Maine

The Wreathmakers of Washington County, Maine | Photos

A collection of images celebrating the wreathmakers of Washington County, Maine, from photographer Jarrod McCabe.

By Jarrod McCabe|Dec 20 2021| Print icon

People assembling large evergreen wreaths in a workshop.

Longtime wreathmaker Raymonde Houde works on a 72 inch wreath at Flo's Wreaths.

Credit: McCabe, Jarrod

When Jarrod McCabe spent time photographing the wreathmakers of Washington County, Maine, he gained access to a seasonal world that most of us never knew existed. Many generations of men and women work hard at crafting these iconic holiday wreaths that are then sent around the country. The wreathmakers, many pictured in the following images at Flo’s Wreaths in Marshfield, Maine, create close to 100,000 wreaths per year.

Read the original 2011 feature print story: Wreathmaking Time in Washington County

The Wreathmakers of Washington County, Maine

Tools of the trade include gloves to protect the wreathmakers hands from the balsam tips and wire.
Tools of the trade include gloves to protect the wreathmakers hands from the balsam tips and wire.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Flo's Wreaths co-founder Herb Hanscom, center, flanked by Kenny Clark, Ivan Hawkins and Chad Hanscom. Kenny's truck is loaded with freshly gathered balsam tips.
Flo’s Wreaths co-founder Herb Hanscom, center, flanked by Kenny Clark, Ivan Hawkins and Chad Hanscom. Kenny’s truck is loaded with freshly gathered balsam tips.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
A portrait of Flo's Wreaths employee, Kenny Clark.
A portrait of Flo’s Wreaths employee, Kenny Clark.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Tipper Toby Maker gathering brush or tips in the forest.
Tipper Toby Maker gathering brush or tips in the forest.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Craig Calor hauling a bundle of tips.
Craig Calor hauling a bundle of tips.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Detail of tips being places on a carrying stick.
Detail of tips being places on a carrying stick.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Longtime wreathmaker Raymonde Houde works on a 72 inch wreath at Flo's Wreaths.
Longtime wreath-maker Raymonde Houde works on a 72 inch wreath at Flo’s Wreaths.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Karen Tomasik starting her day at Flo's Wreaths.
Karen Tomasik starting her day at Flo’s Wreaths.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
The crew at Flo's Wreaths take a short break. Raymonde Houde prefers the comraderie of the season spent working together rather than making wreaths at home.
The crew at Flo’s Wreaths take a short break. Raymonde Houde prefers the camaraderie of the season spent working together rather than making wreaths at home.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Kenny moves a 72 inch wreath to the truck for shipping.
Kenny moves a 72 inch wreath to the truck for shipping.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
Wreaths collect snow as they await shipment at Flo's.
Wreaths collect snow as they await shipment at Flo’s.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod
A crate of finished wreaths await shipment at Flo's.
A crate of finished wreaths await shipment at Flo’s.
Credit: McCabe, Jarrod

This post was first published in 2011 and has been updated. 

Jarrod McCabe

More by Jarrod McCabe

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  7. I use to live in Machias and would go out in the woods “tipping” to sell to Flo’s. My friend made wreathes at home for Flo’s, her house always smelled wonderful this time of year!

    Reply

  11. Nice to see articles like this one on Wreaths from Wahington County…my area I grew up in…thanks. Kudos to all the workers at Flo’s!!!

    Reply

  12. I certainly appreciate the hard work that goes into making these Wreaths. It’s too bad I live so far away. I love making wreaths. Merry Christmas

    Reply

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