When you walk into Olive & Honey, you’re not just stepping into a flower shop—you’re stepping into more than 125 years of history. Our building has stood at the heart of downtown Hamilton since the late 1800s, and while it has seen many chapters, one thing has remained constant: it has always been a place where people gather, shop, and connect.
1856
The very first building in Hamilton was the home of town founder A.G. Davis. It once stood just a few dozen feet south of our front door, on the corner that’s now part of the Hy-Klas parking lot. Known as the Lone Star House, it sat by itself on the open prairie with no other settlement between Gallatin and Richmond.
Early 1870s
This photo from the early 1970s shows the first documented businesses on the block. Left to right: Rhoades New York Store (3 stories with 3 windows on top story, later to become the Phoenix Hotel), George Roger’s Drug Store (arched store name), McKenzie Boot and Shoe Manufactory (single-story frame building, short tree in front, later housed McKenzie Bakery as well as the office and drug store for Dr. Saunders), Bishop Drug Manufactory (two-story with a covered front door, 2 windows and a door on top story), & Huston-Spratt Bank (brick with arched windows). Our present day building now stands within the center of this photographed strip of buildings.
1894
A devastating fire in the Roger’s building resulted in the loss of 3 buildings on the block, leaving only the Hudson & Spratt Bank to the south & Phoenix Hotel to the North.
1897
F.A. Martin purchased the newly empty land from the Rogers family and announced plans for a brand-new hardware store. Construction began that fall. This building is the present day Olive & Honey.
1899
Martin Hardware officially opened in March, with doctors’ offices upstairs occupied by Dr. W.H. Price & Dr. W.T. Lindley opened in May. The building quickly became a cornerstone of downtown Hamilton.
1901
Martin purchased the neighboring Phoenix Hotel to the north for $1,500 from Mrs. W.J. Erwin & Mrs. Jordan, and had it torn down. After being torn down, a new building was constructed in its place that became the Missouri Dry Goods Company.
1924
Martin passed away and his son, Donald, took possession, then sold the store and building to Sam McMaster.
1935
McMaster passed away and the store and building was sold to Guy Thomson. The store was re-named Thomson Hardware. Alongside Guy was fellow owner/operators, son Harry G. Thomson & brother Maurice Thomson.
1969–1970
A devastating fire destroyed the Ben Franklin store to the south, owned by the Mogg & Hales families, leaving our building freestanding on one side. Across the street, Hy-Klas Food & Family Center opened in August 1970, changing the look of downtown. The Ben Franklin store site currently is the Hy-Klas parking lot.
1981
The building was purchased from the Thomson family by Erston & Lucille Alden, and renamed Alden’s Hardware.
1997
Laura Auffert purchased the building and opened Hamilton Horse & Hound, supplying feed and tack for the community.
2000
Harold “Bud” Bowen re-branded the business as Hamilton Farm Supply.
2005
Tammy Gentry bought the building from and relocated her flower shop here. She previously was located at 408 N Davis (where Kathy’s Kitchen currently stands) where her business was called Tammy’s Flower Station – as a nod to the building’s original function as a filling station. With this new location no longer being an old gas station, she re-named her business to simply Tammy’s Flowers.
October 2022
Mati came in to buy an arrangement for our Grandma Karen Walker’s birthday, when Tammy asked what McCall was doing for work and informed her that she was selling the building and her business. After 29 years of serving Hamilton citizens with flowers for every milestone moment Tammy was ready to retire from floristry.
December 2022
The building and business were purchased by Walker McCall Bodenhamer & Laney Matlyn (Mati) Park from Tammy Gentry. The business name was changed from Tammy’s Flowers to Olive & Honey: Flowers, Home Decor & Giftery.
Our very first sale… to Tammy!
2024
The building to the north, 1901 Missouri Dry Goods Company building mentioned above, collapsed in June and was demolished that fall, leaving Olive & Honey as a truly stand-alone building for the first time in its history.
Historic research provided by Dennis Cox, who has published several books on Hamilton Missouri’s history. Follow this link to learn more about him and purchase his recent work.
This building has been part of downtown Hamilton since 1899, and we approach it with deep respect for the history it carries. From the beginning, our goal has been simple: to care for the space thoughtfully so it can continue serving our community for generations to come.
We see ourselves as caretakers of a piece of Hamilton’s story, doing our best to honor the building’s original character while making it a warm, welcoming home for Olive & Honey. Our hope is that it remains a place where people feel comfortable gathering, celebrating, and connecting.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our customers and neighbors. Every visit and every purchase allows us to continue serving this community while respecting the legacy of one of Hamilton’s long-standing historic spaces.
