-
Ce

TIARA HORROIEN YS SSF
LENCE CM SS
CR IDG G 1 R 77 ws A. yor
OP g CANS y

WV. .
q.->
eh

KC

‘

cr

NY
i K&S
HY

(o
ad

ya
A®)

4

~~

“yy LEIA CESS LL EINECS RYE
"y ® SSS GK, SOF KG S N :
A

5 a IIA oS mA \
SruslisneD WeEKord (ON Ole BTRADESMAN COMPANT, PUBLISHERSE
eee eet GX SSeTRADESMAN COMPANY, PUBLISHERS

rs?
fm Si TOS OR SS ORS : :
Fiftieth Year GRAND RAPIDS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH ~ Number 2581

f
PECL
p
ISAC bh
§) Ls
~ th
OV).

DES

aS

WW

Grex
wis
{X-

Gy =

AOE

G
rel

V4
(3

9 Z
4
f

4 As AX 4
“if eee

bs

Ss
RS

Z a
2
(of

Oe
A

le
G
x
\S

.c
N\\
AVE

eV ie
on
SS

ARYA
WR
NES:
ia
Bev)
OPS
z
TE
Gi
Oe

wv

© 9
cE : 17
(

cK

Giss .

O

 

WS

 

<3) (<> () <DD> - () -<GED-() GD-
= SD © SD ©) ED () <D () SEED () <> (<> () <> (<)> (SD () SD () SD - () <DD> () <DD> () D-DD () DC

 

eis ES

WHICH ROAD?

If you could go back to the fork of the road,

Back the long miles you have carried the load;
Back to the place where you had to decide

By this way or that through your life to abide;
Back of the grieving and back of the care,

Back to the place where the future was fair—

If you were this day that decision to make,

O brother in sorrow! which road would you take?

 

Then suppose that again to the fork you went back,
After you’d trodden the other long track;

After you'd found that its promises fair

Were all a delusion that led to a snare—

That the road you first traveled with sighs and unrest,
Though dreary and rough, was most graciously blest,
With balm for each bruise and a charm for each ache—
O brother in sorrow! which road would you take?

 

Nixon Waterman.

=P ;
RS Ua € ; eee
aR + emma < s emBetin- (5 <BR <> -<IRRHR- (> RRR (> GRR «5 RR (> RRR) CERN > RRR (> I (> RR (ARSE) cian <a «> eG: « ) CAR > RRR «| ER <5 CRE («> ~<a (> <a «> tas
a O

<3) <G- 0
<> () <> () <>) <> () <DD> (> <DD> () SD () ED -() <A () <DD> () SD () SD () RD () AD () <>  () <> () ED () <A -( ) SD () D(A () <>  () GD) ED ()

Gao

ene) ee ED ED EEE EE EE SS) AS) TT) A 0S 0-0

 

 

 

LOWEST
PRICE
in 12 Years!

Now, for a limited time, you can buy
Royal Baking Powder at the lowest
price in 12 years. Here's your chance
to feature a quality demand item at a
new low price. Tell your customers
about it. They'll be sure to lay in a
supply of the famous Cream of Tartar

brand.

your order.

ROYAL

BAKING POWDER

Call your jobber and place

 

Product of

STANDARD
BRANDS
INCORPORATED

 

 

 

 

 

    

TRENGTH

COMPANIES REPRESENTED HAVE
Assets $65,931,787.14
Surplus $23,396,338.15

ERVICE

Correct Insurance Coverage
Engineering Advise

AVINGS

1212% To 40%
According To Classification of

Property

THE MILL MUTUALS AGENCY

LANSING, MICHIGAN

Mutual Building Phone 20741

DETROIT OFFICE GRAND RAPIDS OFFICE

Transportation Bldg. Grand Rapids Trust Bldg.
Phone Phone
Randolph 0729 95923

 

 

 

 

Demand Increasing for

MICHIGAN APPLES

WITH FLAVOR
We have the best assortment of Varieties in Michigan—
Cleaned. Polished and regraded by Modern Electrical Equip-
ment before leaving our Warehouse — Wholesale only.
Wolverine Dealers, send us your orders.

KENT STORAGE COMPANY

|
GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN |

 

 

 

Rademaker-Dooge Grocer Co.
Distributors of
Anchor Red Salmon
Red Heart Med. Red Salmon
Surf Pink Salmon
Bull Dog Sardines
Red Crown Sliced Beef

The House of Quality and Service

 

 

 

Ts,

 

 

 

 

Arve the canned foods you feature grown

and packed
Nhe brand a

in your home
state?
YOu know

W. R. Roach & Co.,
Grand Rapids, main-

   
 

tain seven modern
Michigan factories
for the canning of
products grown by

A complete line of canned vegetables and fruits

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

Michigan farmers.

 

 

x, QR sas

 

ee

 

  
    

~
YY OP

 
 

a OY

IGA

ADESMAN

 

Fiftieth 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 areas follows: $3 per year,
if paid strictly in 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 : urrent issues, 10 cents; issues a
month or more old. 15 cents; issues a year or more
old, 25 cents; issues five years or more old 50 cents.

Entered September 23, 1883, at the Postoftice of Grand
Rapids as second class matter under Act of March
3, 1879.

 

 

 

JAMES M. GOLDING
Detroit Representative
507 Kerr Bldg.

 

 

CLOVEN HOOF OF CHAINS.
Live on the City, Not
In It.”

Battle Creek, on Tuesday, Feb.
14, woke up to face the greatest
business handicap of its history—
the state-wide holiday for banks.
It is pleasant to recall that there
was little excitement. Battle Creek
citizens have the utmost confi-
dence in our banks.

The new situation called for
some concerted arrangement to
meet this emergency. The bank-
ers were in conference. The re-
tail merchants, a Chamber of
Commerce unit, were also in ses-
sion. Ways and means were dis-
cussed for the uninterruption of
business.

Suggestions were many and
valuable, because business has
been carried on with little or no
inconvenience, and at this store,
with practically no interference.

The meeting of retail mer-
chants, of course, was attended
by the independent merchants
and the chain store managers.
The spirit of co-operation on the
part of the syndicate managed
stores was as unprecedented as
the situation itself.

Here was the way one chain
store manager stated the situa-
tion: “Since the chain stores op-
erating in Battle Creek never had
extended credit to any Battle
Creek person, and since they
probably never would, they would
continue to have cash. The home
owned stores, not operating as
chain stores do, but extending
credit to reliable citizens of the
community, would need cash to
carry on. Therefore the chain
store managers were willing to
help—they would supply the

“We

home boys with the cold cash to
see them through until the banks
were re-opened.

The Jos. C. Grant Co. states
herewith, in its opinion, this was
the finest gesture the chain stores
have ever made in Battle Creek’s

experience with their various
hazards to the community.

But there was one thing that
had not been reckoned with.

That was the Bench Manager
—that all-powerful gentleman
who sits in the elaborate office in
some distant city and directs the
affairs of his company’s Battle
Creek store, and always with a
“to hell with the community”
spirit.”

The Bench Manager was heard
from—by telegraph.

And the telegrams to the vari-
ous managers told them but one
order—ACCEPT AND MAIL TO
HOME OFFICE ONLY CASH.

Little difference then the neces-
sities of hundreds of worthy peo-
ple in the community whose
funds were not available because
of a state holiday. No co-opera-
tion whatever from the chain
stores in their time of need. Noth-
ing but CASH.

Well, the situation is well in
hand. At this store we are happy
for the privilege during this in-
convenience to all of us, to have
gone the limit in helping with the
community's financial problems.
We have been our own dictator—
Bench Managers do not rule our
roost—and the first thought with
us was the welfare of our citizens.
We have extended credit to all
our regular charge patrons. We
have cashed their checks and in
as many cases as possible have
given them the difference in cash,
that went out into the community
to help relieve a situation, and
not be sent to a foreign city where
banks were operating and the
Bench Managers were issuing final
orders.

In a few days this financial sit-
uation will be history — another
incident in Battle Creek’s history
that the city met and met intelli-
gently. And by the side of the
report on the ledger will be noted
this fact by the intelligent citizen:
The chain store lived up to its
old motto: “WE LIVE ON THE
CITY, NOT IN IT.”

Jos. C. Grant Co.

While all of this was going on, the
press of our city published wonderful
editorials with large headings, that the
National firms were offering cash help
to the
emergency.

They particularly specified a large
oil company and two food companies
of a chain which was doing wonderful

community during this

   

things for Battle Creek during the
emergency of a bank holiday.

I am sure that the article was can-
ned, for the reason that I do not
think we have a newspaper in Battle
Creek which would write such an edi-
torial without the absolute facts and
this article did not contain the facts
as they have worked out during this
emergency in Battle Creek.

For instance, the large oil company
in question was putting into circula-
tion in Battle Creek, according to the
article, large sums of cash which had
been received by express for salaries,
wages, commissions, etc. One would
naturally assume from this that any
checks on this particular oil company
would be cashed by them from this
large amount of cash on hand, but it
strikes me that in this particular case
the cash was kept on hand rather than
cashing the checks.

The writer had a personal experi-
ence along this line by having the op-
portunity to cash a small check from
one of the large oil companies, and I
told the gentleman about the article
that appeared in the paper the night
before and, no doubt, he could get
this check cashed by them (he not
being a patron of our store or known
to the writer). This gentleman made
the rounds of all the stations of that
company in Battle Creek, as well as
the headquarters of where the cash
was supposed to be. He did not get
his check cashed.

In the example of the wonderful
thing the large oil companies are doing
for the communities in which they do
business in this emergency, a_ local
independent dealer in oils and gaso-
lines tendered the oil company a check
as payment for gasolines and oils to
the amount of several hundred dollars.
The check was returned to the dealer
and the dealer in question was asked
to furnsh the cash, because the com-
pany could not use the check.

I wonder if this is pouring money
into this community during an
emergency.

The writer is in a position to give
the name of the concern in question,
the amount of the check and all if
desired.

This does not show such a wonder-
ful disposition on the part of the large
oil companies to co-operate with Bat-
tle Creek or any other town for the
good of the cause.

The editorial referred to also went
on to state that one of the large food
concerns wer perfectly willing to pay
their March rent in advance to any
and all landlords who wanted it. Now,
it would be natural to assume that if
I was a landlord and this large food
concern was occupying a_ building
which belonged to me, from the state-
ment made in this article, it would

Number 2581

be natural for me to suppose that I
could go to the store which occupied
the premises owned by me and get my
rent in advance, but this article should
have stated that it would be necessary
for the landlord or landlords to go to
Grand Rapids or Detroit, and that at
their headquarters in either of these
places the ASSISTANT BENCH
MANAGER would furnish them with
the March rent in advance.

If anybody in the various communi-
ties had any business with these food
companies and if this food company
was at the time owing someone for
merchandise or services of any kind
purchased by them, they could get the
amount of such a bill in cash, even
though it only amounted to $1.50, by
going to Grand Rapids or to Detroit
and appealing to the ASSISTANT
BENCH MANAGER, the same as.the
landlords of the various stores that
they occupied. In that way that man
could collect his $1.50 in advance of
the due date.

From the article that appeared in
the paper, to a “Man Up a Tree” it
would look as though the chain stores
in general were cashing checks for
their patrons, but far be it from that.
I do not have one minute’s doubt but
what many chain stores have cashed a
few checks for some of their patrons,
but I do know that for the most part
the only way a chain store would cash
a check would be with a purchase and
give the customer a due bill for the
difference between the purchase and
the check, and allow that customer
credit only for the difference of the
amount of the check that that chain
store was holding.

It is a well known fact that every
chain store in every community, or at
least the greater portion of them, re-
ceived telegrams from their Bench
Managers, located in New: York or
elsewhere, stating that under no con-
ditions or circumstances were they to
cash any checks. Get the cash only.
This fact can be proven and will be
acknowledged by the average chain
store manager in any community in
Michigan,

I know of many instances where
chain stores cashed checks for patrons
of the store of good-sized amounts;
for example, they might cash a check
for a patron to the amount of $50
and against that would be a $5 pur-
chase, the customer having $45 com-
ing. In place of the $45 in cash, this
chain store manager would give to
that customer as many checks of
smaller denominations that he had
taken in, in the purchase of merchan-
dise only, from other patrons, and all
the cash the customer would get would
be the odd cents that would be left
over and above the amount of the

(Continued on page 5)

 

 

2

_

RED CROSS OR DOUBLE CROSS

 

Determining Discrimination Against
Regular Hardware Dealers.*

Those of you who read Hardware
Retailer, and those of you who were
present at the West Baden Congress
in June, know that on the last day of
the Congress, a resolution was pro-
posed and unanimously adopted, ask-
ing the incoming President of the Na-
tional Association to appoint a special
committee to study the price situation.

The duties of that committee were
as follows, quoting from the resolu-
tion: “To make an intensive survey of
the price situation, obtain merchan-
dise from various competitive agencies
to study, compare and analyze prices
and qualities of such merchandise, as
to wholesale, retail and manufacturers’
prices; to correlate these facts and to
resolve them into findings, to make
definite plans and recommendations on
the price situation and competition, to
be disseminated for advice and use in
the various state organizations and
their conventions for the coming sea-
son.”

The committee appointed consisted
of C. C. Gilbert, of Illinois, chairman,
C. E. Bradly, Illinois, A. E. Hernstein,
Ohio, and President McKnight. Mr.
Sheets, our National managing di-
rector, was also a member of that com-
mittee, and to him much credit is due
for correlating the findings, and the
final assembling of the information,
and the making of the report of the
committee. President McKnight later
withdrew and appointed in his stead.
Bert Shanklin of Indiana.

Fortunately for myself, I was also
appointed a member of that committee.
I say fortunately for myself, because
I have had my eyes opened to some
conditions which I had no idea existed
in the hardware business. I have al-
ways given myself credit for being
rather a good student of competition
and merchandise values, but I have
just about come to the conclusion that
I don’t know what the hardware busi-
ness “is all about.” I have also come
to the conclusion that there are quite
a number of other hardware dealers in
the United States who do not know
what it is all about, since studying the
reports that were returned to the Na-
tional office in Indianapolis,

At its first meeting in Indianapolis,
on the 15th and 16th of August, the
committee decided upon a Nation wide
survey of dealers’ costs as compared
with chain and mail order selling
prices, as the initial step in the study.

The secretaries of the various state
associations, in conference there at the
same time, approved the plan, and
pledged their support in getting the
information from the dealers in their
respective territories.

The committee then selected about
two hundred and fifty items from the
Fall and Winter catalogues of the two
leading mail order concerns to be cov-
ered by the survey. The items were
selected on account of their prac-
ticability and their highly competitive
nature.

The items were divided into four

classes or groups:

 

*Report made at Grand Rapids conven-
tion Michigan Retail Hardware Associa-
tion by Veach C. Redd, Cynthiana, Ky.

MICHIGAN

Household, laundry, etc.

Tools and kindred items.

Farm and garden supplies.

. Builders hardware, sporting
goods, miscellaneous.

A questionnaire was prepared for
each of these groups, showing the
items, giving a complete catalogue
description, easily followed, and the
mail order prices. This division of the
plan gave a much wider coverage than
would have otherwise ‘been possible
and brought a great many more deal-
ers into the picture than perhaps
would have been brought had they
been asked to cover the whole list of
items.

About 160 questionnaires, forty of
each division, were sent to secretaries
of the larger state associations, and a
smaller number to the smaller as-
sociations, asking the dealers to fill
in their costs on the various items.

RON

A total of 2780 questionnaires were
mailed out, and from the number of
returns made, the committee feels sure
of the intense dealer interest in the
subject, its importance, in all sections
of the country.

The committee held another meet-
ing in Indianapolis on the 12th and
13th of December, and made a thor-
ough study of the reports then return-
ed and tabulated.

Im connection with almost every
item, the returns showed startling dis-
crepancies in the prices paid by the
dealers, and the prices they were
forced to meet, from the existing com-
petition. The majority of the reports
indicated that margins were wholly
inadequate to meet catalogue prices.

It was impossible to report all
prices given by the dealers on all the
items, so the committee decided that
inasmuch as the state of Iowa had al-
ready done some work along this line,
and had previously appointed a com-
mittee to study the price situation, it
was decided to use the figures from
that state as indicative of the general
conditions which prevailed all over the
country. Even with the work that had
already been done in Iowa, there
seemed to be very little variation in
the prices which the dealers were pay-
ing, from any other section of the
country. The committee then select-
ed sixty items from the reports, it be-
ing the sense of the committee that
these items were the most highly com-
petitive, were found in most hardware
stores in all sections of the country,
and they were also selected on account
of the wide discrepancy between the
prices the dealers were paying, and
the prices they were forced to meet
from the existing competition.

I thought you might be interested
in knowing something of the results
from your own state of Michigan.
Michigan had a very large return of
questionnaires, which was very help-
ful to the committee in getting a true
picture of the situation, but as in all
the other states, there seemed to be
the same wide variation of prices. I
don’t want to bore you with a lot of
figures, but I have selected a few items
from the Michigan report, which will
give you a picture of the condition in
your own state. The items were
selected from the list of sixty items
which I mentioned a few moments ago.

TRADESMAN

Please bear in mind that these fig-
ures were taken from last fall and
winter catalogues. While there have
been some declines in dealers’ costs,
there have also been some declines in
mail order and chain store selling
prices.

18 inch pruning saw. M. O. price, 85c.

Cost most frequently reports, 82c.
Fifty dealers reporting had higher
costs. 33% per cent. lower.

Wire nails. M. O. price, $2.20 base.
Most dealers were paying $2.30. 40 per
cent. were paying more.

Corn sheller with nubbing attach-
ment and cob guide. M. O. price,
$1.59. All dealers reported higher
costs than this figure.

Twisted link breast chains. M. O.
price 45c pair. Cost most frequent,
36c. 70 per cent. had higher costs.

5 gallon milk can. M. O. price,
$2.20. 20 dealers reported costs from
$2.20 to $2.45. Most frequent cost
$2.35.

Four foot hog trough. M. O. price,
98c. Cost most frequent, $1.05. 20
per cent, had higher costs.

Rim lock sets. M. O. price, 29c.
Cost most frequent, 25c. 50 per cent.
had lower costs and 25 per cent.
higher.

3% x 3% dull brass butts. M. O.
price, 16c pair. Cost most frequent,
14c. 37% per cent. had higher costs.

One-third inch mesh hardware cloth,
35 inch, 100 foot roll. M. O. price,
$10.95. Cost most frequent $9.50. 30
per cent. had higher costs.

100 foot rool No. 14 rubber covered
wire. M. O. price, 48c. Cost most fre-
quent, 40c. 50 per cent. had higher
costs.

22 short cartridges in lots of 500.
M. O. price, $1.25. Most dealers re-
ported costs of $1.17.

Tubular wheelbarrow, 3 cubic feet
capacity. M. O. price, $5.25. Cost most
frequent, $4.75. 25 per cent. of dealers
only had lower costs.

Building paper, 500 square feet rolls,
re-enforced with jute, bound with
asphalt. M. O. price, $2.50 roll. Most
dealers reported costs of from $3.15 to
$3.85 per roll, and this report is typical
of those from all the other states.

In none of the states reporting, do
any of the dealers show any special
advantage in buying merchandise.
Some of them are doing a good job.
It has been very interesting to me to
study the reports by numbers from the
various states. Occasionally, I find a
fellow who seems to be doing a
splendid job, and about the time I am
ready to say “Here is a man who
knows what this thing of meeting
competition is all about, his costs sud-
denly go hay wire on some line or
item.” To me, a careful study of the
costs reported by the dealers shows
two things: First, that he is not get-
ting the right price on his merchandise,
and second, that he is not buying the
right merchandise to meet the situa-
tion. In every state, there is evidence
of a lack of knowledge of what com-
petition is doing, the prices at which
they are selling, and the kind of mer-
chandise they are using.

The study also reveals the fact that
some of the dealers still have on hand
merchandise which they bought a long
time ago, on which they have main-
tained old costs, and are not maintain-

 

March 8, 1933

ing well balanced stocks with which to
serve the trade as it should be served.
In this connection I remember that
one dealer reported a cost of $2.85 on
a rural mail box. Last fall I spent
two weeks in Minnesota in group
meetings. We called on over 100
stores and I remember that in one
town we found a dealer who had a
price of $3.50 on a mail box, while just
a few doors down the street, they were
in the mail order store at $1.95. In
other words, a great many dealers
who have reported, show conclusively
that they are not adjusting their retail
prices to market conditions. The con-
ditions are startling, and one cannot
help wondering why the hardware
dealer, operating under such an
enormous handicap, has been able to
survive as well as he has. They real-
ize that competition is keen, and that
‘business is leaving the hardware store,
but there seems to be a positive lack
of knowledge of the prices at which
their own customers are able to buy.
Competition cannot be met without the
right goods, bought ‘to sell at a price
which the customer is willing to pay.
Dealers have been ‘buying at prices of-
fered them by manufacturers and
wholesalers rather than buying back
from the prices they are being forced
to meet.

Both wholesalers and retailers have
spent a lot of time complaining about
competition. It reminds me of what
Josh Billings said about the weather.
He said, “That there had been a lot of
talk about it, ‘but nothing had ever
been done about it.”

This is the time when dealers should
realize that if they are to survive,
something must be done about it.
There is one basic fundamental of
merchandising that both wholesaler
and retailer seem to have overlooked,
and that is that the consumer of to-
day is boss. He must be served eco-
nomically and efficiently. The retail-
er can only hope for his future exist-
ence on the basis of such service, and
the wholesaler and manufacturer
should recognize their joint obligations
to the retailer in carrying out such a
program.

A careful study of the reports shows,
too, that the wholesaler is as much un-
informed about right pricing and right
merchandise as the dealer himself.
While it is true that in a great many
cases, the manufacturer is to blame for
discrimination in price, still I do not
believe that, with a few possible ex-
ceptions, much help can be expected
from that quarter until pressure is
brought to bear upon him by the
wholesaler through the retailer. I do
not believe that any hardware retailer
finds fault with a manufacturer who
sells to syndicates and other large out-
lets, but the criticism comes when mer-
chandise is sold at certain levels to
regular hardware channels and _ to
lower levels to the other outlets.

All of us know that every advertised,
trade marked item in our stocks which
has been sold to us through the
wholesaler or manufacturer direct has
been sold at a price which not only in-
cludes cost of raw material and labor,
but also includes promotion costs, cost
of special representatives, advertising
and every other cost for that matter.
Then when the market has been estab-

 

 

ee A

SS

 

 

= 4: ety Wie Bist cs

 

 

oo AD

 

 

J eeRPAecRAORNecencmemmeerR os

March 8, 1933

lished for the item, and in most cases
it has come from the efforts of the in-
dependent dealer, that manufacturer,
with his over-production facilities, sells
the remainder of his factory output to
a syndicate or other large outlet, at a
price stripped of all these costs, the
burden of which the independent deal-
er has already borne. It is this sort
of discrimination which is objection-
able, and it is this sort of discrimina-
tion which has aroused the indigna-
tion of the ‘hardware dealer, not the
mere fact that the manufacturer sells
others.

In this connection, rather an amus-
ing thing happened while our price
committee was in session in Indian-
apolis. Mr. Paterson brought into the
room two auger bits. One had been
bought in an independent hardware
store and the other in a chain store.
Both of the ‘bits had the shanks wrap-
ped with paper to disclose their iden-
tity or trade marks. They were sub-
mitted to the members of the com-
mittee and they were asked to select
the trade marked bit. One of the
dealers, accidentally, I think, did select
the trade marked bit which came from
the hardware store, but when they
were shuffled the second time, he was
unable to distinguish between the two.
To my mind the only real difference
was forty-five cents in the retail prices.

Neither the retailer nor the whole-
saler owe the manufacturer any great-
er obligation than he owes them. If
his policies show inconsistency or
favoritism, it seems to me that there
should be no hesitancy in bringing
them to his attention. If he continues
to play fast and loose in his policies by
giving preferential prices to others
outside the regular channels of trade,
he has no right to complain if those
not so favored, decide upon a parting
of the ways.

I have been very much puzzled late-
ly over the attitude of some of our
jobbers on this question of price dis-
crimination. I remember to have been
with Mr. Sheets some time ago when
he asked the vice-president and sales
manager of one of our large jobbing
houses to give him some information
on jobbers’ costs on a certain item. He
seemed very evasive and finally told
us that under no circumstances would
he quote any manufacturer’s prices to
them on any item, in spite of the fact
that it has been definitely proven that
this same manufacturer whose line he
is jobbing to hardware dealers has
been guilty of selling his product to a
large syndicate at a price which is con-
siderably lower than the average job-
ber is paying.

This same jobber last summer placed
heavy orders on import for rake heads,
spading fork heads and hoes and other
items in the steel goods line and had
them handled in their own plant. They
sent samples to all their men on the
road and they ‘have sold large quan-
tities of them to the dealers. Most of
you know of the propaganda that thas
recently been circulated by an Ameri-
can steel goods manufacturer, relative
to the import merchandise in. this line,
and urging the dealers to “Buy Ameri-
can.” One of the salesmen on the
road resented this propaganda and
wrote a letter to his sales manager
setting forth his feelings in the matter.

MICHIGAN

I happened to see the sales manager’s
reply. He told the salesman that he
could not blame his dealers for buying
large quantities of the imported goods
at the prices at which they had been
sold, when the buying public had been
clamoring for lower prices from the
American makers without any relief,
but that they must ‘be very tactful and
very politic about the matter, for fear
that this American manufacturer
might cut off their supply of private
brand merchandise which they were
making for them. His reason for this
was that the manufacturer knew
something of the size of their import
order.

Be it said to the credit of some of
our wholesalers that they are begin-
ning to recognize the situation and are
pounding their department buyers on
the back, to give their dealers mer-
chandise with which they can meet
the situation. Others, do not, as yet,
seem to realize what it is all about.

Two years ago before there was any
thought of a price committee, I went
to the wholesaler from whom I was
buying quite a large portion of my
hardware and submitted to him a list
of fifty items selected from the latest
mail order catalogue which were so
highly competitive that I felt that I
really must have some help. These
items were given to the buyers in the
various departments, and in a few
days, some of them came back with
lower costs, but since that time they
seem to have lapsed into unconscious-
ness again and it is always necessary
for me to buy back, when I am in
trouble on any competitive item, in-
stead of their having a price which
they know will enable me to meet the
situation.

When I pay my supplier for the
goods I buy, according to his terms,
I feel that I have the right to insist
that he supply me with merchandise
at a price that will enable me to meet
my competition. I realize that he
must have a margin on his goods, suf-
ficient to pay his handling costs, and
leave a reasonable profit, and this is
his job. His buyers should know
enough about general competitive con-
ditions to do this, and do it efficiently.

My observation of some of these
buyers is that it would be a fine thing
if they would get out on the firing
line occasionally and really find out
something about what the retail deal-
er is up against. Some of the mer-
chandise they ask their salesmen to
sell proves conclusively that it might
also be well for them to shop other
stores occasionally. Styles and de-
mands change in hardware stores just
like they change in other stores, and
some jobbers’ stocks in certain lines
are two years behind the times.

I said a little while ago that the cus-
tomer of to-day ds boss, and that he
must ‘be served economically and
efficiently. Let us not forget this.
There is another fundamental in busi-
ness to-day that we seem to have
overlooked and that is this: The mer-
chandise in your store and mine is
worth no more than the price at which
our customers can buy it in some
other store.

The old theory that the independent
merchant can sell for more on account
of the service he renders, his person-

TRADEoMAN

ality, his having the confidence of the
public, and all these things, has been
exploded into thin air, by the neces-
sity of having had to meet competi-
tion on its own ground. Back in the
days when our fathers were in busi-
ness there may have been such a thing
as customer loyalty, but there is no
such thing to-day. Customers to-day
are thinking in terms of price, quality
and value and they are buying mer-
chandise rather than trade names.
They have become value conscious
and they know, too, that unbranded
goods are many times just as good,
and are greater values by reason of
the prices at which they are sold.

They have learned the lesson that
we, as retailers must learn, that goods
are not worth one price in one store,
and a very much lower price in another
store down the street.

So far, in all that I have said, there
is really nothing new. It is just a
plain statement of facts with which
every one of you is familiar.

There may have been the thought
in the minds of those who introduced
the West Baden resolution that the
Association could find some means of
solution of the problem. If you were
to appoint as members of a National
price committee the brightest minds
end the shrewdest ‘buyers in the in-
dustry, even then they could not solve
the problem alone. The Association
buys no merchandise for resale and
the members of the committee buy
only for their own stores.

The real solution of the problem, to
my mind, is in our own hands as deal-
ers and as the buyers of merchandise
we sell to the customers who come
into our stores. We must put upon
our suppliers the same kind of pres-
sure that our more aggressive com-
petitors put upon theirs when they buy
merchandise.

To me, a careful study of the re-
ports to the price committee shows
conclusively that the old theory that
the merchant should devote his time
to selling, and let the buying take care
of titself, is all wrong. Buying has not
taken care of itself, and will not take
care of itself. Buying and selling go
hand in hand in good merchandising,

‘and both must be well done. Buying

is one form of good management
which must not be looked upon light-
ly. Some one has said that good dis-
tribution is getting the goods into the
hands of the consumer at the lowest
possible cost. That is exactly what
our competition is doing and I take my
hat off to them. That is what I must
do if I am to survive.

I must realize that success in this
day and age is only for those who do
their jobs well.

What, then, are the retailers of this
country to do with the job that lies
before them?

