The Penn's Grove record., 1919-03-07
Chamber of Commerce
An Organization Made to Ad-
vance PennS Grove

The second meeting of the citizens
of Penns Grove for the purpose of
forming a Civic League was held in
the High School auditorium on Mon
day evening.
There was a good attendance of
leading citizens and business men and
the interest manifested by all is a
sure indication that the new move
ment will be a success.
Fred A. Gentieu presided with Wal
ter Edgar as secretary.
The first matter taken up was that
of subscriptions to the proposed Coun-
ty Memorial Hospital to be built at
Salem. Mr.. C. E. Wood, who has
been interchangeable in working for this
worthy institution spoke earnestly
upon the matter of greater interest
being manifested in this section and
hoped that Penns Grove and Carneys
Point would come up to the usual high
standard in the matter OF contr1bu-
lions for worthy objects.
j. Milton Featherer gave some
figures that were not very encourage
ing. Up to Monday there had been
only 1853 subscribers in Penns Grove
and Carneys Point with total contri-
buttons of less than $4,000. Other
towns in the county had far exceeded
this sum on a pro rota basis. He
hoped the people would show greater
interest in the great work and not let
Penns Grove fall behind other towns.
The workers had put forth every effort
possible but for some unexplained
cause they had not yet been able to
overcome the general apathy. He
hoped before the work was finished
that our people would become more
enthusiastic and with their subscr1p-
tons become identified with the move
ment. The interest seemed to be IN
creasing and he felt sure that IN the
windup we would make our usual
good showing.
Mr.. Gentieu suggested that it would
be a good idea at this meeting to
form a temporary organization of the
Civic League for the purpose OF IN
corporation, selecting a name, prepar-
ing a constitution and bylaws. He
had the secretary read the constitution
and bylaws of a similar organization
in Camden which with a few changes
would apply to the proposed organl-
cation.
It was decided to adopt for a name
@The Penns Grove Chamber of COM
merce."
For the purpose of choosing a tenn
porary organization an informal a
lot was taken. No nominations were
made, each person preparing a list OF
names of men whom he thought would
act for the best results from such an
organization.
There was a peculiar unanimity. OF
sentiment in this matter, but few
names being used. The following
were selected, Charles L. Smith, Thos.
p. Morgan, and ]. N. Layman acting
as ~tellers.
President-Fred A. Gentieu.
Vive President-W. P. Denny.
Secretary-Walter Edgar.
Observation-Disclosures Mitchell.
Frank J. Gaventa, who with the Of
ficers. will act as a committee to IN
corporate the body.
There had to be some changes IN
the selection of the above officers.
Mr.. Frank J.. Gaventa, for instance,
being selected for three OF the posi-
tions' AS he could only hold one ne
chose that of committeeman to act
with the others.
Mr.. Gaventa was overwhelmed and
spoke feelingly of the compliment
paid to him by his fellow citizens. He
would do all in his power in every:1e-
gitimate way to make the organiza-
tion a success. He felt sure that with
the deep interest shown in this pre-
liminary work good results would De
forthcoming.
Several others spoke in an encourage
ing tone of the possibilities for good
of such an organization. Cooperation
and unity of purpose would accom-
nlish wonders where individual effort
was generally helpless. There was
much to be done and all seemed to
think that the movement was startlng
in the right way and would DO things
The following committee on mem
bershiu was appointed, although 1T was
made plain that all present should use
their best efforts to secure MEMBERS:
Charles L. Smith, William P. Denny,
Matthew Mitchell, Edward Townsend
Frank J. Gaventa, William l.: POWELL
Joseph N. Layman, Simon Cunning
ham, H. H. Craemer,
Inc meIIlOeIoluP iSN
e5 m and each n will be furnished
With a membership card. The annual
election of officers will take place at
the last meeting in December. AT
that time reports of results from the
work of the organization will be made
Another meeting will be held next
Monday night when any imperfectlons
in the organization will be remedled'
the new constitution and bylaws pre-,
sented, together with the articles OF
rollment of the membership, which il
is hoped will be large. Give your
name to any one of the membership
committee and help make a strone
ornan;zation that can produce results
# is needed in a civic way, and will
stimulate all to do more and better
things for Penns Grove.