Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1919-07-02
EXPECT MEETING HERE
TO BEAR FRUIT
IN 1920
FORM ORGANIZATION
ASSOCIATION IS PERFECTED AT
GATHERING YESTERDAY IN OF.
FOR NEXT YEAR.

II the closing of all business houses
in the county one half day a week does
not go through this year it is almost
certain there will be a universal
county half day holiday during the
months of July and August in 1920.
The meeting of merchants of The
county held yesterday afternoon in
the Chamber of Commerce Offices
closed with a promise from the Otta.
wa Business Mems Association and
the Marseilles business men to have
their decision on the closing matter
ready bySlSaturday of this week.
Feeling was expressed on the part
Of some = the merchants present that
the actioA had been started too late
to begin CLOSING this season. Both La
Sale aD6 Streator are anxious for the
TTif nbfiday, and the butchers and gro
Gerry stores In Peru are already clos,
ing One-half day week. while other
Peru merchants have signified their
willingness to fall in line. Unless
every merchant In the county would
keep his business house closed on the
designated half day it would be n
hardship on the merchants who close
seemed to be the concensus of opin-
ion OF the business men of the entire
county II the closing act goes through
II is likely the stores will he closed on
Thursday. July 10, for the frs time
and remain closed each Thursday aft
ernoon until the last week in August.
The meeting was formed of repre-
sentatives of practically every town
in the county with the execution of
Seneca. Utica. Grand Ridge, Sheridan
and Mendoza.
I'he meeting was good start to-
ward the organization of a county
business mems association, with the
object in view of improving the indi-
vid,al and business conditions of the
county.
The first meeting of the different
bodies was held in La Sale last Wed
nesday, when temporary officers were
chosen. The meeting Yesterday was
called more particularly TO hear re-
ports from the officers of the different
cities of the conditions in the county
and nearly all Of which were repre-
sented at the gathering.
The meeting was called to order by
Secretary j. F. Farrell of the Cham
Der OF Commerce, who briefly outlined
some of the objects and propositions
OF the countrywide organization L..
c. Brand president Of the Ottawa Bus
mess Mems Association. was mani-
mouslv chosen to preside over the
meeting. which was probably the first
gathering when the Representatives
business men Of every community met
to talk over plans and new ideas Of
present-day business methods.
Mr.. Bryan, secretary of the Cham
her Of Commerce of La Sale, who Is
probably the father Of the association,
clearly outlined the good to be ac-
compished by county organization
and who told Of the accomplishments
that were certain results in the event
of q thorough organization,
The reading of all the reports pre-
sented was a unit toward a complete
organization, and 1t was finally agreed
that the temporary organization form
ed at La Sale be continued for a
period of one year from July /.
Mr. Saunder of the Streator bank Is
president and Mr.. Bryan Of La Sale
Is secretary James F. Farrell of the
Chamber of Commerce of Ottawa was
unanimously chosen as vice president
A committee of four, consisting OF
the four secretaries, j. F. Farrell ol
the Ottawa Chamber Of Commerce
Charles Bryan of the Ia Sale Cham
her OF Commerce. w. G. Cherry of the
Streator Chamber of Commerce and ]
NJ. O'Kane. secretary Of the Business
Mems Association, was picked to ar
range plans and details for operations
Many matters are to be taken up a
later meeting that will certainly
proye profitable both to the merchant
and he people generally.
Those present at the meeting were