Finding Treasures in Behnke’s History
From Stephanie
I am sitting in my office, surrounded by boxes. What to save? What to shred? What to toss? I just want to walk away from it all, but I can’t do that. So I keep going; sorting and finding treasures; seeing my grandmother’s handwriting on the back of photos she took of the gardens; reading all the notes she kept of the day-to-day goings-on here at Behnke’s.
As I look around, I see a folder labeled “Old Permits.” I have to laugh since the first one was for Allen and Rose Behnke, 1947. Who the heck was Allen? But then in 1950 they got my grandfather’s name right: Albert Behnke. It’s interesting to see Behnke’s history through these permits. In the 40’s, they were issued many Building Permits. Some for greenhouses and some for storage, one for a wall and, of course, one for a beautiful Behnke Nurseries sign we had years ago along Route 1. In 1966, Prince George’s County issued Behnke’s a Burning Permit for only $2.00!
So much history for all of us who have walked through these many greenhouses and buildings. So many of you have worked here. Not just one generation but two, three and even four generations. So many have shopped here. So many have fallen in love here and gone on to marry and raise families. I think I will keep these permits for now so I can look back and know that something special was created all those many years ago.
Behnke Nurseries, VP
Oh, no, yet another treasured place closing, before I can get to it for a visit. With the close of the 2018-2019 school year, my elementary/junior high school, in Louisiana, closed. It’s being replaced by a K-12 behemoth, lacking all semblances of the tons of memories and the enduring love the old buildings held. I’m one of ten children and ALL ten of us were educated there! How we cherish it’s every brick.
So, now, Behnke’s too is closing. I am a HUGE fan of Eva Cassidy and was hoping that, if I can ever afford to bring my daughter on a trip to DC, I would be able to visit, personally thank you for the support you gave her and walk the aisles she walked. That’s not to be.
Still, please accept my genuine gratitude for the love and support you gave Eva and my best wishes for good health and happiness for you and yours, going forward.
Larry W. Sanchez
Burmingham, Alabama
Sorry that you could not make it. We had a wonderful farewell party for all of our present and past employees last Sunday and Eva’s parents came. It was so nice seeing them. Her mother, Barbara use to work here also.
Stephanie,
I’m a member of the Violet Preservation Committee at the African Violet Society of America. One of our members remembered that Behnke hybridized African violets in the 50s. As you rummage through the old paperwork, I would be grateful if you would considering sharing (either originals or copies) of any catalogs, notes, paperwork, or other items that mentions the sale or hybridizing of the African violets. I am happy to pay copying and postage costs. Thank you for your consideration. Candace
Hello, I sent you an email also but I would love to be able to find a wonderful home for some of the items we have about African Violets and our history of them. Let me know when would be a good time for you to see what we have. Just give me a week or two to pull out everything.