MCL Palmer Florist celebrates 100 years of service BY ALLISON SELK "I'm thankful I did, business is good, we have a nice reputation in town, and people trust us. I think customer service is our best attribute." Palmer said. At the age of six, Paul "Peep" Palmer cleaned and processed flowers in his grandparent's florist shop on Chicago St. in downtown Joliet. Later, when his father took over, he continued his service in the family business, which has led to a century long legacy in Joliet.. This year Palmer Florist celebrates 100 years in Joliet, a business only ever run by the Palmer family. Leo and Winifred Palmer, immigrants from Greece, started a med clinic in Chicago and noticed people bringing flowers into the clinic. When that chapter closed, Leo, knowing the popularity of the flowers, chose to go into the flower business and began Palmer Florist in 1923. Their son Paul grew up in the business and took over after the death of Leo, He moved the store to its current location at 1327 N. Raynor Ave. As a young adult, Palmer did not know if he wanted to follow the footsteps of his grandfather and father, but after all, he did grow up in the business and flowers were what he knew best. He opened a flower shop in the Louis Joliet Mall and a year later, his father, in hopes to retire, offered Palmer to buy the business. He said he took time to think about the offer, and ultimately wanted to keep the family business alive in Joliet. He became the third owner in 1978. Top: Leo & Winifred Palmer Bottom:Their children Paul & Betty Palmer FLORIST Palmer Florist sets itself apart from others due to the volume and variety of flowers on hand each day, with deliveries six days a week, sometimes twice a day. Due to the high inventory, although Palmer prefers a couple of day's notice, last minute orders can typically be fulfilled day of, he strives to make his customers happy knowing most have been customers for generations. "There are times I have dropped off orders after hours if the location was close to home, Palmer said. Palmer has been surrounded by flowers his entire life, and decades of knowledge allows him to give his customers beautiful arrangements. "I've been in business a long time, I know what flowers go with what occasion, current trends and what looks best in an arrangement, Palmer said. "Many people just tell me to do what I think and make it look nice." As for the next 100 years. Palmer said he hopes Palmer Florist will serve the community as successfully as it has since 1923. "I thought at the 100-year mark I would retire, but what else would I do, I enjoy my job." Palmer said. Celebrating 100 Years for Palmer House Florist We've been honored to serve the community for three generations 1327 N. Raynor Ave. Joliet (815) 726-4441 palmerfloristinc.com MCL Palmer Florist celebrates 100 years of service BY ALLISON SELK " I'm thankful I did , business is good , we have a nice reputation in town , and people trust us . I think customer service is our best attribute . " Palmer said . At the age of six , Paul " Peep " Palmer cleaned and processed flowers in his grandparent's florist shop on Chicago St. in downtown Joliet . Later , when his father took over , he continued his service in the family business , which has led to a century long legacy in Joliet .. This year Palmer Florist celebrates 100 years in Joliet , a business only ever run by the Palmer family . Leo and Winifred Palmer , immigrants from Greece , started a med clinic in Chicago and noticed people bringing flowers into the clinic . When that chapter closed , Leo , knowing the popularity of the flowers , chose to go into the flower business and began Palmer Florist in 1923. Their son Paul grew up in the business and took over after the death of Leo , He moved the store to its current location at 1327 N. Raynor Ave. As a young adult , Palmer did not know if he wanted to follow the footsteps of his grandfather and father , but after all , he did grow up in the business and flowers were what he knew best . He opened a flower shop in the Louis Joliet Mall and a year later , his father , in hopes to retire , offered Palmer to buy the business . He said he took time to think about the offer , and ultimately wanted to keep the family business alive in Joliet . He became the third owner in 1978 . Top : Leo & Winifred Palmer Bottom : Their children Paul & Betty Palmer FLORIST Palmer Florist sets itself apart from others due to the volume and variety of flowers on hand each day , with deliveries six days a week , sometimes twice a day . Due to the high inventory , although Palmer prefers a couple of day's notice , last minute orders can typically be fulfilled day of , he strives to make his customers happy knowing most have been customers for generations . " There are times I have dropped off orders after hours if the location was close to home , Palmer said . Palmer has been surrounded by flowers his entire life , and decades of knowledge allows him to give his customers beautiful arrangements . " I've been in business a long time , I know what flowers go with what occasion , current trends and what looks best in an arrangement , Palmer said . " Many people just tell me to do what I think and make it look nice . " As for the next 100 years . Palmer said he hopes Palmer Florist will serve the community as successfully as it has since 1923 . " I thought at the 100 - year mark I would retire , but what else would I do , I enjoy my job . " Palmer said . Celebrating 100 Years for Palmer House Florist We've been honored to serve the community for three generations 1327 N. Raynor Ave. Joliet ( 815 ) 726-4441 palmerfloristinc.com