News: Spencer History – Nurseries

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Engel, Kobs

Source: Spencer Centennial Book (1874 – 1974)

Engelwood Nursery & Garden Center, owned and operated by Marvin (Mike) and Nina Engel, located half a mile west of Spencer on Highway 98, is one of the earliest established nurseries in Central Wisconsin. It had its beginning in 1932, during the great depression, on an acre of ground and gradually increased to ten acres. The first greenhouses were built about 1936 and for several winters the furnace was fired with wood every two hours

The cut flower business was discontinued about twelve years ago, Mike wishing to devote more time to the landscaping business. The bedding and pot plant demand increased until now about ten thousand baskets are grown for wholesale and retail trade. During the busy season Engelwood employs up to twenty-five youth. Mike is a skilled landscaper and evidence of his art may be seen at the Winnebago Children's Home at Neillsville, the Mini-parks on Central Avenue in Marshfield, the High-rise and Lo-rise at Merrill, and his recent landscaping at the new Norwood Hospital in Marshfield.

Kobs Blossom Shop, erected in 1963 at 702 LaSalle Street, is owned and operated by Mrs. Edna Kobs and her son, Gerald. The shop opened for business in May 1963, and furnishes cut flowers for all occasions.

Bedding and pot plants are grown in the greenhouse. Kobs Blossom Shop is also a gift shop and Mrs. Kobs conducts craft classes there each spring and fall. The business has been expanded to handle Bolen's Outdoor power equipment.