Strobbe's is an inviting place, inside and out. The building, covered with
ivy, changes colors with the seasons. In square feet, it's not the largest
florist in Kenosha, but you'd have a hard time finding one more cozy, and
it does supply a full line of flowers for all occasions. This includes the
florists' wire service so you can order flowers delivered anywhere in the
world. Whether you simply want a bunch of flowers to take home or would
like to plan the most sumptuous of weddings, Strobbe's won't let you
down.
Proprietor Beth Bartoli sums up the store's ambiance very nicely: "People
sometimes drop by just to smell the flowers. Particularly in winter.
It's like therapy. You walk in here and the blood pressure lowers and the
mood rises."
Beth's father Hank Strobbe started in the flower business years ago, opening his
own shop at the present location in 1979, in a building which previously housed Cobb
Printing. Beth started working with him at age 15, learning the business on the
job. About 6 years ago, Hank retired, and Beth continues the family business.
Hank is now among those who drop by to smell the flowers, and he frequently
lends a hand with the store.
Beth is happy with the business, and it shows in the way she keeps
the store and talks to her customers. When someone asked if she ever
got tired of this line of work, she replied, "Never. I get to work
with these beautiful things every day. And every day brings something
new. That comes in part with the change of seasons, and their holidays,
but there's always something new to see in flowers." A native Kenoshan,
her clientele includes old friends and steady stream of new people
moving into town. Dr. Fulmer is one of the former, whom Beth first met
in the 6th grade.
