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A treasure deep in the heart of Texas
Article Autor: Josh Tenery
Every jewelry store carries treasure. It’s their stock and trade. But not every store can claim that it is itself a treasure.
Every jewelry store carries treasure. It’s their stock and trade. But not every store can claim that it is itself a treasure. That’s not the case for Roberts Jewelry in Harlingen, Texas. The Texas Historical Commission recently named Roberts Jewelry a Texas Treasure.
The Texas Treasure is an award honoring businesses that have been in operation for over 50 years, and that have contributed to the prosperity of Texas and the growth of the local economy. The award - signed into law by Governor Rick Perry in 2005 - was created by Texas Senate Bill 920 during the 79th Texas Legislative Session. The law stipulates that the Texas Historical Commission will administer the award. On November 9, 2007, Roberts Jewelry became only the twelfth business in Texas History and the first jewelry store to receive the Texas Treasure award. The award was presented by Texas Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. to store owner, Brett Nelson, at a reception held at the store. In addition to the award, Senator Lucio, Jr. also presented Brett and the store with a surprise honor – the Texas state flag that flew at the capitol on July 4, 2007. In addition to customers and friends, Harlingen Mayor, Chris Boswell was also in attendance. During the reception, he proclaimed Nov. 9 to be “Roberts Jewelry Day” in Harlingen. Roberts received the award after Cheryl LaBerge, the Downtown Manager for the city of Harlingen, Texas, submitted the store for consideration. Roberts has been in existence for 85 years - founded in 1922 by R. B. Roberts - and has been a fixture in downtown Harlingen for all of them. R. B. opened the store as both an optometrist and watchmaker. After World War II, he passed the store to his son, Bert Lund, who expanded the business to stock jewelry in the store rather than simply providing pamphlets that customers could order from as his father had done. In 1989, Bert passed the store on to Brett Nelson, his stepson and the current owner. Roberts has continued to thrive where others have failed. At one time as many as ten jewelry stores were in operation in Harlingen. Of those, only Roberts and one other family-owned store remain on Jackson, which has served as Harlingen’s main street for almost 100 years. When many pulled up stakes to relocate to the local mall, Cindy Nelson (Brett’s wife) recalls that Bert encouraged them to stay in downtown Harlingen. They listened. Even were it not for the award that they might not have received had they moved, the decision was a good one. Many of the stores that moved to the mall have since closed. Most jewelry stores are treasures to their owners and long-time customers. As the Texas Treasure award attests, Roberts Jewelry is not just a treasure in the hearts of Harlingen. It is truly a Treasure deep in the heart of ... well, you know. Roberts Jewelry is located at 216 E. Jackson, Harlingen, TX 78550. They can be reached by phone at 956-423-4406. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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