no Santa ‘Claus has been
too many times refuted to call for
argument to-day. To every child in
Christendom there is a saint who fills
kiddies stockings and brings presents
as bulky as hand sleds and bicycles,
say nothing about warm clothing and
brass-toed shoes.
We all of us believe absolutely in
Saint Nick and no amount of argu-
ment to the contrary can avail. It was
this saint of small children who
brought skates and boots to a little
‘boy in the heart of the Michigan pines,
and later on stood him in good stead
when he lay dying on a Southern
battlefield,
To ignore Santa Claus would be to
ignore the Christ child and turn back
the span of time to the dark ages.
Christmas everywhere to-night. What
a pleasing thought. It soothes the ills
of care and sends new life through the
hearts of every good man and woman.
‘Christmas! Let us all celebrate nor
forget to give the Father praise for
the gift of His son whom we celebrate
this day. The world has many holidays
but not one to compare with Christ-
mas.
Everybody should remember his
neighbor and give him the glad
“Merry Christmas” greeting that
shows our friendship on this gladdest
day of all the year.
Schools will of course suspend for
the time, giving the small folks as well
as the teachers a time of rest and en-
joyment. Christmas bells are ringing
out a glad refrain telling to all that the
lad of Bethlehem is not forgotten.
We should cast aside all work and
make the day one of rejoicing which
is the most blessed in the calendar.
We do not have the merry sleigh bells
nor the cutters and Dobbins of ye
olden time, yet there are other ways
ie make good the celebration of th
ay. ;
This is a busy world, yet the Christ-
mas holiday never is neglected for
want of being remembered every
twenty-fifth of December. To forget
it would be to mark us as heathens of
the lowest mould.
‘How Old Timer would like to get
out once more, seated in a cutter be-
is the
hind a speedy horse and career across
fields and through the pine woods with
his ibest girl at his side and let the
music of the bells soothe his senses
as of old. :
Memories of past Christmases is all
that is now left to the gray-haired citi-
zen who sits by the fire and listens to
the winds of winter whistle around the
corners of his abode. The saying, “All
quiet on the Potomac to-night,” inter-
ests him as much as those Christmas
songs which do not reach his ear.
Old times come again no more. In
gray and wrinkled eld we one time
youngsters of merry Christmas days
try to content ourselves with the
thought that this world for him will
soon be of the past. as
A great majority of the early day
Christmas celebrators have passed over
and this world knows them no more
forever. Even the greatest of the hu-
man race have to pass down the same
road to an eternity beyond this world.
Is there sadness in the thought? Not
if one has the faith which animated
the hearts of early followers of the
one whose birthday we are engaged in
celebrating this year.
Again we hear the chimes of Christ-
mas bells and in thought take our
places with the gay throng Speeding
over the snow to a dance. What, a
dance on the good one’s birthday? And
why not» Dancing then was amuse-
ment of the purest and best. If no
One goes in for anything more sinful
than the old time country dance he
may ‘be set down as one of our best
citizens, Old Timer.
>? >___
More Stores Opening Nights.
More of the local stores are partici-
pating in night openings this week.
Representatives of stores which have
tried the experiment express surprise
over the successful results obtained.
One sales promotion manager said the
response on the part of the public was
“amazing.” He reported that pur-
chases were made not only of gift
items, but also of ready-to-wear and
home furnishings, a development en-
tirely unexpected. Underlying the ac-
tion of the stores was the effort to
build up dollar volume in the remain-
ing days before Christmas. The cost
of obtaining the extra business result-
ing was said to be comparatively
small.
—__+~+<-+___
Low-End Curtain Sales Improve.
Orders for popular-price curtain ma-
terials for January and February sales
now provide most of the activity for
the converters of curtain cloth. Pur-
chases have followed the Fall choices
closely, with nets in all pastel shades
predominating in the selections. Al-
though buyers have been seeking
special concessions for their sales mer-
chandise, the prices have been held
firm in most instances. Regular
Spring merchandise continues in small
demand. Few ‘buyers have evinced
any interest in Spring requirements,
and producers are uncertain of the
style trends likely to develop.
—_+-+~-+___
Axminster Rug Prospects Good.
Axminster rugs are expected to play
a greater part in the volume of floor
coverings sold next season than they
ever did before, according to manu-
facturers who are now completing ar-
rangements for sending their sales
forces out on the road as soon as the
holidays are over. Reports reaching
the market from wholesale distributors
indicate that retailers see excellent
promotional opportunities in the wide
choice of patterns and qualities avail-
able in the axminster lines. They are
credited with being ready to purchase
provided they can be assured of a firm
market.
—_++>___
The radio is making people so par-
ticular about their entertainment that
a street band of five pieces will soon be
declared a public nuisance.
Sand Lime Brick
Nothing as Durabie
Nothing as Firepreof
Makes Structure Beautiful
No Painting
No Cost for Repaire
Fire Proof Weather Proof
Warm in Winter—Cool in Summer
Brick is Everlasting
GRANDE BRICK CoO.
Grand Rapids.
SAGINAW BRICK CO.
Saginaw.
Corduroy Tires
Our success. is
founded on the sale
of up to date, qual-
ity merchandise
where the saving
in selling cost is
passed on to. our
customers who or-
der by mail or wire,
at our expense, di-
rect.
Made in
Grand Rapids
Sold Through
Dealers Only.
CORDUROY TIRE CO.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
SARLES
Detective Agency
Licensed and Bonded
Michigan Trust Bldg.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Jennings’ Pure Extracts
Vanilla, Lemon, Almond, Orange,
Raspberry, Wintergreen.
Jennings Flavoring Extract Co.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
I. Van Westenbrugge
Grand Rapids - Muskegon
(SERVICE DISTRIBUTOR)
Nucoa \
KRAFT (CHEESE
All varieties, bulk and package cheese
“Best Foods”
Salad Dressings
Fanning’s
Bread and Butter Pickles
Alpha Butter
TEN BRUIN’S HORSE RADISH and
MUSTARD
OTHER SPECIALTIES
24
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
HOTEL DEPARTMENT
News and Gossip Concerning Michigan
Hotels.
Los Angeles, Dec. 20— Visiting
friends tell me that Alvah Brown has
made some very substantial improve-
ments in his Hotel ‘Browning, at
Grand Rapids. Also that his club
meals which he has been: serving for
some time still retain their attractive-
ness. I am glad to hear all this for
Mr. Brown and I have been very good
friends ever since we entered the Mich-
igan hotel ‘field and have fought, bled
and died together in the scrimmages
at hotel conventions and the like.
Also I hear that Hotel Herkimer,
operated by Raymond Reid, is gaining
ground every day, notwithstanding the
fact that no particular hotel man any-
where is bragging about the amount
of business he is doing. Those Reids
will get their share—and. possibly a
little more—every time, if you don’t
watch out.
Frank Purdy, recently assistant man-
ager of Hotel Pierson. Chicago, and
a former clerk at Hotel Rowe, Grand
Rapids, has become associated with a
Fort Wayne, Indiana, institution.
J. J. Smith, who runs the Piney
Ridge Inn, at Hamlin Jake, near Lud-
ington, every summer, has taken a
lease on Hotel Homosassa Springs,
Florida, and has gone there for the
winter to operate it.
Hotel Belding, at Belding, is being
much improved by the new proprietor,
John Ruhmohr. Among other things
electric refrigeration has been installed.
Just now California in general and
Los Angeles in particular are trying to
explain the failure of one of the larg-
est building and loan associations in
the country. By the manipulations of
one man, who dominated a board of
dummy directors, 20,000 patrons, most
of whom could illy afford to lose any-
thing at this time, have been losers
to the extent of $8,000,000. Only a
couple of years ago the Julian debacle
netted fortv millions for a lot of crooks
and so far as the public can find out
no one has ever been punished. The
papers come out every day with
screaming headlines, the district at-
torney rants and- spits ‘fire. There is
the outraged citizenry on the one hand
and the passing of the buck on the
other. They have a man in the county
jail here, who confessed to the crime.
admitted that he was a dirty crook,
wanted to be sent un for life, without
a trial, etc. Now he has decided he
can do more for the sufferers if he
goes scot free and gets back behind
the counter to help adjust affairs. After
he has had his trial, is convicted, the
judge has sentenced him for from one
to ten years and suspended the sen-
tence, he will open up his cache and
proceed with a lifetime of joy at the
expense of the poor: But what about
that: board of directors, whose moral
influence was responsible for the de-
gree of confidence reposed in the in-
stitution? ‘Are they to be let off.
when they are as morally guilty as the
man who was tempted? You can say
what you please about the American
public. No one can ever question but
what we are gluttons for punishment—
we can absorb more jolts on the jaw
and come back for more of the pro-
verbial punching bag. ‘Between burg-
lars. racketeers, bootleggers and holier
than thouers, Los Angeles certainly
has her troubles. Just now the Federal
edict cutting down the oil output from
one-and-a-half-million to a half-million
barrels per day. is going to leave a
blue streak in oil speculation. There
are still these additional thousands
who were to become enormously rich
from the investment of a few pennies
in oil wells. But the warning I have
given from time to time to prospective
investors out here: To keep the moths
caged up in your pocket book—still
holds good. There is no catch or no
risk, however, on our brand of sun-
shine.
The so-called drys seem to feel that
they have won a big victory in the de-
cision of the prohibition director to
impregnate alcohol with assofeditae,
leaving out the poison. But when
folks will lie down alongside of lim-
burger cheese and go to sleep, what
can you expect of the other. First
thing you know some bright boy will
devise a scheme for skimming out the
assofeditae and using it for a sandwich
spread. Liquor long since lost its at-
tractiveness as a work of art. Its ap-
pearance or odor cut little ice any
more. Effectiveness is the real re-
quirement.
I ran on to Milie E. Wilkinson, on
the street here the other day and I
was glad to see him, especially in view
of the fact I have been looking for him
ever since I returned from the East
this fall, where I had also tried to
find him. Milie was chief engineer for
the Sherman House, ‘Chicago for
twenty-eight years, prior to his being
retired on a pension two vears since.
During that period he had general
charge of all the building and improve-
ment phases of that institution, which
grew from a few hundred to nearly
two thousand rooms. But away back,
before his Sherman House connection
he was a resident of Michigan, at Mus-
kegon, and he enjoys the acquaintance
of a legion of hotel operators who al-
ways knew him as a friend. -For their
benefit I want to say that Mr. Witkin-
son looks particularly ‘fit, is a respected
citizen of Glendale and will be glad to
have his old friends look him up.
‘The Detroit hotel men are still ham-
mering awav at the telephone charges
and undoubtedly will trv to get the
incoming legislature to do something
for their relief. But that will be about
all. They will continue to pay and the
only solution to the problem is to ab-
sorb the charge in a general addition
to the room rate or charge it off to
advertising expense.
Charley Renner, that boy who op-
erates plenty of hotels in Southern
Michigan and Northern Indiana, and
then some, has finally succeeded in get-
ting his picture in several of the hotel
papers, and he doesn’t offer such a bad
appearance. Jf it wasn’t for his temm-
peramentality, I could almost admire
him.
The other week end a friend with a
Model “T” shanghaied me and took
me over to the High Sierras to see
some snow, and we kept on going un-
til we got to Las Vegas, Nevada, one
might say for the purpose of finding
out just what non-employment condi-
tions were prevailing there. They are
just as bad as they can be. The plains
all arund the town are strewn with
the relics of jitneys, their former oc-
cupants are sleeping in tents and lean-
tos and subsisting on iackrabbits while
Congress is struggling with the prob-
lem as to just what will be done about
building Boulder Dam, forty miles
away. It is claimed that the Federal
Government issued repeated warnings
advising laborers and others to keep
away, but I have never seen any such
warnings, though in crossing the
Nevada border lines migratory factors
have been to'd there is mothing doing,
which is everlastingly too jate for the
fellow who has loaded his family in the
car, his furniture strapped to the sides
and top, and proceeded too far to es-
tablish a successful come back.
While we were over there we did
discover something at Lost City, a few
miles to the East of Las Vegas. which
I wish every motorist from Michigan
could see en route. At a distance of
practically 370 miles from Los Angeles
MORTON
HOTEL
Grand Rapids’ Newest
Hotel
400 Rooms “t 400 Baths
RATES
$2.50 and up per day.
Warm Friend Tavern
Holland, Mich.
Is truly a friend to all travelers. All
room and meal rates very reasonable.
Free private parking space.
GEO. W. DAUCHY, Mgr.
“A MAN IS KNOWN BY THE
COMPANY HE KEEPS”
That is why LEADERS of Business
and Society make their head-
quarters at the
PANTLIND
HOTEL
“An entire city block of Hospitality”
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Rooms $2.25 and up.
Cafeteria -i- Sandwich Shop
. 800 Rooms
CODY HOTEL
GRAND RAPIDS
RATES—$1.50 up. without bath.
$2.50 up with bath.
CAFETERIA IN CONNECTION
NEWS
Decorating
and
Management
Facing FAMOUS
Grand Circus Park. Oyster Bar.
800 Rooms - - - 800 Baths
Rates from $2.50.
HOTEL TULLER
HAROLD A. SAGE, Mgr.
Republican Hotel
MILWAUKEE, WIS.
Rates $1.50 up—with bath $2 up
Cafeteria, Cafe, Sandwich Shop
in connection
Park Place Hotel
Traverse City
Rates Reasonable—Service Superb
—Location Admirable.
R. D. McFADDEN, Mgr.
HOTEL KERNS
LARGEST HOTEL IN LANSING
300 Rooms With or Without Bath
Popular Priced Cafeteria in Con.
nection. Rates $1.56 up.
E. 8. RICHARDSON, Proprietor
NEW BURDICK
KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN
in the Very Heart of the City
: Fireproof Construction
The only All New Hotel in the city.
Representing
& $1,000,000 Investment.
250 Rooms—150 Rooms with Private
ath.
Buropean $1.50 and up per Day.
RESTAURANT AND GRILL—
Cafeteria, Quick Service, Popular
Prices.
Entire Seventh Floor Devoted to
Especially Equipped Sample Rooms
WALTER J. HODGEs,
Pres. and Gen. Mor.
HOTEL OLDS
LANSING
300 Baths
Absolutely Fireproof
Moderate Rates
GEORGE L. CROCKER, Manager.
Occidental Hotel
FIRE PROOF
CENTRALLY LOCATED
Rates $2.00 and up
EDWART R. SWETT, Mgr.
Muskegon ote Michigan
Columbia Hotel
KALAMAZOO
Good Place To Tie To
HOTEL
CHIPPEWA
HENRY M. NELSON, Manager
Plan
European
MANISTEE. MICH.
Up-to-date Hotel with all Modern
Conveniences—Elevator, Etc.
150 Outside Rooms
Dining Room Service
Hot and Cold Running Water and
Telephone in every Room.
$1.50 and up
60 Rooms with Bath $2.50 and $3
In
Kalamazoo
It’s
PARK-AMERICAN
George F. Chism, Manager
“We are always mindful of
our responsibility to the pub-
lic and are in full apprecia-
tion of the esteem its generous
patronage implies.”
HOTEL ROWE
Grand Rapids, Michigan.
ERNEST W. NEIR, Manager.
