{"id":6732,"date":"2026-06-24T15:24:04","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T15:24:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/?page_id=6732"},"modified":"2026-06-25T02:13:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T02:13:26","slug":"racine-floral-company","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/features\/racine-floral-company\/","title":{"rendered":"Racine Floral Company"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_06_13_5-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"689\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_06_13_5-1024x689.jpg\" alt=\"Sunday Sale\non Potted Plants\n50% Off\nNo Delivery Under $1.00.\nRacine Floral Company,\n1940 Asylum Avenue\" class=\"wp-image-6733\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_06_13_5-1024x689.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_06_13_5-300x202.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_06_13_5-768x517.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_06_13_5-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_06_13_5-2048x1379.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">June 13, 1908. Racine Floral Company. 1940 Asylum Avenue (now Taylor Avenue).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"481\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-481x1024.jpg\" alt=\"FLORAL FIRM'S OPENING SOON\n\nPOTTED PLANTS AS SOUVENIRS FOR ALL VISITORS.\n\nDistinct Innovation Will Be the Taking Complete Charge of Decorating for Weddings, Parties, Etc.\u2014Four Large New Greenhouses Erected.\n\nThe Racine Floral company which last spring purchased the old Fidler property and greenhouses on Asylum avenue and announced its intention of equipping the property into one of the most up to date greenhouses in the state, certainly has made good its promise. That the proprietors have a firm belief that a modern plant will prove a profitable business undertaking is apparent from the thousands of dollars worth of improvements they have put into the property.\n\nFew people who admire beautiful flowers have had any conception of the vast amount of labor entailed in the nurture and growth of the plants on a large scale. It will pay every lady and gentleman in Racine who have a taste for horticulture to visit this greenhouse on Asylum avenue. They may be sure of a cordial welcome and the sight of thousands of roses, carnations and other of nature\u2019s choicest flowers in bloom, filling the air with their delicate fragrance ought to be compensation sufficient for those who make the visit.\n\nFour Large Greenhouses.\n\nThe plant which has been entirely rebuilt and remodeled consists of four large new greenhouses, each containing six long beds. Two of the houses are devoted entirely to carnations, over 3,000 plants all told. Two more are given over to the culture of roses, of American beauties and nearly every variety known to the florist. Here are nearly 4,000 plants and the fragrance from the thousands of buds makes one reluctant to break away. A fifth house is devoted to chrysanthemums, geraniums and assorted plants, and the sixth house the palms, ferns, and tropical plants. Here also are the Holland bulbs and Dutch bulbs. Everything about the houses is modern and every arrangement has been made for the most convenient method of handling the business.\n\nUnder Expert's Supervision.\n\nThe growing and gardening is under the supervision of Mr. Paul Bork, an experienced gardener and landscape artist. Mr. Bork was for seven years superintendent of the green house at Oak Grove cemetery at La Crosse and it was he who laid out the beautiful cemetery and park. Later he was foreman at the Evanston greenhouses for John Wyland, one of Chicago\u2019s leading florists and wholesale growers and later was in business for himself. It is Mr. Bork\u2019s intention next season to lay out the grounds about the\n\nRacine Floral Co.\u2019s plant into the most attractive garden in this section.\n\nOne innovation so far as Racine is concerned which the Racine Floral Co., is to undertake is the complete charge of floral decorating for weddings, parties, etc. This department of the business will be under the supervision of Mrs. E. Miller who for several years was in charge of the decorating at Hotel Pister. That Racine society people will appreciate this new departure goes without saying.\n\nTo Give Ideal Display.\n\nIn about a week the Racine Floral Co., will open their city office at which time it is intended to give those unable to visit the greenhouses an ideal display. Souvenirs in the form of potted plants will be given to the visitors on their opening day. The exact time and place will be announced later. That Racine people will welcome the advent of this modern up to date plant and show their appreciation by a liberal patronage is a foregone conclusion. Meanwhile callers at the greenhouses will be cordially welcomed and shown the most attractive greenhouses in this section.\nRacine Daily Journal, September 18, 1908.\" class=\"wp-image-6735\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-481x1024.jpg 481w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-141x300.jpg 141w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-768x1636.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-721x1536.jpg 721w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-961x2048.jpg 961w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1908_09_18_5-purchased-old-fidler-property-with-greenhouses-scaled.jpg 1202w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 481px) 100vw, 481px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Daily Journal, September 18, 1908. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1910_02_25_5-street-car-struck-the-delivery-wagon-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"617\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1910_02_25_5-street-car-struck-the-delivery-wagon-1024x617.jpg\" alt=\"A Park avenue street car struck the delivery wagon of the Racine Floral company yesterday afternoon, and broke the beveled glass in the rear doors. The wagon was standing at the side of the road, and one of the doors was open. The door projected over the street car track, and the motorman, instead of stopping his car ran right past it with the above results.