|
|
|
Hatcher Florist celebrates 100 years |
|
Written by Amanda Ryder
|
|
|
Bob and Doug Hatcher
|
|
Things are still rosy for third-generation florists Bob and Doug
Hatcher, who are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hatcher Florist
in North York.
In honour of this historic event, for the month of November, the florists featured a special offer on their Awesome Blossom for $19.09 — after the year 1909!
Bob and Doug have also extended an invitation to drop by Hatcher Florist and wish them a Happy 100th Anniversary.
“We would be thrilled and hounoured if people would join us in the celebration,” said Bob.
They also have beautiful gold and green labels depicting their anniversary, signage on their delivery trucks, and eco-friendly 100th anniversary pens.
Family tradition and commitment are traits valued by the Hatcher brothers.
“We are honoured and privileged to be a part of this wonderful floral tradition and we are extremely lucky to have been able to have been working in a business for almost 40 years, where we enjoy going to work everyday and bringing happiness to our wonderful and valued customers,” said Doug.
It is these strong values combined with the business acumen passed down through the generations that have been the backbone of their success, and have enabled them to withstand the tough economic times of today.
The commitment to family extends into how Bob and Doug do business. They have a history with their many long-term customers, some of whom also knew their parents, and enjoy sharing stories with the brothers about the “good old days.” And, they welcome new customers with the warmth of a small, family-owned business.
The quality of their products and caring for the environment is so important to the Hatcher’s that they searched until they found Sierra Flower Trading Inc., a supplier that is accountable both socially and environmentally.
“We at Hatcher’s realized that we had to be leaders in our industry and be part of the solution,” explained Bob.
The quaint flower shop is steeped in history and still has remnants of the original store that stir up memories of days gone by — an antique desk, photographs, two brass antique name plates that at one time graced the store windows and old printing dies for making the impressions on printed material such as envelopes and labels.
The original florist shop was located at Avenue Road and Dupont Street, which their grandfather, George Henry Hatcher, opened in 1909, after emigrating from England. The Hatcher brothers still have a framed letter from the York Club dated Nov. 3, 1924, complimenting George Henry on the wonderful floral decorations designed for H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII, and then the Duke of Windsor.
The business grew and flowered and a second store was established in the Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue area. George and his wife Dorcas had four children. One of his daughters Bernice, and his only son, George Ross, worked at the shop.
When George passed away in 1950, Ross kept the business in the family. In 1957, he moved the store to North York. Ross’ two other sisters, Jeanne and Margaret, also joined the store, making it a real family affair. When Ross passed away in 1972, his wife, Isobel and two of his sons, Bob and Doug, carried on the business.
In 1975, a second store opened also in North York, at 5455 Yonge Street, just south of Finch Avenue, where Hatcher Florist is still located, after the two shops amalgamated in 1978.
For further information, call Bob and Doug at 416-221-5557, drop into the store at 5455 Yonge Street or visit www.hatcherflorist.com.
|
|
|