+ Won oa
aa uae
ey
December 24, 1930
we were in the geographic center of an
early advanced civilization that offers
real. close to home as, much age and
mystery of an unknown civilization as
do the excavations of the ancient ruins’
of Egypt. Driving to the very edge
of the newly discovered lost city it is
but a few steps from the door of the
car until the visitors’ feet are treading
on- virtual millions of chips of stone
scattered by arrow makers of this
ancient people, on broken pieces of
pottery, on small corn cobs, quite ap-
parently a chief item of diet, for they
are uncovered everywhere in the ex-
cavations. But the most conspicuous
evidence of the lost people is the re-
mains of their houses that have also
been uncovered. They were apartment
dwellers, the houses being built in near-
ly continuous chains about the highest
elevation of the surrounding ground,
probably so arranged for defense pur-
poses. The house remains are flat
pieces of rock, cemented by mud
plaster to form the walls and extend-
ing up above the ground level, Plenty
of evidences of human existence, in
the shape of skeletons and otherwise,
are to be seen everywhere. But hu-
man agencies of to-dav are trying to
restore to some _ extent — structures
which were in evidence 2,000 years
ago. No one lives there now. The
Indians have been gone for days be-
yond record of evidence of definite
time of departure. The reason for
abandonment of the city, which at one
time must have numbered five or six
thousand, the destination of the tribe
or, in fact, identification of the tribe
has been impossible. Nearby are pic-
ture writings on the rocks. These
even have not been deciphered and
their meanings can never be more than
approximated, although some studies
have resulted in conjectures as to their
meaning which may ultimately lead to
their satisfactory solution, and that
probably place them as the work of
the most ancient tribes.
Lost City is but a short distance
from the proposed site of Boulder
Dam. At this season of the year is
hardly accessible with comfort, but
should not be overlooked in a summer
itinerary.
A lot of people, not living in Cali-
fornia altogether, will be inclined to
sustain Senator Hiram Johnson in his
claim that we had better keep away
from any mix-up with 'World’s courts
until such a time as our own judicial
institutions can function squarely. Just
recently the California Supreme Court
sent back to the Los Angeles district
innumerable cases for retrial with re-
marks censuring trial judges and other
judicial officers, claiming that defend-
ants did not have fair trials as pro-
vided iby the constitution. It is just
that matter of politics which is con-
stantly bobbing up.
In the news column yesterday the
statement was made that of all avia-
tors who were flying five years ago 47
per cent. had met violent deaths. This
may in a large degree explain why
aviation corporations are having their
own troubles in trying to declare divi-
dends on very extensive stock issues.
August Vollmer, a former chief of
police, of Los Angeles, will head a
staff of educators in the University of
Chicago who are planning to make a
practical study of crime wherein known
crooks will be called upon to tell what
they know about safe cracking, bandit-
ry, hijacking, jack-rolling, purse-
snatching and all other forms of law
breaking. The announcement was first
looked upon as one of Will Roger’s
jokes, but 'Mr. Vollmer, who is really
an individual of some parts, makes the
more serious claim that for protection
of the general public police authorities
should know more about crime attri-
butes, and that a college course for
the expectant fly-cop is an essential.
Jf this doesn’t work we shall look for
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
a return to the days of the vigilance
committee.
The farm Federal relief board hav-
ing refused to supply funds to ‘Cali-
fornia grape growers to be used in de-
fraying expenses incurred in pulling
up vines to prevent further over-
production, the state growers associa-
tion announces it is hopeful that pro-
hibition authorities will see their way
clear to allow the manufacture of grape
juice, the ultimate destination of which
is wine, known ‘to everybodv as a vio-
lation of the Volstead act. The pres-
ent season has been an unusually sat-
isfactory one for grape producers, and
this claim is based on an utter aban-
donment of law enforcement so far as
grape wine is concerned. The dande-
lion variety which our grandmothers
prepared mostly for medicinal pur-
poses, is still a channel whereby some
misguided individuals are skidding on
in the direction of Fort Leavenworth.
Perhaps this is because there is no
dandelion growers association to safe-
guard their interests.
‘Chicago authorities are said to have
discovered that a panacea for over-
coming their municipal financial af-
fairs is to reduce the assessment rate
where it comes somewhere near ap-
proaching the real value of property.
They believe it is much better to re-
move some of the burdens now being
carried by the taxpayers, allowing
them an opportunity of retaining their
holdings and paying the rate thereon,
rather than adding to the cities frozen
assets, and supporting the former
owners in almshouses. A _ condition
like this exists almost everywhere.
Michigan would have few abandoned
farms if the owners could be encour-
aged to do a little something for them-
selves instead of putting in long,
dismal hours trying to satisfy the
rapaciousness of the tax gatherer.
There is at least one hotel establish-
ment on this earth of ours which ad-
mits it is doing a “going” business.
That is at Aqua Caliente, just over the
boundary line between California and
Mexico. During all the period of so-
called depression in the past year, the
hotels in that section have been crowd-
ed to overflowing, at rates which
might be termed as “confiscatory.”
Once ina while I ioin a party of
friends who just take this 140 mile
auto trip for a day’s diversion, and
once on the ground it is hard to im-
agine that anywhere in the world
could there be the necessity for or-
ganizing soup kitchens and martialing
bread lines. Millions of dollars are
spent there daily, some for gambling,
plenty for booze and yet there is no
lawlessness, and people down there
almost succeed in making you believe
that prosperity has finally encompassed
that “corner” we hear so much about.
Frederick Warde, the famous trag-
edian, now retired, lives here in Los
Angeles, and is a frequent visitor at
the famous Breakfast Club, which I
occasionally have the pleasure of at-
tending. At a recent session he told
this story, which made a decided hit
at a gathering composed exclusively of
the male sex:
“When the modern woman _ looks
dumb, look out for her. When she
acts dumb she is usually being smart,
trying to cover her tracks with a dis-
concerting coat of seeming indiffer-
ence,
“One of the smartest women I know
came home the other afternoon and
found her husband waiting for her with
fire in his eyes.
“ “Took here,’ he snapped, ‘your ac-
count at the bank is overdrawn.’
““Of course it is,’ replied his wife
with simulated indignation, ‘but why
did you go and tell them about it?”
This may go down in history as the
Capone era of luxurious criminals.
With that in view, it seems fitting that
the Government should provide a
luxurious prison, “with outside rooms”
to accommodate the mpltra fashionable
of the underworld, who would find it
unbearable to change from the creature
comforts of $100,000 mansions and
Florida estates to the common, garden
variety of penitentiaries. ‘But first a
means must be devised for capturing
these birds to place in the gilded
cages.
While magnificent decorations have
been displayed on Los Angeles streets
ever since December first, this is the
real Christmas week for the City of
the Angels, and every evening hordes
of happy citizens throng the streets
exuding gladness copiously. Already
the Christmas spirit is doing much in
dispelling the gloom and an acute de-
pression is yielding to optimism. Un-
employment is finding occupation in
making gifts and coin is coming out
of hiding to encourage the world of
trade.
It is a simple thing to cry, “Merry
Christmas!” If the merry ingredients
are conferred by a few words of well
wishing, instead of funereal expressions
there will be a contagion of smiles, and
happiness will result. ‘Christmas is not,
as many suppose, just a simple oc-
casion tor the exchange of gifts. Ex-
pressions and smiles take a deep root-
ing, and one feels that, after all, the
happy Custom of twenty centuries’
standing, is really worth while.
Frank S. Verbeck.
—_+<-~-___
Population Changes.
It is generally realized that our popu-
lation is no longer increasing by those
tremendous strides which marked its
growth in the first half of the past
century. From the period of the first
census to that of 1860 it jumped from
a little less than 4,000,000 to 31,000,-
000; in the past seventy years it has in-
creased to 120,000,000, but this rate of
increase is less than half that of the
first period. Unquestionably the next
seventy years will see a further decline
and in the year 2000 we may have only
some 185,000,000 people, accoridng to
population experts, instead of the three
or four hundred million which we once
might have expected.
But if this is not a surprising fore-
cast because of the evident effect of
a declining birth rate and greatly de-
creased immigration, it is somewhat
startling to realize that it means that
the United States will have a popula-
tion much older than it had in its early
history. The death rate is not falling
so fast as the birth rate and conse-
quently the average age is steadily
mounting. Compared with earlier
times, declares a recent artilec in the
American Mercury by Warren S.
Thompson and P. K. Whelpton, we
shall become a nation of elders.
In an interesting speculation upon
what this development may mean to
the country, this article points out that
eventually we shall have a rising death
rate simply because we shall have
more old people. “We shall probably
need more undertakers, then,” it con-
tinues, “and more coffins; if we are to
have fewer births and more old people,
we shall need fewer baby carriages and
more wheel chairs, fewer juvenile books
and more essays and books of sermons;
as we grow older we shall also want
fewer dinner jackets and more smoking
jackets; fewer baseball diamonds and
more golf links.”
More important would be the effect
25
~
upon. the general character ‘of - the
country and the probable movement to-
ward greater conservatism as property
and business interests became more
closely concentrated in the hands of
older men than is now the case. The
young man would no longer have the
opportunity he has had in the past and
has to-day, because he would have to
wait longer for age to make room for
him.
This may not be a question which
can excite our immediate interest, but
population trend is a basic factor in
National growth and National develop-
ment. Already economists are wonder-
ing about the future of mass produc-
tion as the rate of population increase
diminishes. This is one reason why
our export trade is year by year be-
coming more and more important. The
effects of an increase in the average
age may not be so noticeable as Messrs.
Thompson and Whelpton would have
us believe, but it is obvious that we are
going to have to adjust ourselves to
unfamiliar conditions,
——_+++___
Pickles—The continued scarcity of
genuine large dill pickles appears to be
the only feature of the market. The
trade has been seeking 800s and 1,000s
in good numbers, but packers find it
difficult to get the sizes and quality
sought. The smaller sizes are plenti-
ful, but demand is inactive.
——_+~e~_____
Rice—Rice appears to ‘be moving in
good volume as Federal distribution
reports show, and the continued de-
mand by Southern growers for higher
prices on rough stocks thas aided the
market considerably. The trade is still
buying on a hand-to-mouth policy, but
more active trading is looked for early
in the new year. Millers’ stocks are
very light, and a steady movement of
polished rice would not be long in
bringing on a shortage.
—_»~+<.___
Sauerkraut—The sauerkraut market
is still easy as there is a lack of de-
mand in consuming channels. The
coming of cooler weather has not had
the expected stimulating effect. Prices
are unchanged.
—_—_~-¢__
Syrup and Molasses—Sugar syrup is
selling a little better, but is still under
what it ought to be. Prices are un-
changed. Compound syrup seems
rather unusually dull, but prices are
nevertheless steady. Molasses are mod-
erately active at unchanged prices.
2+. ___
A man who only pushes a truck for
a living is entitled to courtesy and a
square deal.
CHARLES RENNER HOTELS
Four Flags Hotel, Niles, Mich., in
the picturesque St. Joseph Valley.
Rumely Hotel and Annex, La-
Porte, Ind.
Edgewater Ciub Hotel, St. Joseph,
Mich., open from May to October.
All of these hotels are conducted
on the high standard established
and always maintained by Mr.
Renner.
Hotel and Restaurant
Equipment
H. Leonard & Sons
38-44 Fulton St., W.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
DRUGS
Michigan Board of Pharmacy.
President—Orville Hoxie, Grand Rapids.
Vice-Pres.—Clare F. Allen, Wyandotte.
Director—Garfield M. Benedict, San-
dusky.
Examination Sessions — Beginning the
third Tuesday of January, March, June,
August and November and lasting three
days. The January and June examina-
tions are held at Detroit, the August
examination at Marquette, and the March
and November examinations at Grand
Rapids.
Michigan State Pharmaceutical
Association.
President—John J. Watters, Saginaw.
First Vice-President—Alexander Reid,
Detroit.
Second Vice-President — F. H. Taft,
Lansing.
Secretary—R. A. Turrell, Croswell.
Treasurer—P. W. Harding, Yale.
Featuring Pineapple at the Fountain.
The pineapple is a fruit that cans
admirably. In this way so much of its
excellence is preserved that we may
count on it as a fountain beverage all
the year. Such fruits are immensely
valuable, writes William S. Adkins in
the Druggists Circular.
In the old days these tropical prod-
ucts were not to be found on every
table. Their appearance was some-
thing of an event, as witness this pas-
sage from the famous “Vanity Fair.”
Joseph Sedley is speaking:
“And, eh, Amelia, my dear, I bought
a pineapple at the same time, which
I gave to Sambo. Let’s have it for
tiffin; very cool and nice this hot
weather.” Rebecca said she had never
tasted a pine, and longed beyond every-
thing to taste one.”
A pineapple was notable, even upon
the table of a rich stock broker.
Modern methods of transportation
and refrigeration have changed all this.
Fresh Crushed Pineapple
To prepare this favorite among
crushed fruits, take a fresh pineapple
and cut away the rough husk. Then
grate the fruit with an ordinary kitchen
Avoid getting too close to the
core. The pulp is dripping with fra-
grant juice. Add as much granulated
sugar as the juice will absorb. Thin
the mixture a trifle with simple syrup.
Excellent to serve with ice cream soda
or to pour over ice cream.
Pineapple Ice Cream
Add to one pint of crushed pineapple
one-half pint of concentrated pineapple
syrup, and stir. Take one gallon of
plain, unflavored ice cream mixture
and freeze it until it begins to thicken.
At this point add the pineapple mixture
and stir it in vigorously. Finish the
freezing process, and you will have a
delightful pineapple ice cream.
Pineapple Sherbet
This is another frozen delicacy, light-
er than ice cream.
Take two quarts of pineapple juice
and stir in four pounds of granulated
sugar. If the juice is slow in taking
up all this: sugar, you can facilitate
matters by applying a little heat, not
very much,
Then add one gallon of water, the
juice of three lemons, and the juice of
three oranges. Strain the entire mix-
ture and freeze.
A Winter Salad.
Fruit salads are popular and health-
ful. Doctors are constantly advising
people to eat more fruit. Fountain
grills are now serving formal lunch-
eons and complete dinners in which
the fruit salad plays a prominent part.
grater.
A good winter salad is useful, and in
canned pineapple we find the founda-
tion for a fine one.
Upon opening a can of pineapple, we
turn out circular slices of the firm fruit.
To a salad virtuoso one of these slices
is an inspiration, a perfect circle, no
core, no trimming to be done. You
can arrange one of these circles on
salad greenery and use it as the basis
of an appetizing edifice. Halve it, and
you have a half-moon.
You can quarter it, scallop its edges,
carve it into a variety of shapes.
To evolve our salad, we add other
fruits, sliced bananas, bottled cherries
for a touch of color, preserved straw-
berries, and so on. We can employ
apples, celery, nuts, cheese. And for
garnishing purposes we may rely upon
strips of pimento, red or green peppers
and the like.
A Floral Piece
To illustrate the possibilities, a hos-
tess giving a formal luncheon at the
fountain grill would be pleased with
something of this nature:
Notch your circular piece of pine-
apple in eight places regularly spaced
to indicate petals. Divide the slice into
eight sections, if you like, but keep
them together. In the center we have
a half-globe of cream cheese. Sprinkle
this with paprika. Down the center
of each “petal” run a narrow strip of
brilliant pimento.
We now have an individual salad
bearing a fair resemblance to a blos-
som. Not prying into nature’s secrets
too far, I shall not attempt to give it
a name, but it looks very well. Delight-
ed comment from pleased customers is
the store’s best advertising. Do not
forget your salad dressing.
Diced Pineapple Salad.
In evolving decorative pieces, odd
bits of fruit accumulate which need not
be wasted. No unnecessary waste is
the motto of every keen dispenser. Dice
odd sections of pineapple, and add
other chopped fruits, also a few chop-
ped nuts.
A little chopped pepper will fit in.
Top with mayonnaise dressing, and
serve on lettuce leaves.
At a busy fountain broken nut meats,
pimento trimmings, and small fruits
are piling up all the time. When chop-
ped they are just the thing for fruit
salads. Fine berries and whole nut
meats are kept intact for garnishing.
. Pineapple Lemonade
To a glass of ordinary lemonade, add
a dash of pineapple juice. The pine-
apple has a fragrance all its own, and
a dash of its juice will give an agree-
able tang to finished lemonade. People
get tired of the most delicious com-
binations, consequently a little variety
now and then will be relished.
