Burge Flower Shop turns 75

ASHEBORO — In 1950, two sisters-in-law opened a new florist shop. That business — Burge Flower Shop — has survived 75 years and remains an Asheboro success story.

Current owner Michael Trogdon is sharing that success by awarding a $75 gift card each day, which started Aug. 1 and will continue until Sept. 20. Visit the Burge Flower Shop Facebook page to apply for a gift card that is good until Dec. 31.

Trogdon said Anita Burge and Ethel Burge, who were married to brothers, started the florist shop at 419 S. Fayetteville St., on the corner of Wainman Avenue.

“I came to work in 1978,” Trogdon said. “I was 19 and a student (at what’s now Randolph Community College).” He was in the floraculture program.

“I started delivering part-time until I finished college in ’79, when I became full-time. I was learning floral design and a lot of it was from Anita and Ethel.

“They were kind, wonderful women,” Trogdon said. “It was one of the first businesses in town operated by women. Their husbands had other jobs.”

In 1981, he said, the sisters-in-law sold the business to Trogdon and Pat Walden. The two new owners moved to the current location at 625 S. Fayetteville St. in 1984. He bought out Walden’s share around the year 2000.

Trogdon will observe 47 years in the floral business this fall and he’s not about to give it up. “I have no plans to retire. If you enjoy what you’re doing, keep doing it.

“It’s been very rewarding,” he said. “I enjoy the customers, who come from every walk of life. I still get up in the morning happy to go to work.

“I work with wonderful people who are talented and creative. We’re a team and we all bring something different.

“It’s been great here and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”