This year, Erie-based Allburn Florist is celebrating 125 years of serving the community. While it has had several locations, its work brings joy or provides comfort in times of loss.

Walking through the front door feels like a burst of spring, with flowers and greenery filling the aisle leading to the front desk where designers work every day the business is open.

Melissa Roberts is helping to carry on a family legacy. She and her brother, Chris Ehrman, run Allburn, the business their father took over after working at and later buying it from the Allburn family, who started it 125 years ago in Erie.

“They really started it as growers," said Ehrman. "Back in the 1900s, you didn’t have planes flying from Colombia, where we now get a lot of our daisies, chrysanthemums, and carnations.”

While flowers are still grown behind the W. 8th St. building, the inside has expanded to include other gifts.

It’s not just about fresh flowers at Allburn. There are also silk flowers, home décor pieces and even a memorial section for those remembering a loved one.

Allburn works with churches, funeral homes, organizations, and private events, adapting to the seasonal rush of different holidays.

"Christmas is like an endurance race,” said Roberts. “It’s not just about sending out poinsettias and table centerpieces. We’re decorating churches, clubs, and even university halls.”

Class and keeping up with evolving trends has kept customers coming back for generations.

“We like to be that family-friendly business because we’re part of the community, and we take great pride in that,” said Ehrman.

More information about Allburn Florist is available online here.