An occasional fruit trim will be in
order, either in the window or on the
back bar. A profusion of heaped-up
fruit is always effective, and to cap
the pyramid we turn naturally to the
pineapple with its graceful tuft or
crown. It is sturdy, too, and will keep
in good condition for several days, a
quality that adds to its popularity for
decorative purposes. For a warm
weather trim, few can excel this:
Select a rectangular block of clear
ice, and mark out on its top side a
restangle parallel with the edges of
the block and about three inches dis-
tant all around. Mark this out by
means of an ordinary chisel and mallet.
Then chip out a hollow all around to
a depth of five or six inches. Heap
this hollow with fine specimens of
lemons, limes, oranges, bananas, some
bunches of purple and red grapes for
contrast, and top with a large pine-
apple. The ice block rests in a shal-
low pan placed on the floor of your
window. This pan has rubber piping
attached for drainage. It is no trouble
to work ice with chisel and mallet, and
an ambitious sculptor might even turn
out an urn to be heaped with fruit.
—_—_-2-2____.
The Soft Drink List.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture
has prepared an interesting list of what
the customer should get when he or-
ders a soft drink,
The committee has proposed defini-
tions for root beer, root beer flavor,
birch beer, birch beer flavor, cream
soda water, cream soda water flavor,
orange soda water, orange soda water
flavor, lemon soda water, lemon soda
water flavor, lime soda water and lime
soda water flavor.
The proposed definitions are as fol-
lows:
Root beer is the carbonated bever-
age prepared from potable water, sugar
(sucrose) sirup and root beer flavor,
with or without caramel color, and
with or without harmless organic acid.
Root beer flavor, root beer concen-
trate, is the beverage flavor in which
oil of sassafras and methyl salicylate
(or oil of wintergreen or oil of sweet
birch) are the principal flavoring con-
stituents and contains other flavoring
substances, with or without caramel
color.
Birch beer is the carbonated bever-
age prepared from potable water, sugar
(sucrose) sirup and birch beer flavor,
with or without caramel color and with
or without harmless organic acid.
Birch beer flavor, birch beer concen-
trate, is the beverage flavor in which
methyl salicylate (or oil of sweet birch
or oil of wintergreen) and oil of sassa-
fras are the principal flavoring con-
stituents, with or without other flavor-
ing substances, and with or without
caramel color. Methyl salicylate is the
predominating flavor of the. product.
Cream soda water (cream soda is
the carbonated beverage prepared from
potable water, sugar (sucrose) sirup
and cream soda water flavor, with or
without caramel color and with or
without harmless organic acid.
Cream soda water flavor, cream
soda water concentrate, is the beverage
flavor in which the principal flavor is
derived from vanilla, tonka, vanillin or
coumarin, or any combination of them,
and contains other flavoring substanc-
es, with or without caramel flavor.
Orange soda water (orange soda) is
the carbonated beverage prepared from
potable water, sugar (sucrose) sirup,
orange soda water flavor and citric
acid.
Orange soda water flavor, orange
soda water concentrate, is the flavor-
ing product in which oil of orange or
terpeneless oil of orange, is the essen-
tial flavoring constituent.
Lemon soda water (lemon soda) is
the carbonated beverage prepared from
potable water, sugar (sucrose) sirup,
lemon soda water flavor and citric acid.
Lemon soda water flavor, lemon
soda water concentrate, is the flavor-
ing product in which oil of lemon, or
terpeneleses oil of lemon, is the essen-
tial flavoring constituent,
Lime soda water (lime soda) is the
carbonated beverage prepared from
potable -water, sugar (sucrose) sirup,
lime soda water flavor and citric acid.
Lime soda water flavor, lime soda
water concentrate, is the flavoring
product in which oil of lime, or ter-
peneless oil of limes, is the essential
flavoring constituent.
—_~~--___
Three Friends.
In a banana split dish put one dip-
per of strawberry ice cream covered
with marshmallow and pecan halves;
one dipper of vanilla ice cream cov-
ered with chocolate and chopped wal-
nuts and one dipper of chocolate ice
cream covered with butter scotch and
pecans. Put a ladleful of whipped
cream between the cones of ice cream.
—_+-~___
Cocoanut Special.
Place a thin slice of brick ice cream
On a sundae dish; cover this with
fudge dressing; on this place a portion
of chocolate ice cream; cover this with
coffee marshmallow dressing; sprinkle
with shredded cocoanut and top with
whipped cream, nest a cocoanut bon
bon in it.
—_>+>____
Ripe Fruit May Be Available Year
Round.
With the successful development of
the “quick freezing” process, a possible
change in the fundamental basis upon
which fruit is distributed, may be ef-
fected, it was stated orally Dec. 12 by
C. C. Concannon, Chief of the Chem-
icals Division, Department of Com-
merce,
The “quick freezing” process appar-
ently has little if any undesirable ef-
fects upon the inherent qualities of
the product, whether it ‘be meat, fish,
fresh fruit or other foods, he said.
THis comparatively new method
consists in the rapid freezing of the
food whereby microscopic ice crystals
are formed within the cell walls of the
article which do not injure the flavor
or break down the body cell or fibrous
tissue, Mr. Concannon said. As a re-
sult, the quality of the meat or fruit
is not impaired, but on the other hand
it retains its original flavor, firmness
and appearance which render it prac-
tically indistinguishable from the ar-
ticle ‘before frozen.
Additional information received at
the Department of Commerce and
made available follows:
An initial step in the direction of
providing fresh fruits, such as peaches,
on the market the entire year around,
has recently been taken in Georgia.
There a plant has been erected to un-
dertake the “quick-freezing” of peach-
es. The fruit is allowed to ripen on
the trees and within a few hours after
reaching the plant are frozen. As a
result, the fruit has an opportunity to
reach its full perfection of flavor, and
no opportunity to lose any of it while
in storage or being transported.
This method promises greatly to ex-
tend the territory to which peaches and
other fruits can be shipped with the
certainty of arriving in good condi-
tion, and by extending the market in
Meas ae
4
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December 24, 1930
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
27
point of time from a short period of
six weeks or so to the entire year.
With the development of appropriate
and efficient methods of preserving the
quality of the product from tthe plant
to the consumer, this “quick-freezing”
method presents possibilities of one of
the most wide-spread changes in the
food business, which is probably the
outstanding business of the country,
that has occurred. Obtaining an effi-
cient and economical display case and
accustoming the public to foods treat-
ed by the method are among the chief
problems confronting the retail end of
distribution,
If proper distributive facilities. are
developed, the use of this process will
enable the transportation of such per-
ishable foods as fresh meats, fish, fruits
and vegetables on a Nation-wide scale
such as heretofore has ‘been impossible.
Many foods, particularly in the fish
aid fresh meat lines, have either been
consumed where caught or slaughtered
and shipped comparatively small dis-
tances. The extreme susceptibility of
fresh fish to spoilage has placed some-
what of a barrier on extensive ship-
ments of that commodity. Other fresh
meats have similar tendencies. Conse-
quently it is in these fields that the
“quick freezing’ process is being
pioneered and presents the greatest
apparent possibilities.
One of the highly commendable fea-
tures of this process is the sanitary an-
gle. Through handling meats this way,
humans come in contact with the prod-
uct on but few occasions. The meat can
be sliced, frozen and packed by ma-
chinery, and then shipped to points of
consumption and sold in small pack-
ages. i
While the present method of handl-
ing meat is generally irreproachable,
most packing houses being models in
attention to sanitary detail, a person
can go in most meat markets and see
a side of beef hanging in the open air
or otherwise placed in contact with
foreign matter. Such a condition would
be eliminated through the use of this
system. :
While many meats, such as fish, are
at present frozen and shipped to mar-
ket, returning to their original state
they are in a rather soft condition be-
cause the cell walls and fibrous tissue
are broken down.
The meat dealer of the future, in-
stead of being required to do his own
cutting and handling of meats, may
only be required to sell these packages
of meat, and thus abandon his meat
saws and knives. In connection with
the transportation and distribution of
meat, ‘the use of carbon-dioxide ice,
heretofore not extensive, may achieve
its greatest usefulness.
The low temperatures required for
maintaining quick-frozen products in a
stable condition in central, as well as
branch and even retail, points of dis-
tribution, may be efficiently met
through using solid carbon dioxide.
This is particularly desirable in the
case of meats, as ordinary ice creates
a damp atmosphere, which is conducive
to bacterial growth, whereas carbon-
dioxide ice evaporates, leaving no resi-
due. One pound of carbon-dioxide ice
at. 110 degrees below zero is said to be
equal to 16 pounds of water ice, there-
by requiring less space.
—__—_*-—
Robes Lead Men’s Wear Orders.
Buying of men’s wear at wholesale
has tapered off somewhat. Both silk
and flannel bathrobes, however, rang-
ing in price up to $20 retail, have been
an outstanding item, and telegraph or-
ders for them have ‘been pouring in.
Demand for shirts has ibeen fair, while
requests for neckwear have been de-
clining. ‘Some sweater business has
been placed, but not of large volume.
Repeat orders on handkerchiefs have
been coming in liberally. Wool hose
has been in small demand.
*
wag
Season’s Greetings
Sincerely appreciating the part your
friendly patronage has played in our progress
we extend to you our Hearty Greetings
and Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas
and a New Year of great success
and prosperity
Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co.
WHOLESALE DRUG PRICE CURRENT
Prices quoted
Acids
Boric (Powd.).. 10 @
Boric (Xtal) -.10 @
Carbolic 3
Ammonia
Water, 26 deg... 07 @
Water, 18 deg... 06 @
Water, 14 deg... 5%@
Carbonate -_---- 20
Chloride (Gran.) 08 @
Balsams
Copaiba —~------- 1 00@1
Fir (Canada) --
Fir (Oregon) --
Peru -_..---..-. 3 25@3
Tole ee eo 2 00@2
Barks
Cassia (ordinary). 25@
Cassia (Saigon) -. 40@
Sassafras (pw. 60c) @
— Cut (powd.)
a 20@
Berries
Cubeh 20 @
Wish 2 @
Juniper 10@
Prickly Ash --...-. @
Extracts
Eicori¢e 22... 60@
Licorice, powd. -. 60@
Flowers
Arnica oo 1@
Chamomile Ged.) 30@
Chamomile Rom. @1
Gums
Acacia, lst —_.-_- @
Acacia, 2nd -.-.- @
Acacia, Sorts _... 35@
Acacia, Powdered 40@
Aloes (Barb Pow) 35@
Aloes (Cape Pow.) 25@
Aloes (Soc. Pow.) 7
Asafoetida -----. 0@
POW: 2.020022 9@1
Camphor —...-..- 87@
Gugige 2 @
Guaiac, pow’d --- @
Oe a @1
Kino, powdered_-_ @1
Myrrh! 22 @1
Myrrh, powdered @1
Opium, powd. 21 00@21
Opium, gran. 21 00@21
Shellac, Orange 50@
Shellac, White 55@
Tragacanth, pow. @1
Tragacanth -... 2 00@2
Turpentine —_____ @
Insecticides
Arsenic --.--.. 03@
Blue Vitriol, bbl. @
Blue Vitriol, less 08@
Bordea. Mix Dry 1244@
Hellebore, White
powdered -____. 15)
Insect Powder.. 47%@
are nominal, based on market the day of issue.
25
00
50
25
1
70
80
40
25
6
Lead Arsenate, Po. 1344@27
Lime and Sulphur
ect ee 09@
Dry
Paris Green -... 264%@46%
Leaves
Buchu, 222
Buchu, powdered
Sage, Bulk
Sage, % loose -_
Sage, powdered...
Senna, Alex. —...
Senna, Tinn. pow.
Uva Ursi
SOS89
Oils
Almonds, Bitter,
ee es 7 50@7
artificial ...___ 3 00@3
Almonds, Sweet,
true -......... 1 50@1
Almonds, Sweet,
imitation 1 00@1
Amber, crude --.
Amber, rectified 1 50@1
Anige 2 2 2
Cloves ......---. 3 50@3
Cocoanut ---... 27
Cod Liver -..... 1
Croton -.._..-. 8
23
vt)
25
80
25
75@1 00
15
75
36
Cotton Seed -... 1 35@1 60
Cubebs _... 5 00@5 25
Bigeron _....._ 4 00@4 25
Eucalyptus -.... 1 25@1 50
Hemlock, pure... 2 00@2 25
Juniper Berries. 4 50@4 75
bo
Juniper Wood ~— 1 50@1 75
Lard, extra -._. 1 55@1 65
Lard, No. 1 __._ 1 25@1 40
Lavender Flow... 6 00@6 25
Lavender Gar’n. 1 25@1 50
on 25
Linseed, boiled, bbl. @ 78
Linseed, raw, bbl. @ 175
Linseed, bld, C
Linseed, raw, less 82@ 95
Mustard, artifil. oz. @ 30
Neatsfoot -_._._ 1 25@1 35
Olive, pure _.._ 3 00@5 00
Olive, Malaga,
yellow ... 2 50@3 00
Olive, Malaga,
green: 2 2 85@3 25
Orange, Sweet 6 00@6 25
Origanum, pure_ @2 60
Origanum, com’! 1 00@1 20
Pennyroyal _... 3 25@3 50
Peppermint -_.. 4 50@4 75
Rose, pure -_.. 13 50@14 00
Rosemary Flows 1 25@1 50
Sande!wood, B.
Ee ee 12 50@12 75
Sassafras, true 2 00@2 25
Sassafras, arti’] 75@1 00
Spearmint —-_____ 6 00@6 25
Sperm 2.0.5 | 1 50@1 75
Tanya 7 00@7 25
Tar USP 65@
Turpentine, bbl. _. @ 47
Turpentine, less 54@ 67
Wintergreen,
leat 2k 6 00@6 25
Wintergreen, sweet
birch: --- 3 00@3 25
Wintergreen, art 75@1 00
Worm Seed _.__ 6 00@6 25
Wormwood, oz. -_. @1 00
Potasslum
Bicarbonate —____ 35@ 40
Bichromate _____ 15@ 25
Bromide 2s 69@ 85
Bromide 54@ 71
Chlorate, gran’d_ 21@ 28
Chlorate, powd. 16@ 23
Or Xtal 2 17@ 24
Cyanide Soe 30@ 90
lodide 2:25 7: 4 34@4 55
Permanganate __ 224%@ 35
Prussiate, yellow 35@ 45
Prussiate, red __ @_ 70
Sulphate 20 2. 35@ 40
Roots
AURARGE: 23: 30 35
Blood, powdered_ 100 45
Calamus: 25@ 65
Wlecampane, pwd. 20@ 30
Gentian, powd. _ 20@ 30
Ginger, African,
powdered ______ 30@ 35
Ginger, Jamaica. 40@ 650
ahaet Te,
powdered __... 465, 60
Goldenseal, pow. 5 00g5 50
Tpecac, Ppowd. __ 5 50@6 00
Licorice ACen 35@ 40
Licorice, powd... 20@ 30
Orris, powdered. 45@ 60
Poke, Powdered 25@ 40
Rhubarb, powd. _. @1 00
Rosinwood, powd. @ 60
ae. Hond.
ground --.._____ @1 10
Sarsaparilla, Mexic. @ 60
Squillg 222% 2 35 40
Squills, powdered 700 80
Tumeric, powd... 20@ 265
Valerian, powd. _. @ 60
Seeds
Anise 2 @ 3
Anise, powdered 35@ 40
Bird, 1s -.-.... 13@ 17
Catiary 220 12@ 18
Caraway, Po. 30 25@ 30
Cardamon ______ 50@2 76
Corlander pow. .40 30@ 25
DU 5@ 20
Fonnell 2.0 3 50
Recetas 8 15
Flax, ground _. 8@ 15
Foenugreek, pwd. 15@ 25
Hemp i200 15
Lobelia, powd. _. @1 30
Mustard, yellow 17@ = 25
Musard, black... 20@ 25
Poppy (22 15 30
Quince ~_....__ 2 25@2 50
Sabadilla ________ 45
Sunflower —______
Worm, American 3 40
Worm, Lavant — 6 50@7 00
Tinctures
Aconite -........ @1 80
OOM @1 56
Asafoetida —- ____ @2 28
Arnica. @1 50
Belladonna ____ @1 44
Benzoin ---...... @2 28
Benzoin Comp’d. @2 40
Buehy 2 2 16
Cantharides _._ @2 52
Capsicum -_..... @2 28
Catechu -....___ @1 44
Cinchona -...._.. @2 16
Colchicum -_____ @1
Cuhehbe @2 76
Digitalis ....___ @2
Gentian _______ a @1 36
Guaige @2 28
Guaiac, Ammon._ @2 04
fodineg 2 1 25
Iodine, Colorless_ 1 50
Tron, Cla: @1 56
Kine: 22 @1 44
Myrrh 02: @2 52
Nux Vomica -____ @1 80
Opium __._____ @5 40
Opium, Camp. __ @1 44
Opium, Deodorz’d @5 40
Rhubarb ________ @1 92
Paints
Lead, red dry __ 13 14
Lead, white dry Begs
Lead, white oil 183% @14%
chre, yellow bbl.
