Business & Tech
Knupper Nursery in Palatine Celebrates 80 Years of Business
John Heaton and his wife, Sue, keep a Palatine tradition alive.
Knupper Nursery has been a part of Palatine for the past 80 years. Owner John Heaton has worked at Knupper Nursery for more than 40 years. He took over when his ex-father-in-law, founder Richard Knupper, passed away.
“The nursery is still on part of the original location,” Heaton said. “We’ve just added more property to it throughout the years.”
Heaton earned a degree in ornamental horticulture from Michigan State University in 1959. He then spent nine years as a pilot in the air force before deciding to take over Knupper Nursery. In 1974, he began to purchase the nursery and took full ownership in 1987.
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“This is a great business,” Heaton said. “The people who come here want to be here. They want to feel that little bit of spring.”
Heaton and his wife, Sue, both work at the nursery full-time, although “we have an unusual definition of full-time,” Heaton said. They work seven days a week during their busiest season, from April to June, and they don't intend to slow down.
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“We have no plans to retire; we really enjoy being here,” said Heaton.
The nursery has not been without its hardships, however. On Christmas Eve in 1990, a devastating fire destroyed the buildings on the property. “All of the buildings were made out of wood,” Heaton recalled. “Everything burned down.”
The community rallied to help Knupper Nursery after the fire. “The outpouring from the community was tremendous,” Heaton said.
“The fire forced us into rebuilding,” said Heaton. “We needed an updated structure. In a way, it was a blessing in disguise.”
Heaton plans to continue adding more upgrades to the nursery. “This summer, we’re going to extend our covered shopping,” he said. “The extra shade will be better for the plants and the people.”
As for his favorite plant, Heaton remarks, “The one you love the most, because that’s the one you’re going to take home with you.”
To celebrate Knupper Nursery’s 80th anniversary, Heaton and the staff will hold special events on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22. Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz will be present for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and complimentary refreshments will available for attendees.
