Anderson McIlnay Florist’s History

The Beginning, The founder, Edward “Andy” Anderson, return from his tour of duty in WWII as Gunners mate and MP in Tokyo in 1944. Jobs were hard to come by and he was grateful to get a job as a delivery driver for Lubliner’s florist in Portland Oregon. His interest in the floral business then took him to the wholesale floral business, Oliver & Thompson. In 1952 he left Oliver & Thompson to purchase a floral shop in Salem Oregon. Andy and Kelly Peters purchase a well established floral shop “Olsons” from Frosty Olson 1952. In 1958 Andy decided to open his own floral shop with his seventeen year old daughter Ladell, which was in the 300 block of court Street, “Anderson’s florist”. After 10 successful years in business with his daughter, Andy then partnered with Ladell’s husband Gary McIlnay and moved to their current location at 409 Court Street. In 1968 when they partnered together the shop was then renamed “Anderson McIlnay Florist” Now the shop is a corporation run by Gary, Ladell and family ( Leslie, Gina, Lorette ) and it is not unusual to see the grandchildren running around in the shop.

We are a full service florist, delivering the whole Salem/Keizer area twice daily. Our shop is featured on the internet at www.wowflowers.com with a wide selection of floral arrangements, green and blooming plants with Euro gardens our specialty. Receiving fresh flowers everyday of the week and satisfaction is always guarantied! We can send your floral order world wide with two wire services. Have us create masterful pieces of bridal bouquets for your wedding day as well as flowers for banquets. We simply say it best, when you say Anderson McIlnay is creatively yours”