Wooster Board of Trade

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Wooster Board of Trade
Type Chamber of Commerce
Industry Other Services
Fate Dissolved, Changed name to Wooster Chamber of Commerce
Successor(s) Wooster Chamber of Commerce; Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce
Founded Wooster, Ohio (1900 (1900))
Founder(s) Walter D. Foss
Headquarters Wooster, Ohio, United States
Number of locations 12 W. Liberty St., Wooster, Ohio ( - )
Area served Wayne County, Ohio
Key people Walter D. Foss, first President
Services Networking, Advocacy, Visibility, Professional Development, Opportunities, Credibility

Locations

City Directories

Gallery

  • Wooster Directory 1946

  • Wooster Directory 1949

Comprehensive History

ORGANIZED. Wooster Board of Trade

June 10, 1893: Wooster Board of Trade, CITIZEN INTERESTED. Their Rousing Meeting Last Night. Earnest. Harmonious Action. A Simple. Effective Organization, Admitting Every One With Wooster's Welfare at Heart-- Officers Elected and At Work.

Pursuant to a call by Mayor Jeffries, published in the city papers, an unexpectedly large number of citizen met at Council Chamber last evening to organize the Board of Trade of Wooster.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeffries, who was chosen to president. W. C. Yost was chosen secretary of the evening.

The committee appointed at the preliminary meeting on devising a plan of organization and consisting of Col. C. V. Hand, W. O. Bebee, T. C. Raynolds, W. D. Tyler and Daniek Funck, reported constitution and by-laws for the government of the Board of Trade, which was read and on motion adopted with some minor but excellent changes, which were accepted as soon as suggested.

Then followed the enrollment of members and signing of the constitution. Almost every man present enlisted in the cause of Wooster's welfare, with word from many who were detained in different ways that they would take hold heartily. The "daddy dollars" for dues chinked merrily upon the table, and on motion Mayor Jeffries was elected treasurer pro tem without bond to handle these funds.

When the election of officers was reached, a motion prevailed for the appointment of a committee to select officers and directors, but they reported after consultation it would be better to have the members present vote their choice direct. This was done with the following result. President, Col. C. V. Hard; Vice Presidents, S. B. Husselman, T. C. Raynolds; Treasurer, Dr. W. W. Firestone; Secretary, to be selected by the Executive Committee.

In voting for the six directors, it was resolved that each member should put six names on his ballot of those suggested or other persons with a majority vote required to elect, the two next two years, and the other two one year. Hon. Louis P. Ohliger and Harry McClarran were chosen for three years. J. R. Zimmerman and W. D. Tyler, for two years; George J. Schwartz and W. B. Bryson for one year.

This completed the organization, so far as terms of the constitution required, and it was agreed that the new Executive Committee, consisting of the officers and directors, should meet at 4 o'clock in City Clerk Adams' in the City Hall.

President Hard on taking the chair was called upon for a speech, but said that his only speech would be to get right to business. The selection of standing committees, as provided in the constitution, he thought should wait until the membership has been increased, that being the first duty of all.

On motion, a committee consisting of H. B. Odenkirk, David Nice and George J. Schwartz was named to solicit additional membership among the business men and citizens generally. Those enrolled last night were as follows: James Mullins; J. B. Taylor; Geo J. Schwartz; C. A. McDonald; J. R. Zimmerman; C. V. Hand; L. P. Ohliger; J. F. Barrett; Julian Jeffries; W. D. McClure; Geo. E. Kline; E. Chatelain; S. B. Husselman T. O. Raynolds; B. J. Hartman; H. Burrowes; E. W. Newkirk; C. C. Adam; R. J. Sweeney; H. McClarran; John S. Elliott; A. Cunningham; G. P. Emrich; Elmer Funk; W. W. Firestone; H. B. Odenkirk; John Thompson; Wm. C. Yost; Lemmuel Jeffries; J. E. Barrett; W. B. Bryson; A. W. Shearer; Jacob Palmer; J. T. Keister.

Motion prevailed instructing the Finance Committee of the Board of Trade when formed to communicate with John B. Taylor, as treasurer of the former trade organization now defunct, about the funds he now has belonging thereto, about $80, that money having been intended for the purposed the present organization will undertake. Adjourned.

THE CONSTITUTION - The constitution as prepared is modeled upon those of the Massillon and Canton Boards of Trade, but shortened and simplified from either of them, while the membership fee and for annual dues instead of $5 at only $1 for Wooster, so that no man need plead that as any excuse for keeping out of this movement for the general good. The most important article is the 1st on Name and Objects as follows.

"This association shall be known as the Board of Trade of Wooster, and its object is to collect, preserve and circulate valuable and useful information relating to the business of Wooster, and especially the facts relating to its manufacturing and mercantile interests, to improve our transportation facilities, and in all ways promote the mercantile, manufacturing, commercial and other interests of this city."