Having studied the reports of deal-
er’s costs from all sections of the coun-
try, and to bring the matter down to
a personal job, I think I would sum-
marize it something like this:

First. Let me go back to the state-
ment I made a few moments ago. The
merchandise in your store and mine is
worth no more than the price at which
our customers can
other store. I wish we might hang
that over the desk, and put it at the

buy it in some

3

top of the page in the want book,
where we might see it every time we
buy merchandise for sale to our cus-
tomers. I must be a closer student of
competition, of merchandise, and of
values, and I must know the price my
customers are willing to pay, and at
which they can buy from other sources
of supply. On special lines of mer-
chandise sold in my store, both the
personnel and myself must have more
accurate knowledge in order that we
may sell more effectively.

Second. Knowing my competition,
my merchandise, and the prices at
which my customers are able to buy,
and willing to pay, I will insist that
the manufacturer and the wholesaler on
whom I depend for my supplies, sell
me at a price that will enable me to
meet my competitive situation, - and
leave a reasonable profit. I will refuse
to buy from those who do not do this.
lf the theory of manufacturer to whole-
saler, to retailer, is sound, then the
manufacturer and the wholesaler from
whom I am buying ought to be equal-
ly interested in provng its soundness
and economy in the distribution of
hardware. If at is not sound and effi-
cient, it has no right to exist, and it
will not long survive, if others do like-
wise.

Third. I will ever keep in mind the
fact that due to the sad lessons of
economy the buying public has learned
in the past few years they will prob-
ably for several years to come be more
careful in their purchases and be more
exacting as to value, I will ever keep
in mind the fact that trade names do
not always mean quality and value and
I will not disregard the demand that
is growing every day for good, ser-

viceable merchandise at a popular
price.
Fourth. I will not lose sight of the

fact that there are now, and always
have ‘been, numbers of folks in my
community who have money to spend,
regardless of general conditions. I
think this kind of customer might well
be called “the forgotten man.” All
through a long period of years he has
paid cash for his purchases, has re-
quired little service, and in many cases
has paid the losses of the credit cus-
tomer who has required the service,
and has taken his own time in paying
his bills. My business must be revo-
lutionized to merchandise to this cus-
tomer to serve him efficiently, and to
allocate the costs of service where they
rightly belong. This is the day when
the cash customer is coming into his
own,

Fifth. I will not continue to accept
conditions as they are and content my-
self with mere complaint and criticism,
on the theory that nothing can be done
about it.

I made this same statement in our
Kentucky convention a few weeks ago
in discussing this same subject. Last
Sunday afternoon I had a very pleas-
ant visit from one of my neighboring
dealers. He told me that he went
home from the convention and then
took a whole day off shopping the
mail order and chain stores in a neigh-
boring city. He told me that he
found out that he had been paying a
long price for a number of items in his
store, and that he ‘had been very much

(Continued on page 14)

 

 

4

MOVEMENTS OF MERCHANTS.

Battle Creek—Birney & Green, Inc.,
succeeds the Smith Shoe Co. in busi-
ness at 28 West Michigan avenue.

Grand Rapids—The Paalman Furni-
ture Co., 250 Ionia avenue, S. W., has
decreased its capiatl stock from $150,-
000 to $75,000.

Newberry—Thieves entered the gro-
cery store and meat market of J. K.
Jacobson and robbed the safe of its
contents, over $200 in cash.

Detroit—The Woodward Doughnut
Corporation, 1518 Woodward avenue,
has been incorporated with a capital
stock of $1,000, all subscribed and paid
in.

Detroit—The Manufacturers’ Job-
bing House, Inc., 804 Hammond build-
ing, has been incorporated with a cap-
ital stock of $5,000, all subscribed and
paid in.

Fulton—Fire damaged the entire
general stock of Thomas R. Mears
with the exception of canned goods in
the grocery department. The loss is
covered by insurance.

Pontiac—The Pontiac Refining Co.,
169 Whittemore street, has been in-
corporated with a capital stock of
2,000 shares at $1 a share, $1,000 being
subscribed and paid in.

Detroit—The Goldman Furniture
Co., 8625 Linwood avenue, has been
organized to deal in furniture at re-
tail with a capital stock of $15,000,
all subscribed and paid in.

Detroit—The Spa Corporation, 953
Penobscot Bldg., has been organized
to reduce mineral waters to dry form
and composition of soaps with a cap-
ital stock of $4,000, all subscribed and
paid in.

Detroit — The Hemafil Co., 606
Woodward avenue, proprietary med-
icine,- has been incorporated with a
capital stock of 50,000 shares at $1 a
share, $50,000 being subscribed and
paid in.

Detroit—The Three Brothers Dry
Goods Stores, Inc., 2530 East Davison
street, has merged its business into a
stock company under the same style
with a capital stock of $4,500, all sub-
scribed and paid in.

Detroit—The Rotary Electric Steel
Co., 1509 Ford Bldg., has been organ-
ized to build and operate furnaces,
foundries, etc., with a capital stock of
$15,000, of which $3,750 has been sub-
scribed and $1,000 paid in.

Detroit—The Howard A. Davidson
Lumber Co., succeeds Howard A.
Davidson, Inc., 11690 Cloverdale
avenue, in the lumber, paigts, glass and
‘building materials business with a cap-
ital stock of $75,000, all subscribed and
paid in.

Detroit—The Anchor Steel & En-
gineering Co., 2563 Bellevue avenue,
has merged its business into a stock
company under the style of the An-
chor Steel & Conveyor Co., with a
capital stock of $12,000, all subscribed
and paid in.

Lansing—Percy E. Rulison, Glen
Sensabaugh and Al Brewbaker have
engaged in business at 824 East Mich-
igan avenue, under the style of the
Electric Sales & Service, dealing in
and servicing radio and other elec-
tric equipment.

 

MICHIGAN

Lansing—Paul G. Schmidt, presi-
dent of Schmidt Bros. stores, has an-
nounced that the four stores of the or-
ganization will now be conducted on
a strictly cash ‘basis, that the patrons
of the stores may benefit from the
“pay as you go” policy.

Jackson—The Jackson
the Associated Apparel Industries,
with headquarters in Chicago, was
closed March 1. The plant, formerly
the Jackson Corset Co., started opera-
tion in 1883. About 200 employes will
be thrown out of work,

Caledonia—The Caledonia Co-opera-
tive Creamery Association, Ltd., has
merged its business into a stock com-
pany under the style of the Caledonia
Co-operative Creamery, with a capital
stock of $5,000, of which $2,350 has
been subscribed and paid in.

Detroit—The Finsterwald Clothing
Co., 235 Monroe avenue, has been or-
ganized to manufacture and deal in
clothing for men, women and children,
with a capital stock of $50,000 pre-
ferred and $1,800 common, $1,000 of
which has been subscribed and paid
in.

Detroit—The City Poultry & Egg
Co., Inc., 2815 Humboldt avenue,
wholesale and retail dealer in eggs
and poultry, has merged the business
into a stock company under the same
style with a capital stock of $10,000,
$1,000 of which has been subscribed
and paid in.

Detroit—Charles E. Elliott, dealer
in drugs at 6509 Michigan avenue, has
merged the business into a stock com-
pany under the style of the Charles
S. Elliott Drug Co., Inc., with an
authorized capital stock of $10,000, all
of which has been subscribed and $5,-
000 paid in.

Harbor Springs—Herman Van Drie,
has sold his bakery to G. L. Wasnich
and James L. Smith, who will con-
tinue the business under the Same
style, the Model Bakery. Mr. Was-
nich has had twenty-five years’ experi-
ence in the baking business and Mr.
Smith has had fifteen years in the
business.

Petersburg—J. Fred Kohler, 73,
hardware dealer here for many years,
died recently. He started a coal and
lumber business in 1885 and added
hardware lines a few years later. In
addition he was a contractor and
builder. Mr. Kohler, who held several
public offices in the township and
county, remained active in his hard-
ware business nutil shortly before his
death.

Kalamazoo—Michael Kennedy, re-
tail dealer in cigars and tobacco for
the past thirty years, has sold his
stock and store fixtures to Oscar
Born, who will continue the business
at the same location, 250 South
Burdick street. The store contains
the same fixtures, including the cases
and the clock located in the front of
the store that were there when the
place opened for business thirty years
ago.

factory of

Mt. Clemens—A new electric re-
frigerator, by Copeland Products, Inc.,
has ‘been announced by W. D. Mc-
Elhinny, vice-president in charge of
sales. The cabinet is modernistic and
massive, while the refrigerating unit

TRADESMAN

is small and compact. The entire re-
frigerating system is contained in a
compartment but little larger than
that occupied by the evaporator alone
in a conventional refrigerator. The
complete system weighs only 74
pounds, about half the weight of the
conventional types, and uses but 5%
ounces of refrigerant as against ap-
proximately 19 ounces in. the older
types.

Lansing—Lawrence C. Inman, for
the past five years affiliated with the
sales department of the Schust Bak-
ing Co., Saginaw, has been assigned
to the managership of the Lansing
branch of the company. The announce-
ment was made from the Saginaw
offices Thursday. Mr. Inman. suc-
ceeds A. Frank Doyle whose resigna-
tion as manager of the Lansing
branch took effect March 1. Mr. In-
man began with the Schust Co. in the
Saginaw territory five years ago. He
started as a salesman and for the past
two and a half years has been special
representative of the company in
Michigan. Mr. Inman is Michigan
born.

Battle Creek—J. William Murphy,
Jr., East Michigan avenue druggist,
has taken out nominating petitions for
mayor, announcing that he was run-
ning independently. Mr. Murphy lives
at 98 Wendell and manages the Am-
berg & Murphy drug store at 5 East
Michigan avenue, the oldest pharmacy
in Battle Creek. He has a wife and
two sons and a daughter, two of whom
have been graduated from high school
while the third is still in school. Mr.
Murphy was born in Battle Creek,
graduated from the University of
Michigan in 1908 and afterward took
post graduate work in economics at
the University of Chicago and Har-
vard university.

 

Manufacturing Matters,

Detroit—The American Boy Candy
Co., 8660 Mackinaw avenue, has been
organized to manufacture and sell can-
dy with a capital stock of $1,000, all
subscribed and paid in.

Detroit— Musliner, Inc., Detroit-
Leland Hotel Bldg., has been organ-
ized to manufacture and_ sell! paint,
putty and glass, with a capital stock
of $25,000, all subscribed and paid in.

Detroit—The Buttercup Creamery,
Inc., 12676 Ilene street, has been or-
ganized to manufacture and sell butter
and other dairy products with a capital
stock of 1,000 shares at $10 a share,
$4,800 being subscribed and paid in.

—~+++___
Death of Joseph W. Knapp, of
Lansing.
Lansing, March 7 — Joseph W.

Knapp, 74, pioneer Lansing business
man, died Tuesday at Daytona Beach,
Fla., where he was spending the win-
ter months. He had been in ill health
for about two years,

Mr. Knapp was founder of the 7. Ww.
Knapp Co., vice-president of the Cap-
itol Savings and Loan Co., a director
of the Industrial Bank, and served as
vice-president of the City National
Bank until that institution was merged
with the Capital National Bank in De-
cember, 1931.

Mr. Knapp came to Lansing about
1884 and went to work for the Burn-
ham Dry Goods Co., which later be-
came the Mills Dry Goods Co. Later
he became affiliated with E. Bement

 

March 8, 1922

& Sons as a salesman, and after a fey
years went to Albion and formed »
partnership with Frank W. Jewett.

Mr. Knapp and Mr. Jewett came t
Lansing about thirty-five years ago and
purchased the old Jenison dry good
store at the Southwest corner of Wash-
ington avenue and Ottawa streci
Later they moved their dry good
business to the present location of the
J. W. Knapp Co., and in 1908, Richard
Lackey bought out the interest of
Jewett and the firm was incorporated
as the J. W. Knapp Co.

He continued to build up his busi-
ness until it became one of ‘the state's
leading department stores. Mr. Knapp
was active in the retail business until
1928 when ‘he retired and disposed oj
his interests.

The pioneer. merchant was also one
of the founders, “‘e first secretary, and
the second president of the Michigan
Retail Dry Goods Association, and
was active in the work of the National
Retail Dry Goods Association,

He became a director of the Capital
Savings and Loan Co. about ten years
ago and was later elected vice-presi-
dent. He was a member of the Ki-
wanis Club for a number of years and
served a term as its president. He
served as president of the old Mer-
chants’ Bureau, now known as_ the
civic bureau.

Mr. Knapp was married ito Catherine
Walker, a Lansing girl, about 1885.
Their only child, a daughter, died when
about four years old. Mr. Knapp was
born in Ohio and came to Hillsdale
with his parents when a small boy. It
was there that he learned the dry
goods business in a general store. He
is survived by a brother, Frank Knapp,
of Hillsdale, and sisters living in Hills-
dale and Fort Wayne, Ind. Mrs.
Knapp and Charles H. Davis are
cousins.

Although business was Mr. Knapp’s
chief hobby, he liked golf, and built
his home adjacent to the Country Club
of Lansing so he could use the golf
course conveniently.

There has probably never been a
business man or employer, better liked
by his employes than was Mr. Knapp.
Even after his retirement from active
business he would return to the old
store nearly every day to visit with
those who worked with him in his
business,

The Merchants Bureau, now the
Civic Bureau, received the enthusiastic
support of the veteran dry goods deal-
er. He would always have something
interesting to say at the meetings and
there was always the best attention
when he spoke.

About two years ago Fred E. Mills,
who had been one of Mr. Kmnapp’s
close friends for a number of years,
spoke at a meeting of the Civic Bureau
which was set aside as a testimonial
meeting for Mr. Knapp.

Mr. Knapp was interested in Boy
Scout work and for two years headed
the finance committee of the Lansing
Council of Boy Scouts. One of his
hobbies was taking three or four
Scouts to the Kiwanis Club meetings
as his guests.

Mr. Knapp was one of the directors
of the City National Bank and sacri-
ficed a considerable portion of his own
fortune to protect depositors of that
institution when. it was merged with
the Capital National Bank.

At the store Mr. Knapp was a tire-
less worker. He was on tthe job day
and night, was often the first to arrive
in the morning and the last to leave
after closing hours. D. M. Shotwell,
general manager of Knapp’s, who was
Mr. Knapp’s close business associate
for years says he never knew a man
who was more loved by his employes.
—Lansing State Journal.

If you would have a faithful servant
and one that you like, serve yourself.
— 2. -____

Now is the time to light up the
candle of industry and economy.

 

 

inca Prescot

 

 

 
   
  
    
 

Saeed

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

 

 

of the Grocery

{ jobbers hold cane
435c and beet granu-

‘the week the first
+ has continued steady
te firm. , however, have shown
go special. | farther change in this coun-
ry, although there have been fluctua-
bi i the primary markets. The
financial conditions especially fluctua-

" change as between this

   
   
   
  
        
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

heey ‘aioe have
market for spot Rio
green and in a large way,
week, ene, —

4 tate of some of the
the Farm Board in ex-

| sage Board had

 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
   
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
   

: such statistics as
or less oe,

He hamiber of canners.

1 to 5,006,952 cases in
, almost doubled its

; s been subjected to
Various” sections, even
te has mot been any

 

_and getting it out

n't Fakes Lahore
trade demand.
‘© change has occur-

on since the last

  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
   

igh: and a wae
from the Coast.

‘States had sizable in-

effect af salen:

 

Coast. The movement of California
prunes also has kept encouraging pace
with apricots. There has been a firm-
€r price trend in California 40s as 50s
grew into short supply. Small sizes
of prunes are in markedly narrow
compass in California, All unsold
stocks in the Santa Clara Valley are
held by first hands or the prune pool,
except for probably 500 tons still in
the hands of independent growers.
Raisins have at least held their ground.
Thompsons have remained — steady,
while Sultanas and Muscats were in
rather restricted demand, as also are
bleached raisins. Packaged fruits have
been moving in fairly good volume,
with business generally on a replace-
ment basis. The coming of the bank
holidays generally throughout the
country may be expected to have an
unfavorable effect on trading, but most
hands are inclined to look for a prompt
resumption of business when the
storm blows over.

Beans and Peas— Practically all
varieties of dried beans-are dull with
a weak undertone. It is possible to
buy some varieties at a shading over
last week. Dried peas, however, are
relatively in better condition than dried
beans. This, with the possible excep-
tion of blackeye peas, which are still
weak.

Cheese—Cheese shows a fair demand
with prices steady. It is believed by
students of the market that the rea-
son why more cheese is not sold is be-
cause nobody makes any particular ef-
fort to sell it; it is one of those things
most left to sell itself.

' Nuts—While it is now getting “near
the time when some necessary season-
al buying is expected, large nut dis-
tributors are rather inclined to dis-
count the volume of business usually
done around this time of the year be-
cause of adverse economic conditions.
The past week was marked by some
pickup in the demand for filberts in the
shell, as the trade has come to realize
that there is a marked scarcity om the
spot, although supplies abroad are

“plentiful enough. Pecans seem to be
- the next im importance, as supplies

here are rather spotted, and first hands
are well cleaned out of certain grades
for shipment. Walnuts are dull, and
there’ is onty the barest interest in
Brazils and other varieties. The
shelled nut market can be summed: up
in few words. There js hardly any
change in cables from abroad, and
while stocks here are light generally,
the closeness of buying keeps prices
easy and it is still essentially a buyer’s
market,

Olives—Shippers in Spain are still
holding out for firm prices. To date
there has been no large replacement
demand. Consumers are buying rather
lightly out of spot supplies. Because
of the lack of an oversupply here the
price tone is firm,

Olive Oil—Italian oil is holding
around the old levels, with a somewhat
weaker tone to the market. Stocks
here continue light and there is a
rather routine demand. Prices on
Spanish and Italian oils are now about
on a, parity,

Pickles—Prices show no quotable
changes, but because of the lack of a
consistent demand there has been some
competition.

salt Fish—Demand for mackerel
and other salt fish is good and is ex-
pected to continue good for the next
several weeks. Prices are at present
steady, but holders are predicting ad-
vances during Lent on account of
smal] supplies.

Sauerkraut — Consumers of sauer-
kraut are still buying lightly. Bulk
kraut remains at previous levels.

Syrup and Molasses—Production of
sugar syrup is stilk light with the de-
mand just about equal to it. Therefore
the undertone is steady to firm, but
without change for the week. Com-
pound syrup is unchanged for the
week with a small demand. The gro-
cery grades of molasses are unchanged.

ee

Review of the Produce Market.

Apples—Red McIntosh, $1.25@1.50
per bu.; Wagner, 85c@$1.25; Spys,
$1.50 for No, l and $1 for No. 2; Bald-
wins, 75c@$1; Greenings, $1@1.25.

Bagas—Canadian, 60c per 50 Mp. sack.

Bananas—4@4%c per tb.

Beets—75e per bu.

Butter—Demand for butter during
the week has been very quiet and
prices have had a few small fractional
declines. Receipts are just a little too
large for the present demand. Jobbers
hold plain wrapped prints at 18c and

Cabbage—40c pet bu.; 50¢ for red.
New from Texas, $2.40 per 75 tb. crate.

California Fruits—Empress Grapes,
$2.25.

Carrots—Home grown, 40c per bu.;
California, 60¢ per doz. bunches and
$2.75 per crate,

Cauliflower—$1.80 per crate contain-
ing 6@9 from Calif. and Arizona.

Celery—20@We per bunch for home
grown: Florida commands 35@45c per
bunch and $2.75 per crate.

Cocoanuts—0c per doz. or $5.50 per
bag.

Cranberries—$2.75 per 25 th. box for
Late Howe.

Cucumbers—No. 1 hot house, $1.25
per doz.

Dried Beans—Michigan jobbers pay
as follows for hand picked at shipping
station:

C. H. Pea from elevator ~....-.< $1.10
Pea from fatmer —.—... 225 90
Light Red Kidney from farmer —. iz
Dark Red Kidney from farmer .. 1.2
65 Ib. tubs at 17c for extras.

Eggs—The market for eggs has
ruled from steady to firm during the
week. Offerings of fine fresh eggs are
lrmited and the demand pretty good.
Jobbers pay 7c per Ib. for receipts,
holding candled fresh eggs at 13c per
dozen for hhen’s eggs and 10c for
putllets. .

Grape Fruit—Present prices are as
follows:

Florida. Mor. Jitice. .nnnieuenmiinn $2.50
Florida Sealed Sweet -.-.-.-..- 275
Teen, CaOlee ....._.--.....-- ns Ue
Texas, Fate .~-4.<.. 2, 3.50
Texas, Bugadle ....2. 2.00

Green Onions—Chalots, 60c per doz.

Green Peppers—-50c per doz.

Honey—Comb, 5@6c per Ib.; strain-
ed, 5 tb. tins, $4.50 per doz.; 60 fb. cans,
8c per Ib.

Lettuce —In good demand on the
following basis:
Imperial Valley, 6s, per crate ~..$2.85
Imperial Valey, 4s and 5s, crate. 3.00
Hot house, 10 Ib. basket -..--.- 60

S

Lemons—The price is as follows:
ooo Sutthint $5.50
S00 Uae OS 5.50
SO ROE FA occ cwenes eens 4.50
wer Ned Bae ee 4.50

Mushrooms—-28¢ per one fb. carton,
Oranges——-Fancy Sunkist California
Navels are now sold as follows:

26 oh a $3.00:
FO reins cin semetin sete aes 3.00
16. oo 3.00
PO es 3.00
O06 3.00
BAe ek eee 3.00
FE oa ee ee 3.00
Re a eo eae 3.00

Red Ball, 50c per box less,
Indian River oranges are sold on the
following basis:

0 ic en ieee eee $3.00
5oe fo 3.00
16 oe ee 3.00
26 6 ae wus EOD
FO ne ee ot UU ateent 3.00
Ce ee ee a = 2s
SOO i dab tied 2.75

3ulk, $3 per 100 Ibs.

Onions—-Home grown, 50c per bu.
for medium yellow, Domestic Spanish,
$1.40 per crate.

Parsley—50c per doz. bunches.

Potatoes—Home grown, 40c per bu.
on the local market; Idaho bakers, 26¢
for 15 Ib. sack.

Poultry—Wilson & Company pay-as
follows:

Heavy fowls ..-..-... annineieath wn Ase
L tele FOWIG ic ccece cinceicierionnnilions won
SR os, ca nao aeiciieenneniean ae
PUEGS: snicd sens dimacnemenentie lle
COORG: cinch dicinne~ecmnens Siceniccabcnig ae

Radishes—40c per doz. bunches hot
house.

Spinach—$1 per ‘bu.
grown,

Sweet Potatoes—$1.50 per bu, for
kiln dried Indiana.

Tangerines—$1.90 per box or bu®

Tomatoes--Hot house, 10 tb. basket,
$1.40; 5 fb. box, 75.

Veal Calves — Wilson & eae
pay as follows:
PURCY Lekssccesengd Lee 6@7c
G006 6 ies eee . 5@6c¢

Spe
CLOVEN HOOF OF CHAINS.
(Continued from page 1)

for Southern

numerous small checks which the cus-
tomer had been given. This is the
system by which checks were cashed,
and then the last few days of the
banking holiday, just a few days be-
fore the banks were opened in-a modi-
fied form, the chain stores refused to
cash checks of any description for any
body whatsoever,

It strikes me that through this period
the independent merchants not only of
Battle Creek but every community in
Michigan, as near as I can find out,
were put to the test and proved to be
100 per cent. in the emergency, They’
extended credit, they cashed checks
and did everything possible to help
out during this time of stress. The
chain stores all the way through fell
way short on the opportunity presents
ed to them to be of some use in the
communities in which they do business:

I sincerely hope the editor of the
Michigan Tradesman will make good
use of this article,

Joseph C. Grant,

  

 

 

 

6

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

March 8, 1933

 

MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE

The Gospel of Mutual Insurance.

The year 1932 is at an end. With its
passing let us review the progressive
and stabilizing influence mutual fire

 

insurance has exercised throughout the
Nation.

The gospel of Mutual Fire Insur
ance is simply selection, inspection and
economy of operation—and this sim-
ple gospel has well served our Nation
in this time of need. Mutual insurance
has proven so beneficial that nothing
can now impede its progress. It has
been repeatedly proven that selection,
inspection, education, co-operation and
responsibility are the strands which
make the mutual unbreakable.

Mutual insurance means something
more than piling risk upon risk, some-
thing more than a mere business trans-
action. When a man is really con-
verted to the cause, he is as one born
again—he has entered the kindgdom,
leaving behind his old faults and
habits. This is no mere figure of speech
—it is gospel truth. The trouble lies
to-day with the preachers—they won't
take time to explain their doctrines to
individuals—they want tham to come
up their trail in droves. And the re-
sult? Higher loss and expense ratios—
lower dividends—failures. The purely
mutual company — the company that
calls for personal responsibility on the
part of its members—is the sound, suc-
cessful company to-day.

One who well knows the value and
necessity of mutual insurance, said re-
cently: “Men who devote their entire
time to buying the multitudinous cov-
erages required by big business are
now indicating their unmistakable
preterence for mutual insurance. Amer-
ica’s farmers, backbone of the Nation,
have always looked to mutual insur-
ance for their protection against the
hour of trouble. And so in large meas-
ure in all the ramifications of business
and industry. The consequence is that
this business of ours is now so closely
interwoven into the fabric of American
life that its future is bound up with
what is happening to our general so-
cial and economic structure.”

Do you not realize that the practice
of mutual fire prevention has material-
ly aided in the stabilization of your fire
insurance rates; of your property val-
ues; and has helped lessen the cost of
Government through lowered taxation,
in maintenance of home industries and
the attractions of new industries to the
community?

The outstanding characteristic of
mutual insurance has been its perma-
nency and stability. Older than the
Nation, is this thing called mutual
insurance. In the year 1789 our Na-
tional existence came into being—but
mutual insurance was there to welcome
it, for mutual insurance guided by
such hands as Hamilton’s, Marshall’s
and Franklin’s had already been func-
tioning continuously for many years.
Mutual insurance is now entering a
decade of unprecedented growth.
Never has the stability, the perma-
nence of mutual insurance been so well
justified or so thoroughly demonstrat-

ed as in 1932. The truth stands to the
front that mutuals are stronger to-day
than ever before.

The days past were days of many
problems. The times made it neces-
sary that the officers and directors of
mutual companies use their heads as
they had never used them before. Sen-
ator Shipstead pointed out clearly the
value of the mutual insurance com-
pany during the year 1932. Others
have aided materially as to the best
way to prevent arson fires or other
fires, and mutual insurance has done
just that. Through inspection, through
an adjustment of insurance
through education of policyholders, and
through careful underwriting practices,
mutual companies set about to main-
tain the wonderful reputation accorded
them by Senator Shipstead, and their
success has been stupendous.

The continuous intelligent attention
to fire prevention on the part of mu-
tual companies and their home owners,
will soon make fire prevention an ac-

values,

complished fact.
—_—_»~+._____

How Things Are Going in Central
Florida.

Sebring, Florida, March 4—-Having
missed the Michigan cherry festival,
with the accompanying queen crown-
ing festivities last spring I attempted
to even up by attending the strawberry
festival this week at Plant City.
Strawberry festivals are all the rage
in Florida in mid-winter, just as are
cherry tours and festivals and the
crowning of our cherry queens in the
spring time in Michigan. Comparisons
are always odious, and I am anxious
to merit the good opinion of my hosts
down here, but the facts are that we
have considerably more class to the
crowning act in Michigan than they
do in Florida. First of all they do not
have here the presence and participa-
tion of the governor of the state. The
capital city—Tallahassee—being a bit
too far away from the region of fruit
festivals, at least the sort that they
celebrate in Plant City, Lakeland,
Winter Haven and other towns where
we have celebrated to call a Florida
governor.

It may be of interest to note that

there is a North and South Florida,
just as distinctly as there is North and
South Michigan. Indeed, it is a greater
distance from Key West, Florida, to
its most Northern point than it is from
the Ohio or Indiana line to the farther-
most point in ‘the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan. The difference in perman-
ent, early settlement and density of
population in the two states is just the
reverse. Northern Florida has been
well settled for many years, as has
Southern Michigan, but the develop-
ment of South Florida, for the most
part, has been comparatively recent
and no contemplated development in
Michigan compares with the proposed
redemption of the everglades section in
Florida. I wrote briefly of that a
couple of weeks ago and will refer to
it again when some road construction
makes more convenient a trip to
Clewiston in the sugar cane country
and the location of the biggest of
sugar mills.
_Rex Beach, noted author, has a side
line as proprietor of a truck farm in
the Avon Park section, which I visited
on Thursday. This clever writer of
thrills specializes in gladiolas and ex-
hibits them at the various fairs and
festivals. His gardener is as adept at
bringing out the colors of agfower as
is his distinguished employer in word
painting.

The sugar industry in Michigan
would seem to have as close a connec-
tion with the fruit industry of our
state as the two have in Florida, I am

for Buying Michigan if it does not
involve so large a contribution through
state socialism—subsidies, etc.—as to
lose the whole advantage that home
industries might be expected to gain.

Newspaper reports indicate that dif-
ferent sections of Michigan have varied
interests in the bank holiday and some
home state dailies seem anxious to
drag politics into the situation, regard-
less of how it may effect the general
welfare. I have a notion that Senator
Couzens and Henry ford have always
been closer together politically than
was generally supposed. If they can
tie up in this situation and work to-
gether it would seem to offer an op-
portunity for real accomplishment not
to be gained by any sort of personal
rivalry, or by some _ political party
damphoolishness.

I know some people, both in Michi-
gan and Florida, who are so politically
sore over the late election that they

seem unable to think, act or talk with
even a fair degree of sanity. And they
are not confined to the opposing party,
either—no matter which one that hap-
pens to be.

