The Dorchester Beacon, October 26, 1907
Sullivan & McGrath
Successors to Lucius H. Foster, Florists, 45 King Street, Dorchester
This is probably one of the oldest establishments among the florists of Boston, having been founded by the late Luccius H. Foster in 1870, who carried on the business very successfully up to the time of his death in 1904. He was born in Dorchester and belonged to one of the old and well-known families of the district, being an active factor in its affairs. At the time of his death, recognizing the services rendered to the business which he had so long conducted by his two assistants, Mr. Sullivan and Mr. McGrath, both of whom had been in his employ for many years, he bequeathed to them by will, both the real estate and the personal property of the entire plant, the former comprising about 18,000 feet of land, nearly all covered with buildings, was valued at $5000, and the latter, including all the plants, shrubs, seeds, mate3rial, tools, etc., at a like amount, making in all a bequest of the value of 410,000 the present owners, the two to be associated together and to carry on the business partnership. The green houses on Wrentham Street, which were held simply on lease, were also given over to Sullivan and McGrath, and were carried on for a time, but on the expiration of the lease, they were closed.
The history of this case, where a business man and property owner leaves his entire business with all its appurtenances to those who have been connected with it only as employees is a very rare incident in business life and redounds greatly to the honor of both parties concerned, showing faithful service on the one side and an unselfish recognition of the same on the other.
The new proprietors have continued the establishment, as indicated by the will, quite successfully, doing a large wholesale and retail business and keeping up the established reputation. The large greenhouses with about 15,000 square feet of glass are full of flowering and decorative plants of all kinds and varieties, and any order of an size for cut flowers, set pieces, supplies for balls, weddings, funerals, or any other function, can be promptly filled.
The specialties are3”Boston” and “Dorchester” ferns, palms, rubbers, asparagus and general bedding plants at wholesale, in which, as well a in the general line, they have an excellent patronage.
The present firm consists of Daniel E. Sullivan, who is a native of Dorchester, and Philip J. McGrath, who was born in Woburn, Mass. Both are practical and experienced florists and nurserymen/