That was the beginning. To-day the boys have an organization 
that is complete in every respect and modeled exactly upon that of 
the National Cash Register Company. Theirs is a stock company 
incorporated under the laws of the state of Ohio. There is a president, 
board of directors and other officers. 
Stockholders' meetings are held regularly at which problems 
relating to the gardens are discussed. All produce is sold and the 
money put into the treasury. At the end of the season a cash divi- 
dend is declared. By this method the boys get an excellent business 
training, since the affairs of their organization are entirely in their 
hands. 
Not only do the boys raise enough vegetables to sell, but they also 
supply their families during the summer months. This is a great help 
to their parents. 
The garden plot contains about one and one-quarter acres. On 
this plot about eighty boys have gardens. These are fifty-three feet 
long by eleven feet wide. All of the boys raise the same varieties of 
vegetables. Last year they made almost $1800. This seems a large 
sum for so small a space : it is only through their excellent organization 
that they are able to do so well. A strict account is kept of each 
garden, no matter how small the amount. Each boy must keep a 
record of his own garden. 
When the season is over the company entertains the boys at dinner 
in the N. C. R. Dining Hall. Afterward an entertainment is given at 
the Industrial Hall of Education, the principal feature of which is the 
declaration of the cash dividends and the distribution of $100.00 in 
cash prizes given by the company to the most successful gardeners. 
This acts as an incentive for the coming year and encourages the boys 
to make the most of their time. 
The highest cash dividend received by an individual was $8.22. 
This may not seem very large, but when it is remembered that 
the boys have used at home all the vegetables they want and that 
there are eighty boys to divide the profits it seems a very fan- 
return. 
As a result of this work, the National Cash Register Company 
to-day is raising men for the factory in its own neighborhood. Many 
of the men who now hold important positions were once N. C. R. boy 
gardeners. Then, too, there are no longer idle boys to cause trouble 
in the community. 
That the gardens have done these things for the company and the 
neighborhood is proof positive that the plan is a practical and a paying 
proposition. 
