Homeland Florist La Mesa
Homeland Florist and Gifts in La Mesa celebrated 85 years in business with the help of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and La Mesa leaders.
HOMELAND FLORIST 85TH ANNIVERSARY
After eighty five years in business in La Mesa,
Homeland Florist certainly has withstood the test of time. Expanding from a small greenhouse in 1925 to todays thriving florist and gift shop.
In 1925, Clayton Wight started a small greenhouse known as Wight Gardens at 9333 Lookout Ave, which is now called La Mesa Blvd. Today that original location is occupied by Risque Hairdesign. In December of 1933, Mr. and Mrs. Wight expanded their greenhouse to include a flower and greeting card shop. They had the flower shop until they retired in 1945.
Supervisor George Bailey and his wife purchased the florist at that time. The Bailey’s owned and operated it until 1952 when the ever growing florist was sold to Ross Witmer. It was under the ownership of Mr. Witmer, the florist became known as Homeland Florist, and the location was changed to 8325 La Mesa Blvd, where an antique store is today. When he retired in 1963, he sold the florist to Bob and Bettie Nelson, who moved the florist across the street to its current location at 8324 La Mesa Blvd, which was an antique shop at that time. In order to maintain a historical motif, the buildings antique double doors from a courthouse in San Francisco were kept at the entrance.
In November 1979, the Nelson’s retired and sold the florist shop to its current owner, Tracey Ferguson. Ms. Ferguson is a native of La Mesa and has always been very involved in La Mesa. She has been a member of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce since 1980, served on the Board of Directors for the Chamber and was a member of the Ambassadors Committee. She also retired as a Lieutenant from the La Mesa Police Department Reserve Unit after serving for over 11 years. Besides running her full time business, she has volunteered her time for the East County Trauma Intervention Program, the La Mesa Fire Department, the La Mesa Police Department and La Mesa’s Rides 4 Neighbors program. She attributes much of the success and longevity of Homeland Florist to the quality and freshness of flowers and the quality of service she provides. She prides herself on old fashioned service with a personal touch.