Persons who are Roosevelt-minded
—that is, those who have watched and
studied his career—are for the most
part pleased and satisfied with his
cabinet selections. There is some com-
plaint that he did not throw out the
“All A’board” line to the forces who
fought him in Chicago and withheld
support in the election until every-
body, except a few partisanly blind,
ungraciously accepted the probability
of his election. Just as he disappoint-
ed every critic of his pre-convention
and National campaign, Roosevelt has
disappointed those who hoped he
would fail in picking a strong cabinet
or would select one devoted to special
interests or one having no interests
except their own. Harry M. Royal.

 

 

 

 

™ GRAND RAPIDS MERCHANTS
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO.

A LEGAL RESERVE MUTUAL COMPANY

23 YEARS

OF DIVIDENDS TO POLICYHOLDERS
Affiliated with

THE MICHIGAN RETAIL DRY GOODS ASSOCIATION
320 Houseman Bldg., Grand Rapids, Mich.

 

 

 

 

 

OUR FIRE INSURANCE
POLICIES ARE CONCURRENT

with any standard stock policies that
you are buying

me Net Cot» 0% Less

Michigan Bankers and Merchants Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
of Fremont, Michigan

 

 

WILLIAM N. SENF, Secretary-Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

insurance to be less. It is.

ness, investigate

 

Mutual Insurance

With losses lower, with expenses lower, with no inside profits
for invested capital you would expect the net cost of MUTUAL

The saving in cost is not made at any sacrifice in safety and
strength, The Mutual plan of operation is right, Mutual insur-
ance is better protection, Because it is better it costs less.

May sound unreasonable if you are not informed, An investi-
gation is convincing, For the sake of yourself and your busi-

Finnish Mutual Fire Insurance Company
444 Pine Str., Calumet, Mich.

 

 

 

|
|
|
f

 

AAR I ENERO SATS RES

seme mencetee

 

> <cereame"|

 

March 8, 1933

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

 

 

 

   
   
 
 
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
 
  
   
 
   

All things being equal, we all prefer to do business with
our friends. This is why HEKMAN Cookies and

Crackers are the best selling line you can handle.

In the first place, all things are more than equal.
HEKMAN Cookies and Crackers are made of the finest,
purest ingredients; baked in a scientifically modern,
scrupulously clean bakery; immediately packed in sani-
tary packages; and shipped at once by Hekman’s own
fleet of trucks, direct to the retail store. They are good,
wholesome, pure, and fresh.

But as important as the goodness, the wholesomeness, and

the freshness of HEKMAN Cookies and Crackers—is the
GOOD NAME Hekman enjoys throughout the com-

munity.

This GOOD NAME, backed by the good HEKMAN
dainties, and continually fortified by regular and persist-
ent advertising, means quicker sales, larger sales, more

profitable sales, for you, with HEKMAN’S.
For the trade you serve, HEKMAN’S is a friendly name,

known and respected by your customers. The handling
of HEKMAN Cookies and Crackers adds to the char-
acter of your own good will. It is a line that boosts for
you because of its good name.

Concentrate on HEKMAN Cookies and Crackers and
you concentrate on the line that means most business
for you.

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

HEKMAN BISCUIT CO.

No. 133

 

 

 

SMALL STORE OUTLOOK.

The smaller retail merchant,
doing under $100,000 annually
and averaging about $30,000 in
sales a year, has the greatest op-
portunity now to get his share of
the retail business that he has had
since the end of the war. This is
said not to disparage the marked
difficulties facing the small mer-
chant, but is based on recognition
of the strides in better merchan-
dising which a good many small
stores have taken.

In the current picture, this type
of merchant, through his greater
flexibility of operation, has found
himself in a position to adjust
very effectively his overhead,
rents, many items of controllable
expense, supplies and_ selling
costs. The job then is to get suf-
ficient volume to show a profit.
This can be done. It is more than
likely that a greater percentage
of small stores will be able to
achieve a profit this year than in
1932, despite intense competi-
tion.

Expense cuts in a good number
of instances have about reached
their limit for the smaller store.
A ratio of about 27 per cent.
seems likely for many, with 25
per cent. an ideal figure. The cur-
rent emphasis should be on pre-
serving the maintained margin
figure and steps to achieve 30 per
cent. or better in this figure will
afford a net profit.

The requirements for producing
a net profit by the small retailer
are not mysterious. A funda-
mental to profits is planning ahead
and then carrying through on the
plans, something which few small
merchants have done until recent
years, but which they are now
doing in far greater numbers.

The groundwork for such plan-
ning rests on knowledge of con-
sumer demand, the stocking of
merchandise which has_ been
shown to meet customer favor and
in basically controlled’ assort-
ments and price lines. In recent
years the smaller merchant has
made marked headway in clear-
ing out old and_ slow-moving
goods and can start from scratch
in the sale of new, wanted mer-
chandise.

A vastly larger amount of data
on consumer demand is now
available to the small merchant.
This information, together with
the promotional assistance given
by the alert wholesaler, enables
the smaller retail merchant to
keep his stock investment liquid
and speed his stock turn.

Trends in consumer demand
are now accurately indicated by
reports of what is selling in key
cities, by the careful shopping of
items and response received by
competing retail units and by
close check upon the constant
stream of developments in the
wholesale markets, including new
products, better packaging and

 

MICHIGAN

the establishment of price points
permitting the most rapid flow of
merchandise.

The independent merchant to-
day can effectively meet chain
store competition. He has avail-
able to him the same tools of cen-
tral planning, more effective mer-
chandising' and promotions. It
is his job to carry through. The
day of the small merchant serving
as his own buyer, merchandise
manager and sales promotion ex-
pert, battling against organized
competition, has definitely gone.

Basic stock control methods are
now being used by thousands of
small merchants, which enable
them to buy the wanted items in
popular price ranges and obtain
a faster turnover at a maintained
profit. The haphazard price
ranges which commonly featured
small store merchandising are well
on the way out.

There is considerable talk to-
day regarding loss leaders. This
will always be with us: the small
and the large retailers must both
use a certain percentage of thin-
profit items as a sales stimulant.
It is extremely important, how-
ever, that retailers keep in the
middle of the road in following
this practice.

Small store credit difficulties
undoubtedly represent a serious
problem to-day. No general rule
can be laid down to meet the cur-
rent difficulties; each case must
be decided on its own merits. The
wholesaler is justified in aiding,
so far as possible, the retailer
who has maintained a good credit
rating in the past.

 

BANKING CRISIS REACHED.

What now confronts the country is
the necessity of adjusting itself to par-
tial payment of its savings based on
the ratio of liquid to frozen bank as-
sets. It is now realized that state-
wide holidays in the beginning were
a grave mistake. A fixed ratio, based
possibly on the decline in commodity
prices, might have been adopted and
all banks closed down that were not
able to meet it. Putting the country
on a cash basis, it is pointed out, was
bound to result in disaster,

The business index has, of course,
registered the shock of banking de-
velopments. Its brief rise has been
succeeded by a reaction which will
probably carry it below the Summer
low. On the other hand, securities and
commodity prices toward the close of
last week were buoyant. In the former
case this was ascribed to “short cov-
ering,” but it looked~ atso like tlie
vague beginnings of inflation.

Like many other forecasts in this
depression, the prediction that the
financial panic was over last Summer
has proved wide of the mark. Never-
theless, the fact that the crisis has
now come to a head should mean ac-
tion and an end to the creeping paral-
ysis which more than anything else
has delayed business plans and opera-
tions.

TRADESMAN

While it was too early to canvass
the reaction among the rank and file
of business interests to the Roosevelt
inaugural address, the first opinions
obtained indicated that the new Pres-
ident’s decision to deal with the
emergency on a war-time basis, if
necessary, was thoroughly welcome.
His facing of the realities of the situ-
ation and his promise of action instead
of talk were especially commended.

The specific program offered by
President Roosevelt, comprising strict
supervision of the uses of credit, elim-
ination of speculation with other peo-
ple’s money and provision for adequate
and sound currency, was interpreted
as effective strategy toward re-estab-
lishing public confidence.

In retrospect the absence of such
safeguards appears to be the most
important reason for the trouble in
which the country finds itself. The
war brought its problems, of course,
but the real cause of the inflation and
subsequent collapse is undoubtedly to
be found in the mistakes made by the
central banking authorities from 1924
to 1927, when they decided upon their
easy-money policy, at first to help
Great Britain and then because of the
dominance exerted by the National
administration and its prosperity fixa-
tion.

Later the spirit, if not the letter, of
the Federal Reserve act was violated
in diverting to security speculation the
funds which were supposed to be re-
stricted to commercial use only.

 

COAL, OIL AND GAS.

In the booming days of industrial
development there was talk of the ulti-
mate exhaustion of the world’s fuel
resources. Those ideas have been
largely disproved already and lately
denied by the allegations of technoc-
racy, which foresaw in the near future
a vast surplus of energy. the product
of too much invention and efficiency.

Somewhere between the two ex-
tremes lies the truth of the matter.
Figures of fuel consumption presented
to the convention of the American In-
stitute of Mining and Metallurgical
Engineers are less sensational than
the estimates of technocracy. An
“energy survey“ of the coal and pe-
troleum industries indicates that sta-
tistics of the past are not a safe guide
for the future. The extraordinary
rates of increase in fuel consumption
and energy output will not be main-
tained. There was, for example, an
increasing rate of coal consumption
from 1850 to 1910, a slowing-down
thereafter and a peak consumption
figure of about 6 tons per capita in the
United States in 1917. Since then there
has been a steady decline to an average
of 4.2 tons in 1930. The experts’ esti-

mate for use of coal in 1950 is only -

slightly higher than the present figure.

The use of oil and gas is expected to
increase in the next twenty years, but
by no means at the rate of the last
twenty. And the demand for energy,
which has multiplied so amazingly in
the last half century, is expected to in:
crease at a rate only slightly ‘greater
than the growth of population. Prac-
tical engineers are already expecting

March 8, 1933

a time when “the demand for energy
will become satisfied and from then
on its increase may be only in pro-
portion to the increase in population.”

Fuel is only. one of many factors in
the economic riddle. But the case of
coal, oil and gas illustrates the fallacy
of interpreting the future altogether
by the experience of the past.
ty years ago there was an _ outcry
about the ultimate disappearance of
coal; more recently the danger of ex-
hausting the world’s oil was widely
advertised. These dangers no longer
seem serious. A more important and
immediate problem is to utilize the
world’s available energy, which can
be produced without much increase in
consumption of natural fuels for an
apparently indefinite period.

DRY GOODS CONDITIONS.

From over the country last week
came reports of the heavy toll taken
of retail trade by banking’ troubles.
The losses in some cases ran as high
as 75 per cent., while in other in-
stances emergency measures of one
kind or another held down the de-
clines. Locally, trade in the early part
of the week was quite fair and some
of the sales even pushed figures well
ahead of a year ago. Later on, ad-
verse weather and the bank scare,
culminating in the declaration of a
holiday, caused trade to drop off.

For the month no estimate of trade
can possibly be made owing to dis-
turbances throughout the country.
The stores in New York will probably
show a loss somewhat below the drop
of 25 per cent. reported for January
and fairly well in line with the com-
parison for the first half. The aver-
age will be brought up by the in-
creased volume done by the stores now
holding big sales.

Spread of banking difficulties has,
of course, placed additional obstacles
in the way of maintaining even the
decreased sales which the stores had
been suffering. The way these new
problems are handled, it is emphasized,
will play an important part in future
good-will of customers, and great care
is suggested.

Once the emergency is over, there
are good grounds for believing that
the cloud may prove to have a silver
lining for retailers, inasmuch as some
of the hoarded currency will be spent
before it goes back to the banks.

Wholesale merchandise markets
were quiet in the week and cancella-
tions were received from disturbed
regions. Manufacturers have quite
generally adopted the policy of ship-
ping where the moral risk is good, re-

gardless of banking restrictions.
ee ETS

Neither patents, processes nor se-
crets are any longer assurance of suc-
cess. The men responsible for the
financing of industry have come to
recognize that scientific methods have
largely leveled down the advantages
between one product and _ another.
There are no longer any secrets in
business—at least not in the most suc-
cessful business.

—_—_—_—_—_—

The hardest part of making good! is

doing it all over again every day.

Twen-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i
é

 

>ersnaamcaenasees

 

 

March 8, 1933

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

 

OUT AROUND.

Things Seen and Heard on a Week
End Trip.

After six weeks of suspension our
weekly Out Around calls were resumed
last Saturday. Our ‘first call was at
the peanut butter factory of the Koeze
Manufacturing Co., at Glenwood,
where a second-story addition was be-
ing made to the building. It seemed
good to see men working again on new
construction and to realize that this
was rendered necessary because of the
growth of a business which had met a
disastrous failure because of its for-
mer association with a man who wor-
shipped at the shrine of John Barley-
corn.

I was pleased to note that the new
route for M 21 from Grandville to a
mile or so Southwest of Jenison had
been graded during the winter and
would be ready for cement as soon as
the new road bed settles. Two new
bridges will have to be constructed
over the creeks South of Grandville.
The old structures have been a men-
ace ever since the automobile came
into general use.

Our next call was at the store of the
De Vries & Dornbos Co., at Holland,
where we had ithe pleasure of listening
to the oath being administered to our
new President by Charles E. Hughes,
the greatest lawyer in the world, and
the inspiring speech of acceptance by
President Roosevelt.

The next call was on the grocery
store and meat market of J. J. Kuite,
where we were told the elder owner of
the business is now confined to his
home as the result of a stroke which
he sustained a year or two ago. This
store looks very aitttractive and the
genuine pork sausage on which the
elder made and sustained a wide repu-
tation for many years is now sold at
two pounds for 35 cents instead of 35
cents per pound, as formerly, with no
change in the method of manufacture
or the ingredients used—pork shoul-
ders, salt and sage. My _ original
description of this product and the
conditions under which it was_ sold,
published in tthe Tradesman two or
three years ago, has come back 'to me
in trade papers published in Canada,
England, Holland and New Zealand.

My next call was on the new land-
‘ord of the Warm Friend Tavern—
John Hafner—whom I found to be a
very approachable gentleman. Mr.
Hafner was born on a farm, three
miles Celina, Ohio, Aug. 25,
1895. Both of his parents were born
in Germany. The family consisted of
eight children—three boys and. five
girls—all of whom are still living ex-
cept one son. When Mr. Hafner was
four years old the family removed to
Bryant, Ind., where the parents still
reside. John graduated from _ the
literary course of the Bryant high
school when the was 18 years old. He
then took a position in 'the assembly
department of the National Cash Reg-
ister Co., Dayton, Ohio, where he re-
mained three years. His next con-
nection was as clerk of the Manchester
Hotel, Middletown, Ohio, where he re-

from

mained eight years. He then came to
Holland as chief clerk of the Warm
Friend Tavern. On the retirement of
Manager Dauchy, Jan. 1, of this year,
Mr. Hafner was promoted to the posi-
tion of manager. i

In 1917 Mr. Hafner enlisted as dis-
patch rider in the 37th division and
received his training at Montgomery,
Alabama, He served twenty-two
months at Montgomery and_ nine
months over seas. He was not injured
during the war, although he served
near the front lines all the time he was
in France.

Mr. Hafner has never married. He
belongs to the Elk’s lodge of Holland
and is an ardent lover of golf and lake
‘bathing, in both of which he is very
expert.

He recently received a letter from
the Chamber of Commerce of Holland,
announcing that he had been elected
chairman of the convention committee
which pleased him greatly.

Personally, Mr. Hafner is a very
agreeable man who has a faculty of
making and retaining friends to a re-
markable degree. Like all landlords
at present, he is running close to the
shore, so far as current expenses are
concerned, and keeping the cost of ho-
tel service down to ‘the lowest possible
point, consistent with the satisfactory
accommodations furnished.

I recently read the autobiography of
Calvin Coolidge, written immediately
after he retired from the presidency
and loaned itt to a friend who was
born and brought up in Boston, In
discussing the book with the Bostonian
ithe other day, I casually remarked that
I thought New England people pos-
sessed some qualities not to be found
anywhere else in ‘the country. He re-
plied that he could confirm that
opinion by his own experience. His
father, who was superintendent of a
factory employing 1000 women, using
an equal number of sewing machines,
gave the son a high school education,
with seven years in a musical institute
in the meanltime and three years in an
engineering school. This done, the
father then asked the son what he
planned to do. The son replied that he
was undecided as to the line of work
he would espouse. “How would you
like to come in the factory with me?”
enquired ithe father. The son im-
mediately fell in with the idea and re-
ported for work the next
when he was told where the brooms
were kept. Somewhat crestfallen, be-
cause he expected to start higher up
‘than a floor sweeper, he asked what
his salary would be. “Three dollars
per week to begin with,” replied the
father. The son handled the broom the
best he knew how. He soon became
so adept in ithe use of the broom that
he completed his task by 3 o’clock in
the afternoon, when he was told *to
devote the remainder of the day to re-
pairing any machines which happened
to be out of order. Soon after his
father added 100 machines to the
equipment and told his son he might
set up forty of them. The new equip-

morning,

ment did not work well and the super-
intendent of the sewing machine fac-
tory was sent to straighten out the
difficulty. When he saw that forty of
the machines were set up differently

than the remainder he asked who was
responsible for the change in installa-
tion. “I am the guilty party,” replied
the young man, whereupon the super-
intendent approached ‘the father with
the remark that he would like to trans-
fer the young man’s activities to the

’

sewing machine factory, because he
was evidently destined to be a mechan-
ical genius. “I think tt would be a
good idea for my son to work some-
under my instruc-
father. “I will

where else than
tions,’ replied the
start him in at $18 per week and push
him along as fast as he develops,” said
the other. “I will not let him go un-
less you promise me you will start him
at $10 per week,” said the father. The
transfer was made on the $10 basis,
but within a year the son was gradual-
ly increased to $25 per week, which
was considered good pay for a young
mechanic thirty years ago.

C. C. Kern, proprietor of the White
Lake grocery, one of the bright spots
on the main street of Whitehall, sends
me a newspaper clipping concerning
the decision of the Michigan Supreme
Court on the malt license matter, as
follows:

Chain store companies are not re-
quired to pay a malt tax license fee
for each store.

The state malt tax law provides a
license of $25 for retailers and $100
for distributors. Frank D. Fitzgerald,
secretary of state, construed the act to
mean each store in a chain must pay
the fee. Suit was brought by the
Kroger Grocery and Baking Co,

The supreme court held any firm or
corporation may do business in all its
branches with a single privilege
license.

Mr. Kern comments on this decision
as follows:

Attached you will find an interesting
clipping—interesting to our octopuses.
Is it imperative to elect judges for
‘both justice and injustice? Should: it
not be the latter only? Should a
judge be influenced any more by a
small pile of gold than a large pile? If
either, then civilization should cease.
I am paying $25 for one year for one
small store. Why should chain stores
be permitted to create more havoc? I
am certain that ruling can be modified
—perhaps nullified—through you.

I was very much disappointed when
this decision was announced and im-
mediately wrote the Secretary of State
enquiring what, if anything, can be
done to secure a rehearing of the mat-
ter. I will undertake ‘to exploit his
opinion as soon as I receive his reply.
Mr. Fitzgerald has always ‘been re-
garded as friendly to the independent
merchant, having gone out of his way
many times to show his dispositien to
accord tthe independent a square deal.
Under this decision chain stores in De-
troit will each pay from 2 to 4 cents
license, while independents will be
compelled ‘to pay $25, the full extent of
the law. Governor Comstock cannot
afford ‘to permit this discrimination to
continue and receive and votes from
independent merchants the next time
he runs for chief executive.

A reader of the Tradesman. asks me
to give him the name of the author of
the following:

Were a star quenched on high,
For ages would its light

Still traveling downward from the sky
Shine on our mortal sight.

So, when a great man dies,

For years beyond our ken
The light he leaves behind him lies

Upon the paths of men.

I have gone over my records with
great care and thoroughness, without
Can any reader of the Trades-
man come to my assistance in this

result.

matter?
We see much in the papers nowa-
days about Buy American. It strikes
good maxim is
Keep Home Money at Home. This is
strikingly illustrated in the circular I
prepared for distribution by independ-
ent merchants entitled Slow But Sure
I have received many en-
quiries concernifig ‘this treatise.

me that an equally

Starvation.

The editor of the Pittsford Reporter,
who has long been a constant reader
of the Tradesman, writes me as fol-
lows:

Pittsford, Miarch 2—As an editor
with the banks worse than closed you
appreciate my position. I will never
be without the Tradesman as long as
you are at the helm. I am enclosing
two dollars and that’s about every cent
I have left. Waull send the other dol-
lar after we collect from Amdy
Mellon.

I am going ‘to ask your permission
to print in my paper next week your
wonderful article, Slow But Sure
Starvation. I understand you had it
copyrighted and I will print it as that.

We are getting chain store results
now and I ‘believe it 1s an opportune
time to hit while the iron is hot.

I will thank you im advance for a
prompt reply and also for being pattient
with me. K. A. Eldridge.

To this letter I replied as follows:

“T cheerfully acquiesce in your re-
quest to reproduce Slow But Sure
Starvation in your paper, with the con-
dition that you make no reprints there-
from for others.

“You will do your mercantile friends
a great service by printing the article
in your paper because it will do much
to convince the readers of your paper
that money paid over the counter of
a chain store goes direct to New York
and is gone forever from your com-
munity except the small percentage
paid for rent and clerk hire. If Buy
American is good, Keep Home Money
at Home is equally advantageous.”

I am asking all my correspondents
and contributors not to use the air
mail under any circumstances, because
I have found to my sorrow that air
transportation or
I have

mail is slower in
delivery than regular rail mail.
lost so many letters and so much cor-
respondence sent from California that
I cannot be responsible for further use
of that method of transportation. A
friend who was in New York last
week received letters sent by train
within twenty-four hours, but those
sent by air mail were forty-eight and
seventy-two hours in reaching him.

Some of the older merchants will
recall Richard Blumrich, who was a
partner for many years in the whole-
sale and retail tobacco store and cigar
factory of H. Schneider & Co., Grand
Rapids. His portrait appeared for
many years on all boxes of Dick and
George cigars, a famous brand in the
’80s and ’90s. He had a stroke years
ago and has been bedridden for a long

(Continued on page 23)

 

  

10

FINANCIAL

Final Crisis Has Occurred.

The events of last week un-
doubtedly were followed with a
great deal of interest by Michigan
Tradesman readers. The deteri-
oration of the banking situation,
which has been revealed since
Feb. 14, reached its climax in a
suspension of all banking activi-
ties throughout the country. The
greatest individual loss of gold in
one day was $116,000,000.

Many financial writers now
think that the final crisis has oc-
curred. Out of this will come
confidence and it will correct
business through sound banking
practices.

There is some encouragement
to the holders of stocks and bonds
in the action of the market. In
the face of all the developments,
the Dow Jones averages for last
week were only three points be-
low the level of Feb. 14. Stocks
were accorded support and the
supply was limited.

In Barron’s Financial Weekly
of March 6, one of its financial
writers states that a declaration
for sound money and inflationary
and voluntary devaluation is a
favorable omen since this _ talk
only occurs in the last stages of a
depression. They quote one finan-
cial writer as stating that financial
history indicates that the second
year of every depression is a peri-
od of hysteria, the third year a
disappointed hope for better
things and despondency and the
fourth a grasping at the idea of a
short cut through tinkering with
currency.

Many financial writers state
that all of the problems are now
in the open and out of this should
come confidence although it
seems that caution should govern
the investor until the situation

 

clears. J. HL. Petter.
> 2
Effect Banking Disturbances Have on
Trade.

Banking events in the last few weeks
have diverted the customary amount
of attention from the business picture.
This is not surprising, for banking
troubles come home to us with un-
usual vigor. Nevertheless it should
,0t be forgotten that as ‘between bank-
ing and business, the latter is the more
fundamental.

During the last eight months the
record of busness has been good. This
does not mean, obviously, that there
has been any startling recovery. Quite
the contrary, in fact, for during the
period as a whole business has little, if
any, more than held its own. Further,
the period has been characterized by,
first, a rather marked increase, and
then, a gradual decline. The apparent
stability, therefore, in no smal] meas-
ure is the result of the decline so far
not having been sufficient to offset the
earlier gain.

This is an important reservation on
the impressveness of the business
trend since last summer. Neverthe-

MICHIGAN

less the fact remains that for some
eight months the business community
has not been subjected to the psycho-
logically devastating effects of ever
recurrent “new lows.” There is a real
justification, accordingly, for maintain-
ing that recentiy business has enjoyed
the benefits of a broad, although not
too steady, equilibrium.

This indicates that in the business
part of our economic structure, the
necessitous wholesale liquidation and
deflation may have been completed.
Needless to say, this is not true in
every single case. There are whole
business activity and thou-
sands of individual organizations which
still have the task of readjustment
ahead of them.

If the rest of the business structure
can maintain its recent stability, how-
ever, these remaining readjustments
will be of only minor significance from
the point of view of society. They
will then be merely a question of
bringing the company or industry con-
cerned nto a workable relation with
a general equilibrium. There is as
much difference between this and try-
ing to adjust a business to a liquidat-
ing economy as there is between
standing on a solid floor and trying to
stand on a rolling ‘barrel.

Whether the rest of the

lines of

business
structure can maintain even its recent
stability depends upon the strength of
the outside forces exerted upon it. The
greatest danger in this regard is from
the financial system. So far there has
been no appreciable reflection of the
recent financial disturbances in the
business statistics, the indexes holding
up remarkably well. It still is too
early to conclude whether this record
can be maintained. If it is it will be
the greatest argument for optimism
that we have had in the last four years.
Ralph West Robey.
[Copyrighted, 1933.]

—_>-~.___
Proceedings of the Grand Rapids
Bankruptcy Court.

Grand Rapids, March 1—In the matter
of August C. Fox, Bankrupt No. 4944,
final meeting of creditors was held Feb.
3 Trustee represented by Harold H.
Smedley, attorney. Trustee’s final report
and account approved and _ allowed.
Claims proved and allowed. Bills of at-
torneys approved and allowed, bill of
attorney for petitioning creditors having
been reduced and allowed. Petition of
George D. Stribley, trustee under trust
mortgage prior to bankrupt, under de-
cision governing such matters, entirely
disallowed. Accounts receivable sold at
auction. Order made for payment of
administration expenses and ffirst and
final dividend to general creditors of
11.6 per cent. No objection to bankrupt’s
discharge. Meeting adjourned without
date and files will be returned to Clerk
of Court.

      
   
 

AMERICAN
HOME
SECURITY
° BANK °

|
Under the Tower Clock |
|

On Campeu Square

  
  

   

 

TRADESMAN

In the matter of Sol Tobias, Bankrupt
No. 5139. The first meeting of creditors
has been called for March 20.

In the matter of Sol Tobias, Bankrupt
No. 5139. The sale of assets has. been
called for March 22 at the premises for-
merly occupied by the bankrupt at 117
South Front street, Dowagiac. The stock
for sale consists of shoes, rubbers, mens
furnishings and fixtures, appraised at
$1,872.78. All interested in such sale
should be present at the date and time
above stated.

In the matter of John H. Varenhorst,
Bankrupt No. 5148. The first meeting
of creditors has been called for March 17.

In the matter of Shirlie Merritt, Bank-

 

Analysis of any se-
curity furnished up-

on request.

e

J. H. Petter & Co.

Investment Bankers
343 Michigan Trust Building
Phone 4417

 

March 8, 1933

rupt No. 5142. The first meeting of cred-
itors has been called for March 17.

In the matter of Irvine Highland,
3ankrupt No. 4866. The first meeting
of creditors has been called for March 17.

(Continued on page 22)

 

Schouten-Hoogesteger Co.
INVESTMENT BANKERS

We serve those who desire to
improve their investment position.

Phone 96111
911 Mich. Trust Bldg., Grand Rapids

 

 

 

YW West Michigan's
oldest and largest bank
solicits your account on
the basis of sound poli-
cies and many helpful
services .. «

OLD KENT
BANK

2 Downtown Offices

od

12 Community Offices

 

5) SD) SD (SD () DC) SC) S-() <D-() <D-() <D-() <SD- () <SD- (:) ED-()

! c. B. Kelsey,

Investments

INTELLIGENT SUPERVISION OF HOLDINGS

service. -
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., 11th floor Grand Rapids Trust Bldg. Phone 4720

8
S |
j $
S We sponsor no securities at any time and can therefore render unbiased j
! i
o iu

CSD () SD ©) SD () SED () SD) ED -() <---> -() << (:) G-(.

 

 

Why You Should Choose
This Bank

This bank is big enough to accom-

modate you regardless of the size

of your banking requirements.

And, what is equally important, it

is big enough to appreciate you

regardless of the size of your

account.

When and how can we serve you?

CIOL?

GRAND RAPIDS SAVINGS BANK
“The Bank Where You Feel at Home”

17 Convenient Offices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN TRADESMAN

 

#

 

 

Income Tax

... In keeping with our usual
practice we have again engaged
the services of the accounting
firm, Siedman & Siedman, to
assist our patrons and friends
in preparing their income tax
returns.

. A representative of this
firm will be in our office on
Tuesday, March 14, and you
are invited to avail yourself of
this service.

Granp Rapiws Nationa. Bank

 

®

 

5

 

 

12

RETAIL GROCER

Retail Grocers and Meat Dealers Associa-
tion of Michigan.
President—Paul Schmidt, Lansing.
First Vice-President — Theodore J.

