Lougee's Flower Shop- Belfast, Maine C61

Lougee's Flower Shop- Belfast, Maine C61

"Lougee's Flower Shop- Belfast, Maine C61" Street Scene, Buildings, Lougee's Flower Shop When it was still in operation, Lougee's Florist, located at the corner of Franklin & Cedar Street, was the oldest business in Belfast still operating at its original location. It was operated by Dean (d. 1976) & Frances (d. 1968) Lougee. It was established in 1874 by Willis E.Hamilton. From the 1911 Waldo County Herald: Willis E. Hamilton established the greenhouse business in Belfast twenty six years ago (c. 1885) The business, at first, was small; for nothing of the kind had been done here. It proved a success and increased from year to year, until now he has seven hot houses where are grown flowers in every variety and shade of beauty from the delicate tint to the full blush of carmine, from which he supplies a very large demand for cut flowers. The output of potted plants is large and forms a feature of the regular business. He also grows all kinds of vegetables for transplanting, such as tomatoes, cabbages, etc. Lettuce is grown for the market. The special or attractive feature of the business is the cut flower trade. For weddings and funerals, he is always prepared to furnish whatever may be called for and to deliver in appropriate designs. A visit to the conservatory at the corner of Cedar and Franklin streets never fails to show a fine exhibit of cut and growing flower; and if one happens in when orders are being filled for special occasions the beautiful and profuse floral display combined with the mingles perfumes that enrich the air makes an appeal to the aesthetic as well as the artistic sense that is not soon forgotten. At the Cedar street conservatory there are two green houses and on Congress street there are five. At the latter place Mr. Hamilton has two and a half acres of land. Formerly, he did a large seed business; but of late, the floral department has forced him to give less attention to that. In the conduct of business, he has the valuable aid of Mrs. Hamilton, who is, herself, a floriculturist and designer; and of his son Everett who has grown up in the business and understands it in every detail. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are among the best and most highly esteemed of Belfast people.