Of the many tales that can be told about Gerri Oliver and the Palm Tavern's place in the history of Bronzeville, one of the sweetest stories is about a baby girl whose father named her "Gerri" after Gerri Oliver. C. W. Floyd knew Gerri Oliver and he thought that Gerri Oliver was an excellent role model of a strong African American business woman that he wanted his daughter to grow up to be. His wife, however, had different ideas about what to name her new baby. She wanted the baby to be named after a beloved family member. Now, as all parents know, the naming of babies is an intensely personal moment. It is a particularly wonderful honor to Gerri Oliver that the baby was named "Gerri Floyd."

Above, is a picture of Mr. Floyd (left) and Gerri Floyd as a baby with her mother and older brother (right).

Below is a Tribute to Mr. Floyd prepared by his colleagues when he passed away.

MISTER C. W. FLOYD

A Pioneer - A Man of Wisdom

On Saturday April 19, 1947, a group of fifteen liquor salesmen met at the Spot Tavern on 43rd St. near Langley, for the purpose of organizing the Bottle and Cork Sales Club of Chicago. Mr. C. W. Floyd was elected to the office of Secretary at this founding meeting 35 years ago almost to the day. This original group paved the way for the many of us who followed, and for those yet to come. Floyd was a pioneer in the distilled spirits industry and an outstanding sales representative for Continental Distributing Co. Inc. for 37 years.

Floyd was an active participant, rather than a mere spectator in the game of life. He wore many hats. We knew him as a brother salesman, a fierce competitor, a trade unionist member of Local #62, Liquor and Wine Salesman since the early beginnings of the union, he was also an accountant, a preparer of taxes, an ardent golfer, a licensed real estate broker in both Illinois and Michigan and a Notary Public.

Floyd was as much in his element on the golf course in Bridgeman, or around his cottage in Union Pier as he was on 79th and Cottage Grove or in his own yard. Floyd was a pioneer in the development of Union Pier, Michigan as a favorite summer resort for many Chicagoans. What made him such a pioneer? His vision, his ability to forecast and project, to recognize future trends, to see the handwriting on the wall, so to speak; and to act accordingly and positively. Lastly and most importantly, Floyd was a family man, and it is to his family that we extend our heartfelt condolences. We share your shock and grief brought on by his untimely death. We ask that God bless you and comfort you in the days and years ahead.

Respectfully offered April 25, 1982, by the Health and Welfare Committee of the Bottle and Cork Sales Club of Chicago.