The Opening of Cargill’s Flower Shop

Written by Mrs. G. C. Haynes
Edited by Mrs. J. E. Cargill

October eleventh, 1948 was a gala day for Mrs. Mabel Cargill, as it was on this day that she celebrated her fortieth birthday by opening Cargill’s Flower Shop in Cliffside, N.C. After twenty-one years of home-making, the launching of a public career was indeed a thrilling experience for her. Much enthusiasm was also expressed by the public, as was attested by the large crowds that attended the formal opening. Each person registered and small corsages were presented to the women, and carnation boutonnieres were given to the men. A drawing was conducted, and several prizes of orchids were distributed to the holders of lucky numbers.

The shop, which is newly built and owned by Mrs. Cargill, measures twenty by thirty feet and is equipped throughout with fluorescent lighting. In the rear there is a storage room for frames and other supplies, also a washroom. The work room is furnished with a double basin sink, long work tables, ribbon cabinet and other useful cabinets. On three sides of the front entrance, there are large glass windows, which afford excellent decorating space for flower arrangements and potted plants. All facilities of the shop are modern and up-to-date. The spacious display case in the front and the commodious walk-in refrigerator in the rear assure at all times absolute freshness of all flowers and designs handled.

As this is the first flower shop to be opened in the town of Cliffside, it is enjoying a growing business. Mrs. Cargill attended and completed a course at Finley’s School of Flower Design in Greenville, S.C.

Article courtesy Anne Cargill