Modesto business that shared in ‘life’s most significant moments’ closing after 82 years
One of Modesto’s longest-standing family-owned businesses is saying farewell after serving the community for over 80 years.
Hart Florist & Flower Delivery announced that a liquidation sale — up to 50% off all products — would begin Monday. The final business day will be March 15.
“This difficult decision was not made lightly,” owner Chris Downing said in a statement. “It reflects the changing landscape of our industry and the challenges faced by small, family-owned businesses like ours.”
The floral business has been Downing’s life journey, he said. He grew up in the industry, learning the art of floristry from his father, Howard Downing.
“For decades, my dad and I would take biweekly trips to the San Francisco flower market,” Downing told The Modesto Bee. “Afterward, we would drive down the coast and visit seven or eight different flower growers. It was a wonderful experience to see firsthand where and how the flowers were grown and to talk with the people who cultivated and harvested them.”
Flower shop was established as a home business
Hart Florist & Flower Delivery had its beginning in 1943 at the home of Al Hart on Hackberry Avenue in Modesto, according to the business’ website. Hart also operated a taxi and ambulance service.
During this time, Howard Downing lived down the street from Hart and started working for him as an ambulance attendant and in the flower shop.
Soon after establishing his business, Hart purchased a local flower shop in the back of what was Hires Root Beer at 12th and I streets. He served two years in the Navy and then moved Hart Florist & Flower Delivery two blocks to the former Stanislaus County Title Company Building in the mid-1940s.
Working at Hart Florist & Flower Delivery, Howard Downing met the woman who would become his wife, Wilma. The couple moved to Pacific Grove, where they opened Flowers by Howard.
After a few years, Howard and Wilma Downing returned to Modesto to work for the Harts, who by that time had moved to the Seeley Building at 926 12th St., according to the website. Hart died in 1950, and the Downings bought the shop in 1954.
Chris Downing started in the business delivering flowers when he was 16 years old and took over managing it in the 1990s.
After a fire and a few more moves, Hart Florist & Flower Delivery settled in 2000 at 1201 McHenry Ave., where it still operates today.
“We invite you to visit us one last time, to share your memories and to celebrate the legacy of Hart Floral,” Chris Downing said. “The stories and memories shared within these walls, the countless bouquets created for life’s most significant moments, will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
The shop is open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
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