”Mr. Ware said that there were a number present who would remember the first meeting of the Southern Ice Exchange. There was then scarcely a baker’s dozen. They had now grown to be an institution of considerable proportions. He, for one, did not feel as though he would like to give up this Exchange. They had met with success, if not from a business at least from a social standpoint, and all had been benefited. He had no objection to receiving northern friends; they were needed and would certainly help; but unless more convincing arguments should be brought forward than have yet been heard, he did not approve of giving up the Southern Ice Exchange for a national association which would at times meet at points inaccessible to many of the members. But if the Exchange failed to agree with his views, he would join hands and go along with them. He said that northern friends are coming in and they would continue to do so whether a national association be formed or this body remained in its present status…

The convention then took up the election of officers for the ensuing year. Upon motion, Messrs. Rushton, Ware and Howe were appointed a special committee to select candidates for the executive board. Pending the action of the above committee, Mr. Curriden moved that the matter of fixing the place for holding the next meeting of the Exchange be placed in the hands of the executive committee and officers of the Exchange….

Mr. Rushton, chairman of nominating committee, handed in the names of the following gentlemen to serve as the executive committee of the Exchange for the ensuing year: Messrs. J. Wilczinski, of Mississippi; W. S. Reamer, of South Carolina; Leon Berton, of Arkansas; L. C. Riggs, of Tennessee; Capt. Sam’l J. Whiteside, of Georgia; W. E. Worth, of North Carolina, and W. S. Ware, of Florida, who, on motion, were elected, the secretary casting one ballot for the entire list.”

Reference Data:

Ice and Refrigeration, Vol. 12, by Southern Ice Exchange, 1897, pages 188-190