The Camp-meeting Provision Stand by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 16, 1878

The Camp-meeting Provision Stand.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

As OUR camp-meetings increase in number and size, and especially as they are coming to command a very large outside attendance, the proper management of the provision stand is becoming a very important matter. From our experience we are satisfied that in most cases it may be made a financial success, while in some cases it has been allowed to prove a failure. The following hints in relation to the stand and some other things may be timely:—

There should be one general head who can take in the wants of the camp-meeting, and have supervision over the whole. The committee should have a clear understanding among themselves, that there be no confusion. Each branch of the business should be given to some one to see to, and everybody should apply to him on that point. If hay and straw are to be sold, let one man have charge of the business. If tents are to be rented, let one man see to that.

Let there be a head to the provision stand, and no more help employed than is actually needed. We do not recommend a boarding tent where a large crowd of strangers is to be provided for, as those things which can be sold at the stand will yield greater profit, and usually give better satisfaction. Let the prices be about the same as charged elsewhere, unless special arrangements are made with the brethren. Lemonade should be furnished in the season. This yields a good profit.

Every night see that each branch of business on the ground is paying its way.

It is well to have as large a number of family tents on hand as is consistent.

The brethren should prepare to lodge strangers. Be courteous to all. It will be found an excellent plan to invite to your table strangers who may come to hear, and thus increase their interest and secure their friendship by your hospitality. S. N. HASKELL.