The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1882-07-27
Funeral Flowers:

CnaG 1ncIoseS the remains of loved one
Is almost invariably surrounded with
handsome floral tributes in various de-
signs, showing the esteem in which the
departed is held. Out of this another
beautiful custom has grown. Every
Easter Sunday the chancels of the
churches, especially the Episcopal
mortal pieces, placed there in memory
of loved ones gone before. Yesterday
afternoon reporter visited Some of the
leading florists of the city and ques-
toned them on the subject of memorial
flowers. ...,.
Mr.. e. Pieser said that the florists
made their own designs, from which the
wireworkcr made his frames. Each
florist tried to protect his new designs
for exclusive use, but sooner or later
they were copied by others.
"What flowers are used principally in
this workp" asked the reporter.
Oh" Carnations In the winter and bal
sans in the summer. Other flowers are
also used, but these are the principal
ones from which memorial pieces are
made"
What do you use in letterinoP"
"ln summer we use immortelloS antt
in winter violets."
"What is the process of making up
these dcsignsp"
"The wire frames are filled up with
wet moss, anu inc flowers are wired
onto tOothpicks and stuck in. The work
requires considerable labor, care, and
taste -
"What are the principal designsP"
"The 'Gates Ajar' is favorite de-
sign, also the 'hour-glass.' Then there
are sickles, scythes, chalices, crowns
and crosses, Bibles, crosses, wreaths,
hearts, stars, anchors, Tyres, harts,
broken columns, etc. A handsome de-
sign is the 'Faith, hope, and charity
cross, crown, and anchor"
" How do the prices rangeP'
4" In summer from $S to $3.50, and in
winter from So to 5000. Where special
designs are ordered the price is in
creased. We made the design of the
engine and tunnel, which was given re-
Gently at the funeral of a prominent
railroad official in this city. 1t cost
$400. We also made floral ledger for
the funeral of o young bookkeeper.
That cost $780,"
Chow long can these designs be pre-
servedP"
"We can keep them for eight DAYS il
/
they leave us they generally fade within
orty-eight hours.''
Has the demand for these pieces in
creased latelyP'
go, yes. Since Jan. last there has
been a very large demand for funeral
flowers of all kinds. We have used
more white flowers than ever before. g"
edo you always have flowers on
hand sufficient to fill all ordersP"
Yes, either in our store or at our
greenhouses"
" How about Easter memorial do
signsP''
"The demand for them is large.
Some florists use colors in making them
up, but we use tints, as being more ap-
propriate."
John G. Craig was called on bv the
| reporter. He said that more funeral
flowers had been sold recently than ever
before, and the demand was increasing
constantly"
| "Oo you make your own designsP"
Yes, but other florists copy them,
and it Is impossible to keep our Now de-
signs exclusively for our own use.
am the originator of one of the most
popular designs for funerals-the Gates
Ajar.' It was first used about three
casters ago as memorial piece at Trim
ity Episcopal Church, but since that
time has been copied and used largely
all through the West"
J "What flowers do you use in these
| piecesp'
| Carnations, roses, lilies of the valley,
hyacinth, and white tulips. Camellias
Few of them are used here, and in the
East they are not used ut ALL"
"What are the favorite funeral
piecesp"
81 think that for funeral work cut.
| MOWERS In punches are being used to q
| great extent. The casket is studded
with them, as is the interior of the
grave, which is lined with pine or ar
borvit@. They give very rich effect.
The newest and largest design I have
made is that of broken tree. The
'Gates Ajar' is favorite piece, and
other pieces are the broken column.
harp, Tyre, cross, crown, and anchor.
STAR scythe, sickle, cross, chalice, crown,
Bible, pillow, sheaf of wheat, hour
glass, Wreaths, heart, etc.,
| pricep"
Well, the 'Gates Aiar' is from 1925
TO 500, and the other pieces are made
from 81 to $500. The season of the
year affects the prices considerably.
Large pieces and those of special design
cost more"
"What flower do you use ins lettering
designsP"
"It depends upon the season of the
year. We use immortelles and violets,
and at present forget-me-nots."
care white flowers used. in funeral
and Easter workP''
"They are, largely; but I think col
ored flowers are quite as appropriate.
In the East they are used altogether.
delicate pink and white tints are used
great deal. For Easter. spring flowers
are popular in memorial pieces. The
demand for Easter memorial pieces IS
growing. Chicago Tribune.