Vernon Jewelers will mark more than a century of business in downtown Salina with an event Thursday, Sept. 17, highlighting the store’s 142-year history.

The event, titled “The Legacy of 142 Years at Vernon Jewelers in Downtown Salina, KS,” is scheduled for 10 a.m. at 123 N. Santa Fe Ave.

Vernon Jewelers traces its history in Salina to 1884, when the business was established downtown. The store remains family-owned and operated and continues to offer jewelry sales, custom work, repairs and watch services.

The business also has a private historical collection on its mezzanine featuring jewelry, watches, tools of the trade and advertising memorabilia collected over more than 70 years.

According to the company’s history, Richard Roth began working for Vernon Jewelers after World War II and purchased the business in 1974. Gary and Pat Anderson took over in 1996, and the business has since continued into a fourth generation of the family.

Today, Chris Anderson is listed as owner and a third-generation jeweler, while Elizabeth and Eli Anderson are identified by the business as fourth-generation members of the family working in the jewelry trade.

Vernon Jewelers has also been recognized locally, including being named the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2018.

The Sept. 17 event provides an opportunity to look back at one of downtown Salina’s longest-running businesses and its role on Santa Fe Avenue through multiple generations.

Event: The Legacy of 142 Years at Vernon Jewelers
Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: 123 N. Santa Fe Ave., Downtown Salina