3athke, Petoskey.

Second Vice-President — Randolph
Eckert, Flint.
Secretary — Herman Hanson, Grand

Rapids.
Treasurer—O. H. Bailey, Sr., Lansing.
Directors—Holger Jorgenson, Muske-
gon; L. V. Eberhard, Grand Rapids; John
Lurie, Detroit; E& B. Hawley, Battle
Creek: Ward Newman, Pontiac.

 

A Grocer’s Bill Two Centuries Old.

In London, in August, 1931, Secre-
tary Beeching of the Grocers’ Institute,
showed me a household account book
kept for several years beginning in
“Book
opened November ye 19, 1721”. Hence,
as Mr. Beeching remarked, this book
was kept “before there was a United

accordance with this notation:

States”.

This is the “Household Book of
Honble Mrs. Knight.”
time it was kept, it accounts for all the
The first

mantua maker,

During the

lady’s various expenditures.
entry is that of a
eighteenth century equivalent of the
women's garment shop of to-day.

The “Honble” Mrs. Knight was a
systematic woman. She not only kept
her household expense in order, but
was in a position to prove her accounts
at any time. Her plan might not be a
bad one for many modern housewives
to emulate. This is how she operated:

There were no telephones those days
and London streets were. notoriously
ill pavevd; nor were there any automo-
biles to save time or make shopping
a pleasure. Hence such folk as Mrs.
Knight sent their serving people to
market.

Then when the lady got her house-
hold allowance, she tucked her book
under her arm and hied her to her
various tradesmen’s offices, or, to pic-
ture her more plausibly, she walked
ahead while a serving man carried her
book, or, still more in keeping with
“Honble’, she called her coach and
was driven about.

Arriving, then, at the shop of Charles
Sparrow, grocer, she asked grocer
What-
ever he answered, she then presented
her book, told him to enter her bill in

Sparrow what she owed him.

detail, foot it up, write a formal re-
ceipt below the footing and sign his
name. Thereupon, she paid him the

money and departed.

Her household must have been rath-
er extensive and her scale of living
certainly was was top hole, as the
British say it. This is plainly indicated
by one entry, evidently covering a sin-
gle purchase from said grocer Spar-
row. That purchase occurred June 15,
1732—just over 200 years ago, only
four months after George Washington
was born and forty-four years before
there was a beginning of the United

States. It sure was a goodly purchase,
as may appear below. It reads:
Bifear = 100@28 say $7.00
Ae Suvar 100@56 say 14.00
Do Powd Sugar __ 020@8d Lb. .16
6 Do Lo 3434 ____ aoa ib. 18
Single Lump ---- 020@56 18
miler 1ar@Cs Lh 12
Raisins 22. = 020@4d

Currants ..------ 020@5d

MICHIGAN

Perle Barly =. | 12@5d Lb... 10
12@2%d Lb. .05
12@sd Lb. .16
12@14d Lb. 28
2@5q Lb. 10

6@1l6d Lb. .32

mice 822
Bro Candy _-_._
Jor Almonds ____
G W Rice (?)

Bia Pep 9222

Mage 2222 %@I18/- Lb. 4.50
<ypamon .....___ 1@9 Lb. 225
Cloves 222 2 1 ib. 125
Nut 1 ib. 225

Wt Ginger _- 2@14d Lb. 2.28
jam Penr 6@14d Lb. .28
Pistatia Nutts __._. 6@14d Lb.  .28
Starch 12@414d Lb. .09
Fine Starch —. 21%@7d Lb. .14
indico = 12@2/- Lb.  .48
12@2/- Lb. A8
6 boxes 6/- 2 Hampers 3/-

4@28 (?)

Fine Powd Blew-
Supar

£2: 3 5%

Rec'd June 15, 1732, twenty pounds
three shilling, in full of all demands.

Charles Sparrow.

Fourteen days later is the entry of
Mrs. Knight’s poulterer. Between the
two comes a purchase from her fish-
monger. Next year there is a $55 or-
der of fancier groceries and further on
another $55 worth of teas and a pound
of coffee for $1.75. In 1733 her bill
with her brewer ran to $30, but that
purchased twelve barrels of malt bev-
erages. Mv bit transcribed personally
by Mr. Beeching ends with four pur-
chases of meat.

But this general household account
book contains details of purchases of
furniture, garments, ironmongery (as
we should say, hardware) fuel, drugs
and all other supplies. The writing
is as readable as anything we should
find in tradesman’s books to-day, al-
though there are variations in the
spelling, as might be expected before
Dr. Johnson had published the first
dictionary of the English language and
folks spelled
sweet way.

mostly in their own

So what we have here is not an
item of mere casual interest, but a
document of historical material, a
source book of contemporary informa-
tion of peculiar value. It sheds much
light on the daily lives and habits of
folks of those days and, incidentally,
indicates how our lives have changed
in certain particulars.

Look, for example, at all those su-
gars and let us try to imagine what
they were and how used. Costs do not
seem far out of the line of our own
experience, but they are actually so
far removed from present day values
as to be comprehensible only to special
historical students — and not always
fully understandable by them. This
because of the tremendous change in
the purchasing power of money and
the modifications in our way of life
contrasted with 200 vears ago.

Ten cents for a pound of “perle”
barley looks familiar, until we realize
that 10 cents in 1732 represented the
purchasing power of anywhere from
75 cents to $1.50 of our present money
or more. Against that simple fact are
all the modificfiations of living and the
scale thereof which unquestionably off-
set much of the depreciation in our
money-values.

 

 

 

TRADESMAN

But the prices of spices are signifi-
cant. Notice those which originated
and Malaysia—
mace, cinnamon, cloves and nutmegs.
Such prices connoted the long voyage
around Good Hope and all the hazards
of trading to India in the cockle shells

in the East Indies

known those days as ships; whereas
spices from the West Indies were
priced at barely 10 per cent. of the
cost of the others.

Spices were highly prized at that
time as the only kind of preservatives.
Meats must be salt or pickled to be
kept at all. There is little enough re-
frigeration in Europe right now. There
was not merely no refrigeration 200
years ago, but no understanding of
how it could be implemented to pre-
serve foods. Hence spices were literal-
ly worth their weight in precious me-
tals. But it is curious to see Jordan
Almonds priced at such a moderate
figure, not to mention Pistachio nuts.

With such facts and figures in mind
we may be able to get a dim concep-
tion of the affluence of a lady of that
time who could pay over to one of her
grocers $100.75, for it is to be noted
that Grocer Sparrow “threw off” the
514 pence, say 10%c, and the scale of
living of such a family at a time when
one could live for $30 per year, board
and lodging, in a small town, or might
reside in the metropolis of London for
$150 for an entire year, occupying
“chambers” and eating regularly in the
smartest London “taverns”.

Paul Findlay.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER

March 8, 1933

True prosperity is the result of well
placed confidence in ourselves and our
fellow man.

 

GROCERS!

 

ita

-
foe
ped T EP eee TE Eee ea

:
nS
x)

SS
SY
Lh
RS
ey
Sty

>
S
ah
brat)
a
A \

PP

r
+
Sy
s\

S
iy
%
SY
iy
NY

RQ

ty
th
St

AU
y
Pet
a S

By

t

yy
ty
ey

Here’s a prod-

uct you can

rely on for re- &)
peat, customer-
building business.
Dependable in qual-
ity, price and deliv-
ery. Stock

POSTMA’S

golden-crisp RUSKS.

 

TU

<

Prt

Ba
S
NY

Rr
A
tS)

+t)

T

Ay

‘Reco Phys
Un, mmended: by: ty
IL

he Genuine Rusk

jciars ) A
Wy, Li

 

 

 

 

LENT begins March 1st and ends
April 16th

Make prominent window and counter dis-

plays of MUELLER QUALITY PROD-

UTS in your store during this period to
take advantage of increased sales. The sale
of Mueller’s will help you with the sales of
other profitable items, such as cheese, butter,
tomatoes, etc., used in preparing various
tempting Macaroni recipes.

You can offer Mueller Products to your
customers with the assurance that they are
guaranteed in every way. They are made
from the highest grade materials, in a fac-

 

perfect order and only Mueller’s exclusive
method of manufacture can produce Muel-

tory that has no superior in cleanliness and
ler’s Quality.

C. F. MUELLER COMPANY

Jersey City

tes 602. 4

WUELLERS

COOKED
SPAGH

tae estes og

==

New Jersey

 

 

March 8, 1933

MEAT DEALER

Michigan State Association of Retail
Meat Merchants.
President—Frank Cornell, Grand Rapids

Vice-Pres.—E. P. Abbott, Flint.
Secretary—E. J. La Rose, Detroit.
Treasurer—Pius Goedecke, Detroit.

Next meeting will be held in Grand

Rapids, date not decided.

 

Farm Parity Bill As Applied To Hogs.

The object to be attained by the
farm allotment bill is a praiseworthy
one, but it involves an artificial inter-
ference with economic tendencies
which renders success, to say the least,
very problematical.

The disruption of market conditions
and the destruction of a ready
market for hogs
application of the allotment plan will,
without doubt, engender resentment
among the producers and destroy the
harmonious relations between farmer
and meat packer have been
built up during recent years.

Under the bill, the adjustment
charge levied on the packer and pay-
able to the farmer, is to be the differ-
ence between the price received for
hogs ‘by producers in the local markets
and a.given sum which rises from 3%
cents per pound to the pre-war pur-
“parity” of about 734 cents.
These provisions would cause trouble
at the start if the price were even

cash
which would follow

which

chasing

slightly under 3% cents, but the
initial difficulties would be as nothing

compared with those that would be
encountered later on when the adjust-
ment charge was increased. As the
Secretary of Agriculture raised the ad-
justment charge higher and_ higher,
which he is authorized to do under the
bill, what will happen to prices?

The packer is now charging for hog
products just as much as the market
will stand and has, during the past
year, vrtually earned no profit at all.
He has, therefore, little or no margin
from which to pay the adjustment
charge. He figures out that under
actual conditions any attempt on his
part to increase the price of pork
products would, with the existing low
purchasing power of his customers and
the keen competition of substitutes,
lead to a falling off in the demand. He
will, therefore, be apt to be rather
conservative in his purchases of hogs.
As a consequence there will, in all
probability, be more hogs at the pub-
lic markets than the packers would
care to handle. What will be the ef-
fect upon prices? It must be remem-
bered that when fat hogs once come to
the markets they are almost never re-
turned to the producers. They must
be sold, and sold at once. The natural
result will inevitably be a fall in the
price of hogs.

With every decline of hog prices,
however, the Secretary of Agriculture
will gradually increase, as he is direct-
ed ito do, the adjustment charge. But
with every week that this process con-
tinues, the market price will be apt
to fall still further.

The meat packer is almost like the
wholesale dealer in strawberries. He
must at any time put a price on his
products that will move them into
consumption ‘before they deteriorate.
He is in the position of always having
to take small losses on his sales
rather than run the risk of suffering
greater losses on account of the de-

MICHIGAN

terioration of his stocks. He must seli
at the market.

The market price of pork, however,
depends not only upon the supply in
hand but upon the effective demand as
influenced primarily by the purchasing
power of the consumers and by the
price of the other meats or foods that
compete with pork.

There is such a mass consumption
of pork that there is always a ready
market for the product. Moreover this
demand is very elastic, fluctuating
from day to day according to the price.
While the price :s influenced by the
demand, the demand is reciprocally in-
fluenced by the price.

What the farmer, therefore, can get
for his hogs depends upon how much
the packer can get for pork and lard.
How much the packer can get for
these products depends upon the pur-
chasing power of the consumer, upon
the price of substtutes and in part on
the export market.

One of the leading contentions ad-
vanced by the advocates of the bill, i
that the meat packer will he able to
recover the tax on that portion of his
output which he exports. In this way,
it is argued, he will be able to secure
abroad a part of the market which he
might lose at ‘home.

It must be remembered, however,
that the export situation has changed
considerably in recent years. Before
the war, about 15 per cent. of the hog
products ‘were exported. At present,
the exports are only about 5 per cent.
In 1932 only 1.1 per cent. of the entire
output of pork was sold abroad;
whereas 22.9 per cent. of the lard pro-
duction was exported. This makes a
combined figure of 5.4 per cent. of ex-
ports of hog products.

The lard formerly
quantities to England,
Cuba. The situation there has now
been greatly modified. England has
imposed both a duty on lard and a
quota on other hog products which is
just about to be diminished. In Ger-
many, as in some other continental
countries, the chief obstacles to the
extension of the export market are the
tremendous duty on lard, just imposed,
and the monetary situation. For the
German exchange quota rigidly limits

went in
Germany and

large

the number of dollars into which
marks may ‘be converted. Finally,
Cuba has recently increased the im-

port duties on lard and other fats.
Moreover, throughout the world the
increasing depression has reduced the
purchasing power of the community.
Above all, in the present state of inter-
national relations, any endeavor on our
part artificially to increase the export
of hog products would be apt to invite
certain retaliation.

It is obvious, therefore, that any
independent or isolated action of our
own cannot be expected to afford a re-
lief in the export situation.

A tax of 3 cents per pound on live
hogs is equivalent to almost four and
a half cents per pound on hog products,
‘because only about 70 per cent. of the
hog consists of pork and lard. It is not
likely that four and a half cents could
be added to the price of all products.
It is inconceivable, for instance, that
trimmings could stand such a price
addition. It is even very unlikely that
lard could stand any such addition in

TRADESMAN

view of the other
shortenings, like cottonseed oil. The
selected pork products would have to
stand the brunt of the increase. The
price of pork loins, for instance, might
go up and would indeed have to go up
to perhaps double the present figure.
But this could happen,
existing state of the demand, only in
case the supply is materially reduced.

What are the prospects, however,
of any reduction in output?

The administrative provisions of the

competition of

in view of the

bill are so vague, and the opportunities
for fraud so inviting, that any strict
application of the law is exceedingly
unlikely. In the case of hogs, how-
ever, more definite proof of a reduc-
tion of shipment is demanded.

Even here, however, the administra-
tive provisions are defective. While
the farmer may ship less hogs to mar-
ket by railway or ill be al-
most impossible to show that he has
not been selling more hogs locally or
openly or

truck, it wi

on the farm, either
reptitiously. It is almost impossible
for adequate inspection or other ad-
ministrative guarantees calculated to
control the actual hogs
littered on each farm. The farmer is
just as likel
his reduction of
which

Ssur-

number of

y as not to compensate for
hog shipments on
he receives certificates by a
than
his hog output on which he receives no
certificate.

But even on the assumption that his
total output of diminishes, it
does not follow that the price of corn
will rise. On the contrary, if he feeds
less corn to a reduced number of
hogs, he is apt to feed more corn to
his other live stock or to have more
corn to sell off the farm. And even
if these results do not ensue and if he
reduces his acreage of corn, what is
there to prevent his utilizing this
acreage for other agricultural prod-
ucts, thus leading, through an increase
in their production, to a diminution of
price? Will the net. result constitute
any real advantage to the farmer?

The increased price which the pack-
have to charge for his pork
in the face of the present condi-

more proportionate increase of

hogs

er will
will,
tions of unemployment and the great
reduction in the purchasing power of
the poorer consumer, result in the in-
creased use of substitutes.

The packer’s fear of suffering a de-
crease of demand will lead him to
diminish his purchases. Inasmuch as
there is no cause at work leading to
any immediate diminution in the re-
ceipt of hogs, the combined effect of

   

13

market conditions will obviously be to
lower the price of hogs.

The ultimate effects of the measure,
although difficult to
disentangle, are fairly
If the tax is passed on in whole
it will constitute a burden
on the consumer and tend to reduce his
consumption of meat and lower his
standard of life. Whether this burden
on the community in general is com-
pensated by the benefits to the farmer
is problematical. If the corn farmer
receives the entire amount of the cer-
tificate, he will be apt, despite the re-
duction in the official tonnage of his
products, to increase the output of
hogs to be disposed of in more or less
devious ways. The resultant lowering
of the price of hogs would take up, to
that extent, a part of what he receives
in the way of allotment certificates.

somewhat
nevertheless

more

clear.
or in part,

Even if there is no such increase in
the output of hogs, the fact that the
hogs represent less than half the pro-
duction of corn leads to the likelihood
that the will produce more
corn, thus contributing t oa fall im its
by any chance he
should produce less corn, there is no
he should reduce this acre-

farmer
If, however,

price.

reason why

(Continued on page 14)

 

Oysters and Fish

Fresh Shipments Daily.
Ask your Dealer for Reader Fish.
They are better.
Lake and Ocean Fish. Wholesale.

G. B. READER, Grand Rapids.

 

 

FRIGIDAIRE

ELECTRIC REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS

Pp
RODUCT OF GENERAL moro

 
  

      

 

 

WITH
FAMOUS
COLD
CONTROL
AND
HYDRATOR

All
Medals
on Display
at
Showreom

 

 

 

 

 

F. C. MATTHEWS & CO.

70 No. Division Ave. Phone 9324

 

 

 

 

  
 

 

\\ aha VALLEY CITY MILLING CO.

a

“/Grand Rapids, Mich. ——
= Slip» Be F

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN

 

TRADESMAN

March 8, 1933

 

HARDWARE

Michigan Retail Hardware Association.
President—Wm. J. Dillon, Detroit.
Vice-President — Henry A. Schantz,

Grand Rapids. :
Secretary—Harold W. Bervig, Lansing.
Treasurer—William Moore, Detroit.
Field Secretary — L. S. Swinehart,

Lansing.

Hee ee ee
Pointers For the Hardware Dealer in
March.

Right now the store should be
brightened up and thoroughly cleaned
in preparation for the spring trade.
The decorative effect that can be se-
cured from a few cans of paint is sur-
prising. Discolored walls can be
made pleasing, dark ceilings made
lighter, silent salesmen polished, draw-
ers and shelves re-varnished, new price
tickets prepared to replace those which
have done duty too long, and the
whole store interior made pleasing to

the eye.

A proper color scheme makes an
immense dfference in store lighting.
The old time hardware store was
dingy and unattractive. Light was not
appreciated at its full value. To-day,
the wide-awake hardware dealer real-
izes that a well-lighted store is essen-
tial to attract trade.

But with all the window space the
dealer can contrive the store interior
may still be dark. A white or cream
ceiling, a light tint on the walls, will
make a big difference in the store
lighting, and the electric light bills.

Now, too, is a good time to re-
arrange the store interior. In many
stores the interior arrangements do
not take full advantage of store condi-
tions. And in even the well-arranged
store, little changes here and there
will result in an aspect of newness
calculated to attract trade and promote
sales.

The work of rearranging the interior
can be done right now to better ad-
vantage than a few weeks later when
the staff are much busier. At the same
time it is worth while to examine the
store front with a critical eye, to de-
termine if there isn’t room for im-
provement.

Toward the end of March, house-
cleaning commences in many homes.
In the hardware store, the dealer, hav-
ing himself set a good example by
cleaning his store, should make his
initial appeal to the housecleaning
trade of the community. Goods re-
quired in housecleaning should be fea-
tured prominently. Vacuum cleaners,
curtain stretchers, carpet sweepers,
stepladders, mops, pails, brushes—
these and a host of others should be
given display.

The housecleaning season will con-
tinue,.more or less, until hot summer
weather sets in; but the merchant who
puts on the first display will get the
inside track on ‘his competitors.

Right now or a little later it may be
worth while to send out a circular let-
ter urging on housewives the desir-
ability of being fully and properly
equipped for housecleaning. Such a
letter could suggest articles of equip-
ment, and quote combination prices on
more or less comprehensive outfits.

The paint trade is an important
factor in spring business. Toward the
first of April the demand for exterior
paints begins to quicken. In March
the dealer should complete his prepara-

tions for the spring paint campaign.
Indeed, before the end of March the
mailing list advertising for this cam-
paign should be well under way. Ad-
vance orders for exterior paints can
be secured by outside canvassing. Such
orders give the spring paint drive a
good start.

In March the wide-awake hardware
dealer can do a lot of useful missionary
work outside the store. The spring
feeling is in the air and people are be-
ginning to bestir themselves. Farmers
can be canvassed for wire fencing and
other lines. The dealer should get in
touch with local athletic organizations.
A great deal of country trade can be
reached by the rural telephone. Even
if orders are not secured at the mo-
ment, a good foundation is laid for
future ‘business.

In the search for new business and
new customers, individual work counts
for much. How many merchants keep
a sharp lookout for new residents to
the community and make personal
calls on such newcomers? Very few.
Yet it will usually pay the dealer to
call on the newcomer, welcome him
to town, and incidentally leave some
printed matter for him to peruse at his
leisure. Make the call yourself, if pos-
sible, or send one of your best sales-
men. It is worth remembering that
people moving into a new town, or
even into a new house, pretty nearly
always discover the need for a lot of
new hardware.

Keep close watch also on newly
married couples. These are among
your best prospects. Put the newly-
weds on your mailing list and send
them advertising matter every month
for, say, a year.

With the advent of March, fishing
tackle can be featured. Following the
inventory, these lines have been, of
course, sorted up and stacked in their
proper places; so that everything is in
readiness to cater to the angler. Very
attractive window displays of fishing
tackle can be devised; and while elab-
orate displays are possible, even a
stocky window will rivet the interest
of the fisherman.

In March, the ‘hardware dealer
should be persistently planning and
preparing for the months ahead. Early
in March is the time to put the finish-
ng touches on your plans for spring
and summer trade. In the latter part
of March your spring campaign should
be actually launched.

In the final planning of the first two
weeks in March, the dealer will find
it worth while to study his past suc-
cesses and his past failures. The man
who profits as much from mistakes as
from achievements is the man who
makes the best showing in the hard-
ware business.

Suppose your plans are definitely
laid for the coming year? What about
the execution of these plans? The
best laid plans of the hardware dealer
are worth very little unless they are
carried out. Persistence and intelli-
gence in execution, a willingness to
vary a preconceived plan iin the face of
real necessity and a resolute refusal to
vary it for any less reason—these
factors help make the dfference be-
tween success and failure.

There will come, particularly in mo-
ments of discouragement, a tendency

to slacken effort. Or, on the other
hand, if you are very busy, you may
drop some phase of your pre-arranged
effort. Don’t yield to the compulsion of
either too mutch success or too much
discouragement. The one thing to do
is to push, to push hard, and to keep
on pushing,

Persistence is a big factor in the suc-
cess of your spring selling campaign.
And if the results of your efforts are
not as encouraging as you perhaps
hoped, that is all the more reason for
sticking to it and making the utmost
of everything. Victor Lauriston.

oo
RED CROSS OR DOUBLE CROSS.

(Continued from page 3y

surprised to find out how much lower
he could buy them, since he knew just
what he must have, how much his cus-
tomers would pay for them and how
much he could afford to pay.

I am wondering to-day just what
would happen if every man inthis great
army of hardware retailers suddenly de-
cided to do this very thing and positive-
ly refused to buy any item of merchan-
dise from his supplier on which he could
not meet his competition on their own
ground. I am wondering what effect
this would have on the wholesalers of
this country, and, finally, on the manu-
facturers who are supplying them. I
have a faint idea that this thing of
allocating costs and discrimination in
prices, would take on a different color.
No one can do these things
for me. It means work, continuous,
persistent, hard work. It is not a job
to lie down on. I cannot escape the
task that is mine, any more than I
can escape the penalty if the job is not
done.

But the end will be worth while. It
will mean my salvation as a retailer,
if I am to survive in the Battle for
Business.

———-» + ___
Farm Parity Bill As Applied To Hogs.
(Continued from page 13)

Finally.

age and why he should not augment
the output of his other agricultural
products, thus contributing to a reduc-
tion in their price.

In other words, the ultimate conse-
quences will be higher prices to the
consumer, an unsatisfactory hog mar-
ket, and either lower prices or not
proportkionately increased returns to
the producers as a whole. The net re-
sult will therefore be a diminution of
the social income.

With the underlying aim of the al-
lotment bill, there can only be the
greatest sympathy. The plight of the
American farmer is universally recog-
nized. If higher prices could be secur-
ed for his produce, everyone would be
delighted. For it would not only en-
able him to make a good living but it
would, by increasing his purchasing
power, at once react upon the pros-
perity of business in general.

In the discussion of the allotment
bill, not a few of its proponents have
asked: If the allotment bill will not
solve the problem, what will? It is
easy to criticize, it is difficult to con-
struct. We have tried one measure
after another and have failed. The
emergency is so great that we ought
not to reject anything that promises
the slightest success.

This argument, however, is essen-
tially weak. What is needed is a diag-
nosis of the real trouble.

This is not difficult. The farmer’s
difficulty results from a combination
of high costs and low prices.

The high costs are due primarily to
interest and to taxes. The interest is
payable on debts contracted for the
purchase of land during the period of
inflation. The only remedy for this
is a temporary alleviation of the bur-
den through an extension of credit
until such time when conditions im-
prove and land values again rise. The
burden of taxes has become acute be-
cause the local property tax is levied
on property, although like all taxes,
payable out of income. The remedy
here consists in such a change in the
entire tax system as is involved in a
co-ordination of Federal, State and: Io-
cal revenues with a resulting equaliza-
tion of the burden.

On the other hand, the low prices are
due to world-wide causes. These can-
not possibly be overcome by isolated
or independent action. Apart from the
factors making for low prices in gen-
eral such as the currency conditions,
the obstacles to dnternational trade
and the like, the special causes which
are responsible for low agricultural
prices are the cumulative surpluses of
agricultural products. It is a fact that
there are some such surpluses, al-
though, in the case of pork, stocks are
smaller than they were last year.
These cumulative surpluses can re-
spond only to a movement for reduc-
tion of output, to be brought about
largely through the abandonment of
the thigh cost of marginal farms that
were ‘brought into being during the
period of the war. No effective effort
has yet been. made to limit production
in this country and no measure with-
out such a provision can accomplish
the desired result. But isolated action,
even ‘if successful, would still be in-
adequate, inasmuch as it is a matter
of world prices, the reduction must be
a concerted and international action.

Thus we are led again by a devious
route to the only possible escape from
our troubles. The evil is international
in origin, the remedy must be inter-
national in scope. We must be willing
to look at the situation from the
broadest possible point of view. It
is a problem of international produc-
tion, of international demand or pur-
chasing power, of international trade
and of international money. Moreover,
international economics is bound up
with international politics. Until we get
ready—and not only we but the rest
of the world—to abandon our ideas of
exaggerated nationalism, until we are
willing to consider, in the broadest
possible way, not only the problem of
allied debts but the much greater
problem of international comity and
of international concert, we shall never
lay even the foundations of renewed
prosperity for the farmer. Domestic
legislation must be in harmony with,
and not at cross purposes to, inter-
national life. The sooner we realize
the bad ‘business involved in an exag-
gerated national selfishness, the more
quickly we shall be contributing not
only to the world welfare, but to our
own welfare.

Edwin R. A. Seligman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 8, 1933

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

15

 

DRY GOODS

Michigan Retail Dry Goods Association.
President—Geo. C. Pratt, Grand Rapids.
First Vice-President—Thomas P. Pit-

kethly, Flint.

Second Vice-President—Paul L. Proud,

Ann Arbor.

Secretary-Treasurer—Clare R. Sperry,

Port Huron. :
Manager—Jason E. Hammond, Lansing.

 

Coming Convention of Retail Dry
Goods Association.

Lansing, March 7—As stated in a
former news latter, we have had a
meeting of the board of directors as
a program committee and are now
submitting the tentative program for
our convention on March 21, 22 and
23. There may be some changes and
we expect there will be two or three
minor additions such as music and
simple forms of entertainment. The
principal day of the convention 1s
Wednesday, March 22, and we hope
that as many of our members as pos-
sible will arrive the day before and
enjoy the afternoon and evening of
Tuesday, March 21, with us.

It is unnecessary to comment re-
garding the other speakers on the pro-
gram more than to remind you that
they are men of ability and know their
subjects. The Legislature will no
doubt be in session and much of your
time the day previous to the conven-
tion and the day after can be profit-
ably spent at the capitol.

We gave in our news letter Feb. 10
the general outline of Gov. Comstock’s
taxation bill. At the time of sending
out this news letter no general con-
ferences have ‘been ‘held on this bill
nor has it been considered in com-
mittee of the whole. Protests are
coming from different groups. of indi-
viduals and no doubt by March 21
there will be something doing. We
suggest that you communicate with
your member of the legislature, secure
a copy of the bill and study it. It is
certain that a taxation bill will be
passed. Before you give advice on the
subject, you should be thoroughly in-
formed.

Tuesday, March 21.

3 p.m. Informal meetings of board
of directors of the Michigan Retail
Dry Goods Association and the Grand
Rapids Merchants Mutual Fire Insur-
ance Company.

4p. m. Enrollment of officers, mem-
bers and guests.

Reception at hotel by Lansing citi-
zens and members of Lansing Mer-
chants Bureau.

6:30 p. m. Informal dinner and
program in dining room.

Opening remarks and introduction
of officers, members and guests.

Former President, Jas. T. Milliken,
Traverse City, presiding.

Address, ‘Methods Used With Store
Executives and Employes.” O. G
Drake, Herpolsheimer Co.,
Rapids.

Round table and questiom box dis-
cussion Jed by First Vice-President
Thos. Pitkethly, Flint.

Participants: E, R. Wilson, J. W.
Knapp Co., Lansing; B. H. Comstock,
Globe Department Store, Traverse
City: J. C. Grant, J. C. Grant Co.,
Battle Creek; H. R. Brink, L. W.
Robinson Co.. Battle Creek; J. C.
Toeller, Battle Creek; E. E. Ingram,
L. H. Field Co., Jackson; Stephen
Cizek, Glasgow Bros., Jackson; W.
D. Baltz, W. D. Baltz Co., Grand
Haven; John Moore, Gilmore Bros.,
Kalamazoo; A. J. Richter, J. B. Sperry
Co., Port Huron.

