This is a story Willard Scott, the former NBC weatherman who honors centenarians, would love. The Northport Historical Society has honored two local companies that have passed the 100-year mark.
S. Scherer & Sons Inc., a nursery that specializes in aquatic plants, turned 100 last year. And Richters Orchard, which grows apples and peaches, turned 107.
Sigmund Scherer began the Northport nursery in 1907. The original one-room building still stands but the company has added on through the years.
Frederick Ritcher began Richters Orchard in 1900. In 1946 the family sold the business to the Amsler family, which continues to operate it.
So what’s the secret of such longtime survival, a question often put to centenarians? Well it’s not oatmeal and a daily glass of wine in the world of competitive commerce.
Said Lou Amsler, 59, whose father bought the business, “It helps if you like what you’re doing.”
Bobby Scherer, 44, a fourth-generation owner, said the family dynamic is important.
“The fact that we all got along through the years, that helps, too.”
--Carrie Mason-Draffen