130 years ago, seed was planted and H.E. Cannon Floral & Greenhouses, Inc. has continued to bloom.
If you take a look down West Division Street in Arlington, in the middle of all the car lots, you will find a quaint floral shop. H.E. Cannon and business partner, R.T. McCarter opened that shop in 1921 and it has truly stood the test of time and many economic downturns.
Cannon and McCarter opened their first floral shop located in East Texas in 1893. They planted a few seeds in nearby towns throughout Texas, but they ended up choosing the property that now resides on West Division Street as the place they would allow their roots to sprout.
Cannon’s knack for business and community connection truly was what allowed the floral shop to gain momentum and generational trust. Cannon and McCarter ran the business for almost 50 years before they passed in 1941 and 1942, respectively.
After their passing, McCarter’s Son, Ray, took over the shop and helped with the upward growth of the business. One of the key investments for continuing this growth was through becoming a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce) in 1951.
Ray ran the shop alongside Faye McCarter for many years, until he decided to step back from the business in the 70s. Faye continued running the shop until she decided to “wuss out at the ripe age of 83.” Now, when you walk into the beautifully scented floral shop, you will find a mother-daughter duo running the show.
We had the opportunity to speak to Patricia and Jacqueline Flynt and it was truly an honor to get to hear the history of the American Dream coming true. We will admit there was a lot of laughter and a few tears as they told us stories of changing people’s lives with beautiful arrangements and memorable honors.
There was one in particular that stuck in our hearts. A story of a single yellow rose that was a gift for a couple’s first date. With sweaty palms, a man handed the beautiful rose to the woman he did not yet know would be the person he made millions of memories with, and would create a life well-lived until his passing.
H.E. Cannon Floral rose to the occasion and was there for their first meeting and there to provide a single yellow rose once more as he departed the world. When a business is able to be there with you through the ebbs and flows of life, you build trust, you build community.
The Cannon family has seen a lot over the past 130 years. From the Great Depression to a few devastating fires that only made the business stronger. They have created a multi-generational community that is committed to getting arrangements from one of the most vibrant floral shops in town.
When the interview was all said and done, Jacqueline took a moment to reflect, “130 years, all those stories, it’s a special thing to be a part of.”
After speaking with Patricia and Jacquelyn, life felt brighter and more hopeful. It reminded us why we do what we do at the Chamber. Their excitement for future growth and putting smiles on customer’s faces is absolutely contagious.
For the past 72 years, H.E. Cannon Floral & Greenhouses, Inc. has found the true value of what the Chamber can do for a business. We help connect the community and facilitate long-lasting relationships. It’s truly beautiful to see all of the friendships that have flourished within our walls over the past 78 years. Thank you for sticking with us, H.E. Cannon, we love your passion and we are thrilled to see what you plan(t) to do next!
P.S. if this blog doesn’t make you immediately want to go to H.E. Cannons, the fact that they have a Saint Bernard that works with them, definitely should and if you are lucky, Patricia might just sing you a little song! She really should be on Broadway.
Cheer up, ye saints of God.
There’s nothing to worry about.
Nothing to make you feel afraid,
Nothing to make you doubt.
Written by Makayla Reed