South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-08-07
AUGUST J. 1922
VOICE OF EXPERIENCE

OINL UT Lar EhIEINCE
This afternoon. in wonderful palace on the
outskirts OF Chicago most remarkable group of
men VIII TO honor the head OF one OF the
great mercantile houses of America
Thirty-three men, who for fifty or more years
have worked for the Marshall Field store will meet
to welcome into their honor list the head of the
company. John c. shedd.
Just a half century ago, this rlan entered the
employ as a salesman and through his own genius
and ability to accumulate gained control OF the
great house.
How much OF his success due 10 himself and
how much was due 20 others is question which
each viii answer in his way
When this millionaire prince Of merchants began
his labors. Chicago had a population OF 100000.
II foresight accident. chance necessity that
led him TO select his home city that within the
space Of his life time would increase ten fold
and become city Of three millions?
Had this same gone to OF the other
lake cities for his fortune he progressed from
employe to he had done. he would
be rated a very insignificant in the field of
finance and Of wealth. for there cities along the
great lakes that but twice the size they were
a half century
Fortunes are often a matter OF opportunity,
pecaIly in the retail business where profits the
result OF patronage and when patronage is limited
profits small
Was II fortune and kindly fate that led him TO a
house whose heirs showed little taste for work and
no desire TO extend their influence beyond the
boundaries reached by its founders?
What would have been the fortune OF This
had he found himself forty stn an employe.
higher grade one OF course. but faced by the fact
that on the passing Of his original employer some
progressive alert and capable ready to
step into the throne and direct It's affairs?
Would he have had the genius to step out from
his position as employe and create for himself a
new empire in the commercial world?
These questions are by no a disparage-
-nent to his accomplishment. for It requires
thing Inherently great TO keep with the grow
ing demands Of growing city.
Many of the merchants who owned their
little stores in Chicago when this clerk
are probably living off the charity OF their
0nd daughters and uncounted hundreds, prosper
Gus then. have faded INTO the obscurity Of those
not strong enough to change with changing
dtons.
The size OF his fortune Is not important. Neither
is the fact that he took advantage OF opportunity.
The bis fact is that he grew Chicago grew and
able always hold vision OF the greater
place his establishment must occupy OF fail alto
gether.
That the real test OF success and therefore the
advice OF Mr.. Shedd. on his diamond jubilee OF
service becomes interesting and important
When asked for his he gives this
"Our hfty-year diamond medal are proof
that work a stimulant health Few people
Rave worked harder and fewer have enjoyed better
health. Fifty years OF continuous employment in
one business pretty good evidence that nard
work has agreed with them. I it with
me.
Personally I great believer in the three
Fights division OF the twenty-four hour daylight
hours for labor. eight for recreation and refresh
ment eight for and sleep.
MY chief variation from this schedule IN actual
practice has been 10 put III a few hours in
creation and a few hours more in work.
II believe in recreation when it isn't carried TO
excess. But I feel that work and plenty OF It is
more beneficial chan recreation and plenty OF II,
especially II recreation means less time for in
tensive and purpOsefuI activity which I consider
the chief business the chief opportunity and the
chief enjoyment OF life Work to me has always
been a pleasure"
The cure for that tired feeling is retirement
but more work. The way to health is by keeping
the mird young by new and greater interest in
each day FOR the mind summons the strength TO
make real its own visions
Remarkable rarty. that which meets today. All
q the guests are stu working. still active. still
healthy and strong. II you ask how they get that
way Mr.. shedd gives the answer. They worked.