The 1940's
A greenhouse was added to the property, and a double garage was built on
the east side (now the present parking lot). A 1932 truck fitted with a basket
in the back for Betty and Frank Harrington's four children was used for
pick-ups and deliveries.
On Mr. Harrington's "days off" he would regularly
visit wholesalers and growers in the valley to purchase product directly.
The choice of flowers was often limited so he also grew a good selection
of premium flowers in the field "outback" of the store.
During the Second World War prices remained low with Funeral sprays costing between
$1.00 and $1.50 - wreaths costing $5.00. The hourly pay rate averaged $.35 per
hour. Containers were also hard to come by so it was not unusual to find flowers
arranged in tin cans or glass containers that had previously held preservatives.
Wrapping paper was usually newspaper.
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