The following articles provide for president, vice president and treasurer, and sis directors (two of them elected annually for three years each) to constitute the executive committee, these to include also the secretary, to be elected by the committee, which is the management. The annual meeting is to be on the first Thursday of June each year. The secretary is to have charge of the collection and promulgation of statistics and of correspondence, under the executive committee and in connection with the several standing or special committees. The standing committees are expected to include all members, new members being assigned to them upon election, and are to make annual reports upon their respective departments and special suggestions and reports whenever needed. They are as follows:

  • Public Improvements
  • Railroads and Transportation
  • New Enterprises and Industries
  • Finance
  • Local Mercantile Interests
  • Real Estate
  • Statistics
  • Legislation
  • Produce and Grain
  • Manufacturers
  • Membership
  • Lumber and Coal
  • Taxation
  • Streets and Pavements

The membership is open to all persons of good character. It is provided that all statistics furnished shall be protected as confidential. Of course the routine provisions as to officers' duties, manner of making amendments, etc. are about the usual thing in such cases. [1]

MEET TOMORROW NIGHT - SPECIAL SESSION. WOOSTER BOARD OF TRADE. Every Member or Citizen Willing to Help Asked to Attend to Consider Some Very Important Matters

NOTICE OF MEETING. I am directed to call a meeting of the Board of Trade to be held in City Council Chamber on Wednesday evening of this week to consider some very important matters. It is earnestly desired that every member will be present, and as many new members as can be secured by that time. It is the intention to create one or two new, important committees, and discuss some propositions of interest to the city. C. C. Adams, Sec'y

The officers and directors of "The Board of Trade of Wooster" met in the City Clerk's office last Tuesday to complete its organization and appoint its standing committees. The officers and directors constitute the Executive Committee and are as follows:

STANDING COMMITTEES:

SPECIAL NOTICE Additional members as enrolled will be added to the Committees from time to time, so that every man may have a chance to work for Wooster. [2]

Wooster Board of Trade Last Night: Creamery Question Acted on Favorably-- a Page of Experience-- Other Industries in View-- To Join the State Chamber of Commerce

  • Wooster Board of Trade Last Night [3]

There was a good attendance at the Wooster Board of Trade last evening, when the special meeting was called to order by the president, Col. C. V. Hard. The question of a full creamery in Wooster was the first item taken up, over a third of the needed stock having already been subscribed by a few men quietly, and further action having been delayed until the business could be brought before the Board. In response to calls, John Wilhelm explained the possibilities for profit in connection with the number of farmers during the day had expressed their desire to him to lend a hand in the matter, so that he had no doubt that the 250 cows required as a minimum for a milk supply could easily be secured. Harry McClarran gave recent experiences in the grocery trade in Wooster, showing both farmers and dealers would be better off if all the milk made into butter in Wayne county were handled through creameries. A motion by W. D. Tyler was adopted requesting the chairman to co-operate with Mr. Wilhelm and Capt. R. E. Eddy in a canvass upon the question, and the president designated Messrs. Tyler and McClarran and Capt. W. O. Beebe as such committee.

A new industry that seeks a location in Wooster was considered at some length and with a favorable disposition so far as the info at hand would warrant, but no action was taken upon it, as it was stated that a formal proposition would be presented before long, when the business would come up in tangible shape. It would probably desire a down-town location. Another enterprise was also mentioned as under consideration, but as the matter is not yet advanced sufficiently to be make public, no more than this suggestion in regard to it was presented, leaving its consideration for a future meeting.

J. R. Zimmerman and W. D. Tyler who were at Columbus with Hon L. P. Ohliger, to represent the Wooster Board of Trade at the meeting of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, were called upon to report, and Mr. Z. made an interesting statement. He said that the principal business considered was the Mergenthaler tax inquisition law, which was condemned vigorously by resolutions that requested the Legislature to repeal the law at once as a great damage to the business and industrial interests of the State. The expense of collections under the law, the cost being 34 per cent of all receipts under it, was mentioned as one defect of the law, while its premium upon dishonesty in officials is a danger and its prying into private business and double taxation are driving great interests out of the State. As Wooster has not yet joined the State Chamber of Commerce her representatives were not entitled to a vote, participating only by courtesy, but they found it desirable for this city to be connected with the other cities of Ohio in the new organization, and filed an application for membership. This action was, upon motion, ratified and the president and secretary were requested to take such action to complete the membership as may be needed. As the entrance fee to the State board is $25 to secure its full privilege's. the treasurer, Dr. W. W. Firestone, was asked as to the condition of the Board's finances. His statement showed money enough to meet all engagements, as soon as some who signed the roll last year, but did not pay their dollar at the time, should pay their annual dues for the current year. Besides, there are many business men in Wooster who ought to be members, yet have failed thus far to lend a hand in this enterprise, already so fruitful for the general good. The secretary, C. C. Adams, was instructed to collect all delinquent dues. On motion, adjourned subject to call.

