Stalehin's Nursery in Rosedale Park

By John Berry

Stahelin Nursery - Credit Detroit Historical Society

Albert "A.J." Stahelin was born in March 9, 1878 in Detroit and lived until 1945, passing in Metro Detroit. He was an early fixture in Rosedale Park and Detroit area and a expert Florist.  He started Stahelin's Nursery in 1903 in Rosedale Park, following graduation from Michigan State University. As mentioned above, Mr. Stahelin was a very noted florist in the local Detroit area. His nursery lasted for over 50 years and past his death.  At some point, I can only surmise it was sold and torn down to build Grandland that occupied at least a part of this space.

Mr. Stahelin's original nursery was located at 18501 Grand River Avenue essentially where Grandland sits today, and in particular the Gamestop location.  If the Nursery was still located there, you could look out and see the CVS location across Grand River.

Copy of A.J. Stahelin Greenhouse Patent in 1911

Mr. Stahelin patented a greenhouse in 1911, which I believe was eventually built. The Greenhouse, according to another photograph from the Detroit Historical Society, still was present in about 1941 (also in another 2nd photograph). In 1920, the U.S. Census listed him as married to an Irene, 2 daughters, Betty and Albert and two servants and listed his profession as a florist. Several news articles list him as a prominent member of the Rosedale Park area.

As noted earlier, his nursery outlasted him.  He must have made a lasting impression on Rosedale Park and the entire Detroit area.  I am sure many of the readers must remember the business.  The last reference that I can find for the nursery is in the mid-1950s, which corresponds with the development, in the late 1950s/1960s of Grandland.  Any comments about the Nursery are welcome.