Runyan’s celebrates 70th anniversary

A historic business that continues to thrive in downtown Camas will soon celebrate its 70th anniversary.

An open house will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Runyan’s Jewelers, 327 N.E. Fourth Ave. Refreshments will include homemade toffee.

There will be a “meet and greet” with Paul and Barbara Runyan from 1 to 3 p.m. They are former owners of Runyan’s Jewelers, and they were involved in store operations from 1969 to 1997.

Their daughter, Debbie Runyan-Parker and her husband, Arthur Parker, have owned the store since 1997. She started in the business, wrapping gifts in the basement when she was 10 years old.

Runyan-Parker, 56, started working on the Runyan’s showroom floor at the age of 12.

She is the great-granddaughter of company founder Leonard Runyan. He opened a store in Vancouver in 1917.

Leonard’s oldest son Emerson and wife Lola opened the store in Camas 29 years later.

Runyan-Parker said generations of her family are a tough act to follow.

“They’re very respected in the community,” she said. “I was taught that we treat everyone with respect, as equals and provide great customer service.

“Times have changed, and I am staying up-to-date with technology and current repair equipment,” Runyan-Parker added.

In addition to selling engagement and wedding rings, Runyan’s has diamond and gemstone jewelry, pearls, watches, gifts and medical alert bracelets. Clock and watch cleaning and service, jewelry repair and engraving are available.

Questions can be directed to 834-2992 or runyansjewelerscamas@icloud.com. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/runyansjewelers.