Wednesday, March 22.

9 a. m. Visit Michigan legislature
and state offices. Confer with legis-
lators regarding pending legislation—
especially taxation.

12. Luncheon in dining room. Sec-
ond Vice-President Paul L. Proud pre-
siding.

Address with charts, “Depressions,
Debts and Prices,’ Prof. Herman
Wyngarden, Michigan State College.

Gra nd

2:30 p. m. B, H. Comstock, Trav-
erse City, presiding.

Address, “Merchandising Co-opera-
tion with Utility Companies,” Harold
W. Bervig, manager Michigan Retail
Hardware Dealers Association, Lan-
sing.

Discussion, J. Charles Ross, Kala-
mazoo.

3:30 p. m. Address, “Outlook for
the Small Store.’ Arthur S. Purdy,
Isenberg, Purdy & Co., Detroit.

Discussion.

Report of Manager.
Election of officers.

6:30 p. m. Dinner, Wisteria Room
(One dollar per plate) President Geo.
C. Pratt, presiding.

Music ‘by Central High School Glee
Club.

Address, “Outwitting your Com-
petitor.” Lee H. Bierce, director pub-
lic relations, Detroit.

Address, “Humanity vs. Technoc-
racy.” Hon. Patrick H. O’Brien, At-
torney General of Michigan.

Thursday, March 23.

9 a. m. President Geo. C. Pratt,
presiding,

Address by newly elected president
of Association,

Plans for Association work for com-
ing year.

Reports of committees.

Adjournment.

Jason E. Hammond,

Mer. Michigan Retail Dry Goods
Association.

Resolutions.

——_+ o--

Firmer Tone in Sarouk Market.

Buyers for retail stores persisted
this week in attempts to obtain desir-
able Sarouk rugs for sales purposes at
prices ranging from $1.25 to $1.30 a
square foot in the wholesale market,
but met firm resistance from import-
ers. The market, at the present time,
is cleared of distress stocks and the
trade is determined to prevent fur-
ther retail price wars if possible. Prices
on other Oriental rug weaves remain
steady, with buyers showing little in-
terest. Importers contend that price-
cutting on Sarouks has not spread to
stores outside this city and that the
market will adjust itself there this
month.

—_+~-~»—___
Small Steel Mills Increase Sales.
Small steel mills equipped to meet
changes in public demand operated up
to 50 per cent. of capacity throughout
the month of February, according to
reports from companies supplying ore
and other products to the mills. In
the zinc and lead industries, sales to
the ‘big steel companies fell consider-
ably below the February, 1932, figures,
while in several instances the volume
of purchases made by the smaller pro-
ducers increased from 50 to 60 per
cent. above figures for the correspond-
ing month last year. Sales of galvan-
ized sheet metal and of galvanized wire
were major sources of business for the
small producers, it was said.
—_++~___
Prepare Summer Lamp Lines.
Initial samples of Summer lamps
have been put on display in wholesale
showrooms. The lamps, to be featured
for May and June retail promotions,
are priced to sell from $2.95 to $10,
with the bulk of the samples in the
$2.95 to $5 ranges. Table styles are
favored and pottery bases with parch-
ment shades are stressed. Re-orders
on Spring lamps are still coming in,
but selling agents complain that the
volume called for is much lower than
expected, especially from: stores in the
East. Regular lines of higher price
lamps continue inactive, although there

is a fair call for sales goods to retail
up to $15.

oe

Ready Call For Novelty Gloves.

Novelties in women’s gloves are
meeting with a ready demand from
retailers, although general buying of
this merchandise iis being done slowly.
For current delivery ‘there is an active
call for kid merchandise in slip-on and
four and five button styles. The ex-
pectation is that the Spring will see
considerable favor for fabric gloves.
Interest centers in such new offerings
as the imitation crochet glove in
gauntlet style. Gloves of rough peb-
ible crepe fabrics are also outstanding
in the slip-on styles. Gray, navy, egg-
shell and pink lead in the colors or-
dered, with white and black also fig-
uring strongly.

——_
Jig-Saw Re-orders Heavy.

With the jig-saw puzzle now spread-
ing to the Coast, re-orders continue
heavy and show no signs of diminu-
tion. New ‘types are being brought
out, reflecting improvements in ma-
terial and in the development of the
jig-saw contest idea. A mixture of
cork and concrete is being used for one
type of puzzle, sufficient rigidity of
the pieces being obtained for them to
stay in position when the puzzle is be-
ing solved. A set of four puzzles has
been devised so that a hostess may
stage a contest, with awards to the
winner. The set is priced. to retail at
25 cents.

—_>-+___
Outdoor Pottery Sales Off.

At a time when Spring buying in
the wholesale outdoor pottery market
should be approaching its peak, manu-
facturers are finding little demand for
merchandise. Buyers who have al-
ready shopped the market returned to
their stores after buying less than one-
third of mormal requirements, Mer-
chandise retailing up to $7.50 was
favored in the small amount of buying
done, Elaborately decorated jardinieres
and other pieces popular in the last
three seasons were neglected and or-
ders were confined to staple goods
such as sun dials, bird ‘baths and gaz-
ing bowls.

——_>++___
Corset Sales Well Maintained.

Rated in comparison with other re-
tail lines, the business in corsets since
the first of the year has held up
notably well. A decline of 15 per cent,
was estimated, due chiefly to lower
prices, against an average of about 23
to 25 per cent. for general department
store lines. With the advance of the
season, leading producers in the indus-
try look for extensive reorders. Models
of lighter weight materials, including
rubber-woven cloths and batistes, are
being bought. Styles featuring un-
broken ‘hip lines are outstanding. Step-
in types are meeting a greater call
than a year ago.

——__ +
New Dollar Items Active.

A steady streamy of new merchan-
dise available for special retail pro-
motions around $1 is being developed
in ‘the market. The items are of the
“flash” variety and in many cases
take their inspiration from types which
have retailed heretofore at substan-
tially higher prices. Included in the
merchandise receiving market atten-
tion at this time are clipper ship

barometers, perfume sets comprising
two bottles and powder jar or mirror
tray, floating rubber animals im horse,
frog and swan shapes and replicas of
old-time drinking accessories.
at
Notes Widespread Sales Trend.

A very large percentage of the re-
tail activity in many cities throughout
the country is now being concentrated
on special promotional events, accord-

ing ‘to a report which was_ sent
to a leading manufacturer in New

York City by a representative he now
has on the road. Whether reflecting
the emphasis placed on similar events
by leading stores or not, this represen-
tative said that the many
centers are finding the promotional ap-
peal the only effective one at present.
The situation has led, he remarked, to
exceptionally strong efforts to obtain
goods to be featured in these events.

stores in

—_2~+-__

Solid Colors Favored in Shorts.

A noticeable trend to men’s white
and solid color gym pants in the low-
end range has set ‘in since the begin-
ning of the year ,and the bulk of the
business has been centered on these
In addition to the all-white
numbers, blues, greens and tans are
the favored colors. Broadcloths, sell-
ing at about $1 per dozen, to retail in
the neighborhood of 15 cents each, are

styles.

chiefly in demand in the cheap ranges.
Enquiry for the better styles has ‘been
slow in appearing, although 25 cent
retailers are receiving attention.

Hollow Ware Orders Are Limited.
Limited orders for metal hollowware
continued in the wholesale markets.
A fair degree of activity was reported
on low-price silver-plated ware, includ-
ing decorative table pieces to retail up
to $7.50. Pewter manufacturers said
that re-orders for their merchandise
have dwindled over the last two weeks.
In sterling silver producers are enjoy-
ing a fair amount of business from
stores that are featuring low-price ar-
ticles in current promotions. But little
regular merchandise is being sold.

Men’s Wear Trade Dull.

Retail trade in men’s clothing and
furnishings came to something of a
standstill last week. Public nervous-
ness over the banking situation caused
consumers to hold on to their money
and the barrage of sales by stores
brought comparatively little response.
Some low-price suits and furnishings
were bought, but not in any apprecia-
ble volume. Stores do not look for-
ward to any increase in business until
the banking situation is cleared up and
public confidence restored.

—_->____
Sales Helping Glassware.

Furniture and houseware sales by
leading retail outlets continue to be
reflected in the demand for pressed
and blown glass products. Production
in February was ahead of January in
most plants and indications are that
the first part of March, at least, will
see little or no recession from the Feb-
ruary activity. Crystal continues quite
popular in stemware and table glass,
with the heavier colors, such as dark
blue and ruby, holding well. The de-
mand for flat glass products shows
little change and market continues dull.

 

  

   

16

HOTEL DEPARTMENT

Pershing Square Is the World’s Loaf-
ing Place.

Los Angeles, March 4—It is inter-
esting to roam around Los Angeles
and environs for the purpose ot
sampling the various natural and arti-
ficial food products. I have an acquaint-
ance here who does the “shopping” for
one of the larger restaurants and oc-
casionally he does me the honor of in-
viting my criticism on the results ot
his activities. Otherwise J would go
broke in financing these investigations.
At one of the big markets the other
day we ran across something which
excited my curiosity, a bit of tempting
pickled avacadoes—a new, dwarf, seed-
less variety of the creamy, delicious
favored salad fruit which is doing its
bit to make California famous. Dried
persimmons, raised and cured here in
Los Angeles county, and dried bananas
from Brazil and Hawaii are two new
offerings and are certainly delicious.
At present the bananas are retailing at
50 cents per pound and the persiun-
mons at 25. The newest vegetable on
the market is the Japanese crone. It
is an extremely tiny variety of the
Jerusalem or ground artichoke. At
present it is grown only in Florida, but
fields of same are being started in the
vicinity of Los Angeles and conditions
are said to be very favorable for rats-
ing them at a profit. Scrubbed, like
new potatoes, and boiled, they promise
a new treat for epicures. Passion fruit
and cheremoyas are of the plum fam-
ily with a distinct flavor of pineapple,
and if vou do not ‘hunt them up in
your home market and try them out
you are missing a real bet. In manu-
factured foods, corn chips are the most
recent offering. Somebody invented
them by twining of tortillas and_po-
tato chips in the same breath. With
the addition of cheese, or even just as
they come from the package, they are
delicious and will soon be popular.
The very latest offering of cheese
crackers have the addition of celery or
anise seed scattered through them.
And an enterprising Los Angeles man-
ufacturer is just introducing a brand
of California wine vinegar in the
Latin restaurants, which will make
you think of the Italian and French
offerings in the far distant cafes, if you
have ever visited them. If your
whistle meeds lubricating there is
something for this unfortunate condi-
tion made out of the Florida papaya,
which, as most of us know, is the
muskmelon raised in treetops. The
doctors say it is a good thing for
dyspepsia, or for an overdose of that
old-time remedy they used to recom-
mend for coughs and colds.

 

An Easterner visiting Los Angeles
soon discovers that Pershing Square,
directly opposite Hotel Biltmore, is the
world’s loafing place. I may have
said something about it before, but
when I was recently engaged in con-
valescing I used to get over there fre-
quently and listen to the political and
other arguments, which I might say
were offered freely. Out here we oc-
casionally refer to it as the “home of
the unburied dead.” But for all that
it is the one cosmopolitan center of
Los Angeles, where all nations meet
on common ground, and is the instant
delight of all tourists. Many a happy
acquaintance has been formed here,
and there old-time friends have been
re-united, It always gives me a thrill
to go there and, for the nonce mingle
with the hypoloi. Certain changes are
taking place in the park which are of
more ‘than passing interest to me. Sur-
rounded by oak, maple, beech, elm and
spruce trees of the North and East, are
banana trees, the large fronds of
which are already providing shade for
seated patrons of the Square. Plants
from the plains of South America, the
jungles of Southern Mexico and Cen-
tral American republics, and jungle

MICHIGAN

grass from Africa have already been
placed close to the walks and sur-
rounding the fountain in the center of
this beautiful park offering. It is al-
ready taking on the tropical appear-
ance which has been planned for it.
Soon the trees from the North and
East will be removed entirely to other
parks in the city and be replaced with
tropical and  semi-tropical growth.
When this job is completed the Square
will no more remind Eastern visitors
of their home states, but will enlighten
them on such tropical and semi-
tropical growths. But no matter what
happens along these lines it will con-
tinue to be the meeting place of old
friends and the melting pot of natives
from every clime. Here you will find,
also, the lame, halt and the blind, the
unemployed, and at all times the self-
constituted orator, with trousers
frayed at the knees and other sections,
telling you of the mistakes of the gov-
ernment and of those constituting
same.

In a recent public statement the
chief of police of Los Angeles an-
nounced that he was not disturbing
persons of “economic value” in his
roundup for the suppression of the
liquor traffic. The church folks took
him up claiming that !:is purpose was
to shield persons of wealth. The com-
mon council made a demand upon him
for a definition of the term. The chief
came back at them with this: “To me
it is inconceivable that a man of normal
intelligence cannot understand what is
meant by the term. Persons of no
economic value are those who subsist
wholly or in part in illegal activities.”
The chief still holds his job.

Now that the Greeters of America
have reached the highway of success,
somebody wants them to become more
exclusive and insists that at the instant
one of their members becomes un-
affiliated with hotel service, he be
placed on a sort of suspended list, and
be deprived of any voice in the affairs
of the organization. I do not take
kindly to this notion. Some of the
greatest organizers of Greeterism have
been individuals who at one time were
actively engaged in hotel service, but
who, for some reason or other have
become disconnected with the profes-
sion, though still feeling the desir-
ability of its success. They have ex-
pended much effort in helping the
movement forward to success, besides
paving ‘their dues. Some day they may
be back in the harness and active mem-
bership during the interim cannot help
but be beneficial to the profession, as
well as to the individual. I could men-
tion a number of faithful scouts in
Michigan who ‘have done this very
thing. They have never asked any-
thing from the association except
fraternity, but have, at all times, given
something to it. The success of Greet-
erism has not been due ‘to any par-
ticular interest on the part of the rank
and file, but to a very few who have
had a vision and applied their efforts
to practical ends. It were better to
stamp out such a movement as I have
mentioned in its incipiency than ‘to
eventually flounder on the rocks of
oblivion. History repeats itself and
many an organization is facing deplet-
ed membership because there were no
“Georges” to keep up their enthusiasm.

 

Spanish hotels, through organized
effort, have decided to place a ban on
all sorts of tipping. They have de-
cided ‘that the tourist, especially from
America, is being held up and are go-
ing to emancipate him. Tipping is as
bad for ‘the giver as it is for the re-
cipient, as some of my friends, who
visit Agua Caliente, will agree.

The semi-annual picnic of the Michi-
gan. society of California, is to be held
at beautiful Sycamore Grove on Sat-
urday, March 18. Last Saturday the
Iowans met at another park, Lincoln,

TRADESMAN

equally grand, and the papers claim
there were 100,000 in the bunch. The
records show that never has one of
these state gatherings been postponed
on account of the weather. And while
I am speaking on the weather topic,
let me say that Los Angeles, so far
this winter, has not “enjoyed” a single
frost,

 

Seems funny, but the fact remains
established that the most of the
Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles
are owned, operated and_ largely
patronized by Japanese, only the
cooks and waiters being Chinamen.
The manager of one I occasionally
patronize, down in the Plaza district,
tells me that he and the cashiers are
Japanese and most of the patrons are
Americans and Japanese, and you sel-
dom see any Chinese at the counters
and tables. But I am reiterating the
statement that the Chinese are the best
cooks in the world. I have a friend
who conducts a large fruit and vege-
table ranch about eighty-five miles
distant from Los Angeles. He has a
ranch house presided over by a China-
man who feeds a dozen laborers every
day, who prepares some of ‘the most
tasty dishes I have ever eaten. Re-
cently, when I was on a strictly milk
diet he sent me a two quart jar of
chop suey. I was not permitted to
absorb any portion of his kindly offer-
ing, but friends of mine who dissipated
the decoction, told me it was the finest
they ever enjoyed, and since then I
have had opportunities to confirm their
claim. I now ‘have the good fortune
to be in possession of the formula for
preparing same and for the benefit of
my catering friends and the various
housewives who read the Tradesman
I am passing it along. Now, either
paste it in your hat or scrap book for
it is well worth preserving, and I hate
to be compelled to publish it again,
when it seems like a useless effort:

Three-fourths pound of beef, cut in
thin, long, narrow pieces; 34 pound of
pork prepared in the same way; 3 cups
of onions, sliced thin; 3 cups of celery,
chopped fine; 3 tablespoons of Chinese
molasses; 5 tablespoons of chop suey
sauce; one can bamboo sprouts; one
can mushrooms; two pounds. fresh
bean sprouts; 3 tablespoons creamery
butter and 3 cups hot water. Brown
meat in the ‘butter, then add the water
and simmer for 45 minutes. Now add
salt to taste and the onions. Boil slow-
ly for 15 minutes. Add celery, molasses
and cook until celery is tender, about
10 minutes. At this time add bamboo
sprouts, mushrooms and bean sprouts.
Boil 10 minutes, then thicken slightly
with 2 tablespoons of corn starch, dis-
solved in a little cold water and cook
15 minutes longer. Serve with boiled
rice and the condiments.

 

Hotel and Restaurant
Equipment
H. Leonard & Sons
38-44 Fulton St., W.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

 

 

Store, Offices & Restaurant
Equipment
G.R.STORE FIXTURE CO.

7 lonia Ave., N. W. Phone 86027

 

 

 

 

 

Warm Friend Tavern
Holland, Mich.

Is truly a friend to all travelers. All
room and meal rates very reasonable.
Free private parking space.

JOHN HAFNER, Manager

—
— TS

 

 

March 8, 19383

 

CODY HOTEL

GRAND RAPIDS

RATES—$1 up without bath.
$2.50 up with bath.

CAFETERIA IN CONNECTION

 

 

ALL GOOD ROADS LEAD TO
IONIA AN

THE REED INN

Excellent Dining Room
Rooms $1.50 and up
MRS. GEO. SNOW, Mgr.

 

 

MORTON
HOTEL

Grand Rapids’ Newest
Hotel

400 Rooms “i 400 Baths

RATES
$2.50 and up per day.

 

 

“A MAN IS KNOWN BY THE
COMPANY HE KEEPS”

That is why LEADERS of Business
and Society make their head-
quarters at e

PANTLIND
HOTEL

“An entire city block of Hospitality’
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Rooms $2.25 and up.
Cafeteria -i- Sandwich Shop

 

 

Park Place Hotel
Traverse City

Rates Reasonable—Service Superb
—Location Admirable.

GEO. ANDERSON, Mgr.
ALBERT J. ROKOS, Ass’t Mgr.

 

 

New Hotel Elliott
STURGIS, MICH.
50 Baths 50 Running Water
European
D. J. GEROW, Prop.

 

sUrEraRE

 

 

—

Occidental Hotel

FIRE PROOF
CENTRALLY LOCATED
Rates $2.00 and up
EDWARD R. SWETT, Mar.
Muskegon “fe Michigan

 

 

Columbia Hotel
KALAMAZOO
Good Place To Tie To

ns
——

HOTEL ROWE

We have a sincere
interest in wanting to
please you.

ERNEST W, NEIR

MANAGER

 

 

 

 

‘
4
4
)
:
§

Ath laa MA aN to BAe sO Baap Pecan aR

‘

 

 

 

 

i
i
:
§

4

 

 

March 8, 1933

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

17

 

Then you will have something to
offer which will make your guests sit
up and take notice. This cost me sev-
eral cigars, but you are all as welcome
to it as if I had picked it off a Christ-
mas tree,

Last week I announced that I had
caught up with A. B. Flagg, a former
Pentwater druggist, and still a resident
of that charniing little village. Now I
can make the positive statement that
his charming wife, Ann, has caught
up with him here, and I have had a
wonderful visit with them both, Mrs.
Flage is very much involved in the
social affairs of Pentwater and she has
had much to do with the civic admin-
istration there in the role of village
trustee and other municipal offices.
When Michigan adopted the equal
suffrage amendment, as chairman of
the village caucus, I suggested ‘that it
would be a right smart stunt ‘to place
a sprinkling of the fair sex on the elec-
tion ballot, but the old-timers couldn’t
look at it in the same light. But
through the connivance of myself and
others, she and one or two more in-
telligent women were elected on slips
by handsome majorities. Now they
are regarded as full fledged politicians
and are always considered when_ it
comes to making up the slate. Pent-
water friends have written me_ that
Mrs. Flagg is a very plausible candi-
date for the local postoffice, and she
deserves it for the reason that she is
fully equipped for just such a service
and is justly popular with her fellow
citizens.

Last week Manager “Dave” Barker,
of the Rancho Golf Club there, enter-

 

tained a simon-pure Michigan party
consisting of Miles Wilkinson and
wife, formerly of Muskegon, Mrs.

Jacque Percy, more recently of Grand
Rapids and ‘the writer hereof. ‘Dave,’
before he made his debut as a hotelier,
was a bellhop at Hotel Sherman, Chi-
cago, during the period that Mr. Wil-
kinson was chief engineer at the same
establishment. They both live out
here now, but it was a first contact in
many years, and they certainly did
have some homecoming.

Detroit hotel men have in a large
degree taken the sting out of the so-
called (bank ‘holiday by arranging for
special funds outside of the state
whereby their patrons may be accom-

modated with expense money. The
Statler and Book-Cadillac opened
private disbursing agencies, supplied

their guests with railroad tickets and
funds ‘for essential purposes. It was
a nice thing for them to do and the
traveling public will no doubt in the
future demonstrate their appreciation
of the service.. Out here in California
the epidemic has “lit” and we are all
reduced to sackcloths and ashes, but
our bankers and governor ‘thought so
well of the Michigan idea they have
adopted it.

 

The Milner Hotel Co., of Detroit,
has taken over two more Michigan ho-
tels, the Michigan, at Muskegon, and
the Lindley-Hall, in Detroit. The
Muskegon acquisition will henceforth
be called the Milner and operated on
the plan of $1 per day for rooms with-
out bath and $1.50 for the complete
service, with additional offering of free
laundry service for guests, which this
organization features.

James T. McFait, former promotion
manager for Hiotel Bismark, Chicago,
has been transplanted to Detroit to
assume a managerial job at Hotel Wol-
verine, Ernie Richardson’s hotel.

John K. Blatchford, Chicago, who
has been secretary of the Hotel Men’s
Mutual Benefit Association of the U.
S. for so long a period that there is
now no one left to tell about it, was
returned to office by a com*fortable
plurality at the annual meeting held in

-Frawley, general

Chicago last week. By adoption John
is a Michigander, as he has a beautiful
summer ‘home in ‘the St. Joseph dis-
trict.

Fred. J. Doherty, Hotel Doherty,
Clare, and president of the Michigan
Hotel Association, has named J. E.
manager of Book-
Cadillac, Detroit, on the - legislative
committee of the Association in place
of E. T. Lawless, Mr. Frawley’s
predecessor at the Book-Cadillac.

Floyd Doherty, proprietor of Hotel
Osceola, Reed City, is vacationing in
Florida.

George Piteau, proprietor of the
Lakeview Hotel, at Sault Ste. Marie,
for many years, died recently in the
hospital following injuries incurred in
crossing the Straits on a ferry. His
age was 65.

Preliminary plans for the fifth an-
nual short course in hotel operation, to
be given by Michigan State Col-
lege, Lansing, under the auspices of
the Michigan Hotel Association, have
been cothpleted by Miss Ruth Myhan,
chairman of that section. She an-
nounces the course will be shortened
to two days,-April 21 and 22, but that
the program on each day will be ex-
tended to cover all topics. The regis-
tration fee has been reduced to $1, and
the banquet, including dance features
will also ‘be $1. The dinner and dance
will ‘be ‘held at Hotel Olds and the
classes at the College.

A group of twenty-five students in
the hotel course at the Michigan State
College were given a trip to Chicago
last week, and entertained by the vari-
ous hotel men there, among whom
was Ward B. James, manager of Ho-

tels Windermere, and former manager

of Hotel Tuller, Detroit.

 

The late William H. Aubrey, has
been succeeded in the management of
Hotel Waldron, Pontiac, by Kern &
Kern, Inc. Mr. Aubrey was former
vice-president of the state hotel or-
ganization,

A new device has been created for
peeling potatoes and other vegetables
expeditiously. I am glad to hear about
it. It ought to be some improvement
over the old method of “scalping” the
Murphys with a butcher knife.

Seems as though the eighteenth
amendment.was fairly on its way to
the skids, but one can never tell. There
are a few unimportant states populated
by bewhiskered antiquarians, who still
believe ‘they are guardians of the
world’s welfare, and under the rule
thirteen of these states can throw a
monkev wrench into the mechanism.
But as I have argued myself hoarse
for years, what of it? Forget about
all agitation on the matter and the
first thing you know you will be wet-
ting your whistle with dollar “spirit-
uals” and the holier-than-thous will be
found sleeping at the switch.

Frank S. Verbeck.
Oo
Glad To Make Amends. |

East Lansing, March 2—Recent in-
vestigation having satisfied me that
there was no connivance between Wal-
ter’s attorney and the municipal judge
of Owosso and that there was no ir-
regularity in the relations between At-
torney Harry Partlow and Assistant
Prosecuting Attorney Watson at Lan-
sing, I hereby retract and apologize
for the statements I made in a com-
munication to the Michigan Trades-
man of Dec. 28, 1932, under the head-
ing of Activity of Michigan State
Police Bears Fruit. Edward Cooper,

Detective Sergeant, Michigan State
Police.

 

a a re
The boomlet in gold stocks may
prove a tinsel.

 

 

Quaker
Milk

&

Consumer Acceptance

Attractive ‘Tins
Quality
Purity

Price

All are embodied in
Quaker Milk which

is sold by Independ-
ent retailers only

Join the rapidly growing
number of Dealers who

find QUAKER MILK

to be a valuable asset
*

LEE & CADY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

DRUGS

Michigan Board of Pharmacy.
President—J. W. Howard Hurd, Flint.
Vice-Pres.—Duncan Weaver. Fennville.
Director—E. J. Parr, Big Rapids.
Examination Sessions—Three sessions
are held each year, one in Detroit, one in
the Upper Peninsula and one at Ferris
Institute, Big Rapids. ie
Michigan State Pharmaceutical
Association.

President—F. H. Taft, Lansing.

First Vice-President—Duncan Weaver,
Fennville.

Second Vice-President—G. H. Fletcher,
Ann Arbor.

Secretary—R. A. Turrel, Croswell.

Treasurer—William H. Johnson, Kala-

 

 

 

Destroyers of Income Tax.

If we can show our legislators that
predatory cutters by eliminating profit
from all’ business are destroyers of
Government income and thereby pub-
lic enemies by reason of such action
we have made a forward stride; fur-
ther, no legislator enjoys the necessity
of voting additional taxes of any kind.
Such action never popularizes any sen-
ator or congressman. It merely creates
a desire on the part of the electorate
to eliminate him from public life.

Therefore if we can convince him
that legislation to restore profit to in-
dustry will bring back sufficient in-
come to operate our Government with-
out the need of special or new forms
of taxation, he thereby insures a pleas-
ed constituency and his tenure of of-
fice is prolonged; “a consummation
devoutedly to be wished for” (see any
incumbent. )

Such argument is not only basically
sound and an economic truth easily
demonstrable but it has the added ap-
peal of the personal security of the
legislator, comments the bulletin of
the California Pharmaceutical Asso-
ciation. Just add “Destroyers of the
income tax” to your armament to fight
for fair trade legislation.

The United States Government is
taking a big loss in income tax returns
due to the reckless merchandising by
predatory price cutters.

Any merchants who sell National
Advertised Merchandise at or below
cost as bait to get extra customers in-
to their stores, using these patrons as
their prey to exploit them with ques-
tionable, inferior merchandise, are ruin-
ing our Government’s chances of col-
lecting legitimate income taxes on
quality merchandise which should car-
ry a fair profit for all the merchants.

The buying capacity of the American
people has been reduced 30 per cent.
during the past three years. This pur-
chasing ability will continue to drop
if our Government does not take a
hand in this vital matter.

Predatory price cutting is killing
personal initiative and most of all it is
destroying honest merchandising. Mer-
chants are delinquent in rents; many
clerks in retail stores have been thrown
out of employment; wages have been
reduced; thousands of salesmen have
been affected. The income tax is sure
to suffer.

Call it supply and demand if you
like, but we must realize that if mer-
chants are forced to continue to sell
merchandise without profit, the over-
head in business will continue to re-
main unpaid.

MICHIGAN

Common sense tells us that if mer-
chandise was sold at a fair and just
profit much of the past due overhead
would be paid, hence more income tax
for the Government. Business failures
would decrease.

The Government should investigate
the merchants who sell merchandise at
or below cost and they would find that
the predatory price cutters are the de-
stroyers of the income tax. Profiteers
were punished during the war, preda-
tory price cutters should be punished
during the reconstruction period.

——_»-->-
Nearly One Hundred Students at
Detroit Examination.

The Michigan Board of Pharmacy
held their February examination at
the Detroit Institute of Technology at
Detroit Feb. 21, 22 and 23. Nearly
100 students took the examination.
Practically the entire class was from

the state of Michigan.

There are four pharmacy colleges in
Michigan which are accepted by the
Michigan Board for their curriculum.
They are the University of Michigan,
College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor;
College of the City of Detroit; Detroit
Institute of Technology; and Ferris
Institute, Big Rapids. Of this group
the Ferris Institute sends the largest
number to this board.

