Arlene Earl Collection (top); Paul L. Hayden
The Flower Lady
Part of the June/July 1997 feature "Working by the Bells: Life Aboard a Great Lakes Carrier."
Norman LaCroix was born on Harsen's Island on the Michigan side of the St. Clair River in 1905. In 1928, he began sailing the lakes as an oiler on the J.M. Kennedy. He served on many boats of Oglebay Norton's Columbia fleet, advancing in his license and position, retiring as chief engineer of the Reserve in 1967.
Alzheimer's disease afflicted Chief LaCroix beginning in the late '80s. His nephew, Richard Earl, and Richard's wife, Arlene, invited him to stay with them. They live on the Harsen's Island waterfront near LaCroix's boyhood home. Arlene and Richard cared for Uncle Norman until his death in 1994.
While his health was declining, Chief LaCroix spent his days outside, watching the lakers pass. He waved to them, and some would salute in response. Eventually, the failing chief began to believe that every passing ship was his, and he wept with joy when they greeted him with their whistle signals.
Arlene Earl has a greenhouse and floral shop, Chris Engle Greenhouses, named for her grandfather, a family business now in its 114th year. Touched by the vessels' attention to Uncle Norman, she began sending flowers to the boats via the J.W. Westcott II, the Detroit mail boat that serves the passing freighters.
Fifteen years later the carriers are still saluting at buoy No. 13, and Arlene is still sending flowers in return – three or four floral gifts a year to each of 53 lakers!
Gracing the tables of hundreds of sailors is Arlene's way of remembering Uncle Norman and spreading cheer in a place where flowers are special. She has a simple answer to those who wonder why she does it: "Why not?"