This Philadelphia flower shop, a staple for over 50 years, embraces future generations: "It's been a wonderful life"
At 94 years old, Altermese Beale works five days a week in the quaint flower shop Paul Beale's Florist. It's named after her late husband, Paul Beale.
"My husband was the manager of another flower shop for 15 years. Every night he would come home, he would tell me he wanted to open his own shop," Altermese Beale said.
At the time, the couple had five children and they were in college, it was a tough decision.
"I finally agreed to it, and we opened up here May 1, 1971, and been going strong ever since," she said.
The family-owned floral shop has been in the same location on Ogontz Avenue in West Oak Lane for five decades.
Not much has changed, according to co-owner Paulette Beale Harris, who wants to keep it the same. She started working in the family business as a college student.
"We would just come in to help out, mainly like on holidays," Harris said.
After working in corporate America, she returned home and now runs the shop with her mother, older sister Carolyn Beale and nephews, who are both named Paul.
"We're embedded in the neighborhood. We have longtime customers," Harris said.
Every customer is handled with care — something they've learned from their father.
Paul Beale and Altermese Beale were married for 74 years. She says her husband's legacy was all about hard work and family.
This year will make 54 years that Paul Beale's Florist has been a staple in West Oak Lane. Their key to success is that they treat every customer like family.
