Store Employees’ Banquet

From The Forest City Courier, Jan. 23, 1922

On Friday night the management entertained the employees of the different stores at a banquet in the Memorial Building, which proved to be a most delightful occasion, indeed. The banquet was most tastefully decorated with ferns and potted plants and cut flowers, making a striking, pleasing and inviting appearance. Each of the guests were presented with a bouquet of sweet peas. After the delightful repast, which were served in courses, a number of short talks were enjoyed.

The talks were by the following: Messrs. B. D. Wilson, Z. O. Jenkins, B. P. Caldwell. Prof. C. A. Erwin, P. C. Hawkins, M. Hendrick, J. H. Hill, John G. Roach, and Dr. H. S. Rudisill. Mr. B. D. Wilson, general manager of the mercantile department, was master of ceremonies.

The employees were all delighted and were unanimous in expressing their pleasure in this enjoyable occasion. Very few, if any of them, had stopped to think and realize what a great mercantile institution they were a part of, and when they realized that they were sitting with fifty-one of their fellows, all employees of the mercantile department, then they understood that they were a part of one of the greatest institutions of its kind to be found anywhere. There were a few employees that were unavoidably kept away. Many of them spoke of the inspiration of such a gathering, voicing the idea that it is, indeed, inspiring and encouraging to know one is a part of such an institution that is making such rapid strides forward, and doing things in a big way, sound to the core and excellent management.

The keynote of all the speeches was altruism, honesty, integrity, loyalty and a feeling for fellow men. Each employee was made to feel that he or she was employed to do right as well as to sell goods.

Those present besides the employees of the stores were: Prof. C. A. Erwin, Lieut. B. P. Caldwell, Messrs. Chas. H., Walter H. and G. C. Haynes, Z. O. Jenkins, P. C. Hawkins and M. Hendrick.

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Courier. Copyright owned by The Daily Courier.