In the old bearing orchard the foliage was of the same healthy deep green color noted all over the plantation. But the best proof of their vigor was the fact that on many of these trees all the branches were loaded down with big nuts, nearly ripe.
After a lifetime contact with growing things, I am so well pleased with the conditions on the plantation that I have, as you know, purchased additional units.
L. B. Coddington.
Why Mr. Miller, Our Sales Manager, Bought Seven Additional Units
968 Jackson St., Allentown, Pa., Dec. 29, 1919.
Dear Mr. Hess:
In May, 1915, I wrote you that my interest in this new industry and my ambition to some day own a pecan orchard dates back before the Keystone Pecan Co. was in existence. My study of this improved nut, its food value, the whole world to supply, its advantage over other tree crops, in harvesting, packing, shipping, not perishable, beside the long life of the trees and the small expense of up-keep after the fifth year, and the wonderful yield satisfied me that it was the safest and most profitable industry I know.
When you conceived and formed the Keystone Pecan Company with its co-operative plan, I saw my opportunity, and invested and purchased Units. Having been in business with you for so many years and knowing your capacity to plan big business and your ability to carry your plans to perfection, also the other members of the Company being known as clean, honest and progressive business men, gave me entire confidence. When you wanted me to become sales manager, I decided to visit the plantation. In company with some of my friends, I made my first visit. We were delighted, beyond expression, with everything. Competent management seemed to be working out a perfect system.
Now, after nearly five years of continual work with you in selling the Keystone Pecan Orchard units, I want to compliment you more strongly than ever on the way you have planned and are making good. The progress has been beyond our most sanguine expectations. Each year I have visited the plantation from one to three times accompanied in every case by Unit Owners. My friends have always been well pleased with what they saw on their orchards, but the marked progress the past year, under your expert plantation organization, is such as to fire every Unit Owner with the desire to own more units, fertilized, pruned, cultivated and cared for under your system.
A total of over 200 additional units have been purchased during the past year by unit owners who have visited the plantation with me. Many of these purchased their first units two, three, or four years ago, before visiting the orchards. This is the strongest evidence that the conditions on the plantation must be right. I was glad I could add seven more units to my own number during the past year, and hope to further increase my holdings. I can see now why Mr. William P. Bullard, your horticulturist, expressed surprise that the Company was selling these units at so low a figure.