Families in Manitowoc have been buying Christmas trees from Kohlmeier’s lot for 6 decades now.
Paula Kohlmeier tells SeehaferNews.com the tradition continues at the corner of North 8th and New York Avenue. “Over the years it was a gas station,” she explained. “and when it closed we continued to sell Christmas trees.”
Paula said she wanted to continue that part of the family business so she opened a year-round coffee and ice cream shop called PK’s Beans N’ Cream. She called it small and cozy. Going on to say, “We love it here because families have many traditions of buying Christmas trees.”
Paula said, unlike in years past, there was not a shortage in supply of the yuletide trees this year. The reason? Paula cites the good weather, saying the trees look “healthy”.
Paula said Fraser trees are priced in the $60’s with Balsam’s being sold in the $40’s. Kohlmeier continued they don’t just sell a tree to the customer, but will also give the tree a fresh cut and a wrap. They will also make sure the tree is securely attached to the car before the customer drives off.
Paula Kohlmeier, who runs the outdoor stand with her brother Todd and his wife Kay, said her late father Paul started a tradition of delivering Christmas trees and, they still do so 60 years later.