Presenting

Feature 14 January | 2022 incredible images of fl orists (the people); interiors and exteriors of fl ower shops, along with their window and product displays; wholesale companies; growing operations; the latest products of the times, including early delivery vehicles; fl oral conventions and industry meetings; and so much more. ose early issues, in particular, provide a truly fascinating and unequaled glimpse into the fl ower business during those times, from the photos that bring the industry to life to the old advertisements and articles. More on the Amazing Mr. Grant FR's founder and fi rst publisher was what we, today, might call an overachiever. He was highly regarded nationally throughout the horticulture, fl oriculture and publishing industries for his breadth of knowledge and understanding as well as his rational, considerate and forward thinking. He was acclaimed by one colleague as "the most informed man on horticulture I have ever met." Prior to founding Florists' Review, Grant worked in the wholesale fl ower business and was the publisher of another industry publication, e American Florist, so he immediately had "street cred" in both industries.In addition, before establishing Florists' Review, Grant was instrumental in the creation of e Chicago Florists' Club in 1886 and e Horticultural Society of Chicago in 1890. Grant helmed Florists' Review for 16 years, until his death in 1913. He called the magazine "a weekly journal for fl orists, seedsmen and nurserymen," and in the early decades, Florists' Review chronicled happenings in all segments of the fl oriculture and horticulture industries, from growing and wholesaling to retailing to transportation—and more. Grant's credo was, " e function of a trade paper is to assist its readers in making two dollars grow where only one dollar grew before through the expansion of business, the elimination of waste and the utilization of up-to-date methods." And that guiding principle has been held by every publisher since Grant, including current publisher Jules Lewis Gibson. Onward, Upward and Outward With feet planted fi rmly in FR's storied past but with eyes intently focused on the future, current FR publisher and CEO, Gibson, who acquired the publication one year ago, in January 2021, intends to continue founder Grant's spirit for innovation and leadership in the fl ower industry. Gibson's many goals include showcasing the diversity in our industry, building the company into a globally respected brand across multiple platforms, and broadening its scope into education and, even product lines. Happy anniversary to us, and a hearty thank-you to all subscribers, advertisers and other supporters who have enabled 125 years of fl oral industry history to be recorded.

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