The next examination will be held
in June at the College of Pharmacy
of the University of Michigan.

—_—_». + »>___
Door To Door Sellers Hit By Wiscon-
sin Decision,

The card system of selling foods,
extracts and the like from house to
house is peddling within the meaning
of the Wisconsin peddler’s license law,
according to a ruling by Judge A. G.
Zimmerman in Dane County Circuit
Court in an action started by the State
Department of Agriculture and Mar-
kets. Under the card system the truck
driver calls on various homes and per-
suades customers to sign a card, which
does not obligate the customer to take
the goods, although thereafter the
driver sells either direct from the truck
or from a basket of samples taken to
the door.

As a result of this decision about 300
such distributors in Wisconsin will be
compelled to purchase State peddler’s
licenses at a cost of $75 each. George
Warner of the Wisconsin Department
of Agriculture and Markets states.

The case in question was brought
against two drivers of the Oswald
Jaeger Baking Co., large manufactur-
ing baking concern, with headquarters
in Milwaukee. Distribution was made
in the Madison territory by a fleet of
fifteen trucks. The state contended
that the drivers were peddlers and as
such must be licensed, and the court
upheld this contention.

Ho-e There.

Ho-e there Michigan Potato Growers,
Why let Michigan trade go to Idaho?
Michigan can raise good potatoes,
‘nis you know and this I know.

We have the soil and the climate,
To grow just as good as anywhere!
Common judgment says it looks,
That Michigan growers do not care.

A little more careful selection,

As to the soil and to the seed,

And then careful after grading,

Really seems about all we need.
Chas. M. Armstrong.

TRADESMAN

DETROIT DOINGS.

 

Late Business News From Michigan’s
Metropolis.

The Inter Urban building, vacated
when the Detroit United Railway Co.
discontinued operations, has been leas-
ed by local promoters, who will remod-
el the structure and prepare it for
leases to manufacturers, their agents,
and distributors, in mercantile lines,
such as restaurateurs, drug sundries,
food stuffs and kindred lines. The
building, which is located at the ad-
vantageous down-town corner of
Bates and Jefferson, will be known as
the Merchandise Mart and will be
modeled after similar institutions in
other large cities. Louis R. Shamie,
well known to the trade in Detroit
through his activities in behalf of the
independent retail stores, will be man-
ager of the new mart. “In addition to
the regular offices the building will be
arranged for merchandise displays,”
declared Mr. Shamie, “and at certain
periods the public will be invited to
inspect them, thus giving the retailers
invaluable co-operative advertising
helps.” It is understood that A. R.
Reno, local druggist and capitalist,
who conducts a store at 10593 West
Jefferson avenue, River Rouge, is one
of the backers of the project.

The Majestic Shop, women’s ap-
parel dealer, 1031 Woodward avenue,
is closing out the stock at that address.

Morley Brothers, of Saginaw, has
opened a branch office and display
rooms at 3131 East Jefferson avenue,
which will be in charge of Harry Dal-
ley, former department manager for a
local wholesale firm. Only floor cover-
ings will be carried at the Jefferson
avenue address, which will include both
hard surface and soft coverings. As-
sociated with the new organization is

March 8, 1933

Charles Bassey and Russell Rose-
brough, who will cover the metropol-
itan area and Southern Michigan. Both
men have represented local firm in the
same territories. :

The Grunow Corporation, of Chi-
cago, has started production in Detroit
of the new refrigerators to be manu-
tactured by the company. Three hun-
dred men are being employed at the
start, H. C. Bonfig, sales manager, told
a group of 150 Michigan dealers at a
luncheon tendered them at the Detroit-
Leland Hotel last week. Parts of the
refrigerator bodies are being turned
out at the Meldrum avenue plant of the
Briggs Manufacturing Co,

Many Detroit city salesmen are tak-
ing temporary vacations while their
employers in the wholesale distribut-
ing and manufacturing businesses ar-
range to furnish them with current
traveling expenses in cash.

Alexander Reid, retired druggist and
a director of the Michigan Life In-
surance Co., was found dead in his
home, 150 West Dakota avenue, last
week. Worry over his finances was
the reported cause. Mr. Reid at one
time was owner of two drug stores
in this city and a member of the Mich-
igan Board of Pharmacy,

Wholesale food distributors report
a heavy business on Saturday and at
the opening of the present week. Con-
sumers, following the President’s pro-
clamation, began laying in extra sup-
plies to carry them over a period of
scarcity and inflated prices which many
think might follow.

Detroit department stores are grad-
ually tightening up on charge accounts,
but, as explained by one executive,
nothing definite will be announced
pending the decision of the issuance
of script. It is understood nothing will
be done locally until a Federal decision

 

Grand Rapids

 

OPRING AND SUMMER SPECIALTIES

Marbles, Rubber Balls, Jacks, Bathing Sup-
plies, Paint Brushes, Paints, Oils, Wall Fin-
ishes, Varnishes, White Lead, Enamels, Soda
Fountains and Supplies, Golf, Tennis and
Baseball Supplies, Indoor Balls, Playground
Balls, Sponges, Chamois Skins,
Flectric Heaters, Electric Fans, Goggles, Pic-
nic Supplies, Lunch Kits, Vacuum Bottles,
Food Jars, Therma Jugs, Insecticides, Seed
Disinfectants, Easter Egg Dyes, Easter and
Mother’s Day Cards, and thousands of other
new and staple items. All now on display in
our Sample Room. Come in and look them
over. Everything priced in plain figures.

Hazeltine & Perkins Drug Co.

Cameras,

Michigan

 

 

 

a ai

 

 

 

,

 

 

 

XN
farch 8. 19
> 32
has
s be
en
able reacl
; a
to Bolte of 2 a univer
; seri urs sall
cided script se, bei ya
s falli : B a eing cce
in ing usine g pre pt- A
Fa ince off dun Se how ferable nn Arb MICH
so r distri ng tl ed a La or; E IG
TY eflected : rict sto 1¢€ past de- P : Polh mery Ch A N
he li in res st we ort am as T
houses ee se phan ies a John oo "Ponte Aa Ach R A D E
a oe ee Le ae s LEA aSet alph Loni aron en SMAN
~ See ae oo cas oa cece 1a Tictratt WHO
b Pilon ee ru a a ee Sto oe ae iey LESALE
oys ow Hin shing , Tonia; rer n
who has g the g th enr a: E ; O , Do ’ :
nay feck ae sit . Cy worst. . oe Klein, ae (ee ta 2 Prices quo DRUG
ponies ss eee an i ih wiak, oe : Rapid 4 anit url ae No a ted are n PRICE
Lo Por ing a irtin e Bay Ci etroi ids; ng; Xtal Powd., lb. 0 ominal,
Local , they x a few bi g witl Gite \ ity: G it: A ; Royd : (Carb Lo or 6 @ ba CU 19
and ki whole are sti its o 1 Baird Villieed G pla Ww en Carbolie, X === se sed o RR
“ <ind sale fi still doi n the aird, E ard Bi . Let . Jank M ric, 1b taL.lb. 08% Aloes G nm ma EN
busi red li firms i oing i a lasti Bick tern o- uriatic, sb. 36 anu 1 - Bxoha tue rket T
bare ines is in g it. on; Ss stings; nell, ian, D a ak @ a. rbadoe the
nes ee as Lae 8 textile in Soi FE. ©. ae T . wie ae @ a Bowanttye S Hon o of iss
rut tl er busi one el LE an, R aas, H oF alic, Ib, aes 03% Ib. a s@ 6 ee ue.
ney isiness policy on ‘lected Hick » OLE ’ oug sulphui po 09 @ 10 awd rine + @ o J eml’k ¢ Pu.
caret are v ss in y and a M for ey D gers Ci gh- Tarta a bh. 15 @ Ar owd., coe 45 unip can, b. 1 155
carefully vatchi an ar Mrs. S de ta etroi ay ric, 1 ae 5 @ 15 A aie es = ae ae lb. 155@2
it. 5 a a Se uing tl ormal e ooo Ladies’ oit. Of and D b. - -- 034%@ 25 Arabic, first. ll @ 7 1; pied Wea. th. 4 00@1 20
susit ne v re hori way ent; el Kt es’ Auxi ffic nat Alcahe 35 10 rabic, SeC., — oS im L eB 3 00 1 25
as tl 1ess | vhol rizo > se 7 Mrs atina Auxili ers a ured, cohol @ 4 Ara ic, so e. i @ goo av. G w. t6 w3 2
1e retail 1as esal nv secrete s. W: uer lary G . No. 5 « bic on ec = 4em ard., Ib. ,D00@ 5
4 ta slu ere ery tary ad ’ D Vv abe: aaa oe 5, rabi . GE . iD. 15 a: M on 1 o 1 75
credit ilers mped xpre De y, and | e L etroit we ea ‘Acatee ae 16 @ 2 punted, | ee ee a
aad who sti consi ssed troit Mrs s Jo ope od, G ce 48 A afoeti a b. 25 Must Le 1 25@ 00
caref ndit still side , trea rs. S nes es- ac Cor a- & @ 6 saf ida Ib. 25 @ 35 Oo ot a 2 25 D1 50
ul ngs mai rabl A east sey , Ads L Alun. Bates 00@ eg foetida, 1. — a a oe 5@2 8
Ww : ar aintai y Ab ire mo a rid u m- 50 @5 ua a, 26 @ 35 Orig ge, S Ee, s. 80
Saar e also oS ies Saag meetin ‘ ae Bees Dowd or nei rs 60 Guaiag i ee re 60 ——— Ib. & o. =
eral of E z ing 1 ont : g att n r Gra., 1b. 05 ino i owd.. : 7 ai cons art, - 4 00 3D
n Sug g so here S neig en ; a.,1 Kino, Ib. a 15 n a @4
525 Eanaece igene H me re Sut ighborl ded b fe Amm b. ce 13 Me naa i g 60 Peppermint Sy 25
. Fisher te the Ohi Griffitl organiz iday pla rood d y 300 ind nes oo a 13 moa fe SG a Rose. = gg 4 py er
arn a uildi hio dy Be Zatiol ans ealers e- Cc _ . 06 She , Po ie aa @ 0 se, G po cE a 35
oe os Babee Ce. one rpresentatin eee Sarbonatay Wi S4@ 1s i foe @. 80 Rescmary™” one i
Aes ; © ath 1 e gri o., gency. T 1e ative or Muri te, L bn 8 %@ a. Ss a e, 15 ao 50@ 50
at of _ Grifti ast eved th The prese of tl ao ows a 0 @ 7. oa ee oe Ib 95
; thi iffitl week to e auspi » meeti nt fi ne S uriate, ra. - 18 2 (b ac, os 3 a) aa 1
years his ci hh ek a uspic eet nanci mall e, P ;, 1D @ 5 on aE 15 @ 25 Ww.t i 006
Ss i as at hi dis ices ing ne 0. . 0 e e it 2 2: wv. b. @1 50
a e Survi ; ty for been his ae R S of tl § was ial stri Pou — @ & ragacand d) 7 @ 25 one lb enous): 1 50
ste one eee 3 ta past oa pl ee Detr held) andes ce @ 30 = Dbl b. 30 « ssafras, ce
Roc 6 his as . ans Be ee tr Copaina, oe @ 45 Son. ii iain
-urial son, H his wid ninete of ns ar urea Me 15 Fi paibs ciated 07 ey 1h 1 45 Sp yn. D. @47
’ z p € - . a6 ’ . aS 5
Cad was unt ow, L en oul e ten u an rcha ir, ce a @ 2 me i 60@2 oe oe 16 '
iff : at er maT eo tary s RS iporari d org He Fir ao if 0 oe 150@1 00 Tans mint, oF 60@2 ¢
iS es hae oe OK pa - the Shamie any Peale! Boeke ite @1 20 cis Honey : 2501 a Bhyme ie iba 0 @1 20
ice 1 : pia itl roc P ; ex e ee 1b” poo 5 @2 aad y 50 yme, ed in. a ie
Cl de » Oh ce ' ers rog xecuti and a “— * Y ---- cid dati ih i oe
ub of i0 of pains s Ass gressi utive S a 50@1 Ar Lo pene 25 int Vhi . 50@4 0
wl the rae Mr tail ssociati ssive fe Se Cc =--- 1 70@ 00 os op @ L terer i., Ib 15@ 00
the no W Michi : mea 1atio Ind cre- assia Barks 15 @2 20 = 6, PE 2 40 eat een — = I5@1 7
an cre ga A. B at de mm 1 ere Ordit rks 0@1 sid cab essed, Bircl true 25@1 -
O's nual elect gan A rR aler ol nden O lina a & yd ee Sy x : ik 5 80
he electi ed 1 ppa Xeno , 1524 Bak t can ry, Ib Pound reece oe ue Ny b. 26
Leff a, eo ction ast Ww rel The , druggi 24 Sheri aRose Sai + Po. -- 25 Kd Lb gro Per oo rmseed, lt =e 10@6
z e e Ww ee : av gels er se, igon, ; 1b @ , 7 ss 2 oxi 15 ort aes B@: 00
ees rete Seng en ns ” dan ana jasuleon:Po. Ib Bee Ep. gross 3 oo@21 mwood, ib. 4 151 20
Cah second ee siete Meee ye iS ae industry iim, Po i Ib. 50 . 40 Madras aa 10 fais oe posal Oils ie 4 Tos 00
1n ‘ vice : E : rvitr lack year’s ial S is © ‘aim, owd a a0 6 . Ib igo 10 5 Cc coan gal cav @d 20
et , third . -presi dwar ne ck the sales : prin gettin Sages Ga . Ib 3 @ 60 Pu in Le 0 od oo Ib. Bu a
F. Niemever ag a Co- was a ey oe a tee Soaptree, oa 8 e ac aS aia oe tia 95 ogrewian, Was, inka 35
exce , secr nt; a ry S the 3 romi co-o vever : ptree, cut ib 45) @ 45 Xtal bau a e L Se gal. e 35
: : : ' ’ d 25 ard, ed 5
W pt Mr etary nd Dani indus nent 1 rdinati ’ will ; Po b 15 @ 35 Po ; ib Ac La e oe 00
ord . Sh and aniel the 1 stry mM tl 10n 2 Cub B or Yb. 25 @ 2 wd. & pe etate 35 Li rd, Ne” & S. @1 5
week was r ea are treasu : buyit niade ne eff which eae 1 erri @ 5 t aan 17 Fie a. 1 al, 90@1 0
. it i ying i fa) be b. es 3 Ex xr, : Jins d, oat I 1
Fue at he a eceived i from De rer. t is re g deadlo last yea rt whicl yo ee 0 etracts oe 25 25 fee raves 1 eat az
gene W eath i ia Bresnai troit. way tl ported ack. FE: r to br tS r, Ib. lb. @ 15 ban hee ae 35 eatstoot, pie) ae 40
pee he estbrook, f ree = oie 1is_ time we fo ach comp . ‘Blue Vitri é x en 1 50 Olive, gal al. 6o@ 81
} re zi ng S tl i a its i oe oacee itri 20 Ce Bs @ } , eo s1
e : oO e : 1 n s | : ao o 2 = a -
stbrook For rmer res les of strong at many d the g individ y, P’d B — - Bue 4s) b 40 - 00 oo _ 80@
staurant condu many estaurant eae gly. In - of the evidence idual or wat @ 15 phere Ib peat @1 ae Sperm, — 2 M1 25
a . ean i : : . lb B u i. Ss 0 2, . s B - 50.
movi s in thi cted a years rgy whi act m will indi- Poun Sil asts 06 uchu, lb hort oo ae 3 @3
ng t this : chai Mr ment iich ’ the i go j dc imsto @ Sag u, Pd long @ ar, r. ga a8 00@5 00
TH o Cali city in of : s wil man ntensi quite P cea ne 13 «9a ge, 5 ad i a 50 Wha gal. EE > 1 25@ 00
1€ Morn , retiri res mak ill dis y of sity oun pe SARE 04 ge ul b. @ le So 7 15
flo annt rnia ei iring : eu isplay 1 the of th d -- amph @ _br iS loose lb. 25 @ 6 oa ... 15@ °
ti wer sho - a ae ae. of Bir Be oe larger el . acini rs é Sage, out “as 2% YB 7 oz Oplun 500 65
fm hal March 1 Nee Ameri prof some salle ted upon to ee ae ie, | eo ert
Among » Marcel held i meric ; Ga rere i aller, i elort to , Powd. _ Al - Gra @ 40 Ib. 5 a 1
years oie ee i to oy Seana aa oe independent the on ae éi 50 Tinnevelia, lb ge = o ce 41. ae 00
of 10W wi y othe 26 inclusi rc Te 32 conc unit d ite, 25 «(Uv owd ella, - 50 . eee 3 17 5
a wil r fe us nry . erte s astle do: wa tine lb. z @ Se 1.4 0@2
sta ill at co ford’ ed F ce ie: Ursi Ib. . 20 > — 0
spac te pa be the 1 ures of . omplet ord’s sales nen daa wee a 6 - Pound Pa 17 ”
B e 120 f rk, whi € reprod this ~ line e four annout me Pocder @3 60 rsl, aa 20 @ = S raffine 50@20 0
.< Cc : . oO -cyli 1 Berit r, ; Cc : , ee
30y Sco eet by 60 h will uction ha n the 1 cylinde cement Po 1b @6 00 Golarid CF lb. @ 25 aoe P 06 0
oe ee Girl S tee a af not cl 12-inch r passen of a White. It tb aus 2 hloride med. ’ Wait ye 7 ae
. S s é n a 7 : - os : ° a ° i = - , x
ings in clubs ies alee of a Nice b wetbase car Pod pe Ib. x @ 15 Pound fete a W@W 8a P ite, grd., oy a3 @ 4
that 1€ as will me -8 is af ind cnas : Pp a apsi . 03 16 ---- diu @1l ° ound itch lb. @ 0
Mi exhibi hav mber ) c the y ew ustry’ S1S owd b. icum @ 10 cary agne _ 40 ‘Bur 35 55
i chica’ it to e thei s pecte offing and y’s Sos agen: Jarb., Ma sae 1 es, Sie gun @ 4
ne ce acegael oe out- oe - AS The oe eo Whole aoe Bs @ 70 on “a,b a a a Petrolat ne -
a : ng 4 sts publi | its ar 1 ‘ord Rouwda l ov @ Osada Pp 6s, lb. € er, ai um 2
artin & abus may lic of TI Sa is sti wde b. es ES xide wad lb @ rea ar n,lb 5
pena Ca ped: 7 the la he co ppeara ill ex a oe a fia 2 30 crea We ue
clotl ee Marty” used at tl rge V mpa nce x- Ou 8 @ e i 2. ib, 15 32 Sn Wh i. ie ‘
5 ‘ 1 ny’ a ne c 30 mit ik @ 25 pl Ib. 7
ne ms ee a Martinso ak a of during eee a eg * 40 eae ae: . 73 B hi tb. 20 @ 22
rnish igan ected fl, Al t ile of ’ 0c st w ion Pp . Ib oppe ee ol 15 Beaker er P 22 @ 2
held ers A Retail presi oe be i this arsad eek w Cae ra 13 60 Bocnd SD : a fate @ 5
: f : : oo Oe § , ao D 27
in ssociati Clothi es in the vi mo ay. as = ai 033 Dene 12@5 6 7 ent
annual the H lation at othiers a : ith com ne vicini del is March pounacet™ ae eo 10 Oun M -—==— ele ee Causti Batass 0 os
otel S th nd track merci ity of estir on Ta @ cece or E25 Liq ic, s otass 3% 5 50
elected conventi Statler - meetin : ed devi cial car f 25.000 nated ben TS — 15 eo: Ss . phine @1 35 uor, ~ ks, ib @ 08
are: on. uri g nor rin ; : nd utt Td 55
first vi e: Loui Oth ee no nth to g the producti ee lebone aoa on = 7 eo @10 pe pabae Pétassine @ 8
: ice- : is Kosi er : He ehic m earl on si : Ye ao Bi P ust 0 80 ica e, | assi @ 8
Ad pres os off cle ake y sid llo D 40 sel ‘ow ard @12 B rb b. um 4
I rian, sec sident; F icheck L icers . Ss. wav f part at ee White corm, Ib. @ 5 egy _— 2 96 Bichromate, z= 60 0
+ Jon ond - ‘red G , Lansin ne oo 1€ at 06 Li. 45 oo Co: on @
: es vice- 4 ef of pass Wi » |b 2 B [= 3 ashes 1 Ib. 96
rington rae C red. Westats, 4. “ circun — ne @ 7 Flake 'Naphihaling @ x Chlorate, i 51 3 2
aad Be sien creta ; Ww wheel af nstan Bde age. . Yel ? oi _ a. 2 : -- 30 7
id Ben F ee ee sera ces provi ft, ale 9 p Ge ade aa
ommi : em eo irect rts y is e apai hamoi Ib we 0 red, 1b. . = Tl 5 “3 23
it be int or fr s to man igns ae . 60) i rma -— 2 @
eae tee are: rs_ of > alter ’ not om th be fo ufactu Coe eo oun au eee @ 4 Permainganate, 3 z @ 23
I - Alb - Ww the e — sales e field und in rers <jto™ an, Ib @ 3 ree : Vana @ 0 i age a i @ 28
Beck, a A E. Stu xecutive a well Preetiag 2 phes the re aac” ree 3 @ ‘ ered, 1b.-. ce a valce aces
ansi rm ewe se y Ameri =< : ee
Grand nsing; , Sagi , Mon- hat 1m ut the i they a concer a 2 doe "ue a eae x 3S
Grand noo Samuel naw; Sa going perative increasi re_holdi ep pa _- 35 - co t ssential @ 2% Powe. uassia phe @ 90
: > m g to re sin = ing ° mal Ss. @ Sit ft a i 60
Ral apid ; Mau . Fl wl m plac g evi und deh 4 Sues ee ° _ ps
S; ric etc iat ake i em vide . yd @ 0 Swe rt., ozs. 5 . 15
ph Ger Leon L e Hou her, pa gener itself ent buyi fee | * Fuller's. a Bulk 25 Sw't,” tru ie @ oe Q ~~ 25 @ 2
sonde Ss oeb, M seman rts of al scale felt on ying is owder — E 09 @ p Amber Art an 10 @ * E ene @ =
oot. 10 uskegon; ? that the c . Deal a sot o i thas 0 Amber, eae bat Cog : Epsom ae
seph; n sho ount ers j ne- ound CG 05 ni , rect., lb 0@1 0 la _ Ib al @
George up and a al ry record ee elatin @ 10 Bay, ib. Ib. t, oe ee 00 a. oo ag 57
cede at tho tendan the f 7 Brok. Gla 55 Bergamot, See 1 ant ( «tae Ib. A@
they se wh ee is act Gro’d, Bro. lue @ 65 caput. cn 4 ue: . itre, a. 03 10
presen mus oma ‘ picki Whi , Dar ; Ib. 2 arawe lb. - 28 @4 Xta ----
t vehi t so ke it De Whit = lb 0 @ Cassi ay S’d, Ib Boe Gr 1 or 03%@ 10
icle on up Ww ite @’ e th 16 30 Ged: la, US da, lb. 1 50 2) RO van. Pow 10
Ss, repl con- hit Gd b. 2 @ ar SP 2 0@2 0 ab chelle lb ad 1
ace Ib. e AXX lb 74%4@ 22 Ceda Leaf in 65@3 00 Soda He th 0 @
oc. ligh 2 @ a 8 ao 75@2 20 » Ib om 22
a. t, 35 ace oat . 1 50@2 40 A : oe 18 . 20
P awe Gane ip 4 se ates Soda 0240 03
‘ound Gl *@ mo oy =| ea 00@1 25 Bicarbonate, 1 08
——— 50 a las 75 @l 2, 4H ustic ate. 03
en oe ik oo 1 75@ 20 Hyposul Co’l. . 03 @ 1
14 1ge 0. _ 8 @2 h lph . 1D % 0
%@ Eu ron 00 25 osph it . 08 @
35 icalyptt 7 eae 4 00@8 2 Sulphi ate e, lb 10
F yp : 25@ 5 ph . 0 @
enn tus 9 5@4 8 X fe Ib 5 @ 15
ae Ib. ne aint " _ = 10
oe -- 15@1 35 ites Pp — @ 28
3 dowe 6 Dry, Powd., 1b 07
@260 G Sel weak ae @
Gall + »fal. 4 14@ 12
ons eat 0 20
------ ine 50
weer
69

Haar
er, IA
nn
Arbor; Alb
ert Fi
egel,

 

 

20

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

March 8, 1933

 

GROCERY PRICE CURRENT

The prices quoted in this department are not cut prices.

They are regular

quotations such as jobbers should receive for standard goods. Because of present
day uncertainties, sharp buyers who are in good credit may sometimes be able
to induce the jobber to shade some of the quotations, but we prefer to quote
regular prices on regular goods, because cut prices obtained by duress or under
force of circumstances never accurately represent the actual condition of the
market, which is the proper province of this publication.

ADVANCED

Pork
Lard
Smoked Hams

see aa =

DECLINED

California Sardines
Hart Raspberries
Corn Flakes
Wyandotte Cleaner

 

 

 
   

       

 

s Veal
2.
REAKFAST FOODS Pears
aA eae Pride of Mich. No. 2% 2 25
Parsons, 32 oz. ______ 335 Corn Flakes, No. 136 2 50
Parsons, 10 oz. _.____ 2 4 Corn Flakes, No. 124 -—
Parsons. 6 oz. ______ 1 Pep, No. 224 2 :
Little Bo Peep, med. 1 35 a No 250. 0 1 00 Black Raspberries
Little Bo Peep, lge. 2 25 Krumbles, No. 412 __135 wo 9 2 55
Quaker, 32 oz. _-__ 210 Bran Flakes, No. 624180 jrigc of Mich. No. d.. 2 35
Bran Flakes, No. 602 1 50 % oo
Rice Krispies, 6 oz. ~. 2 25
Pape adeigae doz, = - Red Raspberries
ran, AS P Ne 2 2 ee 00
APPLE BUTTER All Bran, 10 oz ____ 4 4 No 2 2s 1 40
. : All Gran, % oz. -_ Marcellus, No. 2 ____ 2 35
eo Te Kelis Hex. 61-8 |. Pride of Mich. 2 75
doz, ~-------------__ 200 whole Wheat Fla. 24 1 90
. Strawberries
D2 oo 3 00
BAKING POWDERS Post Brands : Son 1 20
ro 94 J
ice a. lM te ge 24s 22 Marcellus, No. 2 ____ 1 80
Royal, 4 0z., doz. ____ 1 80 arene Nate: Oo
evel, . 0z., doz. ---- 2 20 Thstant Postum, No. 8 5 40 .CANNED FISH
Royal, 12 oz., doz. ----_ 3.78 instant Postum. No. 10 4 50 Clam Ch’der, 10% oz. 1 35
Royal, 2% lbs.. doz.__ 13 7£ Postum Cereal. No. 0 2 25 Clam Chowder, No. 2_ 2 75
Royal, 5 Ibs., doz.____ 24 50 Post Toasties, 36s 250 Clams, Steamed. No. 1 2 75
Post Toasties. 24s — 2 50 oecpasat acre. ore % ; -
a “2 85 ‘innan Haddie, Oz.
ag cend oe a ee 36 __ 285 Clam Bouillon. 7 oz.__ 2 50
259 169 350 = een oe Chicken Haddie, No. 1 2 75
Fish Flakes, small —. 1 35
Cod Fish Cake, 10 oz. 1 55
Amsterdam Brands Cove Oysters, 5 oz. -_ 1 35
Gold Bond Par., No.5% 760 Lobster, No. 4, Star 2 00
Prize, Parlor, No. 6_- : . ee eo oe 1 4
i ae 6 » 1 y --
White Swan Par. No Sardines, % Oil, k’less 3 35
Salmon, Red Alaska__ 1 90
Salmon, Med. Alaska 1 45
BROOMS Salmon, Pink, Alaska 1 20
Quaker, 5 sewed ---. 6 25 Sardines, Im. %, ea. 6@16
Warehouse —.-_-___ 5 75 Sardines, Im., %, ea. 25
Bice 8 24> «Sardines Cal 2. 00
Winner, 5 Sewed ---- ; - — % Van Camps,
isk. No 3 2 Se
ae Tuna, 4s, Van Camps,
Gozo
Tuna, 1s, Van Camps
BRUSHES G02. 2 ee 3 60
Scrub Tuna, %s, Chicken Sea.
Solid Back, 8 in. ---- 1 50 OR 1
10 oz., 4 doz. in case 3 40 Solid Back. 1 in. ---- 1 75
15 oz., 4 doz. in case 5 20 pointed Ends —---_-- 1 26
25 0%, 4 doz. in case 8 80 CANNED MEAT
0 oz., 2 doz. in case 7 00 Bacon, Med. Beechnut 1 71
5 lb.. 1 doz. in case 6 00 Bacon, Lge. Beechnut 2 43
10 Ib., % doz. in case 5 75 Stove go Beef. Lege. Beechnut 3 51
Shaker --------------- a: Beef, Med. Beechnut 2 07
No. 50 ---------------- : go Beef, No. 1, Corned __ 1 95
Peerless ~------------- 3eef, No. 1, Roast __ 1 95
BLEACHER CLEANSER Beef, 2% oz., Qua., sli. 1 35
Beef. 4 oz. Qua., sli. 2 25
lores, 16 oz., 24s __ 3 2 Shoe Beefsteak & Onions, s. 2 70
Siowix: 22 of. 15 225 No £50 _ 225 Chili Con Car., 1s _-__ 1 05
Pees 18 06. 1h. 8G OMe. 28 300 Deviled Ham, Us __-- 1 50
Deviled Ham, %s -_-. 2 85
Potted Beef, 4 oz. __.._ 1 10
> Yy, ;j
BUTTER COLOR ue ek ce tee
: ee IDDY to
BLUING Dandelion ~----------- Potted Meat, % Qua. 55
Potted Ham, Gen. % 1 45
Am. Ball, 36-1 oz.,cart. 1 00 :
Boy Blue, 18s, per cs. 1 35 CANDLES Vienna Saus. No. % 1 00

BEANS and PEAS

100 Ib.
Chit Beans

Dry Lima Beans 100 Ib.

