614-616 Ave H 

Lou Dee’s Floral and Gifts got its start in 1972. Sisters Lou Dee Cilhan and Mary Shakespeare opened the store together. Lou Dee passed in January of 1999 and Mary Shakespeare keeps the legacy going. The sisters purchased one building to get their business going. The neighboring business was a shoe repair store owned by Eddie Courtney. Upon his passing, Mary purchased the second location and expanded the store. Lou Dee’s Floral & Gifts has always offered floral and some gift items. Now the store offers everything from gifts and floral arrangements to wedding and event decorating services. One of Lou Dee’s employees has been with Mary almost as long as the store has been open; Irene Mancillas is a talented florist and has been with Lou Dee’s for 38 years. Before this building became home to Lou Dee’s it was a pharmacy and then a dress shop.