Elinor Doyle Florist Celebrates 100 Years in Tallahassee

Elinor Doyle Florist is celebrating a century of business in Tallahassee, marking 100 years since its founding in 1926, WCTV reported.

The shop has served the local community through a variety of eras, evolving from its origins into what is now described as a wonderland of seasonal bouquets and goodies. For many residents, the florist has become a fixture for managing life's most important emotional milestones, from celebrations to periods of mourning.

“I love meeting the families,” said Roxie Clark, the current owner who has worked at the store for decades.

“I love, especially for funerals, it’s a rough time and so bringing a little bit of joy during that time is special. It’s special to be a part of that,” Clark told WCTV.

The business has maintained its presence in the Big Bend area through multiple transitions in ownership. While the industry has changed since the 1920s, the shop has relied on a consistent, people-first approach to maintain multi-generational customer relationships.

Historical artifacts remain visible within the shop, including vintage newspaper advertisements and items left behind from the original era of the business. Clark noted that uncovering these pieces of history was a meaningful part of the process of looking back at the shop’s legacy.

The shop’s reputation was built on the character of its founder and the stewardship of those who followed. Former owner Katie Addington described Elinor Doyle as a highly capable and well-liked figure in the Tallahassee community.

“A good businesswoman, very good businesswoman. Absolutely. And she was well-liked in the community. Yep, she was a character, you know, but a good one,” Addington told WCTV.

In the 1960s, the business passed to former owners Bill and Kate Addington. They maintained the shop’s focus on service and accountability during their tenure.

“So it’s like Roxy said, you take care of your customers. Customers, that’s very important. It is very important, and you do great work. If there’s ever a problem, you don’t ever question that problem; you fix it and make it right,” Kate Addington told WCTV.

To commemorate the milestone, the florist is hosting a public event this Saturday. The celebration is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The anniversary event will include various activities such as games, gifts, and raffles. One of the primary attractions of the celebration is a grand prize drawing that offers the winner monthly flowers for an entire year.

The shop’s staff expressed their intention to continue serving the Big Bend community for many more years to come.