Ochre, yellow less 3@ 6
Red Venet’n Am. 344@ 7
Red Venet’n Ene.
wht ing, bbl. _ - ig
iting, bbl. ___ 4
Whiting ________ 5% O10”
Rogers Prep. __ 3 65@2 85
Msceilianeous
Acetanalid _.__.. 567
Alum oe ae is
— a and
Bround -....... 0
Himoth. Subni- -—*
Ce
Borax xtal or “er «
Powdered ______ 06@ 13
Cantharides, po. 1 25@1 50
Calomel ._______ 2 72@2 82
Gabsicum, bow’d 62@ 75
armine -._..._ 8 00@9 00
Cassia Buds ____ 30@ 40
Cloves 2. 0@ 50
ieee 47 54
Choral Hydrate “" O1 50
Seo 12 85@1
Cocoa Butter ___ oe 30
Corks, list, less 30710 to
40-
Copperas ________ “go
Copperas, Powd. 4@ 10
Corrosive Sublm 2 25@2 30
Cream T —
Cuttle bone ___ 409 5
Dextrine 6%4@ 15
%
Dover’s Powder 4 vu@4
Emery, All Nos. 100 is
Gelatine
Glassware, less 55%
Glassware, full case 60%.
Glauber Salts, bbl. @v2%
Glauber Salts less 04@ 10
Glue, Brown ____ 20@ 30
Glue, Brown Grd 16@ 22
Glue, White ___ 27%@ 35
Glue, White grd. 25@ 35
Glycerine 2. 17%@ 40
w---------. 75@ 95
~---=----- 6 45@7 00
lodoform ..____. 8 00@8 30
7oa8 Acetate .. 20@ 30
Mace powdered 9} 9
Menthol __..____ 7 00@8 00
Morphine _.__ 13 58@14 33
Nux Vomica ____ @ 30
Nux Vomica, pow. 15@ 25
Pepper, black, pw. 45@ 56
Pepper, White, p 7 85
Pitch, Burgundy_ boo 25
Quassia — — 12@ 15
Quinine, 5 oz. cn @ 60
elle Salts __ 283@ 35
accharine ... 2 60@2 75
Salt Peter ______ 11@ 32
Seidlitz Mixture 30@ 40
Soap, nm -— 15@ 30
Soap, mott cast @ 2%
oaD. white Castile,
CQne oo @15 00
Keep white Castile
ess, per bar _.. @1 60
Soda Biearbonats nf 1°
Botte Castor 8,
i am:
Sulphur, roll -
Webster Cigar Co.
Websterettes “—e
Cincos _____.. ee
Webster Cadillacs __ be oo
dding
Golden We
Panatellag _______ 75 00
Commodore _______ —— 95 0¢
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
GROCERY PRICE CURRENT
These quotations ‘are carefully corrected weekly, within six hours of mailing
and are intended to be correct at time of going to press. Prices, however, are
liable to change at any time, and merchants will have their orders filled at mar-
ket prices at date of purchase. For price changes compare with previous issues
ADVANCED DECLINED
White Hand Picked Beans
Col. Lima Beans
Scotch Peas
Baked Bans—Medium
Tomatoes—No. 10
AMMONIA Kaffe Hag, 12 1-lb. Strawberries
4 CAMB ee hb, NO. 2 4 -
Asi Bran, 16 ov... 3 25 No. 4 3 0
All Bran, 10 oz. Marcellus, No.2: gs 25
10 Ib. pails, per doz. 9 40
15 Ib. pails, per doz. 12 60
25 lb. pails, per doz. 19 15
25 Ib. pails, per doz. 19 15
APPLE BUTTER
Quaker, 24-21 oz., doz. 2 10
Quaker, 12-38 oz., doz. 2 35
BAKING POWDERS
Arctic, 7 oz. tumbler 1 35
Royal, 10c, doz. ------ 95
Royal, 4 oz, doz. _--__ 1 85
Royal; 6 oz., doz. -... 2 50
Royal, 12 oz., doz. .. 4 95
Royal, 5 Ib. ~------- 40
Calumet, 4 oz., doz. 95
Calumet, 8 oz., doz. 1
umet, 16 oz., doz. 3
Calumet, 5 lIb., doz. 12 10
Calumet, 1D Ib., doz. 18 60
Rumford, 10c, per doz.
Rumford, . OZ.. —_ 2 86
Rum ord, loz.
Rumford, 5 Ib. “doz. 12 50
K. C. Brand
Per case
10c size, 4 doz. -----. 3 70
1Bc size, 4 doz. ---—- 5 50
20c size, 4 doz. ~----. 7 20
25c size. 4 doz. —------ 9 20
60c size, 2 doz. ------ 8 80
80c size, 1 doz. ------ 6 85
10 Ib. size, % doz. -.-. 6 75
elgg gt gee
Clorox, 16 oz., 24s --
Lizzie, 16 oz., 126 --.. 2 15
BLUING
Am. Ball,36-1 oz.,cart. 1 00
Quaker, 1% ¢ st Non-
freeze,
Boy Blue, ene per cs.
Perfumed Biluing
Lizette, 4 oz., 12s —.
Lisette, 4 oz., 348 .. 1
Lisette, 10 oz., 12s -_ 1
Lizette, 10 oz., 248 ~. 2
BEANS and PEAS
Black Eye Beans -- 16 00
Split Peas, Yellow -. 6 50
Split Peas, Green —-_. 7 00
Scotch Peas 4
BURNERS
Queen Ann, No. 1 and
and 2, doz, -....... 2
BOTTLE CAPS
uor, 1 gross
pkg., per gross ____ 16
BREAKFAST FOODS
Kellogg’s Brands.
Corn Flakes, No. 136 2 85
Corn , No. 124 2 85
Pep, No. 224 _._____ 70
Pep, No. 202 ....... 2 00
Krumbles, No. 424 _.. 2 70
eo , No. 624 2 45
Bran Flakes, re a 1 60
Rice Krispies, 6 2 70
Rice Krisples, 1 oz... 1 10
All Bran, % oz.
ROLLED OATS
Purity Brand
Instant Flake, sm., 48s 3 70
Instant Flake, Ige., 18s 3 50
Regular Flake, sm., 48s 3 70
Regular Flake, lg., 18s 3 50
China Instant Flake,
19m e. see 25
China ae Flake.
laree,: 428 25 25
Chest-O- Silver Instant
Flake. large, 12s __ 3 35
Chest-O-Silver Regular
Flakes, large 12s -. 3 35
Post Brands.
Grape-Nuts, 24s -_____ 3 80
Grape-Nuts, 100s --_- 2 75
Instant Postum, No. 3 5 40
Instant Postum, No. 10 4 50
Postum Cereal, No. 9 2 25
Post Toasties. 36s -. 2 85
Post Toasties, 248 -_ 2 85
Post’s Bran, 24s -..- 2 70
BROOMS
Jewell, doz. .----.... 5 25
Standard Parior, 23 Ib. 8 25
Fancy Parlor, 23 Ib... 9 25
Ex. Fancy Parlor 25 lb. 9 76
Ex. Fcy. Parlor 26 Ib. 10 =
J Ae
Whisk, No. 3 ...._.__.... 3 75
BRUSHES
Scrub
Solid Back, 8 in. -... 1 50
Solid Back, 1 in. -... 1 75
Pointed Ends ---..--. 1 25
Stove
eke QW 1 80
Ne, 3... --— 2 00
Peerless ~-...--.-.---. 2 60
~~ 2 25
NG 6-8
Ne. 2) 5 3 00
BUTTER COLOR
Dandelion ..-----...-. 2 85
CANDLES
Electric Light, 40 lbs. 12.1
Plumber, 40 Ibs. -.--- 12.8
Paraffine, 6s ~------. -- 14%
Paraffine, 12s -----.- 14%
Wicking 40
Tudor, 6s. per box --. 30
CANNED FRUITS
Hart Brand
Apples
NO. 39 2 5 76
Blackberries
Ne 2
Pride of Michigan -.-. 3 25
Cherries
Mich. red, No. 10 ----11 75
Red, No. 10 ----_---..12 25
Ban: No. 2
Pride of Mich. No. 2.. 3 55
Marcellus Red -_-_--
Special Pie -...__.__._. 2 60
Whole White —--__--__- 3 10
Gooseberries
No. 40) a. 8 00
as
19 oz. glass... 65
Pride of Mich. No. 2% : 20
Plums
Grand Duke, No. 2%__ 3 25
Yellow Eggs No. 2%_. 3 25
Black Raspberries
2 3 75
Pride of Mich. No. 2__ 3 25
Pride of Mich. No. 1 2 35
Red Raspberries
No. te ea oe 3
MO. 2 3 =
Marcellus, No. 2 ..... 3 7
Pride of Mich. No. 2_. 4 HH
Van Camp, med.
Pride of Mich. No. 2_. 3 75
CANNED FISH
Clam Ch’der, 10% oz.
Clam Chowder, No. |
Clams, Steamed. No.
Clams, Minced, No. %
Finnan Haddie, 10 oz.
Clam Bouillon, 7 oz..
Chicken Haddie, No. 1
Fish Flakes, small —_
Cod Fish ne 10 oz.
Cove Oysers, oz ..
Lobster, No. %. Star
Shrimp, 1, wet ______
Sard’s, % Oil, Key _.
Sard’s, 4% Oil, Key _. 5
Sardines, % Oil, k’less 4
Salmon, Red Alaska__ 3
Salmon. Med. Alaska 2 8§
Salmon, Pink, Alaska 1 35
Sardines, Im. \%, ea. . en
Sardines, Im., %,
eis 33@2 rH
SeRsanka
3
aa
Sardines, Cal.
Tuna, %, Curtis, doz. 3 60
Tuna, \s, Curtis, doz. 2 20
Tuna, % Blue he an . 25
Tuna, 1s, Curtis. 7 00
CANNED MEAT
Bacon, Med. Beechnut
Bacon, Lge. Beechnut
Beef. No 1, Corned __
Beef No. 1, Roast __
Beef, 2 oz., Qua., ali.
Beef, 3% oz. Qua. sli.
Beef, 5 oz., Am. Sliced 3 Fr
Beef, No. 1, B'nut, sli. 4 50
Beefsteak & Onions, s 3 70
Chili Con Car., 1s ... 1 35
Deviled Ham, %s -... 1 60
Deviled Ham, %s —— 2 85
Hamburg Steak
Onions, No. 1 -..... 8 -
Potted Beef, 4 oz. _... 1 1
Potted Meat, % Libby 2
Potted Meat, % Libby 90
Potted Meat, % Qua. 85
Potted Ham, Gen. % 1 45
Vienna Saus. No. % 1 36
— Sausage, Qua. $0
al Loaf, Medium __ 2 25
Bo pt 68 OP OD
RRSSSS
Baked Beans
Fremont, No. 2 -..... 1 25
Snider, No. 1 -....__. 1 10
Snider, No. 2 ~--...._
Van Camp, smalj —. : .
CANNED VEGETABLES
Hart Brand
Baked Beans
Medium, Plain or Sau. 80
No. 10, Sauce ~_..____ 5 60
Lima Beans
Little Dot, No. 2 ... 3 10
Little Quaker, No. 10.14 00
Little Quaker, No. 1.. 1 95
Baby, No. 80
Baby, No. 1 1 95
Pride of ici No. 1.. 1 66
Marcellus, No. 10 -... 8 75
7 Kidney Beans
String Beans
Little Dot, No. 2 ___. 3 30
Little Dot, No. 1 _.. 2 50
Little Quaker, No. 1_. 2 00
Little Quaker, No. 2__ 2 90
Choice Whole, No.
Choice Whole, No. 2
Choice Whole, No. 1_. 1 80
Cut, No. 10 _ _-10
Cut, No, 2
Pride of Mich.
Marcellus, No. 2 ____ 1 50
Marcellus, No. 10 ___. 8 25
Wax Beans
Litlet Dot, No. 2 ____ 2 75
Little Dot, No. 1 ____ 2 00
Little Quaker, No. 2. 2 65
Little Quaker, No. 11 90
Choice Whole, No. 10_12 50
Choice Whole, No. 2. 2 50
Choice Whol, No. 1_. 1 75
Cut No. 10 10 50
Cat No. 2 os
Cut Ne. 2 45
1
Pride of Michigan __ 1 75
Marcellus Cut, No. 10. 8 25
Beets
Small, No. 2% —___.. 3 00
Etxra Small, No. 2 __ 3 00
Fancy Small No. 2 __ 2.50
Pride of Michigan _. 2 25
Marcellus Cut, No. 10. 6 75
Marcel. Whole, No. 2% 1 85
Carrots
Diced, No. 2 —-.-.._ -- 1 40
Diced, No. 10 ~_---._. 7 00
Corn
Golden Ban., No. 3_. 3 60
Golden Ban., No. 2__ 2 00
Golden Ban., No. 10.10 75
Little Dot, No. 2 -... 1 80
Little Quaker, No. 2. 1 80
Little Quaker, No. 1. 1 45
Country, Gen., No. 1. 1 45
Country Gen. No. 2_. 2 05
Pride of Mich., No. - 5 20
Pride of Mich., No. 2. 1 70
Pride of Mich., No. 1. 1 35
Marcellus, No. onaa & 30
Marcellus, No. 2 -... 1 40
Marcellus, No. 1 -... 1 16
Fancy Crosby, No. 2.. 1 80
Fancy Crosby, No. 1.. 1 45
Peas
Little Dot, No. 2 ____ 2 60
Little Dot, No. 1 -.__ 1 80
Little Quaker, No. 10 12 00
Little Quaker, No. 2... 2 40
Little Quaker, No. 1__ 1 65
Sifted E. June, No.
Sifted E. June, No.
6ifted E. June, No.
Sifted E. June, No.
Belle of Hart, No.
Pride of Mich., No.
Pride of Mich., No. 2-1 16
Gilman E. June, No. 2 1 40
Marcel., = June, No. 2 1 40
Marcel., E. June, No. 5 4 50
Marcel., E Ju., No. 10 7 50
Templar E. J., ‘No. 21 32%
Templar E. Ju., No. 10 7 00
Pumpkin
2 1 45
redline No. 10 .... 4 50
Marcellus, No. 2% ... 1 40
Marcellus No. 2 __-.. 1 15
Sauerkraut
Spinach
NO. am 2 50
Oe 1 90
Squash
Boston, No. 3 -.______ 1 80
Succotash
Golden Bantum, No. 2 2 75
Little Dot, No. 2 -... 2 .
Little Quaker -....... 2 4
Pride of Michigan ___. 2 is
Pride of Mich., No. 23% 2 25
Pride of Mich., No. 2__ 1 60
CATSUP,
Beech-Nut, small __.. 1 60
Beech-Nut, large -... 2 40
Lily of Valley, 14 oz.__
Lily of Valley, % pint 1
Sniders, 8 oz. ----__.. 1 55
miders, 16 oz. -.._._ 2 36
Quaker, 10 oz. ...... 1 35
Quaker, 14 oz. -..... 1 30
Quaker, Gallon Glass 12 00
Gallon Tin __ 7 26
CHIL! —
Snider, 16 oz.
