Shaw & Boehler Florist for Mother’s Day

Shopping for the most important woman in your life? Mom! Be sure to visit Shaw & Boehler Florist. Here’s a little history behind one of the oldest florists in the area. Downtown Cortland has a long and proud history – that’s why it’s historic after all. Much of that history comes from its position as a center for unique retailers that offer special products and special services. As our society continues to transform into a community that values service and specialty products the retailers of historic downtown Cortland really can’t be beat. This commitment, coupled with a long history, make downtown Cortland a great place to shop, dine and visit.
Shaw and Boehler Florist has been serving the Cortland area since 1924. As Cortland’s oldest florist shop, their reputation for exquisite flowers, creative designs, and exceptional service has grown over the years. Their commitment to service and quality has given them the title as “Cortland’s First and Finest Florist.” They have over 7,400 square feet of silks, gifts, antiques, stuffed animals, plants, and gourmet baskets. The experienced staff is always eager to assist you with any floral need. From a simple bud vase to a large formal wedding, our attention to quality and service is guaranteed.
Shaw & Boehler Florist, located at 31 Clinton Avenue, is not only edging close to centurion status; it has also had only three owners. The partnership of Mr. Shaw and Mr. Boehler started the 88 year-old business, which was eventually owned by Dorothy Lily, who passed away on June 2, 2007. Dorothy ran the shop for thirty or forty years, until it was purchased by the current owners, Steve and Vicki Besler, on February 10, 1987. They operated the business at its original location, 11 North Main. They were then approached by the Stevens’ (of Stevens Heritage Furniture) to purchase the building at 31 Clinton Avenue, where Steve and Vicki have operated Shaw & Boehler Florist for the past fourteen years.

Steve Besler was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, where he still has five siblings that reside there. Vicki grew up on the East Coast, which she preferred to the Midwest; and Steve underwent a career change. “We decided on Cortland because of its small and intimate environment,” Vicki said. “We liked the small community for our children, growing up. We also liked the fact that Cortland is centrally located between Ithaca and Syracuse.”

Though both of the Beslers had attended floral school, neither of them had planned on floral design as a career path. “It was just a hobby for both of us,” Vicki said. They sat down together one day and made a list of possible things they would like to do for the rest of their lives. “We had always liked flowers . . . and had a flair for the arts.” They decided on floral design.

Shaw & Boehler Florist is more than just a business to the Beslers. It is their life. They treat each customer with utmost respect; they open early and often stay late; they offer state-of-the-art, sophisticated work. This sets Shaw & Boehler Florist apart from similar businesses. “There is a general lack of knowledge about what florists actually do,” Vicki explained. “It takes creativity, artistic ability, an eye for color and design. There is a big difference between a florist and the floral section of a grocery store.”

Steve and Vicki are also very active in their church, the Groton Assembly of God. They hold a very large Christmas Open House on the first Sunday in December, every year. “It’s a huge Open house. It’s a dress-up occasion, and we have entertainment, homemade cookies, and desserts. We also serve teas, here at the shop, by appointment; and we’ve done birthday and wedding parties, here.”

Outside of the floral design shop, Vicki enjoys cooking, and Steve is an avid gardener. “Steve has very nice gardens at our house,” Vicki said, laughing. “People like to stop and takes pictures. Sometimes, we’ll look outside and see people wandering through the yard, looking at the gardens.”

The shop is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. We are closed on Sundays. Phone is 607-756-2879.

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