Stouffville Review - Dec 01, 2020

2 STOUFFVILLE REVIEW DECEMBER 2020 STOUFFVILLEREVIEW.COM
COMMUNITY
Decades of window delights on Main
BY FRED ROBBINS,
STOUFFVILLE HISTORIAN
I made a point recently to stop in to the
Stouffville Florist shop now located on the
north side of Main Street at 6280.
I received a warm and friendly welcome
from Kim Everson, the current owner. As
I waited for my turn (spaced properly), the
front windows caught my eye. She certainly
has a talent for display windows.
“It’s the most beautiful display on Main
St,” people often said in 1984 when Everson
first started doing the window displays.
At the time, the business was located at
what was 6 Main St. W., now known as 6343
Main St. The florist shop was previously
called Hudson’s Florist and was previously
owned by Grahame W. Hudson who purchased
the property on Sept. 14, 1965, for
about $15,500.
Renovations were undertaken in November
of 1971. During this time period,
the store was closed. However, the shipping
room at the rear would continue to be operated
as usual until renovations were completed.
The store was then sold to Allen and
Kimberly Everson on November 2, 1984, for
$85,000. Grahame and Kay Hudson retired to
reside in Goodwood.
As Everson directed her attention to me,
we began to chat about her time on Main St.
over the years including the former location
that I was especially interested in. The flower
shop has a long history on Main St. covering
170 years. But that is another story for later.
I had a strange item photographed that
was a wire rack or holder from days gone by.
Everson lit up and knew right away what it
was.
“This is a gates of heaven,” she said.
I was totally surprised. My thoughts
were it was a display for hardware or tools.
Upon coming home I did check it out. The
gates of heaven were used by florists that
would tie and fasten flowers around the frame
and leave the “gates” open. This is the kind
of knowledge you can get from the shops in
downtown Stouffville.
This year, Everson is pleased with her
window and hopes admirers on the outside
will soon be admirers on the inside, if just to
say a friendly hello.
As I stepped outside the store, I noticed
that the one Christmas tree in the display was
loaded with cardinals and gifts. It reminded
me of years past when I would walk down
Main St. during the Christmas rush and
purchase my gifts from the local shops and
stores. Back then the owners would also ask
if you would like it wrapped. I would return
back along the same route in reverse and
pick up my items all wrapped in ribbons and
bows.
The Christmas window display at
Stouffville Florist Shop is one to entertain
and delight neighbours and friends during
this year’s holiday season. I hope you’ll stop
by the shops of Main Street and I hope your
Christmas is filled with joy and happiness.