At the January 13, 1919 directors’ meeting of the Vegetable Growers Supply Co., at Arcanum Hall, 7013 Ravenswood Ave. Chicago IL, the directors found themselves a bit behind on approving prior meeting minutes and promptly dispensed with approval of minutes from the past two meetings. President J.P. Smith then turned to two pressing matters: the search for space and the cost of a surety policy.

The space committee members reported that they looked at a number of properties in Niles Center and Morton Grove, but did not find anything satisfactory. They asked for more time to search for a space or property. The committee also said they agreed to rent the shop from Mr. Gretz at Clark and Birchwood Avenues, Chicago, IL. for $300 ($4,800) per year, for one year. The Board agreed and Mr. Gretz was present to sign the lease.

Mr. Gretz also offered the use of the gasoline tank on the lot and perhaps more importantly, the use of the water closet in his flat in the building on Clark Street by the men working at the new company’s shop. Not offering a price himself, Mr. Gretz let the company name the price for these privileges.

President Smith offered Mr. Gretz $40 ($640) for one year for these two privileges and Mr. Gretz agreed. The board quickly followed with its assent. Perhaps and just guessing, given the hour of the evening (the meeting started at 8 pm and likely was preceded with favorite beverages) I supposed this was an offer the new company and Mr. Gretz could not refuse. It was probably wise that the Mr. Gretz let the board name the price for bladder relief rather than the reverse. Or perhaps he wanted the board to feel generous. Negotiating 301.

The directors then turned their attention to the surety policy (a form of insurance policy on the company’s ability to deliver upon its planned activities). The directors read the proposed policy and found it unsatisfactorily drawn up. The directors than moved to seek out an attorney for assistance regarding the policy and adjourned for the evening.