When asked about her favorite memories of her downtown jewelry store, she remained strong. When questioned about the 62-year legacy of Allen's Jewelry and the independently owned store's founder, Evelyn Allen, she didn't flinch.
However, as she was reminded by patrons of the store — many of whom were friends — just how much her service was treasured, she started shedding tears.
"I promised myself I wasn't going to cry," said the 67-year-old while blotting her eyes. "It's been a wonderful business, I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'm going to miss it so much."
Earlier this month, Brown decided it was time to retire. Her husband, Jim, had retired about nine years earlier from a 30-year teaching career in the Manteca Unified School District. The Browns moved to Manteca from their hometown of Owasso, Okla., and have been married 46 years.
"We have grandchildren we need to play with and places to see. The time is right," Allen said, adding they would be staying in Manteca.
The news has not been easy for some to swallow. Just ask longtime customer and friend Dennis Olmstead.
"This place is going to be greatly missed, Jan is just such an honest and trustworthy person," he said, telling a story of how he had placed an order toreplace his engagement ring. Olmstead said he found his lost ring — prompting Brown to cancel his order and make sure the ring he had was properly fitted.
"It's little things like that. Her heart always is in the right place," he said. "I wish it wouldn't close."
Olmstead said that his parents, aunts, and eight sisters and five brothers still come back to Manteca and Allen's Jewelry when they need something — or to simply visit.
"What I loved about this place is that we normally dealt with special occasions," Brown said. "It's not a 'down' business, but an 'up' business. It felt good to hear the stories from people coming in — the weddings, engagements and other celebrations."
The store was also a gathering place. For example, Francene Escobar, owner of the Quicki-Kleen Car Wash down the street, happened to pop in Wednesday to expressed her feelings about Brown and Allen's Jewelry.
"Oh, I'm so mad at you, but I understand why you're leaving," Escobar said. "It feels like somebody's dying almost. This is like an historical monument."
Her co-workers also expressed sadness at the closure.
"I'm going to miss the people," said Phyllis Jamison. "It's like my home away from home."
Allen's Jewelry is the oldest retail business in Manteca, as Allen opened the doors to the business of sparkling items just after the end of World War II. During that time, Manteca's downtown was an eclectic collection of men and women's clothing stores, shoe stores and markets.
"It's changed a lot since then," Brown said, adding that she started working at the store for Allen in 1978.
"I learned so much from Evelyn, she was a great lady. She was strong, yet soft and cared about being a part of Manteca."
When Brown took over in 1988, she decided to keep the store's namesake — adding there would have been no advantage in such a name.
The Browns are in the midst of an inventory clearance and plan to close sometime in January.
Source: insidebayarea
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