PROFIT-SHARING AT IVORYDALE.
THE purpose of this paper is to present the salient features and the results of one of the most successful and impressive examples of Profit Sharing in the United States that of the Procter and Gamble Company, engaged in the manufacture of soap, candles and glycerine at Ivorydale, Ohio. 1
Before describing the experiment in profit-sharing a few words should be said about the home of the company, and its splendid facilities for carrying on the work in which it is engaged.
Ivorydale is beautifully located about seven miles north of Cincinnati. Perhaps no other village in this country, except Pullman, Illinois, can compare with it as an example of what a manufacturing village should be. A genuine attempt has been made to apply the principles of art to its construction and to beautify the daily surroundings of its people. The company owns sixty-seven acres of land upon which are grouped for convenience and beauty about thirty large buildings. The architect of these buildings, Mr. Beman, was also the architect of Pullman. Mr. Beman brought to his work at Ivorydale all the benefit of his experience gained in constructing the model manufacturing village of Illinois. The result of his labor ought to satisfy the aesthetic taste even of the fastidious. Ruskin himself could
1 The facts presented have been gathered from personal study and from com- munication with members of the firm and its employe's. The writer is especially indebted to Mr. D. B. Gamble, Secretary of the company, and Mr. J. W. Donnelly, Manager of the works, for information and for considerate attention while visiting Ivorydale. Free use has also been made of matter published by the Company for the benefit of its employe's.
Other articles on the subject here considered are : " Two Successful Examples of Profit-Sharing," by PROFESSOR J. W. BLACKMAR in the Forum for March, 1895, and " An Experiment in Profit-Sharing," by WILLIAM COOPER PROCTER, of the Procter & Gamble Co. in the Independent for May 2, 189$. Of the latter article es- pecially the present writer has made the freest use.
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