A Century of Growing
From a four-acre plot on Aurora's West Side to a beloved Fox Valley landmark — more than a hundred years of family, flowers, and fresh starts.
Early Days
Frank C. Schaefer and John K. Newhall formed the Aurora Greenhouse Company, located on four acres on the west side of Aurora.
Their specialty crop was cyclamen — 20,000 seedlings were sown.
Moved to Historic 120 South Lake
The business moved to 120 South Lake Street, built three greenhouses, and was renamed Schaefer Greenhouses.
New Houses Built
Cold frame, sash, and cloth houses were constructed as growing areas. We began growing cut flowers, potted plants, and foliage — for sale to other florists and for use in our own retail store.
Retail Store Opens
Schaefer Greenhouses opens its first retail store.
Demand Strengthens
Demand grows! Four new houses are erected and our wholesale garage is built. Major crops include poinsettias, cyclamen, hydrangeas, azaleas, geraniums, violets, pot mums, indoor and outdoor pom-poms, and carnations — as well as bedding plants.
Modernization
Schaefer's modernizes with a brand-new floral & gift shop.
Expansion Continues
Added onto the floral & gift shop and built an enlarged office area, a new floral design area, and a garden center store.
The Third Generation Begins
Ownership transitions to Frank's sons — Eric, Frank, and Edward — with the third and fourth generations entering the business as well.
Showplace & Modern Garden Center Built
Expansion continues: a new, state-of-the-art greenhouse with heated floors and automated controls is designed, and construction begins.
Historic Fox Valley Flood
The Fox Valley flood leaves its mark — a summer the whole community would remember.
The Major Fire
Fire destroys Schaefer's — one of the hardest chapters in our history.
Schaefer's Rebuilds
Schaefer's rebuilds — new office areas, a new gift shop, and a new floral design area.
The Legacy Continues
After the announcement that Schaefer's was going to close, the AEC Supply family acquires Schaefer's Greenhouses — keeping the doors open and the legacy alive.
Laying the Groundwork
After years without the ability to do major maintenance or replacements, construction finally begins.
Major Damage Found in the Facade
Major leaks are found in our roof — so we upgraded to a 50-year roof.
Partnership with True Value Continues
Since 1981, Schaefer's has been part of the True Value co-op, sourcing many of our garden accessories through it. We're expanding that partnership to include hardware & more!
Your Sign to Stop By
New signs go up!