Snider, 8 oz. -.__.
Lilly Valley, 8 oz. _.
Lilly Valley, 14 oz. —_
- 315
- 2 20
2
5
OYSTER eee
Sniders, 16 oz. ----__ 15
Sniders, 8 oz. —----. 2 20
CHEESE
MOgueIOrt: 20 62
Wisconsin Daisy ---___ 21
Wisconsin Flat -....... 21
New York June —_-.-._ 32
SAD BACO 40
ROTACA Se es 22
Michigan Flats -_..__.. 21
Michigan Daisies ______ 21
Wisconsin Longhorn -- 21
Imported Leyden —_-__- 28
1 ib. Limburger —_______ 26
Imported Swiss -_..-_- 56
Kraft Pimento Loaf __ -
Kraft American Loaf _-
Kraft Brick Loaf —_.___ ot
Kraft Swiss Loaf ___.__ 35
aft Old Eng. Loaf_. 44
Kraft. Pimento, % Ib. 1 90
Kraft, American, % Ib. 1.90
Kraft, Brick, % Ib. 1 90
Kraft Limburger, 14 Ib. 1 90
Kraft Swiss, % Ib. —. 2.00
CHEWING GUM
Adams Black Jack -_._ 65
Adams Bloodberry --.. 65
Adams Dentyne —-_... 65
Adams Calif.- Fruit .. 65
Adams Sen Sen 6
Beeman’s Pepsin —__.u_ 65
Beechnut Wintergreen.
Beechnut Peppermint.
Beechnut Spearmint —.
Doublemint ~~~ -._...-.. 65
Peppermint, Wrigleys o- 65
Spearmint, Wrigleys -. 65
Juicy Fruit -.__....__ 65
eens eo ee 6b
8 50
Droste’s Dutch, 1 Ib._-
Droste’s Dutch,
Droste’s Dutch, %
Droste’s Dutch, 5 lb. 60
Checolate Apples -... 4 50
Pastelles, No. 1 __.. 12 60
Pastelles, % Ib. -.-... 6 60
Pains De Cafe __.._.- 3 00
Droste’s Bars, 1 doz. 2 00
Delft Pastelles __.._. 15
1 Ib. ne Tin Bon
pa ele ipaoe 8 00
7 i Rose Tin Bon ~
que eee bite seca -13 20
12 oz. Rosaces 10 80
% lb. Rosaces -. - 7 80
% lb. Pastelles ___
Langnes De Chats —. ~ 4 80
CHOCOLATE
Baker, Caracas, %s --.. 37
Baker, Caracas, 4s _... 35
sLOTHES _—
Kemp, 50 ft. 2 00@2 25
bag Cotton,
ee 50@4 00
Braided, 50 ft. --.--__ 2 25
Sash Cord ...__ 2 50@2 75
COFFEE ROASTED
Blodgett-Beckley Co.
Old Master --........ -— 40
Lee & Cady
1 ib. Package
Melrose 2 29
erry 17%
PAMOT ee 31
Nedrow 30
Morton House — 88
Reno: 2 28
imperial 40
Majestic 3
on 3
Boston Breakf’t Blend 27%
McLaughlin's Kept-Fresh
Coffee Extracts
M. Y., per 100 ~..... 12
Frank’s 50 pkgs. . 4 25
Hummel’s 50 1 Ib. 10%
CONDENSED MILK
Leader, 4 doz. 7
Eagle, 4 doz.
MILK COMPOUND
Hebe, Tall, 4 doz. -.. 4 50
Hebe. Baby, 8 doz. .. 4 40
Carolene. Tall, 4 doz. 3 80
Carolene, Raby --.... 3 50
EVAPORATED MILK
Page, Tall
Page, Baby
Quaker, Tall, 4 doz.__
Quaker, Baby, 2 doz.
Quaker, Gallon, % doz.
Carnation, Tall, 4. doz.
Carnation, Baby, 8 dz.
Oatman’s Dundee, Tall
Oatman’s D’dee, Balby
Every Day, Tall -._.
Every Day, Baby --..
om Hee ee bh oe oh 09 69 CO
BSSSsssras
December 24, 1930
Pet, Tau ooo 4 20
Pet, Baby, 8 oz. -... 4 10
Borden’s Tall -4s-.. 4 20
Borden’s Baby --z_-. 4 10
CIGARS
Airedale __....._____ 5 00
Havana Sweets _____ 35
Hemeter Champion __38 50
Canadian Club ______ 3d &
Robert Emmett _.__ 75 00
Tom Moore Monarch 76 00
Webster Cadillac ____ 75 uu
Webster Astor Foil__ 75 00
Webster Knickbocker 95 i
Webster Albany Foil 95 0v
Bering Apollos ____._ 95 00
Bering Palmitas __ 115 00
Bering Diplomatica 115 00
Bering Delioses ____ 120 00
Bering Favorita ._._ 135 00
Bering Albas ____ 15) u
CONFECTIONERY
Stick Candy Pails
Pure Sugar Sticks-600c 4 0(
Big Stick, 20 lb. case 18
Horehound Stick, 6c __ 18
Mixed Candy
Kindergarten __ Le
Leader
French Creams
Fancy Chocolates
5 lb. boxes
Bittersweets, Ass’ted 1 75
Milk Chocolate AA1%
Nibble Sticks -.__.._ 1 75
Chocolate Nut Rolls — 1 85
Magnolia Choc —_..__ 1 4
Bon Ton Choc. __.._. 15
Gum Drops Pails
BIMBO 16
Champion Gums ______ 16
Challenge Gums ______ 14
Jelly Strings ~..__.___ 18
Lozenges Pails
A. A. Pep. Lozenges _. 15
A. A. Pink Lozenges __ 15
A. A. Choe. Lozenges... 15
Motto Hearts ie 19
Malted Milk Lozenges _. 2)
Hard Goods Pails
Lemon Drops -..._____. 19
O, F. Horehound dps._. 18
Anise Squares ________ 18
Peanut Squares __..__ 17
Cough Drops Bxs
Futoam Ss oo 1
smith Bros 2... || 1 45
baugen's 2. 1 45
Package poets
Creamery
4 oz. pkg., 12s, aa * 85
4 oz. pkg., 48s, case 3 40
Specialties
Pineapple rae io te
Italian Bon Bons ______ 17
Banquet Cream Mints. 23
Silver King M.Maliows 1 16
Handy Packages, 12-10c 80
COUPON BOOKS
50 Economic
100 Economic
500 Hconomic
1000 Economic grade 37 50
Where 1,000 books are
ordered at a time, special-
ly printed front cover is
furnished without charge.
CREAM OF TARTAR
grade 20 00
6 Ib. boxes .. cece GR
DRIED FRUITS
Apples
N. = Fcy., 50 lb. box 15%
N. Y. Fey., 14 oz. pkg. 16
Apricots
Evaporated, Choice ____ 16
Evaporated, Fancy ____ 20
Evaporated, Slabs .....
Citron
10 ib. boxe 36
Currants
Packages, 14 oz. _..-___ 7
Greek, Bulk, Ib. ______ 164%
Dates
Dromedary, 36s ______ 6 76
Peaches
Evap. Choice --________ 11
POON oe 13
Peel
Lemon, American ______ 28
Orange, American _____ 28
Raisine
Seeded, bulk ________
08
Thompson’s s’dless Blk 07
oe 8 seedless,
Seeloe” 16 02, 2 96
California Prunes
90@100, 25 lb. boxes__@05%
80@90, 25 lb. boxes__@06
70@80, 25 Ib. boxes_.@07
60@70, 25 Ib.
50@60, 25 Ib.
40@50, 25 Ib.
30@40, 25 Ib.
20@30, 25
boxes__@0914
boxes..@10
Ib. boxes_.@15
. boxes..@10%
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December 24, 1930
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
Hominy
Pearl, 100 lb. sacks __
--Macaroni
Mueller’s Brands ~
9 oz. package, per doz. 1 30
9 oz. package, per case 2 60
: Bulk Goods
Elbow, 20 Ib. ______ 6% @8
Egg Noodle, 10 lbs. __ 14
Pearl Barley sa
Barley Grits ___---.--5 00
OE oe Ee 3 75
Sage
East India ~_-.._______ 10
Tapioca
Pearl. 100 lb. sacks __ 09
Minute, 8 oz., 5 doz. 4 05
Dromedary Instant __ 3 50
Jiffy Punch
3 doz. Carton ________ 2 25
Assorted flavors.
> FLOUR
v. C. Milling Co. Brands
iily White 203
Harvest Queen ________
Yes Ma'am Graham,
ie es 2 20
Lee & Cady Brands
American Eagle ____
Home Baker ___.___.
FRUIT CANS
Mason
F. O. B. Grand Rapids
%
Hall pint 50
One pint co 7 7
One’ quart .. 9 10
Half gation =. 12 15
Ideal Glass Top
Halg pint —2. 9 00
One Hint 9 50
One quart —_.._____. Ab.
Half gallon -_________ 15 40
GELATINE
Jell-O, 3 doz. ~-._____ 2 85
Minute, 3 doz. ______ 4 05
Plymouth, White ____ 1 55
Quaker, 3 doz. ______ 2 25
SURESET PRODUCTS
Made in Grand Rapids
Sureset Gelatin Des-
sert, con: 2 3 20
JELLY AND PRESERVES:
Pure, 30 Ib. pails __._ 3 30
Imitation, 30 Ib. pails 1 85
Pure, 6 oz., Asst., doz. 90
Pure Pres., 16 oz., dz. 2 40
JELLY GLASSES
8 oz... per doz.
OLEOMARGARINE
Van Westenbrugge Brands
Carload Distributor
Prone, Pps, 20%
teucoa;, 2 ip, 20
Wilson & Co.’s Brands
Certified (2. 24
Dt 18
Special Roll -_-_______ 19
MATCHES
Diamond, 144 box
Searchlight, 144 box__ 4 25
Vhio Red Label, 144 bx 4 zu
Ohio Blue Tip, 144 box 5 vv
Ohio Blue Tip. 720-1c 4 00
*Reliable, 144 ________ 3 15
*Federal, 144
Safety Matches
Quaker, 5 gro. case... 4 25
MULLER’S Pree.
Macaroni. 9 oz. -__---
Spaghetti 9 oz. __-___ 2 20
Elbow Macaroni, 9 oz. 2 20
Ege Noodles. 6 oz. _.._ 2 20
Egg Vermicelli, 6 oz. 2.20
Egg Alphabets, 6 oz._. 2 20
Ege A-B-Cs 48 pkgs._. 1 80
NUTS—Whole
Almonds, Tarragona__ 19
Brail, Barge —--*.- 0 ) 23
Fancy Mixed —_-_-____ 22
Filberts, Sicily ______ 20
Peanuts, Vir. Roasted 11
Peanuts, Jumbo, std. 13
Pecans, 3, star ______ 25
Pecans, Jumbo: —-___._ 40
Pecans, Mammoth __ 50
Walnuts, Cal. __.. 27@29
Efickory 2222020 07
Salted Peanuts
Paney, No. 1 220 14
Shelled
Almonds Salted ~_______ 95
Peanuts, Spanish
120 ib: Hage: oo 12
Hilberts: 22502 32
Pecans Salted __.._____ 87
Walnut Burdo —-_______
Walnut, Manchurian _. 55
MINCE MEAT
None Such, 4 doz. ___ 6 47
Quaker, 3 doz. case __ 3 50
Libby. Kegs, wet, lb. 22
OLIVES
4 oz. Jar, Plain,
10 oz. Jar, Plain,
doz. 1
doz. 2
14 oz. Jar, Plain, doz 4
Pint Jars, Plain, doz. 2
Quart Jars, Plain, 5
1 Gal. Glass Jugs, Pla. 1 80
5 Gal. Kegs, each ____ 7
3% oz. Jar, Stuff., doz. 1
6 oz. Jar, Stuffed, doz. 2
9% oz. Jar, Stuff., doz. 3
2
1 Gal. Jugs, Stuff., dz. 2 70
PARIS GREEN
ee 34
Be 32
48 and Sa 2200 30
Bel Car-Mo Brand
24.1 ih. Bing 0. 4 35
8 oz., 2 doz. in case __ 2 65
1D 1D. yalis) 0
20° 1b, palie Co
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
From Tank Wagon
Red Crown Gasoline —_ 19.7
Red Crown Ethyl -... 22.7
Solite Gasoline _.-____ 22.7
in fron Barrels
Perfection Kerosine __ 14.6
Gas Machine Gasoline 38.]
Vv. M. & P. Naphtha__ 18.8
iSO-VIS MOTOR OILS
In Iron Barrels
Fagen e ees V7.1
Medium ues es V7.1
Eeavy 2202 TC)
Ex, Heavy ee 77.1
larine
iron Barrels
Pag: ss 65.1
Medtunr 220 2 65.1
Heavy 22.2 eS 65.1
Special heavy —_______ 65.1
Extra heavy ~~... __ 65.1
Polarine ‘RY? -__. 65.1
Tranmission Oil _____ 65.1
Finol, 4 oz. cans, doz. 1 50
Finol, 8 oz. cans, doz. 2 30
Parowax, 100 Ib. -.._ 8.3
Parowax, 40, 1 Ib.
Parowax, 20, 1 Ib. __ 8
Ly
Pad
POLISH
as
Dna
et osi
PASS aie
BST
sjemdac, 12 pt. cans 3 00
semdac, 12 qt. cans 5 00
PICKLES
Medium Sour
5 gallon, 400 count __ 4 75
Sweet Small
16 Gallon, 2250 ~_.___ 27 00
5 Gallon, 780 ________ 9 76
Dil) Pickles
Gal. 40 to Tin, doz.__ 10 25
No. 256: Tinag ._ 2 25
32 oz. Glass Picked__ 2 80
82 oz. Glass Thrown 2 4(
Dill Pickles Bulk
S00) oo 5
16 Gal, €h0- 11 25
45 Gal, 1300... 30 00
PIPES
Cob, 3 doz. in bx. 1 00@1 20
PLAYING CARDS
Battle Axe, per doz. 2 65
Torpedo, per doz. .... 2 50
POTASH
Babbitt’s, 2 doz. ____ 2 75
FRESH MEATS
Beef
Top Steers & Heif. ____ 20
Good St’rs & H’f. 15%@18
Med. Steers & Heif. __ 14
Com. Steers & Heif. __ 12
HOU eS ss 16
Good 2) ea 14
Medium: 202 ve It
amb
Spring Lamb 22 18
O0G or ae 16
Medium 2.32.0 13
Poor 280 es 11
Mutton
CO a
Medium 22200 11
POOn ens 10
ork
Eom, meds ook 17
Butts. a a 15
Shoulders ________” Lope Es
Spareribs 0 a 13
Neck bones _2.0 2 05
Trimmings, 0 10
PROVISIONS
Barreled Pork
Clear Back __ 25 00@28 00
Short Cut Clear26 00@29 00
Dry Salt Meats
D S Bellies __ 18-20@18-17
Lard
Pure in tierces ______ 11%
60 Ib. tubs ____advance %
50 Ib. tubs ____advance yY%
20 Ib. pails __._advance %
10 Ib. pails ____advance %
5 Ib. pails _.._advance 1
3 Ib. pails ____advance 1
Compound tierces ____ 11%
Compound, tubs _____ 12
Suasages
Bolopna, ise 16
WOR 222 io ee 18
Hrankfort: 2.0 20
Boge 2 ea 31
Meal aa 19
Tongue, Jellied =
Headcheese
Smoked Meats
Hams, Cer. 14-16 lb. @24
Hams, Cert., Skinned
AG=ES Ih. oe 23
Ham, dried beet
on fees el @38
ornia Ha ae
Picnic Boiled as ore
Hema 2: 20
Boiled Hams nes
Minced Hams ______
need Hams ______ @18
Bacon 4/6 Cert. 24 @31
Beef
Boneless, rump 28 00@36 00
Rump, new __ 29 00@35 00
RICE
Fancy Blue Rose <2 §.65
Fancy Head
RUSKS
Dutch Tea Rusk Co.