Wooster Board of Trade Meeting

  • Wednesday, September 1894: About 25 members of the Board of Trade attended the special meeting held in the Mayor's office last night. The meeting was called to select delegates to the meeting of the State Board of Commerce, a member of the Executive Committee of the State Board of Commerce and a special committee to confer with the County Commissioners in the matter of securing a new bridge of proper construction over Christmas Run. President C. V. Hard presided. The members selected to serve are as follows:

Delegates to meeting of State Board of Commerce-- C. V. Hard, J. R. Zimmerman, W. J. Mullins.

Member of State Board of Commerce Executive Committee-- L. P. Ohliger

Special Committee to confer with County Commissioners on securing a new bridge over Christmas Run on W. Liberty street-- J. R. Zimmerman, Jacob Frick, Jas. Mullins, Harry McClarran, W. W. Firestone, W. D. Tyler, C. F. Barrett, E. K. Geiselman, David {{Surname|Nice} and Geo J. Schwartz.

Tuesday, August 15, 1895, Ought to Be Made a Most Memorable Day for Wooster and Wayne County

  • Tuesday, August 15, 1895, ought to be made a most memorable day for Wooster and Wayne county, particularly since a happy co-incidence has fixed that date for the beginning of the reunion in this city of the Sherman Brigade. For a far greater event is commorated on that self same day to wit, the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of Wayne county, then a part of the Northwest territory and long before its five great States were so much as though of. During the present week Defiance, Ohio, has show how great a celebration a city of Wooster's size can accomplish by going about it in the right way. Defiance honored the same man, General Anthony Wayne, who name honors our county and what Defiance did, Wooster can do, and in the same way get up a celebration that for importance and magnitude will be noted throughout the nation as that has been. To properly organize the city and county for such a celebration, the work ought to begin without delay, and the Wooster Board of Trade will prove its value by taking up the matter at once, and pushing the work in both city and county, for this concerns all of Wayne county. To begin with, Senator John Sherman should be secured at once as the speaker for the occasion, both because the boys of his brigade will be here and especially because he has been longer identified with this section as a public servant than any other man. Let Wooster go to work for its greatest, most memorable day. [4]

Slogans

Historical documents

Timeline

Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce Timeline[5]

  • 1893 - June 10, Organized Col. C. V. Hard, President [6]
  • 1900 - Organized, Walter D. Foss, first President
  • 1908 - Incorporated in State of Ohio as a not for profit organization
  • 1912 - The Wayne County Fair Board asked that the businessmen of Wooster close their places of business for two days during the Wayne County Fair.
  • 1950 - Wooster Board of Trade members voted to change the name to Wooster Chamber of Commerce.

Gallery

Business Letterheads

Business Photos

Newspaper articles

Newspaper full-text articles

1917

1919

1920

Newspaper ads

Newspaper citations with no attached images

  • June 16, 1893: "A Shaky Building. Might Cause a Flourishing Firm to Leave the City. But Wooster Will Not Have it That Way-- a Good Case for Board of Trade Action", Wooster Daily Republican, p. 1.
  • July 05, 1893: "Editorial: by Wooster Republican & Wayne County Democrat response", Wooster Democrat, p. 2.
  • March 17, 1894: "Import Business: Wooster Board of Trade Last Night: Creamery Question Acted on Favorably", Wooster Daily Republican, p. 4.

References

  1. ↑ Wooster Daily Republican, Wooster, Ohio. 1893 Jun 10, p.1.
  2. ↑ Wooster Daily Republican, Wooster, Ohio. 1893 Jun 20, p.1.
  3. ↑ Wooster Board of Trade Last Night. Wooster Daily Republican, Wooster, Ohio. 1894 Mar 17, p. 4.
  4. ↑ Wooster Republican, Wooster, Ohio. 1894 Aug 15, p.1.
  5. ↑ Wooster Area Chamber of Commerce timeline.
  6. ↑ Wooster Republican, Wooster, Ohio. 1893 Jun 10, p. 1.
  7. ↑ Wooster Daily Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1917-01-16, p. 2
  8. ↑ Wooster Daily Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1917-01-25, p. 2
  9. ↑ Wooster Daily Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1917-02-07, p. 3
  10. ↑ Wooster Daily Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1917-03-22, p. 2
  11. ↑ Wooster Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1919-02-14, p. 3.
  12. ↑ Wooster Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1920-01-02, p. 2.
  13. ↑ Wooster Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1920-01-02, p. 3.
  14. ↑ Wooster Daily Republican. Wooster, Ohio, 1920-01-16, p. 4

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