\nRacine Daily Journal, February 25, 1910. \" class=\"wp-image-6757\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1910_02_25_5-street-car-struck-the-delivery-wagon-1024x617.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1910_02_25_5-street-car-struck-the-delivery-wagon-300x181.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1910_02_25_5-street-car-struck-the-delivery-wagon-768x463.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1910_02_25_5-street-car-struck-the-delivery-wagon-1536x925.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1910_02_25_5-street-car-struck-the-delivery-wagon-2048x1233.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Daily Journal, February 25, 1910. Streetcar strikes delivery wagon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1911_06_28_1-Janes-Company-secures-Sixth-Street-Property-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1911_06_28_1-Janes-Company-secures-Sixth-Street-Property-1024x740.jpg\" alt=\"Racine Daily Journal, June 28, 1911. Janes Company Secures Sixth Street Property.\nAnother important real estate transfer took place today when the D. G. Janes company bought the property occupied by the Racine Floral company, 219 Sixth street. The consideration is private. It is understood that the Janes company intend to erect a large and modern building in the near future, with offices on the upper floors.\" class=\"wp-image-6738\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1911_06_28_1-Janes-Company-secures-Sixth-Street-Property-1024x740.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1911_06_28_1-Janes-Company-secures-Sixth-Street-Property-300x217.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1911_06_28_1-Janes-Company-secures-Sixth-Street-Property-768x555.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1911_06_28_1-Janes-Company-secures-Sixth-Street-Property-1536x1110.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1911_06_28_1-Janes-Company-secures-Sixth-Street-Property-2048x1480.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Daily Journal, June 28, 1911. Janes Company Secures Sixth Street Property.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1920_04_01_16-an-easter-without-flowers-is-like-christmas-without-gifts-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"847\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1920_04_01_16-an-easter-without-flowers-is-like-christmas-without-gifts-1024x847.jpg\" alt=\"An Easter Without Flowers Is Like a Christmas Without Gifts\nThey give an atmosphere of beauty, purity and contentment that can not be secured otherwise.\nOur stock is a complete assortment of beauty.\nThe Racine Floral Company\nFloral Designs and Decorations\nPhone 719\n219 Sixth Street\nRacine Journal-News, April 1, 1920.\" class=\"wp-image-6760\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1920_04_01_16-an-easter-without-flowers-is-like-christmas-without-gifts-1024x847.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1920_04_01_16-an-easter-without-flowers-is-like-christmas-without-gifts-300x248.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1920_04_01_16-an-easter-without-flowers-is-like-christmas-without-gifts-768x635.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1920_04_01_16-an-easter-without-flowers-is-like-christmas-without-gifts-1536x1271.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1920_04_01_16-an-easter-without-flowers-is-like-christmas-without-gifts-2048x1694.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal-News, April 1, 1920. An Easter Without Flowers Is Like a Christmas Without Gifts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"752\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-752x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Give Thanks With Flowers.\nGive Thanks With Flowers!\nYour good will on Thanksgiving Day can be expressed in no better terms than by &quot;saying it with flowers.&quot;\nAlways a welcome gift -- they are bound to bring a warm response from the lucky person who receives them.\nFor the choicest flowers and promptness in delivery, telephone Prospect 719.\nRacine Floral Company\n219 Sixth Street\n\nRacine Journal-News, November 26, 1923. \" class=\"wp-image-6765\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-752x1024.jpg 752w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-220x300.jpg 220w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-768x1045.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-1129x1536.jpg 1129w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-1505x2048.jpg 1505w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1923_11_26_9-give-thanks-with-flowers-scaled.jpg 1881w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 752px) 100vw, 752px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal-News, November 26, 1923. Give Thanks With Flowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"488\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-488x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Flowers ...\nFragrantly scenting the rooms and joyously adding color to the charming Model Homes in \nSunset Heights\nThe adoration of every housewife ... flowers!\nWhat charm ... what loveliness they add to the setting of any interior. Let us furnish YOUR home with flowers! Retain the joy of nature in your home throughout the entire year. Gloom will be transposed into happiness with gorgeous flowers!\nSee Our Floral Display\nThese two model homes will be open for two weeks more. Don't fail to attend the opening and see our display of beautiful flowers.\nRacine Floral Company\n219 Sixth St.\nJackson 718\nRacine Journal-News, August 24, 1929.