Lydia A. Luecke was born on January 9, 1890 in Herman. She spent her childhood on the large family farm there, attending classes at the local parochial school. Upon completion of the sixth grade, Lydia's parents sent her to live with an aunt in Chicago for two years so she could finish her education through the eighth grade.

 

However, after a taste of life in the big city, Lydia decided that there wasn't much excitement for a young teenaged girl on a rural farm. After graduation she remained in Chicago where she found employment with the William Haase Family in Oak Park. The census lists her occupation as a maid, but she was probably more of a family helper since the Haases had young children.

 

Emil was born on March 4, 1888 in Melrose Park, Illinois where he spent his childhood years. His family may have farmed at some time in Melrose Park, because Emil acquired a life-long interest in agriculture.

 

After he completed his education Emil was hired as a time-keeper for Kellogg Switch board and Supply Company in Chicago; Kellogg made early candle-stick and hand cranked telephones. It was during this same time that Lydia worked for the Haases. The future couple met at the church that they both attended. Perhaps someone played matchmaker, because soon Emil and Lydia were engaged.

 

 

This pretty silky cream and lace dress was worn by Lydia when she married Emil on August 13, 1913. The happy occasion took place on the Luecke farm in Herman, Wisconsin, a rural area near Sheboygan.

We don't know much about Lydia and Emil's wedding but we do know that Lydia's sister Elsie made her wedding dress. Lydia's beautiful dress featured a diagonal overskirt edged with a heavily-embroidered, scalloped band of a darker cream color, lace-covered sleeves and bodice, and a stunning butterfly appliqué, trimmed with pearls and beads.

After their wedding they settled back in Melrose Park. In his spare time Emil worked with a relative who owned a greenhouse in Melrose Park. Soon Emil's love of growing things lead to a change of career. The Amling Family, later known for the Amling chain of flower stores, hired him. Emil's serious training in the floral trade began.

The Messenbrinks moved to Libertyville in about 1920 when Emil was ready to open his own business. Emil purchased a large greenhouse and started the Libertyville Floral Company. The greenhouse was located at 508 First Street. It ran along the length of First Street between Church and Cook Streets.

 

Later, a retail store for the business was opened in town and the Mesenbrinks moved into a comfortable home at 219 Brainerd Ave. The Mesenbrinks spent the remainder of their productive lives here in Libertyville. They raised three children; Gertrude, Francis and Paul. Emil spent 37 years running his successful floral business. When he retired, Emil sold the business to Russell Proctor. The business still bears the Proctor name today.

 

Emil died on September 25, 1961, after suffering a stroke at the age of 73. Lydia died at the age of 89 on August 16, 1979. Just as they worked side-by-side in life, they are buried next to each other in Lakeside Cemetery.