Gardner Musing

There is a question that is often asked not only from out-of-town visitors, but a few local citizens have asked as well. “When and how did Palmyra get the nickname of Flower City”?

A few days ago, a Quincy Herald Whig article written by Brent Engel came across my desk. (no date) The article was started out as The Northeast Missouri town is called “The Flower City”. The story behind the name that shows how dedicated persons here are to keeping their community beautiful.

According to Corbyn Jacobs, a local historian, the name originated during the 1920’s when farmers and their wives would retire and move to town.”The ladies always had potted flowers on their farms. When they came to town, they didn’t have much to do. They started planting flowerbeds. Before you knew it, people were calling Palmyra “The Flower City.” It became a legend and stays so to this day.

The article goes on to explain that on Main Street wooden flower boxes began appearing in the downtown area in the 1930’s. These boxes lasted until the 50’s when the last one rotted. They were never replaced. Ornamental trees lined up on the street. (Now with concrete pots.)

The article goes on to say that traditions did not die in Palmyra. The seeds of pride had already been planted. Jacobs said “Many of the homes today have flowers . People saw it as a part of our heritage. Everybody was interested in what their neighbors had in their flowerbeds.

At the time this article came out Palmyra had a Garden Club. Erline Shade was the president that year. She said that “They use flowers to help their homes look nice. According to Shade, the city’s nickname “brings dignity and recognition to Palmyra—just like “Gem City” brings distinction to Quincy.” The garden club had 20 members that year, and it had sponsored a “Yard of the Month” award.

No prizes came with the honor. It was a way of recognizing homeowners for keeping their lawns beautiful.

At one point of the Clubs’ existence, they planted petunias, marigolds, geraniums, and other flowers at Gardner House. Members of the club were hosts of flower shows every August in Farischon Hall. An average of 80 to 100 persons attended.

Several business’s used “Flower City” in their titles. At the time this newspaper article was published, Flower City Florist owned by Irene Riney was the only store left that had Flower City in its name. Irene’s store had been in business for 13 years.

** So, the next time you get the question of Why Flower City tell them to look around. Look at some of our yards, look at the concrete flowerpots up and down Main Street. Or direct them to Flower City Park. The answer should be perfectly clear.

Welcome to Flower City, Palmyra Mo.

Gardner House Museum is open on Mon. Wed. And Fridays. 10am to 2 pm 573 – 769- 3076

1858 Old Marion County Jail & Research Center is open on Wed.10 am to 2 pm 573-822-7598