Schulz, the dean of the Louisville florists, a man as broad-minded as he is big-hearted, with an ever-ready and cheering smile. He received me very courteously, and after questioning me about things in Philadelphia, and my impressions of Louisville, he invited me into the office, and looked at my samples. Needless to say, I was very grateful for the order that followed; and that order has impressed itself upon my mind so keenly that I almost remember its volume. It was a good one, and from a good man. Years afterwards some of the metallic designs purchased from me at that time were still hanging around in his shed, covered with dust and cobweb. At the present time Mr. Schulz, though advanced in years, is still active in the business. He is one of the keenest observers, and despite his age he is as alert and progressive as ever. His modern store on Fourth ave. is under the excellent management of his son George, who is a worthy son of an estimable father.
In Lexington
With my two orders in Louisville, I proceeded to Lexington, Ky. It was at that time that I first met Mrs. Honaker and her two sons, David and Ollie. They had just about started at the time, rather humbly, but have since expanded, having at the present time one of the finest stores in the South, as well as one of the best equipped greenhouse esablishments. J. A. Keller, since deceased, had his greenhouses on East Sixth st. He was doing a fairly prosperous business though small in scope. The place has been rebuilt since; several modern houses have been recently erected in place of the antiquated greenhouses. A modern store on the principal street of the city is being conducted now by J. A. Keller, Jr. Ferdinand Keller is the man at the head of the greenhouses.
The Michler Bros., two very enterprising young men, whom I met at a later day, are likewise successful in both their nursery and florist business.
Lexington, unlike many other Southern cities of its size, shows a remarkable growth and commercial development since my first visit in the Autumn of 1889. Among other things, Lexington is famous for its swift horses and beautiful women; and any traveling man who, like myself, has visited Lexington time and again, can well attest to the deservedness of its fame.
Indianapolis Next Stop
Kentucky or, to be more precise, the two cities in Kentucky I have mentioned, comprised at the time my entire Southern route. I ventured no further into Dixie Land, preferring instead the Middle West, of which I had heard so much and which seemed so alluring to me. So to Indianapolis I went. Here, too, my success was questionable. I somehow felt that business was not awaiting me; and when one takes it for granted that failure is in store for him, failure is invariably attendant upon his efforts. My experience has taught me this truth long since.
I visited the Bertermann Bros. The younger elements of the family—I mean Irwin and Walter—were at that time perhaps in knee breeches attending public school. John Bertermann was attending the greenhouse end of the business. It was William Bertermann whom I met at that time, and whom I learned to regard as one of the ablest and most progressive men of his time—a man ever alert for new ideas, original in his methods, and a tireless worker; and in every respect one who could not fail to make an impression from the start. Ed. Bertermann, who still is active in the store, was his able assistant at that time. Mr. Bertermann was a man of but few words; but those few, though courteous, made it plain that there was no business there for me.
I met with better success at Anthony Wiegand's place. Mr. Wiegand, one of the oldest and most successful florists in Indiana, who died a few years ago, was endowed with an extraordinary capacity for kindness and sympathy. The word
