Legacy and Creativity

Celebrating 125 Years of Schaefer’s Flower Shop in the City of York

BY KATIE MAHONEY | CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

“I am so thankful to have been brought up in the City of York,” states Chris Sallade, 4th generation of ownership of Chas A. Schaefer Flower Shop. Though his father was born in the building located at 124 W Market Street, the family’s legacy has been demonstrated all over York City. Originating as clockmakers in the Reading area, the Sallade family opened their first greenhouse in York City in the 500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in 1898. “Dad always believed in the City,” shares Chris. The family has seen a lot of change and adaptation in the last 125 years. They attribute the positive direction of Downtown York to projects such as the Yorktowne Hotel, Codorus Creek Revitalization, and the contributions of other businesses in the City. “We’re seeing a lot of good in Downtown York,” Chris shares.

Ever since it first opened in 1925, Schaefer’s has served guests and events of the Yorktowne Hotel. They were the first call when the hotel came back online this year, providing arrangements for the ribbon cutting, the first wedding at the hotel, and the grand reopening gala.

The best part of the job is working with others. The people I work with, the people we serve, the friendships and the community. We do our best to serve everyone.

- Chris Sallade

Chris’s son, Ben, will be the 5th generation to lead the flower shop, and has already embraced creativity and new design concepts to keep customers engaged. While trends change from church weddings to outdoor settings, or customers seek inspiration from the Schaefer’s social media presence, Chris knows the industry will continue to adapt. “The best part of the job is working with others. The people I work with, the people we serve, the friendships and the community. We do our best to serve everyone,” Chris shares.

The painters in front of the branded horse and buggy they painted, the original delivery system of the florist.

Owner Carl Sallade in the 1950s when he was the president of Florists’ Transworld Delivery (FTD). Today, FTD is 1800Flowers for online orders who work between customers and local florists.

124 West Market Street, York, PA 17401 | 717.845.1571 | schaeferflowers.com