Does MPHS have photographs: Yes
Address: 15 N. Elmhurst Avenue
Is building standing: No
When was business founded: 1916
Is business still operating: No. Closed mid-1970s
Who owned business: Henry Haberkamp, Edwin (son)
Interesting stories, facts, history:
Henry Haberkamp began his business in 1916 as a wholesale grower shipping flowers to the Chicago market for resale. Edwin, Henry’s son, worked with his father and when Ed married Irene Froemling in 1927 they took over the business upon Henry’s retirement. Irene became interested in arranging flowers and gradually the business became retail as well as wholesale. In 1949 the flower shop was built where the family home had been attached to the greenhouses. The need for more display space led the Haberkamps to close in one of the greenhouses.
During the war Haberkamp’s diverted their energies to growing vegetable plants for “victory gardens” and afterward continued with garden supplies. The retail business prospered and eventually the wholesale market needed to be discontinued. All during this time many activities were pursued by both Ed and Irene. Ed was a volunteer fireman from 1934 to 1960, and then became Mt. Prospect’s first full time fire chief serving from 1960 until 1970.” Irene taught “Flower Arranging for the Home for over 16 years in the Adult Education Program of High School District 214. Her classes were always in demand. She offered free lectures and demonstrations on the mechanics and basic principles of flower arranging to many community organizations. The annual 4th of July parades included beautiful floats made by Haberkamps. The Christmas Open Houses were anticipated each year by customers (people?)who were treated to a Christmas wonderland of displays.
Irene constantly read, studied at design schools, exchanged ideas with other florists and became recognized as an artist in her field. She gave credit to Allied Florists’ Association and the Florists’ Telegraph Delivery Association for helping her to grow in her design capabilities. Irene appeared numerous times as a presenter at design schools that took her to several states including Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Indiana. She served several years as a unit secretary for FTD and later as a director.
Haberkamp’s Flowers was sold in the mid 70’s and the new owner moved the business to Arlington Heights.