White H’d P. Beans
Split Peas, Yell., 60 lb.
Split Peas, Gr’n 60 Ib.

Scotch Peas, 100 Ib. __

BURNERS

Queen Ann, No. 1 —--

Queen Ann, No. 2 __

White Flame. No. 1
and 2, doz.

BOTTLE CAPS

Dbl. Lacaquor. 1 gross
pkg., per gross

e

5 00
6 25
2 50
3 95
4 75
6 40

a 13

Zlectric Light, 40 Ibs. 12.1
Plumber, 40 lbs. ---- 12.8

Paraffine, 6s —___—___ 14%
Paraffine, 12s —-.----- 14%
Wicking —..- 2 40
Tudor, 6s, per box -- 30
mh
CANNED FRUITS
Hart Brand
Apples
No. 10 4 75
Biackberries
Pride of Michigan —--- 2 55
Cherries
Mich. red, No. 10 ---- 5 00

Pride of Mich., No. 2 : =
Marcellus Red
Special Fie i =
Whole White -------- 2 80

Gooseberries

Vienna Sausage, Qua. 80
Veal Loaf. Medium -_ 2 25

Baked Beans

Campbells, 48s ______ 30
Van Camp, Bean Hole,
Bes 2 3 75

CANNED VEGETABLES
Hart Brand

Asparagus
Natural Ne, 22 3 60
Tips & Cuts, Ng. 2 -. 2 25
Tips & Cuts, 8 oz. — 1 35

Baked Beans

1 lb. Sauce, 36s, cs. _. 1 50
No. 2% Size, Doz. __ 90
MO. 1D Sauce 2. 3 60

Lima Beans
Little Quaker, No. 10 10 50

Baby, No. 2.3 1 70
Pride of Mich. No. 2_. 1 60
Marcellus, No. 10 -_.. 6 50

Red Kidney Beans
3

ING. 40, a5
Oe ae 85
S OZ. 22 60
String Beans
Little Dot, No. 2 -... 2 %
Little Dot. No. 1  --.. 1 80
Little Quaker, No. 1__ 1 60
Little Quaker, No. 2_. 2 00
Choice, Whole, No. 2__ 1 70
Cut, Noe. 10 222 9 00
Cut, Ne: 2 222 1 60
Pride of Michigan —_. 1 35

Marcellus Cut, No. 10_ 6 50

Wax Beans

Little Dot, No. 2 --.. 2 25
Little Dot, No. 1  -_.. 1 80
Little Quaker, No. 1__ 1 45
Choice, Whole, No. 10 10 25
Choice. Whole, No. 2 1 70
Choice, Whole. No. 1 1 35
Cut, No. 10 9

Cat. No: 2
Pride of Mich., No. 2 1 25
Marcellus Cut, No. 10_ 6 50

Beets
Extra Small, No. 2 __
Fancy Small, No. 2 __
Pride of Mich., No. 2%
Hart Cut, No. 10 —__.
Hart Cut, No. 2...
Marcel. Whole, No. 2%
Hart Diced, No. 2 ____

mH ennorons
SARSSSS

Carrots
Diceg:) Ne, Bee 95
Diced, No, 10 4 00

Corn
Golden Ban., No. 2.. 1 20
Golden Ban., No. 10 10 00
Little Quaker, No. 1.. 90
Country Gen., No. 2.. 1 20
Pride of Mich., No. 1 80

Marcellus, No. 2 -. 9%
Fancy Crosby, No. 2_. 1 15
Whole Grain, 6 Ban-
tam, No. eee 1 45
Peas
lattice Dot, Ne 2 --. 2 25

Little Quaker. No. 10 11 25
Little Quaker, No. 2__ 2 15
Sifted E. June, No. 10

Sifted E. June. No. 2__ 1 75
Belle of Hart, No. 2__ 1 75
Pride of Mich., No. 2__ 1 45
Marcel., Sw. W. 1 &&
Marcel., E. June. No. 2 1 35
Marcel., E. Ju., No. 10 7 50
Pumpkin
No 10 2 4 75
No, 2% a

CHiLi SAUCE

Sniders, 8. oz... 65
Sniders, 14 oz. ------ 2 25
OYSTER COCKTAIL
Sniders, 11 oz. -.-. — 2 00
CHEESE
Boguefort. 22s 55
Wisconsin Daisy ___-- 14%
Wisconsin Twin —_____ 13%
New York June _____.. 24
BAD PaO 22 40
VICK oe se |
Michigan Flats -....... 14
Michigan Daisies ...... 14
Wisconsin Longhorn —. 15
Imported Leyden -_..__ 23
1 lb. Limberger —.--..__ 18
Imported Swiss ~___-_ _ 50
Kraft Pimento Loaf __ 21

Kraft American Loaf __ 19
Kraft Brick Loaf ______ 19
Kraft Swiss Loaf ______ 22
Kraft Old Eng. Loaf__ 32
Kraft, Pimento, % lb. 1 50
Kraft, American, % lb. 1 50

Kraft, Brick, % lb. -_ 1 50
Kraft, Limbur., % lb. 1 50
CHEWING GUM
Adams Black Jack ___. 66
Adams Dentyne —_______ 65
Beeman’s Pepsin ____-__ 66

Beecnhut Peppermint —-_ 66
Doublemint 66
Peppermint, Wrigleys __ 66

Spearmint, Wrigleys __. 66
omer Rraie 66
Wrivley's 2-K 220 66
TeRADCINy S226 66
CHOCOLATE

Baker. Prem., 6 lb. % 2 50
Baker, Pre.., 6 Ib. 3 oz. 2 55

CLOTHES LINE
Riverside, 50 ft. --_. 1 30
Cupples Cord __.-.-_. 1 85

COFFEE ROASTED

Lee & Cady

1 Ib. Package
Arrow Brand _.....__
Boston Breakfast ____ 23
Breakfast Cup ~_----_- 21
Sunperiqd oo. 35
ao We ee 19
Masestic 2 29
Morton Howse __------ 33
NCGTOW 28 26
MuaKer 225 29

 

Spinach
No. 2% 23 2 25
No; 2 1 80

Squash
Boston, No. 3 —_-_---- 1 36

Succotash
Golden Bantum. No. 2
mart, No.2 25
Pride of Michigan
Marcellus, No. 2

 

Pride of Mich., No. 2%
Pride of Mich., No. 2__

Tomato Juice

Hart, No. 10.22... 4 75
CATSUP

Sniders, 8 oz. <...=..= 1 20

Sniders, 14 oz. —---- 1 85

Coffee Extracts

M. ¥.. per 100 —..._ 12
Frank’s 50 pkgs. -- 4 25
Hummel’s 50, 1 Ib 10%

CONDENSED MILK
Eagle, 2 oz., per case 4 60

EVAPORATED MILK

 

Page. Baby -~----.---- 1 43
Quaker, Tall. 10% oz. 2-40
Quaker, Baby, 4 doz. 20
Quaker, Gallon, % dz. 2 40
Carnation, Tall, 4 doz. 2 50*
Carnation, Baby, 4 dz. 1 25
Oatman’s Dudee, Tall 2 50

Oatman’s D’dee, Baby 1 25
Pet Tan. 2 50
Pet, Baby. 4 dozen __ 1 25
Borden’s Tall, 4 doz. 2 50
Borden’s Baby, 4 doz. 1 25

CIGARS
Hemt. Champions -
Webster Cadillac -__.
Webster Golden Wed.
Websterettes ....____ 3
Cincos
Garcia Grand Babies
Bradstreets

eee

G Dun Boquet __
Peceat Garcia Subl. 95

Budwiser ~~-----~--_- 19 50
Dry Slitz Stogies -. 20 00
Tango Pantellas -___ 13 90
Skylines ~. ....... --~ 19 60
Hampton Arms Jun'r r 37 50
Trojan 2 35 00
Rancho Corono ___-_. 35 00
Kenway 225s 20 00
CONFECTIONERY

Stick Candy Pails
Pure Sugar Sticks-600c 3 90
Big Stick, 28 lb. case 16
Horehound Stick, 120s 75

Mixed Candy

Kindergarten  __.___ 14
EeOAGOr ee 09%
French Creams ____._ 11%
Paris Creams -_._.___ 12
Jupiter 09
Fancy Mixture —_____ 14
Fancy Chocoiate
5 lb. boxes
Bittersweets, Ass’ted 1 25
Nibble Sticks - ___ =. 1 26
Chocolate Nut Rolis — . : “ed
Lady Vernon  -______
Golden Klondikes ____ ; -

Gum Drops Cases
Jelly Strings —_______ 14
Tip Top Jellies _____ 09%
Orange Slices _______ 09%

Lozenges Pails

A. A. Pep. Lozenges __ 13
A. A. Pink Lozenges __ 13
A. A. Choc. Lozenges __ 13
Motto Hearts
Malted Milk Lozenges__ 19

Hard Goods_ Pails
Lemon Drops ~ -_-_-_. 12
O. F. Horehound drops 12
Anise Squares oes ae
Peanut Squares _____.. 13

Cough Drops Bxs.
Smith Bros. -........ 1 45
dens: 2 one L 6
Vick’s, 40/10c LL — 2 40

Specialties

Italian Bon Bons ~-.... 16
Banquet Cream Mints_. 17
Handy Packages, 18-10c 80

COUPON BOOKS
50 Economic grade 2 50
100 Economic grade 4 50
500 Economic grade 20 00
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
Sb) boxes 2.00 42

DRIED FRUITS

Apples
N. Y. Fey., 50 Ib. box 13
N. Y. Fey., 14 oz. pkg. 1€

Apricots
Evaporated, Choice _. 10%
Evaporated. Ex. — 11
WANG 12%

Ex. Fancy Moorpack 15%

Citron

10 ib: tex oA

‘

si AP eo aman tnarncrssi RSI in ges desi ae

atts 8

sa

 

anv

 

 

1

ot

12 A ti ALA acest ART NR ges.

ienaeebawinecsialint ta tna

esi aba ans te

 

March 8, 1933

TRADESMAN

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN 21
Currants Margarine PLAYING CARDS HERRING SOAP TEA
Packages, 11 oz. ~___-_ 11% Battle Axe, per doz. 2 65 Holland Herring Am. Family, 100 box 5 60
Il. VAN WESTENBRUGGE Bicycle, per doz. ---- 4 70 Mixed, Kegs 68 Crystal White, 100 ___ 3 50
Food Distributor Torpedo, per doz. ---_ 250 Mixed, half bbls. ______ Be. 60s 2 00 Japan
aes, Uae Fels Naptha, 100 box 5 00 Medium -_____ ee ss 14
Dates Nilkers, Kees 2-2 * Fiake White, 10 box 296 Choice 21@29
Imperial, 12s, pitted__ 1 35 Milkers, half bbls. --__ Grdma White Na. 10s 350 HWancy 35@38
Imperial, 12s, Regular 1 15 : eo ae Milkers, bbls. __________ Jap Rose. 100 box = «7 40 «No. 1 Nibbe 2 2 32
Babbitt’s, 2 doz. --_- Fairy, 100 box ______ 4 00
Palm Olive, 144 box 8 25 < 4
Lake Herring Pave. §0 box 2 25 unpowder
Peaches % Bbl., 100 Ib P 100 5 Choi
(is gece ummo, boxe 4 85 CG 40
Bvap., Choce 09 FRESH MEATS Mackerel Sweetheart 106 hox 8 6 7@ 4Faney 0 47
Fancy 10% Tubs, 60 Count, fy. fat 6 00 Grandpa Tar. 50 sm. 2 10
Beef Pails. 10 lb. Fancy fat 1 50 Srasces Tar, a ols 3 50 a
Top Steers & Heif. _- 11 rope See. 0 MWe tis |. aig
Peel Cream-Nut, 1 Ib. _.-___ 9 Good Steers & Heif. __ 09 eens earn Ber, * Pekoe, medium —._-____ 41
Lemon, American _____ a4: Pocola, 2 lp. 2 8 Med. Steers & Heif. -_ 08 : Bux Vall t, 50 celina 15
Orange, American _____ 24 Com. Steers & Heif. -- 07 White Fish a oo es . English Breakfast
nl oe. 100 Ib. 2 00 Congou, medium
rs, ea lc ee Se ae
SPICES Congou, Choice ____ 35@36
Wilson & Co.’s Brands oe Veal ie . pi Norway -- 19 = Whole Spices Congou, Fancy ____ 42@43
Sedded. b aeieies Nut _— 08 eae es aman Cita tie ao ce -~--- @24
eede a a eae eee oe pean aecar curs vect eye > BRanad thon 1K oves, nzibar .... @36
Thompson’s s’dless bik. a Special “Rolf. 11. Medium ---__-_________ 07 Boned. 10 lb. boxes __ 16 Cassia, Canton ______ @24 : Oolong
Thompson's seedless, Cassia, 5c pkg., doz. @40 oo Soe 39
oes ae ca Ls Lamb hina.” es ETE po as. ie
— ea erg ' MATCHES Spring Lamb --__---. 13 SHOE BLACKENING Mixed, l0c pkgs. doz. @65 g-
Diamond, No. 5, 144 615 Good ----_------__-_____ 13 2 in 1, Paste, doz. ___ 1 30 Nutmegs, 70@90 ____.. @50
Searchlight, 144 box 6 i Medium: (2002s 08 EZ. Combination, dz. 130 Nutmegs, 105-110 ~ @48 TWINE
California Prunes Swan, 1 Poor -—--—-..---__--__ 05 Dri-Foot, doz. -____- 200 Pepper, Black ____.... @23 Cotton, 3 ply cone ____ 25
90@100, 25 lb. boxes__@05 Diamond, No. 0 ______ 4 i Bixbys, doz... 1 30 Cotton, 3 ply Balls ____ 27
90, 25 lb. boxes.__.@05% Matton Shinola, doz. __________ 90
@
bea 4 . pie one Safety Matches Good ---------_______ 04% Pure Ground in Bulk VINEGAR
50@60, 25 lb. boxes__@07 Red Top, 5 gross case 475 Medium ------.----- 03 Ailspice, Jaivaica ____ @16 on O. B. Grand Rapids
40@50, 25 Ib. boxes__@07% Signal Light, 5 gro. cs 4.40 Poor -----------__-_ 02 STOVE POLISH Cloves, Zanzibar @27 wn wie ~------ 16
30@40, 25 lb. boxes__.@08% Blackne, per doz. ___ 1 30 cas tia Canton SS @21 White Wine ec ay
30@30, 25 lb. boxes__@12 Por Black Silk Liquid, dz. 1 30 we ey ax , ain 25
18@24, 25 Ib. boxes__@14% MULLER’S PROBUCTS Eoin, med. 22020285 2 16 Black Silk Paste, doz. 1 25 Hc Pe Le Li ears aes
Macaroni, 9 oz. 2 00 Re 11 Enameline Paste, doz. 1 30 Pa wn aie WICKING
(4. Ghoulders 0 10 Enameline Liquid, dz. 1 30 Sala ares aera faa NO 9. per mroas __._.
Spaghetti, 9 oz. ______ E. Z. Nutmegs @23 80
Homi Elbow Macaroni, 9 oz. 2 a Sparerips 2250 obo 07 Liquid, per doz. 1 30 erase Whites. as No. 1. per Zrosa 1 25
a ag at ae odalos G2 3g Neck bones 04 Radium, per doz. ____ 1 30 Pe, i 2 at oe <a ae No. 2, per gross ______ 1 50
— —_—— ter Vv celli. 6 coo Trammines 07 Rising Sun, per doz. 139 Pepper, Cayenne -... @25 No. 3. per gross 77 2 30
& Vermicelli, oz. 654 Stove Enamel, dz. 2 30 Papvika, Spanish _ _. @23 Peerless Rolls, a
Egg Alphabets, 6 oz.__ 2 00 Vulcanol, No. 10, doz. 1 30 Rochester, No. ". aa a
Bulk Good PROVISIONS Stovoil, per doz. -____ 3 00 Rochester, No. 3, doz 2 v0
Elbow ii ccaront 20 Ib. 4% Barreled Pork Seasoning RANG, OOF dom 7
Egg Noodle. 10 Ibs. _. 12 NUTS—Whole Clear Back - 16 00@18 00 Chili Powder, 1% oz. 65
nends, Peerless ____ 15% Short Cut Clear -___ 15 00 aes Celery ao ie 62... 86 WOODENWARE
razi See. Ee Sage, OZ. 80
Fancy Mixed iti F. O. B. Grand Rapids Onion Salt _________ a1 o Seakete
Pearl Barley Filberts, Naples ___ Dry Salt Meats Colonial, 24, 2 Ib 95 Garlic 135 uShels. Wide Band,
Me 700 Peanuts, Vir. Roasted 6% = | recs Ge §6Colaal, 40-14% 229 Ponelty. 3% on. ___. 3 36 Mamet. ne 2 00
Barley Grits -------- 500 Peanuts, Jumbo _____ Tie Colonial, Iodized. 24-2 1 35 ixitchen Bouquet... 4 25 Market. ature nails o
Chester 22500) 350 Pecans, 3, star ________ 25 Med. No. 1 Bbls. ____ 2 90 Laurel Eeaves 20 Mark ° 2
Lard Med. No. 1, 100 lb. bk. 1 0 1 arket, extra -——____ 1 60
Pecans, Jumbo _______- = Pure in tierces 6% 100 Marjoram, 1 oz. -__-__ $@ Splint. large _ 8 50
Pecans, Mammoth _____ ‘armer Spec., 4 Ib. £00 Savory. i oz 65 Splint. di = SS
Walnuts, Cal. i3@o. 60 Wb. tubs advance % Packers Meat, 50 Ib. 6S tnowi’. 90 SD SS 7 d0
Sage Hick a WO te eeeeee % Creams Hack for tec Tumerci, 1% oz. _____ g5 SPlint. spe" _¢€e
East India Co « De ee sees Scams, 186 Ie eo ne See
ee 10 Ib. pails ---.advance % Butter Salt, 280 lb. bbl. 4 00
Salted Peanut 3 i pallg advance 1 Block, 60 ib. Barrek § aa, cach: 3
alte eanuts 3 Ib. pails _..-advance 1 $$ Patar Galt Onn in Li 5 gal., each __ 40
Tapioca Fancy, No, 1... 7 Compound tierces -__. 6 Baker Salt, 280 1b. _— 3 = ovens psi: 10 gal., each__ 2 55
Pearl, 100 Ib. sacks __ 7% 74 1 Ib. Cellop’e case 1 80 Compound, tubs -_---- 2 %. 2 ih. por bale 100 Kinasford, 24 Ibe. ___ 2 20 to 6 gal.. per gal. __ 16
ae, 8 “. < doz. : os 28 Ib. bags, ‘Table _-.. 40 ee re 1 ae
romedary Instant _. 3! Argo, 24, . pkgs. 2 Pails
Almonds -— 39 Bologna =— a 10 Cream, 24-1 -----_____ 220 10 qt. Galvanized ____ 2 60
Peanuts, Spanish tee 13 12 qt. Galvanized 2 85
. Wrankfort 225.008 2s 12 14 qt. Galvanzed _____ 3 10
Jiffy Punch 126 lb. bags = 51% or 12 qt. Flari 3
3 doz. Carton _-.--.-- 225 Filberts . go Pork 2 15 Gloss 10 a mit tee Jr. 5 00
Assorted flavors. Pecans Salted  ~_____ - 46 Dengue; Jellied 21 Argo, 24, 1 lb. pkgs. 1 52 at. tin Dairy —~____ 4 00
Walnut California __.. 42 Headcheese -~---~~------ 13 Argo. 12, 2 lb. pkes. 2 17

FLOUR
Vv. C. Milling Co. Brands
Tliy White —......__. 5 10
Harvest Queen -_--_- 5 20
Yes Ma’am Graham,
Te ee 1 40

Lee & Cady Brands
Home Baker __----_-
Cream Wheat

FRUIT CANS
Presto Mason
F. O. B. Grand Rapids
cael Mint 7 15

One pint, 222503. 4 40
One quart 0 8 65
HMaif galion .....-.. 11 55

FRUIT CAN RUBBERS
gprs Red Lip, 2 gro.

APE 70
Proate "White Lin, 2

Ero. carton 22.200. 16

GELATINE

deli-a, 3 doz, 2. 2 55

Minute, 3 doz, _.._____ Ov

Plymouth, White --__ 1 55

Quaker, 3 doz, —~.____ 75

JELLY AND PRESERVES
Pure, 30 lb. pails -... 2 vv
Imitation, 30 lb. pails 1 tv
Pure, 6 0z., Asst., doz. Yu
Pure Pres., 16 oz.. dz 1 385

JELLY GLASSES
% Pint Tall. per doz. 38

¥% Pint Squat. per doz. 38

MINCE MEAT
None Such, 4 doz. -.. 6 20
Quaker, 3 doz. case __ 2 5
Yo Ho, Kegs, wet. Ib. 16%

OLIVES
7 oz, Jar, Plain, doz.
16 oz. Jar, Plain, doz.
Quart Jars, Plain, doz.
5 Gal. Kegs, each ____
3 oz. Jar, Stuff., doz.
8 oz. Jar. Stuffed, doz.
10 oz. Jar, Stuff., doz.

DHL DH come
—
a

1 Gal. Jugs, Stuff.. dz. 2 40
PARIS GREEN
ee 34
ee ee 32
28 ana Se 2.00. 30
PICKLES

Medium Sour
5 gallon, 400 count __ 4 75

Sweet Small
5 Gallon, 500 ~_-______ 7 25

Dill Pickles
Gal., 40 to Tin, doz. __ 7 60
32 oz. Glass Pickled... 2 C0
32 oz. Glass Thrown -. 1 45

Dill Pickles Bulk

5 Gal 20 2 ee 3
16 Gal., 650 _. es
45 Gal., 1200 ~..-...._ 3

  

PIPES
Dob, 3 doz. in bx. 1 00@1 20

Smoked Meats
Hams, Cer. 14-16 Ib. 12

Hams, —- Skinned
16-88 Ip 2. @

Ham, ae beef
Knuckles 22... @23

California Hams ~...@09
Picnic Boiled Hams @16

Boiled Hams ____---.@18

Minced Hams -_____ @12

Bacon 4/6 Cert. -._-. @13

Beef

Boneless, rump ---.@19 00
Liver

PROG 2 10

Cale oo 35

POpk 22082 05
RICE

Fancy Blue Rose --. 3 50

Fancy Head 4 75
RUSKS

Postma Biscuit Co.
18 rolls, per case -.._ 1 80
12 rolls, per case __._ 1 20

18 cartons, per case. 2 15
12 cartons, per case. 1 45

SALERATUS
Arm and Hammer 24s 1 50

SAL SODA
Granulated, 60 lbs. cs. 1 35
Granulated, 18-2% Ib.

packages ........_._ 1 10

COD FISH
Peerless, 1 Ib. boxes 18
Old Kent, 1 lb. Pure 25

 

Free Run’g, 32, 26 oz. 2 40
Five case lots __--__- 2 30,
Todized, 32, 26 oz.  _ 2 40°
Bive case lote —...:__ 2 30

BORAX
Twenty Mule Team
24, 1 lb. packages __ 3 35
48, 10 oz. packages __ 4 40
96, % lb. packages __ 4 00

WASHING POWDERS

Bon Ami Pd., 18s, box 1 90
Bon Ami Cake, 18s__ 1 65
SOB oo 85
Climaline, 4 doz. ____ 3 60
Grandma, 100, 5c -_-. 3 50
Grandma, 24 Large -_ 3 50
Snowboy, 12 Large ._ 2 55
Gold Dust, 12 Large 2 05
Golden Rod, 24 ~____. 4 25

La Frace Laun., 4 ds. 3 65

Old Dutch Clean., 4 dz. 3 40
@ctarzon. 96s .-..-. 3 90
Rinse, 406 ..- 3 20
Rese, 249 5 25
Spotless Cleanser. 48,

iO OF. 2 3 85

Sani Flush. 1 doz. -. 2 25
Sapolio, 3 doz.
Soapine, 100. 12 oz. __ 6 40
Speedee, 3 doz. _.__._-__ 7 20
Sunbrite. 50s -_------_ 2 10
Wyandot. Cleaner, 24s 1 85

Argo, 8, 5 Ib. pkgs... 2 46
Silver Gloss, 48. Is __ 114%

Elastic, 32 pkgs. -____ 2 55
Titer, 48-)
miger. OO Ibe 2 75
SYRUP
Corn
Blue Karo, No. 1% __ 2 36

Blue Karo, No. 5, 1 dz. 2 99
Blue Karo, NO. I -. 2 99
Red Karo, No. 14 =. 2 57
Red Karo. No. 5, 1 dz. 3 44
Red Kare, No. 10 _. 3 2

Imit. Maple Flavor
Orange, No. 146, 2 dzz. 2 93
Orange, No. 5, 1 daz. 4 13

Maple and Cane

Kanuck, per gal. __.__ 1 60
Kanuck, 5 gal. can _. 6 50
Grape Juice
Welch, 12 quart case 4 40
Welch, 12 pint case__ 2 25
Welch, 36-4 0z. case__ 2 30
COOKING OIL
Mazola
Pints: 2 :d60m 2.2 4 60
Quarts 1 doz ....._ 4 30
Half Gallons, 1 doz ‘ 75
Gallons. each: —.__..__ I-25
5 Gallon cans, each _. 3 35

TABLE SAUCES

Lee & Perrin, large__ 5 75
Lee & Perrin, small__ 3 35
Pepper 92 ee = 3-60
Royal Mint .... 40
‘Tobaseo, small 2... 3 75
Sho ¥on, 9 ag.. deg. 2 00
Bak. AEG 2 4 75
Aal Spe oo 2 85
Caper. 2 of. ...< 3 30

Traps
Mouse, Wood, 4 holes. 60
Mouse, phos 6 holes. 70

Mouse, tin, 5 holes _. 65
Rat, wood 2 I Ut
Rat. spying = 1 00
Mouse, spring _... 20
Tubs
Large Galvanized ____ 8 75
Medium Galvanized _. 7 75
Small Galvanized ____ 6 75
Washboards
Banner, Globe —_______ 5 50
Brass, single 6 25
Glass, single —_.______ 6 00
Double Peerless ______ 8 50
Single Peerless —_____ 7 50
Northern Queen ______ 5 50
Universal ae on
Wood Bowls
if in, Butter an @ CC
Io tn, Balter. 9 00
St in, Batter 18 00
59 in. Butter 25 0¢

WRAPPING PAPER
Fibre, Manila, white__ 05

 

Ne. I NWihre 06%
Butchers D F 05%
Krate L6G

Wrage Stripe | 094%

YEAST CAKE

Magic, 2 doz. ....... 70
Sunlight. 3 doz. .__.. 2 70
Sunlight, 4 doz. _... 1 35
Yeast Foam, 3 doz. -. 2 70

Yeast Foam, 1% doz. 1 35

YEAST—COMPRESSED
Fleischmann, per doz. 30
Red Star, per doz, .... 20

 

 

22

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

March 8, 1933

 

SHOE MARKET

Michigan Retail Shoe Dealers Association.
President—Elwyn Pond, Flint.
Vice-President—J. E. Wilson, Detroit.
Seecretary—Joe H. Burton, Lansing.
Asst. Sec’y-Treas.—O. R. Jenkins.
Association Business Office, 907 Trans-

portation Bldg., Detroit.

 

 

What Must Precede Real Recovery?

Saturday was significant in the fact
that it was “Inauguration Day.’ We
saw a peaceful overturn of
ment and a new organization step in-
Millions of people

govern-

to responsibility.
feel that by this change early better-
ment will come. It is a great thing
to have a nation of people so hopeful.
burden is being
administration.

A tremendous
placed on the new
Some economic solutions may come
in 1933 but in the early days, when
the President
may we hope for one thing—may we

alone is carrying on,
have a moral awakening in America.
We are all heartsick at the spectacle
of the dishonesty in the banking and
world—the
high places staggers the
What an immoral mess

business cunning and
evasion in
imagination.
we were all in in the past eight years.
If the President, by his action, can
give us a leadership towards honesty
between man and man, he will ac-
complish a lot towards eventual bet-
terment,

An early Congress will step into
action.
power to help the economic situation,
just as it has tremendous power to
harm it. It is usually the case for a
new administration to reverse pre-

Government has enormous

vious economic legislation. It may
make reverse mistakes in
previous errors.

All politicians and

correcting
most people
credulously believe that government
can help us out of our economic diffi-
culties. The most that government
can do is to abstain from interfering
with real economic recovery.

If we can get back to the funda-
mentals of simple, honest business, we
can correct the errors of the past
cycle.
punish,
honest

The temper of the people is to
with a strong hand, the dis-
forces that aggravated the
hardships of the depression.

