THE GREENHOUSE MISSION
One Witterstaetter greenhouse remains. It was first built nearly 90 years ago. The all-wood, all-glass Witterstaetter greenhouse is the physical embodiment of Delhi's floriculture heritage. It is now owned and operated by the Delhi Historical Society.
Like many families in Delhi Township, the Witterstaetters were florists for multiple generations. Other Delhi families that operated greenhouses were: Broxterman, Evers & Elfner, Koester, Krueger, Maddux, Murphy, Rutenschroer, Sehlhorst, Seitz, and more. The families forged a community spirit that lives on today in Cincinnati's West Side.
The Allied Florists Association was led by prominent florists of Delhi Township. This inaugural meeting was held in 1922.
Growing and selling flowers has been an important part of Delhi's economy and development for more than a century. This earned Delhi Township the nickname, "The Floral Paradise of Ohio." By the mid-20th century there were more than 50 greenhouse operations in Delhi. Now, there are only four: Friedhoff Florist & Greenhouses, Robben Florist & Garden Center, Tropical Foliage (Lutz family), and West Hills Greenhouses (Feist family). The floriculture & greenhouse history of Delhi Township must be preserved.
Working on a Witterstaetter greenhouse.
With your help, the Witterstaetter greenhouse will serve as a museum and education center for future generations.
The Greenhouse Mission was created to rehab and restore this historic structure. Made of cypress wood (which resists weather) and glass, the Delhi Historical Society's greenhouse is typical of those that were built throughout the region from the 19th century to the post-World War II era. Restoration of the Witterstaetter Greenhouse was performed by Greenhouse Restoration Services, Inc, of Newport, Kentucky, in 2025. Some additional work, rehabbing the greenhouse’s entryway, is yet to be done.
The Greenhouse Mission fund is still growing. "Seed money," from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission was used to match donations from private supporters and granting foundations. We are grateful to all of our supporters, large and small. Any funds exceeding the goal will be invested in a fund dedicated to the care and management of the greenhouse.
Once all the work is complete, including signs honoring top donors, we will announce an Open House to introduce to the public our restored Witterstaetter Greenhouse.
Make checks out to the Delhi Historical Society, with the memo line saying Greenhouse Mission. Our address is 468 Anderson Ferry Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45238.
Donate on our website. Click on the SUPPORT button at the top of this page, fill in blocks 1, 2, and 3. In block 4, labeled, MEMORIAL or HONORARIUM, enter the words GREENHOUSE MISSION.