Community Corner
106-Year-Old Ohio Flower Shop Puts Community First
Family-owned Wistinghausen Florist & Greenhouse has served Oak Harbor for over 100 years and is now celebrating 50 years with FTD Flowers.
With a population of fewer than 3,000 people, it’s safe to assume that every person in the small town of Oak Harbor, Ohio, has ordered, received or seen a floral arrangement by Wistinghausen Florist & Greenhouse at some point in their lives. For over a century, the family-owned flower shop has been a part of the Oak Harbor community, and this year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary as a valued partner of FTD Flowers.
Founded in 1915 by John and Mary Wistinghausen, the store has been around so long that its owners used to have to cut blocks of ice from the Portage River to fill their ice boxes. The coolers that stored the ice can still be seen today, even as the flower shop has been passed down and operated by four different generations of Wistinghausens.
Today, John and Mary’s great-grandson, Bob Wistinghausen, runs Wistinghausen Florist & Greenhouse with his wife, Kim. Though times have changed, the one thing that's remained consistent for over 100 years is the Wistinghausens’ dedication to serving their community.
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Patch recently interviewed Kim Wistinghausen about her experience as a local florist and what it means to be part of not only their local community but also the FTD family. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Patch: Tell us about the history of your flower shop in the Oak Harbor area.
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Wistinghausen: We have been family-owned and operated since 1915. Bob [Wistinghausen] is the fourth generation to own the business. His great-grandfather, John, started growing vegetable plants for area farmers and cut flowers. Our first floral delivery was in July 1921 for the birth of a baby. Bob’s parents took over in the early 1970s, [then Bob and me] in 2005.
Patch: Wistinghausen Florist & Greenhouse is celebrating 50 years with FTD. What do you enjoy most about being part of the FTD family?
Wistinghausen: FTD has been there when we needed it. Its trademark means quality to our customers.
Patch: What is your experience like being part of the Oak Harbor community?
Wistinghausen: Oak Harbor is a small rural town. Everyone knows everyone. When a family comes in for funeral flowers, we probably know at least one family member.
Patch: How did you get started in the floral industry, and what's changed the most since you began your career?
Wistinghausen: Bob took a design class while in high school and then attended a one-year intensive trade school studying horticulture. After graduation, he started working for his parents. The internet has made the biggest changes we have seen in the industry in the almost 40 years we have been involved.
Patch: Are there any ways your community inspires you when it comes to your designs?
Wistinghausen: Our community is very practical. Simple designs represent it best.
Patch: What would you say has been the secret to Wistinghausen Florist & Greenhouse’s success?
Wistinghausen: We make ourselves available to the community seven days a week and after hours when necessary. We are willing to go the extra mile for our customers, making late deliveries, delivering funeral work on Sunday, and answering the phone in our home at all hours.