History of Richmond Hill, Ontario - Greenhouse Industry Arrives

Greenhouse Industry Arrives

Industrial development of the core of Richmond Hill had not progressed during the first decade of the 20th century. The outlying areas of Lake Wilcox and Gormley were fast growing and welcoming new industries, and the Richmond Hill council set up a committee to encourage industries to locate in Richmond Hill. The first to do so was William Lawrence's greenhouse, which was constructed in the summer of 1912. Harold Mills built a greenhouse the same year. Lawrence was a Toronto florist and president of the Canadian Horticultural Society. Lawrence also persuaded fellow Toronto florist and former president of the Canadian Horticultural Society John Dunlap to build a greenhouse in Richmond Hill. Dunlop began a large flower-growing operation in Richmond Hill. In August 1913 he had two operation greenhouses and six more planned. Dunlop's roses quickly won acclaim. In March 1914 his roses were awarded first prize at the International Rose Show in New York City. In April 1916, his flowers garnered three first places and two second places at the National Flower Show in Philadelphia.

The greenhouse industry in Richmind Hill was competitive but friendly. The various greenhouses often worked together to fill large orders. Together with interested local residents they founded the Richmond Hill Horticultural Society in April 1914. The society worked to both increase local interest in fruit, vegetable and flower growing, and to enhance the town's aesthetics. They planted trees on village property and awarded prizes to local residents for their flower gardens.