March 20, 2013 — In her 52 years of running Haney’s Jewelry, Ruth Haney has seen a lot of changes in Grayson.
When she first took over the jewelry shop on Main Street, she was surrounded by other shops, banks, restaurants, and a movie theatre. Downtown Grayson was, at that time, a bustling place.
“We didn’t have Carol Malone Boulevard then,” Haney said. “We had Main Street and everything you needed was right here.”
Haney’s shop is decorated with photos of children and grandchildren but tucked among the jewelry are photos of the Grayson of yesteryear. Without looking at the labels, Haney can explain exactly what one could buy at Ben Franklin, a dime store, or eat at Brown’s Restaurant. She can remember the movies she saw at the Clark Theatre.
“Every day I am here, I write down things that happen,” Haney said. “I keep it in a notebook so I can go back and tell you just about anything that has happened. Last year on March 18 it was 80 degrees.”
The weather on Monday was rainy and 40 degrees.
Haney said the main change she has seen has to do with the people. Old names have moved on and new people have moved in.
“When people come in for the first time, I know they aren’t from here,” Haney said. “But I just try to help people with whatever they need.”
Haney does some repair work herself in the shop and sends off what she can’t fix herself. Her commitment to helping Carter County people keeps customers coming back.
“The same people are always in and out,” Haney said. “If I can fix a necklace for them or help them find a ring, it makes me feel good. I just like to help them.”
With more than half a century in business, Haney has no plans to retire anytime soon. She would rather work.
“I’ve worked hard like a man on a farm,” Haney said. “This is fun for me. I love to come in and watch what happens in the town and help the people here when I can. Why would I want to sit at the house?”
Haney said she likes to make sure the shop is open whenever someone might want to come in. She is open six days a week.
Haney’s Jewelry is located at 117 East Main Street in Grayson.
Leeann Akers can be reached at lakers@journal-times.com or by phone at 474-5101.
