A Salesmen’s Convention
One of the most novel and unique meetings of the month was a convention of the traveling salesmen of the Overton-Hygienic Mfg. Co., of Chicago, which held a two weeks’ meeting in the company’s office, June 7th to 21st.
This concern, which is owned and managed exclusively by our own people, manufactures a line of grocery sundries and toilet preparations—about 85 or more different articles; also the celebrated line of toilet requisites known as “High-Brown.” It is accredited as being the largest business enterprise in the United States that is owned and controlled by Colored people, and employs in its office and factory from thirty to thirty-five people.
The accompanying picture, which was taken in front of their office building during the convention, shows the president, the chemist and the seven traveling salesmen and their two traveling agents. In the picture they are as follows:
Seated: Mr. Anthony Overton, president of the company.
Standing (reading from left to right): Mr. Warren Roane, traveling the North Atlantic Coast States; Mr. Wm. Gales, traveling Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana; Mr. Everett Overton, chemist; Mr. K. Johnson, agent, Portland and Seattle; Mr. Bruce K. Tucker, traveling Mississippi, Tennessee and Western Alabama; Mr. Wm. S. Bester, traveling District of Columbia and Maryland; Mr. C. E. Howard, traveling Eastern Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina; Mr. T. Champion, agent, San Francisco; Mr. A. E. Jordan, traveling Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
In addition to those in the picture the Company also employs one other salesman, Mr. G. A. White, of Kansas City. Mr. White unfortunately could not attend the meeting.
This convention is one of the best evidences of the race’s advancement. Who would have dreamed, fifty years ago—yes, even twenty years ago, that a manufacturing concern composed exclusively of Negroes would have grown to the extent that it would find it necessary to call their traveling men together at its general office to discuss the many business problems? We are informed that carefully prepared papers were read by each salesman from day to day, which were followed by general discussions. Some of the subjects covered are as follows:
“Salesmanship.”
“Meeting Competition.”
“How to Finance the Corporation, etc.”
My! My! Just think of it—Negroes assembled and seriously discussing, “How to Finance a Corporation.” Surely the world “do” move. Success to you, boys! Come to Chicago again. You are welcome!