History & local legend
A flower shop on Bridge Street in Etna has long been associated with Peter, a presence staff describe as a mischievous little boy. David Kornely, who moved Michael Blaha Flowers there in 1991, reported stuffed animals disappearing and turning up elsewhere. Later, under the name Always in Bloom, the shop had another owner willing to talk about Peter.
During an October 2009 interview, Susan told local writer Memphis Mike that her first encounter had been unexplained crayon scribbling on her desk. The previous Christmas, a voice- or touch-activated decoration had begun playing “Jingle Bells” when neither the people nor the dogs in the shop were near it. She also described a musical gingerbread toy sounding from the bottom of a heap of plush toys, although its foot ordinarily had to be squeezed firmly to activate it.
Susan regarded these incidents as pranks. Renovation work brought missing tools and unplugged extension cords, but she spoke fondly of Peter and believed that he enjoyed having children and pets around.
Sources
- Memphis Mike, on-site interview with Susan at the Etna flower shop, October 2009
- Positively Pittsburgh, accounts from David Kornely and landlord Kevin Burke
- Dark Matters and Mysteries, telephone installer’s personal account at the relocated Michael Blaha shop
- Burke & Haas Always in Bloom, store address and history
