Wemark Drug was established in 1902 in Kenmare, one of the businesses that thrived in the early years of Kenmare’s remarkable growth. It was a time of blossoming opportunities in a young and vibrant town. The building, while not exceptionally lavish, was certainly lovely. Imagine the sound of footsteps on the smooth wood floors, light bouncing off the shiny tin ceiling, and stained glass adorning the exterior. Wemark Drug was a thriving gem to this community. Of course, as mentioned in an earlier stop on the Talking Trail, times changed and Wemark left its original building. The building would remain, and, over the years, its original features would become hidden relics, covered in layers of paint, false ceilings, and flooring.

In 1972, it became home to Kenmare Floral, owned by Barb Mickelsen, and was filled with blooms, plants, antiques, and other merchandise. Barb lovingly served the community for nearly forty-five years. On April 1, 2017, Tami Chrest purchased the flower shop and Peony Petals Floral & Gifts was born. She saw this building for what it is, a diamond in the rough and immediately went to work, both selling flowers and restoring the hundred-year-old building to its original charm. The original stained glass still carries the Wemark name and is showcased today, along with the words “drugs” and “paints” above the front door. You’ll also find the original wood floors which had been covered with tar paper, hard tile, and carpet. If you’ve refinished floors, you know this is definitely a labor of love, but the results are so rewarding. The hardwood floors, cleaned, sanded, prepped, and lacquered, are now ready to display the special antiques in Tami’s possession. She is now looking up, past the showroom lights and the false ceiling, to the original metal tiles, which she knows are frozen in time, waiting for the right time for them to shine again.

When Tami isn’t restoring one of the last original buildings in Kenmare, she’s focused on her customers, sharing flowers for milestones big and small, for birthdays and weddings, celebrations of life and anniversaries, and everything in between. The mission of Peony Petals is to bring back the fondness of fresh flowers and plants to younger generations and beyond, a passion that is evident as soon as you walk in the doors of this historical gem that has really bloomed!