\" class=\"wp-image-6770\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-488x1024.jpg 488w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-143x300.jpg 143w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-768x1612.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-732x1536.jpg 732w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-976x2048.jpg 976w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_08_24_7-flowers-in-model-homes-scaled.jpg 1220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 488px) 100vw, 488px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal-News, August 24, 1929. Flowers in model homes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_09_28_12-three-weeks-trip-through-the-east-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"570\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_09_28_12-three-weeks-trip-through-the-east-1024x570.jpg\" alt=\"Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Miller of the Racine Floral company have just returned from a three weeks' trip through the east. Part of the time was spent in Boston at the national convention of the Florists' Telegraph Delivery association. On the way home, they left Robert Miller Jr., at Ithaca, N. Y., where he will attend Cornell university.\nRacine Journal-News, September 28, 1929. Three weeks' trip through the east.\" class=\"wp-image-6773\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_09_28_12-three-weeks-trip-through-the-east-1024x570.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_09_28_12-three-weeks-trip-through-the-east-300x167.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_09_28_12-three-weeks-trip-through-the-east-768x428.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_09_28_12-three-weeks-trip-through-the-east-1536x856.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1929_09_28_12-three-weeks-trip-through-the-east-2048x1141.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal-News, September 28, 1929. Three weeks&#8217; trip through the east.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1930_02_28_10-millers-flowers-special-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1930_02_28_10-millers-flowers-special-1024x625.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;Miller's Flowers&quot;\nSpecial Blooming PLANTS $1.00\n\nRacine Journal-News, February 28, 1930. \" class=\"wp-image-6776\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1930_02_28_10-millers-flowers-special-1024x625.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1930_02_28_10-millers-flowers-special-300x183.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1930_02_28_10-millers-flowers-special-768x469.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1930_02_28_10-millers-flowers-special-1536x937.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1930_02_28_10-millers-flowers-special-2048x1250.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal-News, February 28, 1930. &#8220;Miller&#8217;s Flowers&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1943_11_01_9-miss-ruth-spring-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"869\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1943_11_01_9-miss-ruth-spring-1024x869.jpg\" alt=\"Miss Ruth Spring, who is to become the bride of Erwin Sorensen, aviation cadet now at Garden City, Kans., was the guest of honor at a shower given Friday evening in the recreation room at the home of Miss Joyce Perkins, 1629 College avenue. Co-workers at the Racine Floral company, where Miss Spring has been employed for the past five years, gave the party at which there were fortune telling, games, music, and Halloween refreshments.\nRacine Journal Times, November 1, 1943.\" class=\"wp-image-6743\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1943_11_01_9-miss-ruth-spring-1024x869.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1943_11_01_9-miss-ruth-spring-300x255.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1943_11_01_9-miss-ruth-spring-768x652.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1943_11_01_9-miss-ruth-spring-1536x1304.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_1943_11_01_9-miss-ruth-spring-2048x1739.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal Times, November 1, 1943. Shower for Miss Ruth Spring by Co-Workers at Racine Floral Company.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"715\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-715x1024.jpg\" alt=\"CLARISSA GARZA PHOTOS, CLARISSA.GARZA@JOURNALTIMES.COM\nHilary and Mark Krejcha have been running Millers Flowers their entire adult lives \u2013 and they \u201cstill enjoy it too much\u201d to retire.\n\nAll in the family\n3 generations, 116 years at Millers Flowers\n\nCLARISSA GARZA\nclarissa.garza@journaltimes.com\nRACINE \u2014 Millers Flowers, 219 Sixth St., which recently celebrated 116 years in business, has been in Hilary Krejcha\u2019s family for three generations.\n\nHer grandmother, Ethel Miller, opened the shop in 1908 and her father started running the business in the 1930s. Hilary Krejcha and her husband, Mark Krejcha, have been running the family business their entire adult lives.\n\nWhile the first official day of business at the flower shop is unknown, Millers Flowers\u2019 anniversary is celebrated each year on Ethel Miller\u2019s birthday, Oct. 27.\n\nThe Millers\nIn the early 1900s, Hilary Krejcha\u2019s grandparents moved to Milwaukee from Stevens Point, and her grandmother, Ethel Miller, or \u201cGrandma Miller,\u201d started to work at a carriage trade flower shop, which \u201cserviced all the fine families\u201d in Milwaukee, and then started working at The Pister Hotel.\n\nAfter Grandma Miller moved to Racine and opened Racine Floral Company, she became involved in the community through her loyal customers at the shop.\n\nIn 1915, she took down her storefront and built the current three-story structure that\u2019s seen today.\n\nShe later added \u201cThe Millers\u201d to the \u201cRacine Floral\u201d sign and changed the name to \u201cMillers Flowers\u201d in the 1930s, Hilary Krejcha said.