Brand.
36 rolls, per case
18 rolls, per case
12 rolls, per case ____
12 cartons, per case __
18 cartons, per case __
36 cartons, per case __
OUDS et = DS
oon bs
SaASSaRS
SALERATUS
Arm and Hammer __ 3 75
SAL SODA
Granulated, 60 Ibs. cs. 1 35
Granulated, 18-21% Ib.
packages —....____. 1 00
COD FISH
Middies: 2.2 20
Tablets, % lb. Pure __ 19%
O08 2 1 40
Wood boxes, Pure __ 30
Whole Cod —.---.....- 11%
HERRING
Holland Herring
Mixed, Kegs -s__-_-___ 95
Mixed, half bbls. __._ 11 35
Mixed, bbls ~._.______
Milkers, Kegs ~_______ 1 05
Milkers, half bbls. _. 12 50
Milkers, ‘bbls. 22 2
Lake Herring
% Bbl., 100 lbs. ____ 6 50
Mackeral
Tubs, 60 Count, fy. fat 6 00
Pails, 10 lb. Fancy fat 1 50
White Fish
Med. Fanev. 100
Milkers, bbls.
K K K K Norway __ 19 50
Soib patie 2 1
Cut Lunch __________ i 50
Boned, 10 lb. boxes __ 16
SHOE BLACKENING
2 in 1, Paste, doz. -__ 1 35
B. Z. Combination, dz. 1 35
Dri-Foot, doz.
Bixbys, Dozz. ________ 1 35
Shinola, doz. ________ 90
STOVE POLISH
Blackne, per doz. 35
Black Silk Liquid, dz.
Black Silk Paste, doz.
Enameline Paste. doz.
Enameline Liquid, dz.
E. Z. Liquid, per doz.
Radium, per doz. ____
Rising Sun, per doz.
CD ND Pt tk tt pt et et
ee
Jan}
654 Stove Enamel, dz.
Vulcanol, No. 5, doz 95
Vulcanol, No. 10, doz 35
Stovoil, per doz. _____ 00
SALT
Colonial, 24, 2 Ib.
Solonial, 30-1% 1
Colonial, Iodized, 24-2 1 35
Med. No. 1 Bbls.
Med. No. 1, 100 Ib. bk. 95
Farmer Spec., 70 Ib. 95
Packers Meat, 50 lb. ic
Crushed Rock for ice
cream, 100 Ib., each 85
Butter Salt, 280 lb. bbl.4 24
Block, 50 lb. :
Baker Salt, 280 Ib. bbl. 4 10
14, 10 lb., per bale ____ 1 80
50. 3 lb., per bale ____ 2 15
28 Ib. bags, Table ____ 35
Old Hickory, Smoked,
6-10 Ibo 2 ee 4 50
Free Run’g, 32 26 oz. 2 40
Five case lots 2
TIodized, 32, 26 oz.
Five case lots
BORAX
Twenty Mule Team
84, 1 Ib packages __ 3 35
48, 10 oz. packages __ 4 40
96, % oz. packages __ 4 00
CLEANSERS
80 can cases, $4.80 per case
WASHING POWDERS
Bon Ami Pd., 18s, box 1 90
Ron Ami Cake, 18s _.1 62%
TAPING oo 85
Climaline, 4 doz. __-. 4 20
Grandma, 100, 5c -__- 3 £0
Grandma, 24 Large -. 3 50
Gold Dust, 100s - .~- 4 00
.Blue Karo,
Gold Dust, 12 Large 3 20
Golden Rod, 24 4
La France Laun., 4 dz. 3
Old Dutch Clean, 4 dz. : 40
3
Octagon, 96S -______. 9A
Ringo, 408 7/2 20
Rinse, 248 4.02 25
Rub No More, 100, 10
OZ i ee 3 85
Rub No More, 20 Lg. 4 00
SS Cleanser, 48,
OB 3 85
Sani Flush, 1 doz. __ 2 25
Sapolio, 3 doz. .____ 15
Soapine, 100, 12 oz. _ 6 40
Snowboy, 100, 10 oz. 4 00
Snowboy, 12 Large __ 2 65
Speedee, 3 doz. ______ 7 20
Sunbrite, 50s _______ 2 10
Wyandote, 48 ________ 4 75
Wyandot Deterg’s, 24s 2 75
SOAP
Am.- Family, 100 box 6 16
Crystal White, 100 __ 3 85
Big Tack, 60s 4 75
Fels Nantha, 100 box 5 50
Flake White, 10 box 8 50
Grdma White Na. 10s 3 75
Jap Rose, 100 box ____ 7 85
Fairy, 100 box _______ 4
Palm Olive, 144 box 9 50
Lava, 100 box ________ 4 4
Octagon, .120 22... 5 00
Pummo, 100 box ____ 4 85
Sweetheart, 100 box __ 5 70
Grandpa Tar, 50 sm. 2 10
Grandpa Tar, 50 Ige. 3 50
Trilby Soap, 100. 10c 7 25
Williams Barber Bar, 9s 50
Williams Mug, per doz. 48
SPICES
Whole Spices
Allspice, Jamaica ____ @40
Cloves, Zanzibar ____ @50
Cassia, Canton __. | @™
Cassia, 5c -» doz. @40
Ginger, Africas _____ @19
Ginger, Cochir @40
Mace. Penang _____ 1 39
Mixed. No, t 2 |: @32
Mixed, 5¢ nkes., doz. @45
Nutmegs, 70@90 _____ @59
Nutmegs. 108-110 @sa
Pepver, Black 41
Pure Ground in Bulk
Allspice, Jamaica ____ @40
Cloves, Zanzibar ____ @53
Cassia. Cantan ______ Goo
Ginger, Corkin _ . @33
Mustard 2205 M32
Mace. Penane _______ 1 329
Pepper, Black =... @30
Nutmees 25 @43
Pepper, White ______ @57
Pepper, Cayenne ___ @40
Paprika. Spanish ____~ @45
Seasoning
Chili Powder, 15¢ ____ 1 35
Celery Salt, 3 oz. ___ 95
same. 207. 62 90
Onfon Salt 2 1 35
Garter 1 35
Ponelty, 8% oz. ____ 3 95
Kitchen Bouquet ____ 4 50
Laurel Leaves ______ 20
Marjoram. 1 oz. _____ 9°
Savory, fon, 20 90
Mhyme.-f oz 2055205 90
STARCH
Corn
Kingsford, 40 Ibs. __ 11%
Powdered. bags ____ 4 50
Argo, 48, 1 lb. pkgs. 3 60
Cream, 48.1 4 80
Quaker, 40-1 ______ 07%
Gloss
Argo, 48, 1 Ib. pkgs. 3 60
Argo, 12. 3 Ib. pkgs. 2 62
Argo, 8 5 Ib pkgs. __ 2 97
No. 10
Silver Gloss, i8, Is __ 114%
Elastic, 64 pkgs. ____ 5 35
Tiger, 48-3 2 = 3 30
Tiger. 50 Ibg.2 06
SYRUP
Corn
Blue Karo, No. 1% __ 2 84
Blue Karo, No. 5, 1 dz. 4 03
3 83
Imit. Maple Fiavor
Orange, No. 1%, 2 dz. 3 25
Orange, No. 5, 1 doz. 4 99
Maple and Cane
Kanuck, per gal. ____ 1 60
Kanuck, 5 gal. can __ 6 50
Maple
Michigan, per gal. __ 2 75
Welchs. per gal. ____ 3 25
COOKING OIL
Mazola
Pints. 2 doz. 2.2.2 8 75
Quarts, 1 doz. ______ 6 25
Half Gallons, 1 doz. — 11 75
Gallons, % doz. 11 30
TABLE SAUCES
Lea & Perrin, large_. 6 00
Lea & Perrin, smali__ : =
Pamper 2
Royal Mint 2.20.02 2 40
Sho You, 9 oz, doz. 2 25
A-l, large ~~... ~~ 4 75
A-T ama 2 315
Caper; 20%: 2....22 3 3 30
TEA
Blodgett-Beckley Co.
Royal Garden, % Ib. 75
Royal Garden, % lb. _. 77
Japan
Medium _...- =. ~-- 36@365
@hotee .2 0 37@52
Haney. 202 say 52@61
No. I Nibbe 2.02 64
1 Ib. okg. Sifting ___ 14
Gunpowder
Choteg 2 -- 40
Haney 2 ee 47
Ceylon
Pekoe, medium ________ 57
English Breakfast
Congou, medium _______ 28
Congou, Choice ____ 35@36
Congou, Fancy ____ 42@43
Oolong
Medium 5 39
Chole: 2255 Ss ee 45
BPaneys 2 ee 50
TWINE
Coton, 3 ply cone _____ 40
Cotton, 3 ply Balls foos 42
Wool, 6 ply 2 — 18
VINEGAR
Cider, 40 Grain ________ 3
23
White Wine, 80 grain__ 26
White Wine, 40 grain__ 19
WICKING
No. 0, per gross ______ 80
No. 1. per gross _____ 1 25
Lhe 2, per gross _____ 1 50
°
- 3. per gross _____ 2 30
Peerless Rolls, per doz. 90
Rochester, No. 2, doz. 50
Rochester, No. 3, doz. 2 00
Rayo, per doz. |. __ 75
WOODENWARE
Baskets
Bushels, narrow band,
wire handles ____” 1 75
Bushels, narrow band,
wood handles ____’ 1 &8n
Market, drop handle__ 99
Market, single handle. 95
Market, Oxtra 0 .. 1 60
Splint, Taree 2 8 50
Splint, medium — 7 50
Splint: small 0 =~ 6 50
Churns
Barrel, 5 fal.. each __ 2 40
Barrel, 10 gal., each__ 2 55
3 to 6 gal., Her gal = iG
Pails
10 qt. Galvanized ____ 2 60
12 at. Galvanized __ 2 85
14 qt. Galvanized a2. 2 36
12 at. Flarine Gal. Jr. 5 00
10 qt. Tin Dairy | 4 00
Traps
Mouse, Wood, 4 holes. 60
Mouse, wood, 6 holes_ 70
Mouse, tin, 5 holes __ 65
Rat. wood’. = 1 00
Rat, spring ________ 1 00
Mouse, spring _____ 30
Tubs
Large Galvanized aon 8 76
Medium Galvanized 2 tS
Small Galvanized _ —€7%
Washboards
Banner, Globe ________ 5 50
Brass, single _____ 6 25
Glass. single _________ 6 an
Double Peerless ______ 8 50
Single Peerless ______ 7 5¢
Northern Queen ______ 5 AO
Universal 2 7 25
: Weod Bowls
13 in. Butter ____ 5 00
15 in. Butter ______ 9 00
17 in. Butter _____ > 18 00
19 in. Butter ______ 25 00
WRAPPING PAPER
Fibre, Manila, whit 4
Se : Fibre ee ikea oat
utchers DF ___
Kraft 20 aa ne
Kraft Stripe 09%
: YEAST CAKE
Magic, 3 doz.
es 27
Sunlight, 3 doz. ______ 2 70
Sunlight, 1% doz. --- 1 35
Yeast Foam, 3 doz. __ 2 70
Zeast Foam, 1% doz. 1 35
YEAST—COMPRESSED
Fleischmann, per doz. 30
30
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
December 24, 1930
DETROIT DOINGS.
Late Business News From Michigan’s
Metropolis.
The convention of the National
Shoe Retailers’ Association will be the
turning point from business depression
in the shoe trade, President A. H.
Geuting, of Philadelphia, said at a
banquet given in the Book-Cadillac
Hotel to officers and directors of the
Association.
“This will not be a convention mere-
ly of shoe retailers,’ Mr. Geuting, a
member of the National committee ap-
pointed by President Hoover to stabil-
ize ‘business, said, “It is attracting the
attention of the chief executive and
business men all over America. They
are anxious to see what the conven-
tion does, what ideas are set forth and
how the shoe industry regards the
coming year.” :
President Geuting pointed out that
production had been the keynote of in-
dustry in the past few years, with the
result that a huge surplus was created.
“We are now coming into the cycle of
distribution in which the retailer will
be in the public eye much more than
the manufacturer.”
James H. Stone, of Chicago, man-
ager of the Association, declared that
out of Detroit will come a message
that will renew confidence and restore
the courage of men in all lines of busi-
ness. To the Detroit merchants he
said: “You will heap glory upon your-
selves if you put on a convention that
will restore prosperity to industry.”
Members of the National and local
committees heard reports read which
indicated that the convention was at-
tracting ever increasing interest
throughout the country and would
probably be the largest gathering ever
held by the Association. More than
12,000 retailers, manufacturers
tanners from all parts of the world will
be present, it was stated.
The success of the convention was
regarded as having a direct influence
on the immediate outlook of leaders of
industry in other lines. Retailers will
come to Detroit in large numbers and
it is expected that the amount of buy-
ing here during the convention wi!l be
an expression of the mind of the retail-
er as to the prospect for a return to
economic normalcy.
Directors of the Association compli-
mented the Detroit committee, of
which M. A. Mittelman is president,
on the preliminary work already done
and urged them to continue their ef-
forts.
Edward Beck, who is producing the
Pageant of Footwear Styles that will
be an outstanding feature of the con-
vention, reported that the revue would
be a musical production that will
eclipse anything that had ever been
seen in connection with an industrial
convention. More than 150 of De-
troit’s most beautiful models have been
selected and given their assignments
at the Masonic Temp’'e, the beautiful
edifice where the show will be staged.
Involuntary bankruptcy proceedings
have been filed in the U.S. District
Court here against the Colonial De-
partment Store, following which the
debtor firm submitted a 100 per cent.
composition settlement offer, payable
15 per cent. cash.
and.
Involuntary bankruptcy proceedings
have been filed in the U. S. District
Court here against Betty Jane Boot
Shop, by Bryant, Lincoin, Miller &
Bevan, attorneys, representing Carter-
Taylor, Inc., $3,872; Minerya Shoe
Co., $747; National Shoe Co., $1,852.
Involuntary bankruptcy proceedings
have been filed in the U. S. District
Court here against John Roesink, by
Marvin B. Ginsold, attorney, repre-
senting David T. Nederland, $500;
Walter A. Bauman, $200; Weisman
Bros. & Brawer, $500.
New York creditors of Abraham
Pupko, retail apparel and dry goods,
9030 12th street, with another store on
Michigan avenue. in bankruptcy, meet-
ing at the Textile Board of Trade, Inc.,
in New York, agreed to accept a 35
per cent. composition, payable 20 per
cent. in cash and 15 per cent. in three
equal notes maturing in six, nine and
twelve months, providing a check-up
shows the assets and liabilities to be
as represented by Harry L. Winston,
of Butzel, Levin & Winston, counsel to
the debtors. Mr. Winston said the as-
sets of the 12th street store total $15,-
002 and those of the Michigan avenue
store, $6,064. In addition there are
some $6,800 in retail accounts receiv-
able, creditors were told. The liabiti-
ties were said to be $35,600, of which
$23,000 is owing to New York mer-
chandise creditors. The original offer
was 15 per cent. cash and 12% per
cent. in notes. Creditors refused this
offer. In the succeeding discussion,
Benjamin Wicksel, counsel to the Tex-
tile Board of Trade, suggested the
final offer of 35 per cent. which coun-
sel jor the debtor agreed to meet after
talking to his client in Detroit by
telephone.
Entrance of the DeVaux, a six, into
the highly competitive popular price
field of motor cars, is regarded in De-
troit as another vote of confidence in
the future of the automotive industry.
