The directors of the brand new Vegetable Growers Supply Co. met at 8 PM on January 7, 1919, again at Arcanum Hall, 7013 Ravenswood, Chicago IL, just week and one day after their last meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to deliberate further on two pressing items: from whom to get lumber and what location to rent or buy to set up operations.

The last meeting’s long discussion on renting Wm. Becker shop floor space on Clark Ave. probably had a reason for it being long. J. P. Smith, Micheal Leider and Anthony Kremer reported that Wm. Becker would rent his space to the new company, but only if it met one condition: that they sign a contract to purchase box lumber from him for two years.

Standing more than 100 years after this meeting, I have to surmise that the directors probably knew of Wm. Becker’s intentions and that the directors wished to meet with him to determine if he would be friend or foe to their new company. Given that the whole purpose of the new company was to make boxes for the vegetable growers at lower costs, it didn’t take the directors to make their decision.

A motion (was) made and duly seconded to reject the offer of Wm. Becker and quit trying to make a deal with him.

Bam!

The directors asked the space committee to look at “certain properties” in Niles Center (present day Skokie) and Morton Grove which may be offered for rent or for sale. They also directed the space committee to see a Mr. J. Gretz to rent his shop on Birchwood Avenue and Clark Street in Rogers Park, Gretz’ space was presumably to be used on a short-term basis until a proper space can be identified. Nick Schmidt replaced Anthony Kremer on this space committee.

Before ending the meeting, the directors authorized the secretary to order two cars of lettuce box lumber, one from Bellinger Manufacturing Co., WI and one from Mr. Stryk, Sublin WI, and to invite both of these parties to the next directors’ meeting on January 13, 1919.

It looks apparent that the directors of the new company were anticipating uncertainties and developing options accordingly.