“Say It With Flowers” was the Marquis Flower Shop’s motto. It was one of many flower shops in Lethbridge’s history that provided an array of beautiful and unique flower arrangements for Mother’s Day, Easter, Valentine’s Day, weddings or any other memorable celebration.

The Marquis Flower Shop, a member of the Florists’ Telegraph Delivery Service, has been operating since 1932, sixty of those years under the ownership of Frederick Edmundson and family.

It was first opened under the management of The Medicine Hat Greenhouses and located on the ground floor of the Marquis Hotel on 4th Avenue South. It was then purchased in 1936 by Florence Mahon, formerly associated with Frache’s Flower Shop who managed the shop for two years before retiring.

Fred Edmundson a florist from Regina, Saskatchewan learned through his employers the Lethbridge flower shop was for sale. He discovered it was exactly what he wanted and purchased it in 1938. Over the years Fred taught his employees in the art flower arranging and they took pride in learning the flower business from him. From the use of recycled tomatoes cans to colored glass and ceramic vases they arranged the daily shipments of flowers for any occasion.

The Marquis Flower Shop became a family affair when young Phil Edmundson began as a Saturday helper sweeping the sidewalk out front, sweeping the floor, dusting the shelves. Then he worked part-time through school and full-time after graduating from SAIT. Phil eventually took over the managerial side of the business continuing to operate the Marquis Flower Shop until 1997.

After the Marquis Hotel closed in 1985, the flower shop moved to a 6th Street South location and finally to 3rd Avenue South where they are still serving the public today.

For more interesting Lethbridge history, visit www.galtmuseum.com and search the online Archives. Community can also attend Galt Museum & Archives programs such as “Family History Detectives” on Thursday, May 19 from 7–9 pm. Admission fees apply. Includes exhibit access. Free to annual pass holders.