The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1910-12-08
GENESE0'SNOvEL
HOME TRADEPLAN
Bringing People to Town Was
: The Object Sought.
HOW THE METHOD WORKED.

Local Interest In Business Stimulated
by Monthly Public Auctions-Speeial
Attractions Offered to Farming Folk.
Cost to Each Merchant Small.
The life of Geneseo is much like
that of other small western New York
towns, and it was decided to See if
something could be done TO develop
more local interest in trade. \ num-
bee of the merchants of Geneseo de-
cided to combine and form q business
mems association to advertise the
town and help the community, says
the New England Homestead.
A large number of the men decided
that the thing to do was 10 arrange
some method for bringing the people
to town. II was decided. therefore, to
try holding a free eeauctiOn each month.
Any farmer could send in anything he
desired to sell and the business men
would advertise it. catalogue 1t, pay
for an auctioneer to sell it and turn
over the proceeds without any expense
to the farmer.
At this time the different merchants
arranged special prices on certain
lines Of goods--thus: Seven cakes Of
soap for 25 cents or nineteen pounds
of sugar for 81. One enterprising
jeweler on the first public auction day
sold 500 solid silver thimbles) at II
cents each.
The public auctions kept the farm
ers busy-horses. cows, tools and farm
products attracted several hundred
men. People who would not come to
town for any reason came on market
Gay, and those who did not come to
purchase came to discuss things and
see what was going on.
The first market day was decided
success. The cost to the merchants
was made up by levy of 81 each on
the members Of the association. 1t has
since been decided that they will con-
tribute 81 each month and try the sys
TEN for a year The second auction
was held under unfavorable climatic
conditions. but was extremely profit
able to the merchants, and some $1,000
worth Of farm stock was sold. nearly
double that sold at the first auction.
At the third auction it was decided
to add new feature. Three weeks
before the event notice was sent to all
the county papers that seed distri-
button bureau would be established by
the association. A committee outlined
ffre,following plan: All farmers having
farm seeds for sale anywhere In the
vicinity were invited to send samples
with the amounts they wished to sell
land the price. In the case Of seed
corn they could bring ten ears or half
IA peck shelled. half peck Of oats or
. beans and ten potatoes: also samples
of grass, clovers and alfalfa seeds.
First. second and third prize cards
were awarded in each class. the judg-
ing being done by DR.. Gilbert Of the
State College of Agriculture at Ithaca.
The fact Of placing samples in compe-
tition added interest.
. Since the auction was not to be until
after dinner the morning was devoted
to an institute. Dr. Gilbert giving an
ssaddress OIL the importance of good
sseed. This allowed time to discuss
Tthe samples shown and to give in de-
tail methods for their improvement.
The exhibit and address were held in
the village hall On bulletin board
were posted the names Of all people
having produce to sell and of ary per-
son who wanted to buy. and the COM
mittee sought to bring the parties to-
gether.
In order that the farmers might see
whether their soil conditions were
similar soil map of Livingston coun-
ty was hung in the room, an advance
copy having just been received from
the United States department Of agri-
culture.