idea may not be originally his own. But it takes a man with a deal of enthusiasm and faith in an undertaking to carry out an idea, no matter how good it is, to a successful finish. Mr. Pochelon believed in the value of the Florists' Telegraph Delivery Association, and believing with him meant action. The idea of a patron in Detroit being able to send a box of flowers to a friend in Paris, or London, or Madrid, within two or three hours, or to distant points in our own country in even less time, was a novel as well as a practical one. With the energy characteristic of him in his own business affairs, Mr. Pochelon undertook to interest men in various parts of the country, urging them to become members, and showing them in his own inimitable way the immense advantages that would accrue to our business if they would realize its possibilities. To use his own words, "The Florists' Telegraph Delivery Association means business coming and going." The man who receives an order for flowers and sends it to his correspondent abroad is also likely to receive an order from his correspondent in return. Aside from the advantages of the discount going with such orders, it also means a great advance upon former methods in facilitating the sending of flowers at distances on short notice. The boom to the flower trade was evident. But, like any other innovation, it had its opposing factions. Some men were narrow-minded enough to consider themselves in a class of their own. Albert Pochelon is not the man, however, to be daunted. He continued circularizing and talking about his idea wherever and whenever the opportunity presented itself. It used to be said of him that the Florists' Telegraph Delivery Association meant more to him than his own business, which by the way is a very flourishing one. During the National Flower Show at New York, we were favored with a few visitors from England. Among them was the late W. Wells, the noted Carnation grower of England. Upon being introduced to Mr. Wells, Mr. Pochelon saw his opportunity to approach him with his pet idea.
"What!" exclaimed Mr. Wells, "this must be another of your American fakes."
Whether Mr. Wells had been at some time taken in by a fakir or not, I do not know, nor has it any bearing on the story. The fact is that Mr. Pochelon was not in the least disturbed by this answer, but proceeded to convince Mr. Wells of the tremendous advantages of bringing the trade of England and America. into closer touch by means of the telegraph. A few weeks later, on his visit to Detroit, a reception was given to the well-known Englishman, and here again Mr. Pochelon broached the idea. Mr. Wells was won over, and became one of the most ardent supporters of the association.
Detroit Florists
I have already mentioned in former pages the well-known firm of John Breitmeyers Sons, and Mr. B. Schroeter, both presiding over veritable floral palaces, within a block of each other.
But there are other men who have contributed largely to the progress of the city in general and horticulture in particular, well worthy of mention.
C. H. Plumb on Burns avenue has built up a large business from a small beginning. He started about twenty years ago with two little greenhouses, and kept pace with the city as it grew. Mr. Plumb grows largely for the wholesale market, both plants and bulbous stock; and during the past few years he has built up quite a retail trade in his own neighborhood.
Frank Holznagle's place on Woodward avenue occupies a plot of ground that, it is said, is worth a fortune. Mr. Holznagle never boasts of his wealth, but pursues his business, giving it all the attention and hard work that make for success. He is considered among the best growers in the State.