\n\nRobert and Ethel Miller in their best clothes, for perhaps their wedding photo, according to Hilary Krejcha.\n\nHilary Krejcha\u2019s father, Bob Miller, started learning the family business in the late 1930s when Ethel Miller developed cancer. By the time his mother passed away in 1945, Bob Miller had developed a reputation as the neighborhood florist.\n\nPlease see MILLERS, Page B2\n\nRacine Journal Times, February 4, 2024.\" class=\"wp-image-6748\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-715x1024.jpg 715w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-209x300.jpg 209w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-768x1100.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-1072x1536.jpg 1072w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-1429x2048.jpg 1429w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B1-Millers-scaled.jpg 1787w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 715px) 100vw, 715px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal Times, February 4, 2024. All in the Family. Racine Floral Company. Millers Flowers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B2-Millers.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"946\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B2-Millers-946x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Part 2: Article Transcription\nHilary Krejcha started working at the flower shop when she was 19, after two of her father\u2019s employees quit to start their own floral shops.\nThat summer proved to be a turning point for her.\n\u201cIt was an epiphany. Working with Dad was just wonderful,\u201d Hilary Krejcha said. \u201cMaking flowers is fun, and we can, for the most part, be creative; you could always kind of give it your twist. It\u2019s therapeutic because you\u2019re working with your hands. And then, you know, it\u2019s probably going to bring a smile to somebody at one end and a smile to somebody who sent it. It\u2019s just an overall good feeling.\u201d\n\nMark Krejcha started working with flowers Memorial Day weekend in 1967.\nHe wanted to take his then-girlfriend, Hilary, on a date, but Bob Miller wouldn\u2019t let her go because they had about 100 bouquets to work on.\nAfter a quick run-through of how to set up the flowers and wire them together in the vase, Mark Krejcha was able to impress his future father-in-law and finished the arrangements in time for the movie date.\nHilary and Mark Krejcha married in 1970.\n\nWhat is being in the floral industry really like?\nHilary Krejcha remembers a time when most flowers were sourced locally from greenhouses in Racine, Milwaukee and in Illinois.\n\u201cBut in the 1970s the high cost of producing flowers locally resulted in stock being flown in from Colombia, Ecuador, Israel and Thailand, or driven up from California or Florida.\u201d\n\nMoving into wholesale markets by getting flowers shipped from all over the world opened up the market for Millers Flowers. Hilary Krejcha said, \u201cWhen people move out of town, I think they feel confident that they know that they still have a flower shop they could depend on and they call us directly. It\u2019s just wonderful.\u201d\n\nHilary Krejcha has worked with numerous families for weddings.\n\u201cYou work with a bride and the mom for so long and then you stand in the back of a church; I\u2019ve had many girls and watch them walk down the aisle,\u201d she said.\nEven though they have plenty of customers who have been coming to Millers Flowers for years, Hilary Krejcha said they don\u2019t get enough walk-in trade has gone down to almost nothing because people can\u2019t find a parking spot.\n\nImage Captions (integrated into the article):\n\nMark Krejcha cuts flower stems at an angle so that they can absorb more water. He then puts them in a bucket of warm water to hydrate.\nThe Krejchas unbox a set of carnations.\nMillers Flowers gets its orchids from Thailand.\n\u201cWe still enjoy it too much\u201d\nThe Krejchas are planning to retire sooner than later, but saying goodbye to the business they\u2019ve devoted their lives to is not going to be easy.\n\u201cAll the churches and organizations that we\u2019ve become friends with, how do you just say \u2018we\u2019re done\u2019? It\u2019s hard,\u201d Mark Krejcha said. \u201cWe\u2019re in our mid-70s, so we should be thinking about it, but we still enjoy it too much.\u201d\n\nThe Krejchas don\u2019t have any set plans for their children to take over the flower shop, and their grandchildren are too young to think of that as a possibility.\n\u201cThere\u2019s gonna be a time when we just get up in the morning and say, \u2018I think it\u2019s time to retire,\u2019 Hilary Krejcha said. \u201cBut as soon as we walk out of here, like on Friday or Saturday, at noon, we\u2019re retired.\u201d\nRacine Journal Times, February 4, 2024. All in the Family. Racine Floral Company. Millers Flowers. Part 2.\" class=\"wp-image-6752\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B2-Millers-946x1024.jpg 946w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B2-Millers-277x300.jpg 277w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B2-Millers-768x832.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B2-Millers-1419x1536.jpg 1419w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/The_Journal_Times_2024_02_04_B2-Millers-1891x2048.jpg 1891w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 946px) 100vw, 946px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal Times, February 4, 2024. All in the Family. Racine Floral Company. Millers Flowers. Part 2.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":33,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-6732","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6732"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6778,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6732\/revisions\/6778"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}