about humphreys flowers

Humphreys Flowers was founded in 1934 by Alice and Horace Humphreys.

Alice was an avid backyard gardener, and would ride the bus from St. Elmo into downtown Chattanooga to sell her flowers in the local outdoor arcade, or, what we would now call a farmer’s market.

Eventually, due to the success of Alice’s business endeavor, it became necessary to obtain and operate a full time store location.

Alice and Horace decided that the corner of 8th and Cherry Streets in downtown Chattanooga would be an ideal spot in which to open their new shop.

Humphreys Flowers remained in this location from its opening in 1934 until 1948, at which time Alice and Horace’s son assumed the responsibility of the business.

Upon returning from his military service overseas during World War II and taking upon himself the responsibility of the shop, Robert Humphreys, with his parent’s blessing, relocated Humphreys Flowers to 1805 McCallie Avenue.

In 1970, Robert Humphreys retired and passed the family business to his daughter Helen and son-in-law Clint Johnson.

The Johnsons maintained Humphreys Flowers at 1805 McCallie Avenue for another 16 years until 1986, at which point it became necessary to re-locate to a larger facility.

Humphreys Flowers is currently, and has since 1986, been located at 1220 McCallie Avenue.

Forty years after obtaining the business from her father, Helen and Clint turned operation of the shop over to their son, Robert Humphreys Johnson, who left a career in the publishing industry to return to Chattanooga with his family in 2006. Robert assumed the leadership of Humphreys Flowers and is the president of the company. Helen and Clint remain active in the day to day operations of the shop.

Who would have guessed that Alice Humphreys passion for flowers blossomed into what is now one of the most prestigious family-run businesses in Chattanooga.