NOT AN EASY DECISION

Carla Gorenson and Greg Robinson know the impact and understand the legacy of Larsen's Jewelry Store and its 98-year history in Kimball. Carla and Greg are the great-grandchildren of store founder O.C. Larsen. They are emotional and reflective about the end of the 98-year-old business.

This coming Christmas will be the first time in a long time that either Carla or Greg have been able to do much of anything as far as Christmas with their families. Greg said, "It will be difficult because they will be thinking of the silver paper and red bows and what I am not doing."

But on a high note, Greg and Carla encourage people to come in and sign their "signature page." The family brainstormed for ideas and finally decided to put their silver paper on the wall. They ask everyone to come in and sign the "legacy wall." Eventually, they plan to have the legacy wall displayed in the Plains Historical Museum.

Carla accurately described Larsen's as a "cornerstone of Kimball since we have always been here, and the generations of families have been very active in the community. We have donated a lot to the community."

The decision to close the store was not easy, but they had to decide what was best for them. Greg said, "Many variables went into the thought" of closing, and it "took months" of talking and deciding.

Carla shared that as the health of their mother, Karen Robinson, declined, they both independently began to wonder, "What are we going to do?"

As they reflected on the anniversary dates of Larsen's Jewelry Store, Greg said, "She was trying her darnedest" to get the 100 year anniversary of the store.

"That was an unstated goal of hers for a long time, but during the last year it became pretty apparent that we weren't getting there with her at the helm, and I think that is what she really wanted," he said.

Carla reminisced on the 50-year celebration and remembered her mom saying, "Gosh, I hope I live to the 55th anniversary." She did and Karen and her children went on to celebrate Larsen's 90th year in business, and then the 95-year celebration came around.

Greg said, "She was the ever-ready bunny, and even when she didn't want to go she did."

The business was her passion. Neither Greg nor Carla ever remembered her staying home because she didn't feel good, she was always there. She never gave up.

Looking forward, after the sale they have "a lot of stuff" to clean up, shredding to do, and deciding what to keep and what to get rid of.

"Mom kept everything, because you might need it later," Carla said.

Carla will return to Banner County School as a bus driver and a para. Greg will finish the business end of Larsen's and then look at retirement. Greg wanted to assure people that all repairs will get finished and "we will finish all special orders."

In true Larsen fashion, Carla and Greg wanted to sincerely thank their customers from over the years.

"The support that we have had over the 98 years has been unbelievable," Carla said. "Without the customers we wouldn't have anything, and we would like to think that we have been proud of our service and the quality of the product we have had, which has helped to bring the people back. The customers – without them, we are nothing."

Long time customer Deb Taylor from Sidney said, "We used used Larsen's Jewelry for a many number of years. We have bought Christmas presents and birthday presents. I just got all my rings sized.

"This was the store to come to. They were very friendly. Mom and Pop owned, sorry to see them go. We have been customers for a very long time. Their work was always excellent. Awesome people. Really sad to have to see them go."