Here we stand, on the opening day
of a new government, with not one
man in a thousand who has escaped
the devastating effects of the tumbling
events that have brought us to this
low spot. One-quarter of all who
were gainfully employed are now idle.
Still more are only part
time. Most wages have been cut be-
low the standard of

working

living, to the
point of mere sustenance, There have
been failures of banks, businesses and
individuals, but all is not lost. We
can rebuild again and build better,
but it must be on a moral base where
honesty of purpose is the cornerstone
of progress.

We must not expect too much from
our government.
the past

Remember, that in
government played an in-
consequential and almost negative
part in the machinery of lifting indus-
try out of the depression.

The cost of government, in previous
depressions, was not a major adverse
factor. Just at present, not only is
the Federal Government facing the
difficulties of balancing its budget,

but it must, at the same time, not ma-
terially increase Federal taxation, But
because we ask the government to cor-
rect the economic situation, we must
expect increased taxes and no balanc-
ing of the budget.

Many major blunders have
made by government in the last four
years and these blunders must be cor-

been

rected before economic health can be
restored. Some of the remedies have
been opiates administered to reduce the
suffering and pain of banks and busi-
ness. But the morphine of money has
done little to cure the major ill.

The patient must get well by him-
self. The majority of commercial busi-
nesses have cleaned their systems, so
that ‘they can, without interference,
come back to a healthy condition.
Clean, honest businesses can live and
grow and progress if they are not
stifled by dishonest practice and sub-
standard policies of competitors who
still believe that cunning pays.

Let us hope that this betterment ot
feeling as a new administration comes
into office is not a short-lived wave of
optimism, to be followed by a bewilder-
ed disappointment if conditions con-
tinue to get worse.

True progress can only
through restoration of honesty in
goods and service by the individual, by
the business and by the industry.

Government can help, but it must
not be asked to do the entire job of re-
construction.

Let us all hope and work for a better
America.—Boot and Shoe Recorder.

—__*e-.»____
Admiral Rainier Discovered.

San Francisco, Feb. 18—In my
sketch of Seattle, which ran in the
Tradesman of Nov. 23, 1932, I entered
pointed protest against the name
Mount Rainier, indicating why I felt
that noble mountain should bear the
local, indigenous, Indian name Tak-
homa—modified to-day to Tacoma. |
also said I could find no trace of
Rainier, which was further reason for
objecting to that French name for an
outstanding American mountain,

Now my good and long-time friend,
Henry Carstens, who lives in Seattle,
gives me the dope thus:

ceme

“Mt. Rainier was named after a
3ritish admiral, superior officer to
Capt. Vancouver, I believe. It is, as

you surmise, an old Norman name.
Vancouver named this whole country
after his friends in the admiralty and
navy.

Which story, it seems to me, fur-
nishes additfonal reason for reversion
to our own American, indigenous,
beautifully musical Indian name, Ta-
coma. Paul Findlay.

White Caps To Be Popular.

A good volume of business is ex-
pected during the coming Summer on
low-price white duck caps for men,
which enjoyed a vogue last year.
While actual buying of goods is not ex-
pected until May, retailers are now
making preparations to place fair-sized
orders. A cheaper range to retail at
15 cents has been brought out and the
largest volume of business is expected
on this and the twenty-five-cent brack-
et. Styles ranging in price up to $1
will also be offered. Instead of being
confined to street peddlers mostly, as
was the case most of last year, the caps

will receive additional distribution
through retail stores on a larger scale.
———_~+~-<-___

The little man can’t see far.

Proceedings of the Grand Rapids
Bankruptcy Court.
(Continued from page 10)

In the matter of John Rizzo, Bankrupt
No. 5145. The first meeting of creditors
has been called for March 16.

In the matter of John Betten, Bank-
rupt No. 5113. The Grst meeting. of
ereditors has been called for March 16.

In the matter of Otsego Waxed Paper
Co., Bankrupt No. 5146. The first meet-
ing of creditors has been called for
March 16.

In the matter of National Oil Service
Co., Bankrupt No. 4876, final meeting of
creditors was held Dec. 29. Trustee pres-
ent and represented by Corwin & David-
son, attorneys. State Court receiver rep-
resented by Seth R. Bidwell, attorney.
Bankrupt present by David R. Eason and
represented by Amos F. Paley, attorney.
Certain creditors present in person.
Trustee's final report and account ap-
proved and allowed. Bills of attorneys
approved and allowed. Order made for
payment of administration expenses and
nrst and final dividend to creditors of
.3 per cent. No objection to bankrupt’s
discharge. Meeting adjourned without
date and files will be returned to Dis-
trict Court.

In the matter of Harry C. Himelstein,
doing business as Michigan Furniture
Co., Bankrupt No. 4768, final meeting of
creditors was held Feb. 3. Trustee pres-
ent and represented by Charles H. Kava-
nagh, attorney. Creditors represented
by Grand Rapids Credit Men’s Associa-
tion. Trustee’s final report and account
approved and allowed. Bill of attorney
for bankrupt reduced and allowed. Bills
of attorney for petitioning creditors and
1or trustee approved and allowed.  Bal-
ance accounts receivable and shares of
stock sold at auction. Order made for
payment of administration expense and
first and final dividend on preferred labor
claims of 30 per cent.; no dividend for
general creditors. Certain creditors op-
posing bankrupt’s discharge. Meeting
adjourned without date and files will be
re-urned to District Court.

March 1. We have to-day received the
schedules, reference and adjudication in
the matter of F'red G. Miller, Bankrupt
No, 5150. The bankrupt.is a resident of
\kKalamazoo, and his occupation is that of
a merchandise manager. The schedule
shows assets of $500 of which the full
amount is claimed as exempt, with lia-
bilities of $1,238.58. The court has writ-
ten for funds and upon receipt of same
the first meeting of creditors will be
called and note of same made herein.

   

March 1. We have to-day received the
schedules, reference and adjudication in
the matter of Leo E. Conklin, individu-
ally and doing business as Golden Star
Record Co., Bankrupt No. 5151... The
bankrupt is a resident of Grand Rapids,
and his occupation is that of a salesman,
The schedule shows assets of $2,112.11 of
which $1,150 is claimed as exempt, with
liabilities of $3,375.18. The court has
written for funds and upon receipt of
same the first meeting of creditors will
be called and note of same made herein.

March 1. On this day adjourned first
meeting of creditors in the matter of
Baxter Laundries, Inc., Bankrupt No.
5097, was held; Trustee present by
Warner, Norcross & Judd, attorneys.
s3ankrupt represented by Knappen, Uhl,
Bryant & Snow, attorneys. Petitioning
creditors represented by Seth R. Bidwell,
attorney. Petitions of trustee for release
of funds deposited in out of town banks
considered and order made directing
their release. Final report of Heber W.
Curtis, receiver, considered and allowed.
Bills of attorneys considered and order
entered directing their payment, as well
as fees of receiver. Meeting adjourned
to Avril 3.

March 2. On this day first meeting
of creditors in the matter of Johnson
Candy Co., a copartnership composed of
Elmer E. Johnson and Binar H. John-
son, Bankrupt No. 5141, was held. Both
partners present in person and repre-
sented by Dilley & Diley, attorneys.
Claims proved and allowed. Elmer E.
Johnson and Einar H. Johnson sworn
an dexamined without reporter. Fred G.
Timmer, Grand Rapids, trustee; bond
$100. Meeting adjourned without date.

March 38. On this day first meeting of
creditors in the matter of Vance F. Bar-
ber, individually and as the _ surviving
copartner in the copartnership of Barber
Motor Sales and Barber Bros., Bankrupt
No. 5132, was held. The bankrupt was
present in person and represented by
Kim Sigler, attorney. Certain creditors
present in person. Claims filed. Bank-
rupt sworn and examined before reporter.
Fred G. Timmer, Grand Rapids, trustee;
bond $500. Meeting adjourned without
date.

March 6. We have to-day received the
schedules reference and adjudication in
the matter of Roy J. Shafer, Bankrupt
No. 5153. The bankrupt is a resident of
Grand Rapids, and his occupation is that
of a city fireman. The schedule shows
assets of $150 with liabilities of $4,033.48.
The court has written for funds and up-
on receipt of same the first meeting of
creditors will be called and note of
same made herein.

 

 

INTELLIGENT INSURANCE SERVICE

and

REAL INSURANCE SAVING

Originally
For Shoe Retailers
now

For Merchants in All Lines

 

The same saving and the same service to all

 

We confine our operations to Michigan
We select our risks carefully
All profits belong to the policyholder

MicuiGANn SHOE DEALERS
MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE CO.

 

 

Mutual Building

LANSING, MICHIGAN

Phone 20741

 

 

 

 

 

 

aoe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 8, 1933

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

23

 

IN THE REALM OF RASCALITY.

 

Schemes Which Are
Under Suspicion.

A store advertised 9x12 rugs at
$67.50 claiming “worth $100.” The
Bureau found that this was a standard
Karagheusian rug which was in stock
at other stores priced at $65.50 and at
$66. It was further learned that these
rugs even months ago had not sold for
more than $89.50 and that $100 was the
usual retail price of a better grade
rug sold by the same manufacturer.
The general manager of the store as-
sured the Bureau that action would be
taken to prevent any repetition.

Questionable

 

A department store basement récent-
ly featured men’s shirts in a sale at
44 cents. The shirts were described
as being from the stock of “A famous
shirt-maker Makers of fine
shirts for many years.” However, in-
vestigation showed that the so-called
“mills” which were the source of these
shirts were not manufacturers, and
had been the subject of a cease and
desist order by the Federal Trade
Commission in March, 1930, because
of misleading advertising of “factory
to wearer prices” and alleged unfair
treatment of customers in selling shirts
through door-to-door agents. The re-
cent sale advertising of the local store
quoted the “list prices” of the mis-
named ‘mills’ and these prices, even
in former years when the shirts were
new, were not representative of actual
retail store prices in this area. These
inaccuracies were discussed with of-
ficials of the store and the Bureau was
informed that immediate steps would
be taken by the store to prevent repe-
tition of statements of this kind.

 

 

A linen shop had a window display
of men’s cotton handkerchiefs with a
sign reading “F, Linen Handkerchiefs.”
Upon being asked for an explanation,
the salesperson stated that this sign
was an abbreviation for “French Lin-
en” which was really cotton. At the
Bureau’s suggestion, the sign was re-
moved from the window and a more
accurate description prepared.

 

A department store announced a
showing of dresses described as “The
First Dresses in Town of Matelasse
Crepe.” The Bureau found that dress-
es of this material had been available
at another store for approximately a
month. The advertiser expressed re-
gret for the inaccuracy and stated that
there would be no repetition.

 

A New York mail order company
circularized women throughout the
country, offering to sell them six pairs
of silk hose for $1. The circular was
misleading since women who sent $1
to the company did not receive the
hose as expected. Instead, further ad-
vertising was received in which it was
explained that before the hose was de-
livered, it would be necessary for the
women to make a certain number of
sales to their friends. The Bureau im-
mediately placed the complete litera-

ture in the hands of the Post Office
Department for investigation.

 

In 1927, when the Supreme Court of
the United States upheld the Post Of-
fice Department, a postal fraud order
became effective and the Tribond Sales
Corporation—a hosiery selling venture
—automatically went out of business.
And along with it went hundreds of
imitators. The Tribond system, it will
be recalled, made it possible to ob-
tain five pairs of hosiery said to be
worth $10 at a cost of only $1, provid-
ed, of course, that individuals to whom
coupons were sold paid the Tribond
Corporation, thus becoming links in
the chain. Now we have another wave
of activity. Under most of the cur-
rent plans, prospective salesmen buy
a piece of merchandise and with it the
right to sell to others and to profit
by their sales. The practice continues
ad infinitum. Commissions begin after
the first three sales. Big claims are
made as to huge profits an individual
may make. In connection with for-
mer chain selling plans it was found
that the original purchasers of mer-
chandise usually became discouraged
after selling one or a few items and
that often their friends bought with-
out continuing the chain, thereby elim-
inating opportunity for the original
purchaser to profit. In declaring chain
selling plans illegal under the postal
laws, in the past, the Government held
that the participant had no control
over those who were supposed to work
for his benefit and any money he se-
cures is not a reward for the effort
but is a prize the winning of which is
largely based on chance. These mat-
ters are being considered by postal of-
cials in Washington.—Accuracy.

+e

OUT AROUND.

(Continued from page 9)

time. Recently Mrs, Blumrich sus-
tained a fall at the family home and
dislocated her hip. She will be con-
fined to Butterworth ‘hospital for sev-
eral months. Misfortunes never come
singly.

 

Speaking of the ill fated attempts to
simplify the methods of county and
township governments and the refusal
of the “powers that be” to eradicate
the utterly useless offices and wicked
practices which have gradually fasten-
ed themselves on the body politic,
Charles W. Garfield recently remark-
ed: “If I were twenty-five years
younger, I would go over tto the Board
of Supervisors in session now, and in
the light of my own experience and
under the inspiration of the President’s
inaugural address give them a whale of
an address. But when I thought it
over maturely I could not help but
recall the bitter discouragements which
had attended my various efforts to
simplify our local forms of government
which I started in 1881. I't seemed to
me then, after having given the matter
some study, that the quicker we simpli-
fied our county government and re-
duced materially the number of office
holders, tthe more economically we
could administer the various problems
of government. [ started out with a
bill to provide for the county as the

unit of highway administration, fol-
lowing that with my ‘bill to provide for
the county as a unit of a rural educa-
tional system. I was in the Legisla-
ture and a youngster with high ‘hopes
and aspirations. Did I get anywhere
with my ideas? Not on your life! A
majority of the members of the Legis-
lature were petty office holders in the
townships and counties from which
they came. I couldn’t get anywhere
with legislation that threw them: out
of their small political jobs. I had
fortified myself for the support of my
contention so that I felt pretty strong
in it, but it was simply a losing battle
because of entrenched _ selfishness.
There isn’t any question in my mind
that a man who was equal ito handling
a great department store or a great in-
dustry, if he were given the authority,
could very quickly straighten out our
local governmental affairs and put
them in shape to economize tremend-
ously the present wastage. Such sur-
veys as that recently completed by
Oakland county would be useful to
him, but he could take the elements as
he finds them, and with the
acumen which would accomplish great

same

things in industrial and commercia!
life could surely succeed in gov-
ernmental affairs if selfish politics

could be eliminated. That elimination
I have ‘hoped for, but am grievously
disappointed in our small attempts lo-
cally. When through the influence of
the Citizens League we secured the
new charter and a splendid commis-
sion to administer the city govern-
ment through the influence of inde-
pendent bodies like the Board of Trade
and the Citizens League, I felt hope-
ful. The Association of Commerce
became quiescent, the Citizens League
had to be abandoned for lack of sup-
port, and we have been reaping the
result of this lack of continuance of
surveillance of city government affairs.
If we could find a dozen strong men
outside of Grand Rapids and living in
the county, who are not ‘selfishly and
politically ambitious, to act as a Citi-
zens League and could keep them at
it, something could be accomplished.
But nothing can be done with a Board
of Supervisors ‘to bring about econ-
omies in administration.”

 

Mr. Garfield has been first and fore-
most in every movement for the public
good for over sixty years—he will be
85 next week—and has probably more
accomplishments to his cerdit than any
other man in Michigan. It has long
been known that he feels very strong-
ly over ithe abuses which have gradual-
ly crept into county and township ad-
ministrations during the past fifty
years and regrets his inability to lead
a crusade which would result in the
cleaning of the Augeani stables.

 

I hope every grocer and druggist
who takes the Tradesman makes it a
point to read the report from Louis-
ville, showing how the retailers of that
city succeeded in forcing the Big Four
to replace the cigarette business on a
reasonably profitable basis, so far as
Louisville is concerned. Grand Rap-
ids price cutters are selling the prod-
ucts of the Big Four at 11 cents per
package, two for 21 cents, but small
merchants outside of the business dis-

trict undertake to obtain 15 cents per
package or two for 25 cents. It will be
pretty hard to force the cutters to
abandon the 11 cent price, but what
has been done in Louisville could be
done here if the retailers had sufficient-
ly forcible leadership to undertake the
accomplishment. E. A. Stowe.
ee nd
Timely Sales Pointers For Merchants
and Clerks.

1. Carry a smile to your work. It
is easier to be happy than morose and
woe-~begone, and, besides, with the
great improvement in your work which
a smile brings, you'll feel a lot betetr.

2. Don’t be “uppish.” Nothing an-
tagonizes a customer so quickly as a
feeling that the salesman looks down
on her, whether it is because she is
dressed poorly or makes a small pur-
chase, or is particular to get an un-
usually good bargain. A superior feel-
ing toward your customer is fatal to
sales.

3. Watch your approach. “Rush-
ing’ a customer is as bad as “loafing”
over her. Don’t mumble your words
or snap them. Be courteous and kind-
ly in your manner, and your customer
will be quick to respond in a like
manner.

4. Don’t misrepresent. Know your
merchandise so well that there may be
no chance to misrepresent. Certainly
never misrepresent in full knowledge
of your error. The day of lies and ex-
aggerations in selling has passed with
the “Dodo” bird and the Stone Age.

5. Watch your price quoting, Never
be half-hearted when you say, “Only
so much, madam.” Be genuinely glad
you can quote it.

6 Be enthusiastic. Work up en-
thusiasm if you haven’t it, and look
enthusiastic; let your spirit permeate
every sentence until you have trans-
ferred your enthusiasm to your cus-
tomer, and she ‘is really anxious to buy.

7. Watch your promises. Just as
bad as promising nothing is promising
too much. Don’t promise quick deliv-
ery to “clinch” a sale if you know that
a quick delivery, in this particular case,
is impossible,

8. Don’t talk too much. As many
sales are lost by too much talking as
by too little. When the sale is finish-
ed, stop! Don’t talk yourself into a
sale and then keep right on and talk
yourself out of it; avoid the unneces-
sary word.

9. “Thank you.” Cheap, but effec-
tive. A smiling “Thank you” at the
end of the sale paves the way for your
next sale to the same customer the
same day or at some future time—
California Retail Grocers Advocate.

 

Phone 61366

John L. Lynch Sales Co.
SPECIAL SALE EXPERTS
Expert Advertising
Expert Merchandising
209-210-211 Murray Bldg.
Grand Rapids, Michigan

 

 

 

Business Wants Department

Advertisements inserted under thi
for five cents a word the first lasortinn
and four cents a word for each subse.
quent continuous insertion. If set in
capital letters, double price. No charge
less than 50 cents. Small display adver.
tisemenrts in this department, $4 per
inch. Payment with order is required, as
amounts are too small to onen accounts

;

 

 

 

24

MICHIGAN

TRADESMAN

March’8, 1933

 

BEATEN TO A FRAZZLE.

Big Four Knuckles To Louisville
Independents.

Louisville retail grocers and
druggists have fired the first gun
in the battle to maintain cigarette
prices at a figure which will en-
able them to handle cigarettes at
a decent profit.

They have blasted the way
open for their colleagues through-
out the country to join in the
conflict to protect their business
livelihood in handling of what has
become a necessity to the Amer-
ican people. They have presented
a united front to the warfare
inaugurated by the Big Four to-
bacco companies and_ chain
stores, and assert that they are in
the fight to a finish.

As a result of definite and pos-
itive unified action taken in Louis-
ville by the independent retail
grocers and druggists, already the
retail prices of the Big Four
brands have gone up in the chain
stores. By an enthusiastic and
overwhelming vote in a mass
meeting at a leading local hotel,
pledges were made that package
prices on the four popular brands
would be maintained at a figure
commensurate with marketing
costs, plus a reasonable profit.
And the indignant independents
went a lot further than that, too,
for many of them openly took the
floor and declared that if this ac-
tion did not bring satisfactory re-
sponse from the manufacturers,
they would throw them out, lock,
stock and barrel.

Already echoes are being heard
in other cities and states and re-
tail grocers and druggists all over
the country are being urged by
their brethren to join in the move-
ment to uphold prices or refuse to
stock and se!l those brands of
cigarettes that are being sold at
dealers costs by chain store dis-
tributors.

There had been rumblings of a
cigarette war for some time. Ever
since the now wel! known 10 cent
brands began to find favor among
smokers over the country, there
have been intimations from time
to time that the Big Four manu-
facturers were preparing to take
drastic action to crush their young
competitors. But the independent
manufacturers of 10 cent cigar-
ettes went blithely on their way
and their brands continued to
grow in popularity.

Inkling of what was coming
was first seen in the advanced
prices which the Big Four buyers
paid for raw weed on Kentucky
warehouse floors the season just
past. Kentucky Burley growers
were gratified at the advance over
previous season's figures. It was
bruited about freely that the Big
Four hoped to boost the price of
raw tobacco too high for the 10.
cent brand makers to continue at
a profit. But this apparently did

not bring results as quickly or as
satisfactorily as desired.

Then, like a clap out of a clear
sky, came the slash in prices on
Camels, lLuckies, Chesterfields
and Old Golds, and the battle
was on. Realizing that they might
be hard put in a conflict against
such octopi of business as the Big
Four tobacco companies and cer-
tain of the big chain retail stores,
the Louisville independent retail
druggists and grocers immediate-
ly decided to pool forces and
present a united front to the com-
mon enemy.

The hundreds who filled the
big auditorium of the Seelbach
Hotel at the first indignation
meeting evidenced the feeling
which has been stirred up and
which is spreading so far and wide
throughout the country.

Walter L. Kallbreier, past pres-
ident of the Retail Grocers Asso-
ciation, in opening the meeting,
declared that the members of the
two organizations have a common
cause. He further stated that
dealers are being denied the right
to make a fair and reasonable
profit on the sale of the Big Four
brands of cigarettes. They are
not even making operating costs
in handling such merchandise. He
asserted that the big tobacco con-
cerns are trying to make a goat
out of the independent dealers
and asked his hearers point blank
if they were going to permit a few
tobacco companies and _ chain
stores to wreck independent busi-
ness.

Shirley E. Haas, Secretary of
the Kentucky Food Distributors
Association, gave a comprehen-
sive picture of the problems which
confront the independent retail-
ers. He did not mince words in
his criticism of the action of the
Big Four tobacco companies or
the big chain grocery concerns.
He characterized the meeting that
was being held as a “‘rebellion”’
on the part of the independent
dealers against efforts to make
tools of them. He branded this
lowering of prices on the Big Four
brands, a desperate effort to drive
the 10 cent cigarette from this
and other markets. Tactics which
are being employed in an effort to
crush manufacturers of the 10
cent cigarette were characterized
as obviously unfair, certainly un-
just and probably illegal. Mr.
Haas’ first interest, he said, was
of course to save the business ex-
istence of 2,000 Louisville retail
dealers who are being crushed by
such unfair competition in the sale
of cigarettes. He told of subsidies
to two local independent retailers
within recent weeks as _ induce-
ments to them to cut under the
former established price, and as-
serted that if the Big Four com-
panies are willing to make such
concessions to the smaller dealers
as this instance indicated, what
must be the subsidies, gratuities

or rebates that they are apparent-
ly allowing such chain _ sys-
tems as the A. & P. and perhaps
others who are selling cigarettes
at virtually manufacturers’ selling
prices to wholesalers. Mr. Haas
asserted that this was all with a
view to beating down the price of
the advertised brands of the big
companies so that their competi-
tion to the 10 cent cigarettes
would prove the more deadly. He
asked his hearers if they intended
to be made willing tools and par-
ties to such a crime, and assured
them that he did not believe they
were men of that caliber.

“They are endeavoring to use
you to crush their competitors,”
he declared. He urged the retail-
ers to maintain a price commen-
surate with operating expenses
which would provide a reasonable
profit—and if unable to do that,
better still, to throw out the en-
tire Big Four lines until they come
to time. He said.that the weak-
kneed dealer will not do this, but
the strong man, who thinks for
himself and sees what he is up
against, will not hesitate to take
a firm stand and stick to it; and
he felt certain that the determined
men who composed the audience
before him were grocers and drug-
gists of a courageous type who
would not stand for such iron-
fisted domination as the big to-
bacco companies and chains are
endeavoring to saddle upon them.

There was tumultous applause
all over the big auditorium and
scores of retailers jumped to their
feet to give enthusiastic approval
to everything that had been said.

“Call it rebellion if you will,”
Mr. Haas concluded. “The inde-
pendent retailer is still a potent
factor in business. Collectively
standing together, no coalition
between chain stores and the
large tobacco concerns can lick
you, but if you endeavor to fight
your battles individually, you will
be easily whipped.”

Speaker after speaker fo'lowed,
pledging adherence to the higher
prices for the Big Four brands or
promising to throw them out en-
tirely if necessary.

Sidney Passaneck, of the
Model drug stores, gave a com-
prehensive insight into the meth-
ods of the Big Four companies in
a telling talk. :

R. V. Miersch, President of the
Retail Drug Association, held
close attention of everyone with
his intelligent review of the situa-
tion.

Other druggists and grocers
followed suit and tere was a ris-
ing, informal vote given by which
these present pledged to stand
firm for the higher figures or
throw the brands of the Big Four
cut until such time as proper mar-
gins are assured.

Posters telling the story of the
cause of the cigarette war were
displayed in the windows of in-

dependent grocers and ‘druggists
the morning after the meeting.
Evidently the display of pos-
ters and the meeting had the de-
sired effect as the prices on cigar-
ettes named by chain stores, both
drug and grocery, were raised
from 10 cents to 12 cents per
package on Monday, only three
days after the indignation meet-
ing on the preceding Friday.
According to reliable informa-
tion, the A. & P. chain of stores
elsewhere are still selling the Big

Four Brands at 1 cents per pack-

age. What has been accomplish-
ed in Louisville can be accom-
plished elsewhere. All dealers in-
terested in the sale of cigarettes
can duplicate the Louisville ac-
tion and thereby correct an evil
through united effort.

 

Items From the Cloverland of Michi-
gan.

Sault Ste. Marie, March 7—We in
the Upper Peninsula have been sitting
pretty on the bank situation, being
among the favored ones where the
holiday did not matter, but this was
too good to be true for long. When
our local banks closed at noon on
Saturday there was no mention of
what was to happen mext. A_ short
time after noon cards were displayed
on the bank doors announcing the
closing until further notice. We were
discussing the grand imaugural ad-
dress of our new President, which was
one of the best addresses on record,
and made us all feel proud of our new
leader, but the closing of our banks on
the same day, only a few hours after
his taking the oath, was surely a sad
surprise, which reminded us of the
joker who wanted to bet that it would
not be over four months after the new
President was sworn in that every
bank in the United States would be
closed. If one did not stop to think
that would be on July 4, it would not
be so funny. What the closing of the
banks will lead up to here where we
have not had the experience, as did
our Lower Michigan friends. we will
have to wait and see, but ‘hope that it
will not be of long duration and that
the new deal will be for the better.

Edgar H. Hotchkiss, 72, retired
president of the First National Bank,
at St. Ignace, died at the family home
last Thursday. He was one of the
best known men in the Upper Penin-
sula, having started at the bottom. In
1890 he was tendered a position in the
St. Ignace Manufacturing Co. and a
short time later accepted a position as
Cashier at the First National Bank of
St. Ignace, later becoming its Presi-
dent. He retired in 1931. due to ill-
ness. He is survived by his widow
and one son.

It is beginning to look as though
Wilbur Voliva need not go any fur-
ther from Zion City than Chicago to
prove his flat world proposition,

The Soo Machine & Auto Co. is in-
stalling new equipment, the latest be-
ing a machine to straighten axles and
frames without removing the parts
from the car. The public is invited by
the officials of the garage to come to
the garage for free check.

William G. Tapert.

Four New Readers of the Tradesman.
The following new subscribers have

been received during the past week:
Evelyn S. Goodsell, Wyoming Park.
Flint Wholesale Grocery Co., Flint.
Louis R. Shamie, Detroit.
Lawrence Inman, Lansing.

——_+-.__

He who will eventually win plays
the game on the square. _

 

 

 

Papa

 

 

Tr “rae ae

 

rein cain

a

 

 

—*

——— = >

Ce

 

 

 

MODERN CUTS OF PORK

This is the twenty-first of a series of articles presenting modern
methods of cutting pork which are being introduced by the®
National Live Stock and Meat Board.—Editor’s Note.

THREE MAJOR CUTS OF FRESH HAM (Continued)

In the preceding article the question of profitable ways to use the fresh ham butt was intro-
duced and a suggestion was given for cutting them into steaks. The illustrations here show
how to convert the butt into an attractive roll.

FRESH HAM ROLL

 

Art, XXI—Cut 1

1. Remove butts from two fresh hams.

 

Art. XXI—Cut 4

4. Put in two or three stitches to hold the
pieces together while they are being tied.

 

Art. XXI—Cut 2

2. Remove the bones from the two butts.

5. The completed Fresh
Ham Roll.

 

Art. XXI—Cut 3

 

3. Place the cuts together with the heavy ends
reversed. Art. XXI—Cut 5

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

He Anew What He |
Was Worth

When a Kalamazoo man applied for a job the other day
and was told he would be paid all he was worth, he got
madder than a hornet and stated very emphatically that
he could not and would not work for such low wages.

If that man should ever attempt to run a business of his
own, he would be just the kind of chap who would kick |
on the price of a safe, no matter how low it was, leave
his account books and valuable papers exposed and then >
when the fire licked them up he would charge the whole
thing up to his ding blasted hard luck.

 

BE SENSIBLE BROTHER AND GET BUSY

and write us to-day for prices on a first-class dependable
safe. It means really more to you than it does to us,
because while we would make only a fair profit on any
safe we sold you, you would lose what you never could
replace if you should have a fire and lose your books of
account.

Grand Rapids Safe Co. | .

Grand Rapids, Michigan