The 1920’s saw an enormous increase in manufacturing operations throughout the US.
Public interest in stocks and investments reached unprecedented levels, and the continuing expansion of railroads expedited the transport of raw materials and goods.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Twenties
For those born after Word War II, it may be hard to imagine that the boroughs of New York City were once industrial hubs.
The lovely “High Line” Park in lower Manhattan was once an elevated rail line that brought coal and other raw commodities , plus milk, meat, flour, and products, to the doors of warehouses and factories that faced the railroad track.
This spur of the New York Central Railroad served an enormous bakery for the Nabisco Company (among many other plants).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line
With the growth of industry came a corresponding rise in trade associations and business organizations.
This postcard invitation invited the member to a meeting of “The Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association”.
The meeting was planned at the Hotel Astor for April 27, 1926.
The Hotel Astor, near Times Square, was the height of elegance and luxury featuring 1000 rooms, a roof garden, two ballrooms, and several themed restaurants.
Its spectacular success led to the construction of the Knickerbocker Hotel nearby – erected by another member of the Astor family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Astor_(New_York_City)
For the Biscuit-Makers, lunch would be served – and the reputation of the dining rooms at the Hotel Astor was very high.
Alas, the invitation was never returned, so this member appears to have missed the business meeting to which he was invited.
The history of the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association, founded in 1901, is fascinating.
The Association was widely-known through its logo featuring the “Biscuit Boy”.
https://americanbakers.org/news/oh-boy-history-biscuit-boy
This trade association focused on production standards and worker training was merged with the American Bakers Association in 2017.
