The Chicago Floor Covering Association was chartered in January of 1946 by 55 men, many of whom were recently discharged from military service following World War II. Most were retailers and Chicago, with its humongous market at the legendary Merchandise Mart, was the epicenter of the industry, so the group became one of the oldest, largest and most vociferous in the business. This photo was taken at the association’s First Annual Banquet at the Palmer House in Chicago on Jan. 8, 1947. In those days, there was unbridled enthusiasm and camaraderie and members responded. At that first banquet, there were almost a thousand people in attendance. Note the gallery, and the double dais alone seated nearly 100. The borrowed photo will be returned to Northern Flooring in Palatine, Ill., and once again occupy a special place on the company’s wall—framed.