The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1915-12-09
GREATEST TRADING DAY
HUNDRED EXTRA CLERKS IN
EQUAL TO TASK OF PROMPT
LY SUPPLYING ALL.

Worn from responses to the de-
mands upon their physical and men,
tai capabilities and with great gaps
showing in their stocks of merchan-
disc, commercial Madison last night
shut up shop with the full realization
that it had experienced the greatest
day in its history.
Travelling men who have toured
the northwest for years, after look
ing about Madison yesterday, said it
is doubtful if equally as heavy bar
gaining ver before took place in a
single day in a city of corresponding
size in the two Dakotas. A number
Of merchants have declared that the
business transacted in their estab-
lishments was limited only by the ca
pacity of their statesmen and sales
ladies to hand out goods and get
them wrapped.
Much Additional Help.
In anticipation of a brisk business,
most stDrekeepers had reinforced
their selling staffs. Ii is estimated
that not less than 100 extra clerks
assisted in various establishments,
and ii is probable that if their serv-
ices had been available in the early
afternoon. close TO 200 more would
have been engaged. The stores which
did not at least quadruple their av-
erage week day business are consid-
erably in the minority, according to
estimates made today at the Mer-
chants association headquarters.
Residents OF every section of the
county and numbers from adjoining
counties motored. drove or came by
train to swell the host of shoppers.
Towns outside the county which con
tributed buyers were Arlington, Old
ham, Colman, Egan, Cotton, Howard
and CanOva. There were also good
representations from Ramona, Ches-
ter. Nun da, Wentworth and Winfred
Hundreds were here from the north
west part of the county.
Heaviest Trading in Afternoon.
Although the realization that
stores would be crowded by visitors
in the afternoon prompted throngs of
t~ownspeople to take advantage OF the
sales in the morning. the heaviest
P y - - 5It1A l. Alo1hs IIOIiA
that hour until about 6 o'clock bar
gaining held sway without a hint al
cessation.
That the visitors were as well
pleased with the days transactions as
were the merchants Is evidenced By
the suggestion by some that the deal.
ers hold a dollar day regularly once
or twice a year. They prophesieo
that with equally as good bargains
offered and as thorough advertising
on future occasions, such an institu
ton could not help but grow in vol
ume and importance.
Regular dollar Day Favored.
A number of merchants today ex
pressed themselves as being III favor
of holding dollar days" in future
probably two during the year.
Many farmers who drove home fol
supper returned in the evening tC
view the effect of the city's new
white way, TO see the moving pictures
of Madison aud district, or to attend
the dance given in the Huntemel
hall. Patronage at various eating
houses was unusually large both a.
noon and in the evening.
Forces in the average store were
busy today rearranging and replacins
new stocks in showcases and or
shelves and counters. The merchants
also kept on the jump delivery anC
express wagon drivers, sending gu
wares purchased yesterday and NOV.
ing new goods into the stores.
Well Supplied with Money.
r A feature of yesterdays buying
according to the statements of deal
ers, was the unprecedented amount
Of cash available. Customers on ev.
cry hand appeared to be well sup.
piled with money. Charge purchases
were comparatively few, ii is said, anC
in most instances folks with accounts
!. in local banks, instead of paying By
| check as usual, got their money be
fore entering upon their shopping ex
petitions.