Boyne City’s Historical Past

Continuing our series of historical markers – this marker is a tribute to the “Boyne Avenue Greenhouse”. The greenhouse has been operating on this site since 1900 and is the oldest and continuously operating business in Boyne City.

It was originally known as the Albright’s Greenhouse and was established by Albert Albright from Indiana. The greenhouse has changed ownership several times over the years. In 1917 it was purchased by Orlin Wilson, who changed the name to Boyne Avenue Greenhouse. The greenhouse was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Sparks who owned it for more than three decades from 1921 to 1952. It was purchased by Henry Oliver, who sold it to John and Dorthy Mariage in 1962. The Mariages owned it until Jack and Marty McLeod purchased it in 1977.

McLeod would hire a student from the Boyne City High School every spring to work part-time. One year student Eric Frykberg, walked into the school office and Jack was there looking for a student to fill his part-time postition. Eric expressed an interest in the job. Jack had his doubts because Eric was not a large built teenager and he did not think he could do the heavy lifting that was required of the position. He took a chance and hired Eric, who continued to work there during summers in high school and college. The Frykberg family bought the business in 2007 when the McLeods retired. Eric and his parents Diane and Randy run the business, with the help of Eric’s wife Meghan and brother Andrew.

Eric continues to be an outstanding member of the Boyne City business community by helping to keep the city beautiful and festive looking for the holidays.