The newcomer, which is priced from
$525 to $765, will have as its competi-
tors the ford and Plymouth fours, and
the Chevrolet, Essex, Pontiac and
Willys sixes. The wheelbase of the
DeVaux, 115 inches, is one of its most
interesting specifications, in the opinion
cf observers here. It is longer than
any of the cars so far announced with
which it will be in direct competition.
The DeVaux will be powered by a
six-cylinder engine designed by Colonel
Elbert J. Hall. The engine will have
a bore of 33% inches and a stroke of
4 inches. The transmission design is
another interesting feature. A three-
speed gearset, it involves constant
mesh of the two higher combinations.
Norman DeVaux, the chief sponsor
of the DeVaux-Hall Motors Corpora-
tion, is well known throughout the
automotive industry. As president of
Durant Motors of California for sev-
eral years, he became thoroughly
familiar with the manufacturing as-
pect of the industry. ‘Colonel Hall is
best known as an engineer. He is co-
designer of the Liberty aircraft engine.
The DeVaux, which will not be ready
until the Chicago show, wi'l be manu-
factured at Grand Rapids, as well as
in Oakland, Calif.
Contributing to Detroit’s growing
optimism was Chevrolet’s announce-
ment of guaranteed jobs for 30,000 men
until Spring regardless of the trend
in the retail car sales. A night shift
went to work at the Chevrolet plant
last week and the company‘s pay roll
is now $1,000,000 weekly. The plan is
to run on an eight-hour, four-day week,
maintaining this schedule until 40,000
workers are employed.
That there will be at least five ad-
herents to free-wheeling by the time
of the National Automobile Show now
is taken for granted. Auburn’s adop-
tion of this type of transmission was
to have been reserved for announce-
ment until the New York show in Jan-
uary but it slipped out, by mistake, in
connection with publicity for the De-
troit automobile show. While it has
not been officially announced that
Auburn will make the change, it is as-
sumed that the unintential leak reveal-
ed a fact. :
Pierce-Arrow’s coming change-over
to free-wheeling will not be so much
of a surprise to many. Studebaker’s
success with this transmission has been
such that most observers anticipated
its adoption by Pierce-Arrow, which is
controlled by the Studebaker Corpora-
tion.
Another hopeful sign in the indus-
trial situation is the report that for-
eign connections of Durant in the pro-
duction of the Mathis have agreed that
that manufacturing activities be con-
centrated in this country.
The plant in Strasbourg, Alsace, it
is expected, will be used only for the
assembly of cars for the Continental
and British markets, which are expect-
ed to absorb 50,000 units the first year.
If parts for these cars and for the
100,000 which Durant has set for
American requirements are made in
one plant here, it will strengthen the
company’s opportunity to effect pro-
duction economies.
ee
Recent Mercantile News From Ohio.
Walters Corners—Edger I. Farley.
Sr., 66, an operator of a general] store
here for many years, died recently after
a long illness. He is survived by his
widow, a son, and a daughter.
Columbus—Following the receiver-
ship in the case of Joseph 'M. Feldman,
who conducted two retail shoe stores
in Columbus, located at 977 Mt. Ver-
non avenue and 246 East Main street,
the assets of the company were sold to
Dr. S. D. Edelman, for approximately
$3,200. The stock was moved from the
Main street store to the Mt. Vernon
avenue store and consolidated under
one business, with Louis Block, a son-
in-law of Dr. Edelman in charge.
Cleveland—An involuntary petition
in bankruptcy has been filed in the U.
S. District Court here against Jos.
Abody, trading as the Chicago Lingerie
Shoppe, by Attorneys Nadler & Nadter,
representing Frank Rubinowitz Mfg.
Co., $300; Lehigh Silk Hosiery Mills,
Inc., $300; Miller Hosiery Co., Inc
$90.
Findlay—Federal Judge Simon L.
Adler, in Buffalo, has appointed Rob-
ert Fox of Findlay, and G. M. Black-
nan, of Jamestown, N. Y., as ancillary
receivers for the Alis Shop, Inc., re-
tail” women’s ready-to-wear, this city,
with branch at 16 West Third street,
Jamestown, N. Y., against which an in-
voluntary petition in bankruptcy has
”
been filed, under joint bond of $5,000.
Merchandise stock in the Jamestown
store was reported by counsel for the
Arthur Cohen Dress Corp., of New
York, one of the petitioning creditors,
to be in excess of $5,000. Judge Adler
also signed an order restraining the
sheriff of Chautauqua county from
selling the assets of the Jamestown
store on execution of a judgment for
$789 obtained in Supreme Court of
Chautauqua county against the Alis
Shop, Inc., by the Medallion Coat Co.,
Inc., of New York.
‘Toledo—The World Millinery Co.,
trading as the Charmor Shop and Har-
mony Hat Shop, has :filed a voluntary
petition in bankruptcy in the U. S.
District Court here, listing liabilities
of $6,135 and assets of $5,773.
Middletown—Elizabeth J. Russe’,
trading as the Russell Shop, Middle-
town and Oxford, files assets of $12,500
of which $8,500 is stock in trade, $3,-
700 machinery, tools, etc., and $300
policies of insurance. Liabilities are
$15,574, of which $15,175 is unsecured.
Cincinnati—Rebhun Last Co., manu-
facturers of shoe lasts, schedules as-
sets of $216,775, of which $76,150 is
real estate, $388 cash on hand, $15,070
open accounts, and $125,082 represents
carriages and other vehicles, stock in
trade, machinery, tools, patents, copy-
rights, trademarks, and other personal
property. Liabilities of $132,770, of
which $41,000 is secured and $86,638
unsecured,
—_—_~--+.___
A Milk Truck Tire.
I ran across this in a scrap book the
other day and pass it on. It is supposed
to be the soliloquy of an old tire rest-
ing on the junk heap. A tire from a
milk truck—
I know I’m full
Of reclaimed rubber;
Hot water bottles, garden hose,
Old galoshes and ice bags.
But still
I had a gay time of it,
Even if I didn’t
Last long;
A tire on a milk truck
Sees a lot of life,
Especially
In the early morning hours,
And here I am,
Young but finished.
What could you expect?
My father
Was a mail order house,
And my mother
A chain store.
——_++>_____
What Is a Merchant?
One who knows the value of real
service.
* One who knows the value of the
merchandise he handles.
One who knows the value of cleanli-
ness.
One who knows the value of display.
One who knows the value of quality.
One who knows the value of per-
sonality and courtesy.
One who knows his cost of doing
business.
One who knows his margin of profit.
One who knows the needs and wish-
€s of his customers.
One who knows how to get along
with his fellow merchants to further
the interest of the industry to which
he belongs.
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December 24, 1930
Proceedings of the Grand Rapids
Bankruptcy Court.
Grand Rapids, Dec. 16—In the matter
of William S. Kunkle, Bankrupt No. 4293,
the first meeting of creditors was held
Nov. 24. The bankrupt was present in
person and represented by attorneys Ma-
son, Alexander & McCaslin and C. A.
Mitts. Jr. No creditors were present or
represented. No claims were proved and
allowed. No trustee was appointed. The
bankrupt was sworn and examined with-
out a reporter. The first meeting then
adjourned without date, and the case has
been closed and returned to the district
court, aS a case without assets.
In the matter of Charles W. Parks,
Bankrupt No. 4294, the first meeting of
creditors was held Nov. 24. The bank-
rupt was present in person and repre-
sented by attorney Charles H. Lillie.
Creditors were present in person. Claims
were filed only. The bankrupt was sworn
and examined, without a reporter. The
first meeting then adjourned to Dee. 8,
at which time the bankrupt was ag
present in person and represented by at-
torney Charles H. Lillie. No credito ;
were present. C. W. Moore, of Belmont.
was appointed trustee. and his bond
placed at $100. The matter then adjourn-
ed without date.
In the matter of Edward W. Shimp,
Bankrupt No. 4289. the first meeting of
creditors was held Nov. 24. The bankrupt
was present and represented by attorney:
Clapperton & Owen, for the attorney for
the bankrupt. No creditors were present
or represented. No claims were proved
and allowed. No trustee was appointed.
The bankrupt was sworn and examined
without a reporter. The first me.
then adjourned without date, and the
case has been closed and returned to the
district court. as a case without assets.
In the matter of Ralph Bronkema,
Bankrupt No. 4257, the first meeting of
creditors was held Nov. 25. The bankrupt
was present in person and represented by
attorney M. R. Bolt. No creditors were
vresent or represented. No claims were
proved and allowed. No trustee was ap-
pointed. The bankrupt was sworn and
examined without a reporter. The first
meeting then adjourned without dai
andathe case has been closed and re-
turned to the district caurt. as a case
without assets.
In the matter of Clinton Myers, Bank-
rupt No. 4278, the first meeting of cred-
itors was held Nov. 25. The bankrupt
WasS present in person and represent
by attorney Robert S. Tubbs. No claims
were preved and allowed by ereditors
present. One creditor was present in
person. The bankrupt was sworn’ and
examined without a reporter. No trustee
was appointed. The first meeting ad-
journed without date, and the case has
been closed and returned to the district
court. as a case without assets.
In the matter of Mrs. William (Betty)
Pschigoda. doing business as Betty Dress
Shop, Bankrupt No. 4329. The first meet-
ing of creditors has been called for Jan. 7.
In the matter of Earl Crosby. Bankrupt
No. 4328. The funds have heen received
and the first meeting of vereditors has
been called for Jan. 6.
In the matter of James J. Doran, IJr.,
Bankrupt No. 4323. The funds have })
received and the first meeting of creditors
has been called for Jan. 6.
In the matter of Miles F. Williams and
Frank J. Otterbacher, individually and as
copartners doing business as Williams &
Otterbacher, Bankrupt No. 4337. The first
meeting of creditors has been called for
Jan. 6
In the matter of Ralph A. Kefgen.
Bankrupt No. 4310. The funds have been
received and the first meeting of creditors
has been called for Jan. 5.
In the matter of Mrs. Ralph A. Kefgen,
Bankrupt No. 4311. The funds have been
received and the first meeting of creditors
has been called for Jan. 5.
In the matter of John E. Gogo, Bank-
rupt No. 4334. The first meeting of cred-
itors has been called for Jan. 5.
In the matter of John E. Gogo, Bank-
rupt No. 4334. The sale of assets has
been called for Jan. 13 at the premises
formerly occupied by the bankrupt, 247
Michigan street, N. E., Grand Rapids.
All the stock in trade will be sold. con-
sisting of groceries, etc., together with
attendant fixures all used in a retail
grocery store operated by the bankrupt,
scheduled at $1,900. Ail interested in
such sale should be present at the date
and time of sale.
In the matter of Miles F. Williams and
Frank J. Otterbacher, individually and as
copartners doing business as Williams &
Otterbacher, Bankrupt No. 4337. The
sale of assets has been called for Jan. 13
at the premises formerly occupied by the
bankrupt at Sand Lake. all the stock
consisting of hardware. agricultural im-
plements, automobile parts and acces-
sories together with attendant fixtures
and together with a completely equipped
tin shop with attendant tools and six
used automobiles, all scheduled by the
bankrupt at $2,500, all interested in such
sale should be present at date and time
stated.
In the matter of Oris L. Chance. Bank-
rupt No. 4298, the first meeting of cred-
itors was held Nov. 25. The bankrupt
was present in person and represented
by attorney A. W. Penny. One creditor
Was present. Claims were proved and
allowed. No trustee was appointed. The
MICHIGAN TRADESMAN
bankrupt was sworn and examined with-
out a reporter. The first meeting then
adjourned without date, and the case has
been closed and returned to the district
court, as a case without assets.
In the matter of Morgan Motors, Inc.,
Bankrupt No. 4283, the first meeting of
creditors was held Nov. 25. The bank-
rupt corporation was present only by C.
W. Morgan, president, but not represent-
ed by attorney. Creditors were present
in person and represented by attorney
Seth R. Bidwell. Claims were filed only.
C. W. Morgan, was sworn and examined,
without a reporter. Fred G. Timmer, of
Grand Rapids, was appointed trustee, and
his bond placed at $100. The first meet-
ing then adjourned without date.
In the matter of Barney B. Mann,
Bankrupt No. 4297, the first meeting of
creditors was held Dec. 4. The bankrupt
was present in person and represented
by attorney W. R. Stevens. One cred-
itor was present in person. .Claims were
filed only. The bankrupt was sworn -and
examined without a reporter. S. C., De
Groot. of Grand Rapids. was appointed
trustee, and his bond placed at $100. The
first meeting then adjourned without date.
In the matter of Mable Barnum, Bank-
rupt No. 4276, the first meeting of cred-
itors was held Dec. 4. The bankrupt was
present in person and by attorney Wiliiam
H. Messinger. Creditors were present in
person and represented by attorney Frank
A. Miller and by G. R. Credit Men’s As-
sociation and Central. Adjustment Asso-
ciation. Claims were proved and allowed.
The bankrupt was sworn and examined
without a revorter. C. W. Moore, of Bel-
mont, was elected trustee, and his bond
placed at $1,000. The first meeting then
adjourned without date.
In the matter of Dick Vlastos, Bank-
rupt No. 4301, the first meeting of cred-
itors was held Dec. 5. The bankrupt was
present in person and _ represented by
attorney Clyde W. Ketcham. Creditors
were represented by attorneys Jackson.
Fitzgerald & Dalm. Claims were proved
and allowed. The bankrupt was sworn
and examined without a reporter. M. N.
Kennedy, of Kalamazoo, was elected trus-
tee. and his bond placed at $100. The
first meeting then adjourned without date.
Dec. 17. We have to-day received the
schedules, reference and adjudication in
the matter of Paul N. Cassault, Bankrupt
No. 4338. The bankrupt is a resident of
Grand Rapids, and his occupation is that
of a laborer. The schedule shows assets
of $2.259 of which $650 is claimed as
exempt. with liabilities of $3,119.50. The
funds have been received and the first
meeting of creditors will be called and
note of same made herein.
In the matter of Bdward H. Griner.
Bankrupt No. 4292. the first meeting cf
creditors was held Dec. 5. The bankrupt
was vresent in person and represented
bv attorney Albert D. Wing. No creditors
were nresent or represented. Claims were
proved and allowed. No trustee was ap-
pointed. The bankrupt was Sworn and
examined without a reporter. The first
meeting then adjourned without datr
and the case has been closed and returned.
to the district court. as a case without
assets.
In the matter of Paul Evans, individ-
ually and as Evans Market, Bankrupt No.
4280. the first meeting of creditors was
held Dec. 5. The bankrupt was present
in person and represented bv attorney
Francis G. Barlow. No creditors were
resent in person, but represented by H.
H. Smedley, attorney and by G. R. Credit
Men’s Association. Claims were proved
and allowed. The bankrupt was sworn
and examined without a reporter. Russell
Straley, of Muskegon. was named trustee.
and his bond placed at $500. The first
meeting then adjourned without date.
In the matter of Walter Bergman.
Bankrupt No. 4296, the first meeting of
creditors was held Dec. 5. The bank-
rupt was present in person and renre-
sented by attorney Dorr Kuizema. Cer-
tain creditors were present in person.
One claim was filed only. The bankrupt
was Sworn and examined, without a re-
porter. C. W. Moore. of Belmont, was
named trustee, and his bond placed at
$100. The first meeting then adjourned
without date.
In the matter of Frank E. Lawrence,
doing business as Lawrence’s Service
Station, Bankrupt No. 4295, . the first
meeting of creditors was held Dee. 5. The
bankrunt was present in person and rep-
resented by attorney George C. Brown.
No creditors were present or represented.
One claim was proved and allowed. No
trustee was appointed. The bankrupt
was sworn and examined. without a re-
porter. The first meeting then adjourned
without date. and the case has been
closed and returned to the district cour‘
as_a case without assets.
Dec. 16. On this day was held the final
meeting of creditors in the matter of
Edward J. Luick. Bankrupt No. 3604. The
bankrunt was not present, but represent-
ed by attorneys Van Duren & Van Duren.
