Orchids in my blood

This is my great grandfather, in his 90's (he died at 103 more than two decades ago), along with my great uncle, checking out some Cyms at the family floral business in Bristol, RI. No one can remember when the business started (at the latest, 1920's), but everyone remembers the orchid houses, the "Easter Cattleyas" (C. mossiae), and the winter corsage Cattleyas (C. trianae?).

Also attached is a picture of my grandfather (now 90) and great uncle standing in front of the greenhouses before the war.

The business closed around 1990 with the glasshouses falling into disrepair. The property is still in the family, but the greenhouses lie in ruins and the land has been rezoned. It will soon be sold and pass into memory.

 

Thanks Breeze. When my grandfather married my grandmother and had kids, they moved to Florida (1950's), and he brought several (20-30) Cattleya plants with him. He still grows them under shadecloth in his backyard. Who knows how old some of those individual plants are. They are all thats left of the family greenhouse stock.

 

greenhouse ruins are clearly visible in the center top of this image. Really depressing.

 

Found some more:

 

He's 102 in that last picture.

 

My grandfather after moving to FL:

 

Bri, if you ever want to check out the old property, or what's left of it, PM me and I'll give you the intersection. It's hard to miss though. I love Bristol.

 

Well, I went back today. This is all that's left. I was on the verge of tears.

 

houses

 

....