Acting as hosts to about 1,000 farmers, firm believes in the co-operative plan of marketing, the sterling merchants of Goldsboro did themselves proud yesterday noon, at which time the co-operative tobacco warehouse teamed with the spirit of welcome and cordiality that is hard to describe in mere words. That city and county were united in closer bond as a result of the monster barbecue is an acknowledged fact, and there was no person in attendance who could say that the affair was not crowned with success from every view point. It broadened trading territory for the city’s merchants, for there were farmers who have never been in the city before, tillers of the soil from the far off who had heard of the cordial invitation extended by the merchants of Goldsboro. It strengthened the ties between the farmer and the city merchant, allowing the former to see that the latter is not after his trade alone but wants and needs his friendship and respect. As far as is known, the Goldsboro merchants have been the first in the old North State to entertain the members of the co-operative tobacco and cotton associations and to them is due a world of praise not only for inaugurating the idea, but for the splendid way it was carried out. Early in the morning, even before old Sol had opened his eyes, the farmers began to arrive in town and long before the time set for the program at the seat of festivities, they were all in the city, radiant with anticipation of a big feast, some real talks and a general good time. They were not disappointed. Promptly at noon after the singing of “America,” Mr. John H. Hawley have an address of welcome that was a gem of the first water. In his own inimitable manner, the speaker handed the keys of the city to the visitors and informed them that co-operation was not meant for marketing alone, but that it must exist between men of all walks of life for the good of the community.
The response was given by Mr. Frank Jones, also a speaker of merit. Mr. Wiley Aycock of Fremont handed a well-deserved bouquet to the local merchants, lauding them for their sterling co-operation along business lines.
Sheriff Stevens then introduced Mr. Black, who congratulated Wayne County for her standing in the Co-operative world, describing it as one of the banner counties in the State.
Dr. J.Y. Joyner, former superintendent of schools here, followed with a real convincing talk after which Congressman Abernathy voiced his delight in being able to be present at a meeting held in boosting so worthy a cause. Mr. J.L. Saunders of Smithfield offered a most interesting talk, the gist of which showed the great advantage of marketing cotton the co-operative way, and Mr. George A. Norwood announced that the next payment for tobacco would be made on the 21st of December.
Mr. W.E. Stroud, vice-president of the Wayne National Bank, told the co-operatives that he was glad to see so many of them in Goldsboro, and extended an invitation from the bank to the members to bring their checks to them to be cashed. Stating that the bank would extend every courtesy possible to them.
Much enthusiasm was evident throughout the entire meeting and all in all it is the biggest event of its kind staged in this community in many years. One thousand pounds of meat and thousand pones of corn bread were made away with during the speaking, an assurance that edibles were prepared with plenty of skill. Co-operatives no doubt means a little more today than it did yesterday in the community and plenty of it will spell a lot in the making of a Great, Grander Goldsboro.
From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Wednesday, November 28, 1923
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