Published: March 14, 2008 10:29 pm         

Heinl’s celebrates 145 years

TERRE HAUTE — Vonda Whitaker Monts says she loves history and downtown Terre Haute.

It’s a fitting combination, since Monts owns and operates one of the oldest businesses in town, Heinl’s Flower Shop, near the heart of downtown.

Heinl’s celebrated its 145th anniversary Friday, with a ribbon-cutting, refreshments, giveaways and visits from old friends.

Monts, who co-owns the business with Ron Leslie, laughed and smiled during the festivities. As she and former owners Linda Harper and Gwen Divincenzo used a pair of oversized scissors from the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce to cut the ribbon, onlookers clapped.

As usual, the smell of fresh flowers filled Heinl’s front display area, wafted past customers in the hallway who read historical tidbits about the business, and on into the cheery greenhouse. Even the overcast morning couldn’t dull the bright green of the many hanging plants in the greenhouse. Friends and customers mingled in the wedding room, enjoying cake, coffee and punch while flipping through old newspaper clippings of Heinl’s past.

Sheri Newlin, general manager of Heinl’s, said the people who work there are like family, and that it is a wonderful atmosphere to work in.

“[Vonda] always says we take care of two of God’s most precious creatures: people and flowers,” Newlin added.

Linda Harper, who owned Heinl’s for 13 years prior to Monts, said she was excited to be “here to support Vonda.”

As for Heinl’s longevity, Harper said, “I always expected it to go on.”

Divencenzo, along with her late husband, Tony Divincenzo, owned Heinl’s for 30 years, she said Friday.

Harper said her favorite memory of operating the flower shop was the holidays.

“I loved the holidays!” she said. “It was stressful but I enjoyed it.”

Monts chimed in, with a laugh, “I don’t love the holidays!”

Monts added she wants to encourage people to send flowers “just because.”

“Don’t wait for the holidays,” she said.

Ashley Delaunois, director of membership for the Chamber of Commerce, said the ribbon-cutting ceremony is a way for any business to celebrate an event, “whether it’s a special anniversary or a grand opening.” Heinl’s, she said, had the ribbon-cutting as a way to commemorate their 145th, of which they are very proud.

Marlena Johnson-Hill, a returning customer to Heinl’s who attended the event Friday, said she likes the business because, “it’s a wonderful, family-owned business … they have stayed in the community, and you can celebrate anything, and they will provide the most beautiful flowers.”

Johnson-Hill added, “They are good people, they’ve been good people down through the years.”

Jennifer Johnson, who is a cheerleading coach for Chauncey Rose Middle School, said Heinl’s often provides flower arrangements for events with the cheerleaders.

“They always do such a beautiful job,” Johnson said.

Heinl’s Flower Shop, also known as the “Original Flower Shop of Terre Haute,” is one of the oldest flower shops in the Midwest. Established in 1863 by John G. Heinl and his son Fredrick, the Heinl family left a legacy of service to the community and to the floral industry. Heinl’s was originally located at Eighth and Cherry streets. In 1901, the family business relocated to a new, two-story brick building at its current location. Then, it was known as the “Flower House.”

John Heinl was a special grower. He imported a violet that he made famous, which was known as the “Princess of Wales.” He also grew lilacs on a large scale. Heinl was a pioneer member of the Society of American Florists. The business continues to belong to that organization.

Heinl also was a very prominent businessman in Terre Haute. He was a charter member of the Terre Haute Commercial Club, out of which grew the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. Heinl’s Flower Shop has been a member with the Chamber since it began. Known for his philanthropic work, Heinl was a member of the board of managers for the Rose Orphan’s Home. He was elected vice president of Fort Harrison Savings Bank.

Heinl’s Flower Shop has had only five owners since 1863. After John and Fredrick Heinl, the business was run by Bill and Bertha Becker. The Divincenzos then owned it. After that, Linda and Dewayne Harper took over. Monts, a lifelong Terre Haute resident, has been the owner since 2001.

Since then, Heinl’s has made various updates, including a new greenhouse roof, a new awning and a color update in 2007. A new computer network, remodeling of the wedding consultation room and the development of a Web site are other recent improvements.

To learn more about Heinl's Flower Shop, log on to www.heinls.com.

Deb Kelly can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.kelly@tribstar.com.