Edd the Florist celebrated a major milestone on Thursday as the longtime Ottumwa business marked its 70th anniversary with a community celebration honoring its history and the people who have supported it over the years.
The celebration featured a 1970s theme, with many guests dressing in retro attire while enjoying music from the decade. Visitors spent the afternoon reminiscing, visiting with friends and family, and exploring a history wall filled with photographs and memorabilia documenting the florist’s journey from its early years to the present day.
Edd the Florist has been serving the Ottumwa community since 1956, when Karl and Margaret Wilz purchased the existing flower shop. Unable to afford a new storefront sign, they kept the name “Edd the Florist,” a name that has remained a recognizable part of the community for seven decades.
Over the years, the family-owned business has grown beyond fresh floral arrangements to offer plants, gifts, gourmet baskets, home décor, candles, and seasonal items. Despite its growth, the business has continued to focus on providing personalized service for customers celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, holidays, and other special occasions, while also helping families during times of loss.
The history display showcased the evolution of the business through decades of photographs, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia, highlighting the people and milestones that have shaped Edd the Florist since its beginnings. The display gave longtime customers an opportunity to reflect on memories of the shop while introducing newer visitors to its history.
Reaching 70 years in business is a milestone achieved by few locally owned businesses. Thursday’s anniversary celebration recognized not only the longevity of Edd the Florist but also the continued support of the Ottumwa community that has helped the business remain a local tradition for generations.
Source: Information provided by Edd’s Florist and observations made during the business’s 70th anniversary celebration by Donna Savits, News Reporter, Ottumwa Radio. Photos by Donna Savits, Ottumwa Radio.