The trustee was not nresent or represent-
ed. The trustee’s final report and ac- ~
count was considered and apyroved and
allowed. An order was made for the
payment of exnenses of administration.
as far as funds on hand would rermit.
There were no dividends. No objections
were made to the discharge of the bank-
runt. The final meeting then adjourned
without date. and the case will be closed
and returned to the district court, in due
course.
On this day also was held the first
meeting of creditors in the matter of
Milo D. Rathbun, Bankrupt No. 3964. The
bankrupt was not present or represented.
The trustee was not present or repre-
sented. Creditors were represented by
attorneys Wicks, Fuller & Starr and
Central Adjustment Association. Claims
were proved and allowed. An order was
made for the payment of expenses of
administration, as far as the funds on
hand would permit. There were no divi-
dends. The trustee’s final report and ac-
count was approved and allowed. No ob-
jections were authorized to be financed
from the estate, and the matter of rec-
ommendation on discharge was reserved
by the referee for further consideration.
The meeting then adjourned without date,
and the case will be closed and returned
to the district court. in due course.
In the matter of James B. Timmer,
Bankrupt No. 3943, the trustee has filed
his return showing no assets over’ and
above exemptions, the matter was closed
and rteurned to the district court, as a
case without assets.
In the matter of Carl R. Olson, Bank-
rupt No. 4216, the trustee has filed his
first report and account, and an order
for the payment of expenses of admin-
istration has been made.
In the matter of Walter Jowalszyk,
Bankrupt No. 3578, the trustee has filed
his return showing no assets, and the
case has been closed and returned to the
district court.
In the matter of Carl B. Orwant, doing
business as Orwant Jewelry Co., Bankrupt
No. 4192, the trustee has filed his first
report and account, and an order for
the payment of expenses of adminisira-
tion to date has been made.
Dee. 20. We have to-day received the
schedules, reference and adjudication in
the matter of LaVern B. Blowers, indi-
vidually and doing business as a copartner
in Sunny Club Flyer, Bankrupt No. 4339.
The bankrupt is a resident of Grand
Rapids. The schedule shows assets of
none with liabilities of $7,383.65. The
court has written for funds and upon
receipt of same the first meeting of cred-
itors will be called. The list of creditors
of said_bankrupt is as follows:
Eagle Chemical Co., Milwaukee __$ 23.46
G. R. Spectator, Grand Rapids _.. 15.00
G. R. Creamery Co., Grand Rapids 152.16
Herald Pub. Co.. Grand Rapids _. 165.00
J. B. Hill, Grand Rapids __.._ 4.00
Kelly Ice Cream Co., Grand Rapids 26.70
Francis H. Leggett & Co., New Y. 54.86
F. C. Mathews & Co., Grand Rapids 25.00
Nat’l Cash Register Co., Grand R. 110.00
Press, Grand Rapids (0. 0 0 22.40
Ryskamp Bros., Grand Rapids ____ 64.18
Reed Engraving Co., Grand Rapids 4.59
Abe Schefman & Co.. Grand Rap. 41.85
Swift & Co.. Grand Rapids _____ 134.45
Continental Coffee Co.. Chicago __ 68.50
Commercial Designing Co., Grand R. 5.00
South High School, Grand Ravids 8.00
Central High School, Grand Rapids 6.00
Hammerslag & Tinkham, Grand R. 420.00
Hugo B. Hammerslag, Grand Rapids 500.00
Consumers Power Co., Grand Rap. 32.50
Jerry O’Mahony, Ine., Elizabeth,
Ne eee 5,000.00
Jerry O’Mahony, Elizabeth, N. J. 500.00
Dec. 20. We have to-day received the
schedules, reference and adjudication in
the matter of Millard F. Beebe, Bank-
rupt No. 4340. The bankrupt is a resi-
dent of Vicksburg, and his occupation is
that of a mechanic. The schedule shows
assets of $250 of which the full amount
is claimed as exempt, with liabilities of
$757.35. The first meeting will be called
and note of same made herein.
—_2~+~~-___
American Packed Coffee $1.58 Per
Pound in Rome.
(Continued from page 20)
this a general supply store having a
limited line of British and American
specialties. The coffee in stock was
that ghost drink, synthetic in tins; and
that was all. But Beechnut was to be
in after a few days.
Prices such as 34c for Shredded
Wheat and a tin of Quick Quaker Oats
which seemed to hold about 12 ounces,
were 4 bit foreboding of no great
good.
I thus looked forward to payment
of $1 per pound for any American can-
ned and branded coffee, thinking I’d
be plenty liberal. But when the coffee
Do You Wish To Sell Out!
CASH FOR YOUR STOCK,
Fixtures or Plants of every
description.
ABE DEMBINSKY
Auctioneer and Liquidator
734 So. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, Mich
Phone Federal 1944.
31
came—Beechnut and Austin-Nichols
Sunbeam—each was blandly quoted at
30 lire. This figured out $1.58 per
pound. Then, finding a few Camp-
bell’s soups priced at 25c per tin, I
wondered whether this concern was
maybe charging exiled Americans all
the traffic would bear and that prices
would tbe radically readjusted the
minute competition stepped in.
Meanwhile we bought a pound of
the coffee—jpst had to have it regard-
less—and suspended judgment pending
fuller knowledge of tariff and trans-
portation conditions. It is not my in-
tention to accuse anybody without
good grounds; and other coffee prices
caused further suspension of condem-
nation. For we then hunted up a
store—there are plenty of them—
where raw coffees are for sale, and in
the light of long experience blending
and roasting, I gathered up two kilos.
The average cost, allowing 16 per
cent. shrinkage and the customary lc
for roasting, foots up to 90c per pound.
So without can, case, packing, shipping
or tariff—except slow freight on the
raw coffee and _ tariff—the price of
$1.58 may not be for out of line.
Anyway, I have one of those old-
fashioned cute little household mills
and have ground my first lot, feeling
that I have earned my savings.
Paul Findlay.
—_——_>~->__
Pertinent Suggestions on Farm Fire
Prevention.
(Continued from page 15)
the co-operation of individual citizens,
whether in the cities or on the farms.
Now is the time to look over your
premises and get rid of the things
which may cause fires. Now is the
time to determine that you will accept
your responsibility to do all that you
can to prevent fires. It is not a diffi-
cult task. It is largely a matter of
being reasonably careful. \But if every
individual would co-operate, what a
smashing reduction we could make in
our fire loss. Won’t you co-operate?
Breaking in the new man is only
teaching him mercantile practices.
Business Wants Department
Advertisements inserted under this head
for five cents a word the first insertion
and four cents a word for each subse-
quent continuous insertion. If set in
capital letters, double price. No charge
less than 50 cents. Smail display adver-
tisements in this department, $4 per
inch. Payment with order is required, as
amounts are too small to open accounts.®
Position As Card Writer—Experienced.
Will submit samples. Married. Reliable.
Write to-day. ____
Items From the Cloverland of Michi-
gan.
Sault Ste. Marie, Dec. 24—Santa
Claus is a real factor in the prosperity
of the Nation. He starts factories
which were idle and employment is
given to workers all over the Nation.
The ‘Christmas spirit is manifested,
which helps drive away the blues in
many places, bringing joy
Amazing values are being offered by
our merchants.
ably lower than a year ago, so the
dollar makes a greater showing than
_ it did before the war and buyers real-
ize that their expenditures are the big
instead.’
Prices are consider- —
factor in starting the ‘National wheels
of industry moving again.
In two of our families this year the
joy of ‘Christmas is turned to sadness.
W. C. Boman, manager for the Gas
Co., was called away last Monday by
a telegram announcing the death of
his father and mother. who were killed
in an automobile accident near Flush-
ing. The other is the family of ‘R. C.
Pearce, the druggist, who received a
message announcing the death of his
son, who was driving his automobile
to work at Detroit and was struck by
a switch engine while making a cross-
ing. The entire community was shock-
ed and all extend to the bereaved the
sincere sympathy of their many friends.
Mike Catel is back in ‘business
again, after having sold his stock a
short time ago to F. Moore, who dis-
continued last week. (Mike still has
faith in his home town and is going to
take another chance. He will give the
business his personal attention, has
put in a new stock of confectionery and
will serve light lunches.
Ham Hamilton, of the Pickford Gro-
cery Co., will forego much of the joy
of Christmas this year, being quar-
antined at his home with mumps. It
seems that Ham missed this handicap
when a ‘boy. This is what they call
the rush season at Pickford when Ham
usually supplies a large share of poul-
try to our local markets.
There may be less enticement in
small towns. There is also less
racketeering.
Ivan Hansen, formerly with the
Consumers ‘Coal Co., and Frank and
Angelo Pingatore, with the Pingatore
Dry Cleaning Co., will open a dry
cleaning establishment and steam
laundry at Newberry. The new plant
will ‘be located in the Stunstrom build-
ing. Work of remodeling the interior
of the plant started last week. Machin-
ery and equipment have been ordered
and it is expected that the plant will
be ready for the opening about the
first of the year. The plant is to be
modern in every detail and* will be
equipped to turn out all classes of
work irom family washing to the finest
of dry cleaning. The young men have
had business experience and are
live wires and should make a success
of their new venture.
“There is nothing harder than a dia-
mona,” says a scientist, except paying
the installments on it.
. O. Timmerbacks, one of Rud-
yard’s_ well-known merchants, was
brought to the hospital last week suf-
fering from bruises and minor injuries
received in an automobile accident.
Jake says he was driving about one
mile West of Rudvard when his car
skidded on the ice and overturned. He
is feeling better and thankful he was
not killed.
Charles Zylstra, of the Sault News,
returned last week from Ann Arbor,
where he underwent an operation at
the University hospital. His many
friends are pleased to learn that he is
feeling much better and he will soon
be able to get back on the job again.
Folks who are kind and thoughtful
and loving the vear round don’t have
to practice on being that way a couple
of weeks before Christmas.
We wish the Tradesman as well as
the numerous readers all a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
William G. Tapert.
——_2->____
Suggests Closer Affiliation By Retail
Merchants.
Muskegon. Dec. 22—After ten years
absence from Michigan, it is pleasant
to note your Christmas greetings in
the Dec. 17 issue and I wish you and
yours, a Happy New Year, as well as
a joyous Christmas.
I am interested in your fight for the
independent stores and like your sug-
gestion for the co-operation of all the
independents to meet this competition.
I would suggest that all of the inde-
pendents in a city unite not only in
their buying, but in their advertising
and tell what they have to offer and
how it compares in actual value and
price with the chain products.
To make such an advertisement more
attractive, an article could be inserted,
telling of the food values of the things
offered and how they could be served
to best advantage or how they would
correct some of the ills resulting from
eating the wrong foods.
If the independents could give a bet-
ter service than the chains, they would
get the business, but if they depend on
“kicks” or complaints about the chains
they must go out of business.
Why not make a test in some city?
If you will get ithe independents to
place one advertisement and they will
let me know what they wish to adver-
tise or will include some things I might
suggest, I will write an article to see
what might be expected from further
work.
If Washington can form an exchange
why cannot Michigan?
Louis P. Haight.
——_2>->__
Instalment Selling Holds Ground.
The ratio of instalment sales to cash
and open account transactions has been
unchanged throughout the current de-
pression, the executive of a leading
financing corporation points out. The
volume of instalment sales has follow-
ed the fluctuations of industrial ac-
tivity accurately and will continue to
do so in the coming year. In spite of
the fact that business conditions are
believed to have grown more difficult
since last Spring, the number of re-
possessions on instalment contracts
has not increased in that time. The
percentage of repossessions for the en-
tire year, however, will show an in-
crease over that in 1929.
——__-2s2>___—_
Grocery Sales Drop 5 Per Cent.
Manufacturers of grocery products
will close the present year with a vol-
ume of business averaging 5 per cent.
below totals for 1929, authorities in the
trade predict. Intensive selling cam-
paigns ‘have limited the decline to this
figure. Price changes were slight on
most of the manufactured products,
while economies in production and
greater efficiency in sales activity per-
mitted the companies to avoid sub-
stantial losses. Small companies aver-
aged greater declines in sales than the
larger organizations, and in some in-
stances the loss in sales volume this
year was 15 per cent.
——_>2..>_
New Prices on Ribbed Stockings.
A readjustment in misses’ ribbed,
combed yarn stockings, which were
formerly quoted on a flat price basis
of $1 for all sizes by a number of mills,
reported in the market.
tations are based on $1.10 for size 7,
it was said, with the larger sizes cost-
ing more and the smaller sizes less.
The practice of selling these goods on
a flat price basis was condemned at a
recent trade practice conference of
manufacturers in Chattanooga with the
Federal Trade Commission, and the
revision in prices was regarded yester-
day as one of the results of the meet-
ing,
—_+++___
Lower Costs To Aid Bakeries.
Low grain prices should soon be re-
- flected in earnings statements of large
flour consumers, even though most
bakers and manufacturers contract for
raw material for months ahead of ac-
tual needs. Reduced costs may be
passed along in the form of lower re-
tail prices.
The new quo--
Earnings earlier in the year of bak-
ery companies were adversely affected
by the shrinkage in inventory values
as grain quotations turned downward,
but the steadier tone in wheat late‘y
and a seasonal upturn in sales are ex-
pected to have a favorable influence on
the fourth quarter showing.
———_~>-~+>____
Dealing With the Common Enemy.
Muskegon, Dec. 23—Reports have
come to our attention that one of our
independent manufacturers in Muske-
gon this year purchased the Christmas
turkeys he annually gives to all of his
help who have been with him for five
years or more from the A. & P. store;
also that the cranberries, celery and
sweet potatoes which he has hereto-
fore purchased from one of our inde-
pendent grocers also came from the
A. & P. This report was given us by
one of the salesmen of ‘Swift & Co.
You can write to Fred O. Engle, 1047
Washington avenue, vour subscriber,
for further information on this sub-
gECt, F. H. Long,
Sec’y Consumers League.
—_2>+-___
Chinaware Trend Changes.
The preference — for better-grade
popular-priced chinaware among buy-
ers now placing orders for January
and February sales proved a surprise.
The type of goods selected for post-
holiday sales, will retail from $4.98 to
$7.98. Dinner sets retailing at from
$2.98 to $4.98 were the types wanted
for Fall consumption. According to
the jobbers, many retailers have grown
weary of the low-end merchandise on
which profit margins are small and are
planning to promote the sale of bet-
ter goods in the new year.
—_+~+<-___
_ Glassware Orders Limited.
Glassware buyers operating in the
local market at this time are interested
solely in merchandise
available for post-holiday sales events.
Individual orders are small, running
about half the average orders at the
corresponding time last year. The
possibilities of colored glassware as
leading items for the Spring season
continue to impress the trade. Prepa-
rations now under way for the annual
trade show next month in Pittsburg,
it was said, are directed toward fea-
turing the colored wares to a greater
extent than ever before.
——+--->____
Eight New Readers of the Tradesman.
The following new subscribers have
been received during the past week:
A. L. Blossom, Big Rapids.
Don L. Dillingham, Perry.
C. H. Moore, Sault Ste. Marie.
Henry C. de Boer, Kalamazoo.
H. H. Fitzgerald, Grand Rapids.
E. W. Wilson, Battle Creek.
G. B. Peary, Battle Creek.
Howard J. Hutton, Mottville.
—_2--__
Open Reindeer Meat Shop.
Seattle, Wash., Dec. 20—What is
believed to be the world’s first shop
dealing exclusively in reindeer meat has
been opened here to sell deer meat
shipped in from Alaska. The meat is
handled in the same manner as are beef
and pork. Besides fresh cuts of all
sorts, the shop offers an asortment of
smoked or jerked meats, canned meat
concession
and sausages, including weiners,
bologna, salami, Polish sausage and
metwurst. Prices as low as ten cents
a pound are quoted for fresh cuts.
———_—_+>-~--~.
A little vision goes a long way—
too much vision has wrecked more
men than too little.
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