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The end of this era isn’t the final chapter

  • jfitts0
  • Sep 22, 2022
  • 8 min read
The Little Silver Shop will transition to online sales

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

A young Richard Parker works on the bench at The Little Silver Shop in Old Avon Village. Parker died last year at age 84 and the store was slated to close its physical doors late last month. However, its run is not over as onlines sales will continue.

This isn’t the end for the Little Silver Shop, but certainly many will miss that fanciful garage-turned storefront/workshop in Old Avon Village that for six decades served as “world headquarters” for sales of the button bracelet and other pieces of handmade jewelry.

“It was 61 Years ago that Richard E. Parker opened the Little Silver Shop in Avon, CT. From this quaint Little Shop (previously a garage) came some very BIG designs – the most famous of all…the “Button Bracelet,” Richard’s son Robert posted on social media in late August in announcing that the storefront would close but the business would continue online. “Through the years, family and friends from near and far would visit the store and take home some sparkling treasures, or as Richard had tag-lined an “Heirloom of Tomorrow.”

Sadly, Richard Parker passed away last December but there’s no doubt that his legacy lives on, not only through the countless pieces of jewelry and the ones the business will continue to sell via the Internet, but also through stories and memories.

Many recall those distinctive features for which Mr. Parker was so well known. His obit acknowledges he could be a curmudgeon but many remember endearing qualities like the Dickies and blue button-down shirts, classic Cadillacs, impeccably trimmed rosebushes and the keen interest in his surroundings that earned him the title of “Mayor of Old Avon Village.”

Mr. Parker grew up in Plainville, but it was during his high-school years at Vermont Academy that he became interested in “rock hounding.”

“It was a science teacher who had a geology class that took them out for field trips to do that sort of thing and that led to polishing the stones – tumbling them and polishing them and thinking about what he might do with them,” said Mr. Parker’s wife, Jeannie (Thompson) Parker.

Interested in dentistry, Mr. Parker went on to Tufts University and there took a class in jewelry making and silversmithing through what is currently known as the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.

The class did more than the ease the academic burden for a pre-med student.

“That class become the seed for his future work at the silver shop,” Jeannie Parker said.

Mr. Parker served in the U.S. Army reserves and after graduating, worked as an insurance claims adjuster and then as a salesman for a pharmaceutical company, where he covered much of The Green Mountain State.

Seen outside The Little Silver Shop in the 1970s are – from left: Richard Parker, Elin Larsen and Douglas Thompson. Larsen, a family friend, and Thompson, Parker’s brother in law and assistant silversmith, were long-time employees at the business. The roses seen behind them were another key aspect of the store and a source of pride for Mr. Parker. “He loved the rosebushes,” said his son Robert. “There were rosebushes planted all around the shop – even into his last decade there. He was all about taking pictures of the rosebushes. They would just take over the building.”  

While in Vermont, he also played duplicate bridge and his fellow players learned of his jewelry-making hobby and subsequently purchased some pieces.

“They bought from him and it kind of piqued his curiosity of maybe doing more with it,” Jeannie Parker said.

Disillusioned with some aspects of his then career, Mr. Parker learned of a small garage for rent in Old Avon Village.

He opened The Little Silver Shop in 1961 and, fortunately, it took off. It also brought him Jeannie, who went into the shop in the spring or summer of 1965 to have a piece re-sized. She initially declined Mr. Parker’s invitation for a date – as she had a boyfriend at the time – but it eventually worked out and the couple was married in 1966.

And while their family and the business grew, the 122 square-foot area designated for retail sales in the shop never did.

Fortunately the workshop space – just 48 square feet in the back of the building – did.

As the business grew, Mr. Parker had as many as two silversmiths working alongside of him in that space.

“Picture the elves at Christmas,” Jeannie Parker said. “Really, the hammers were just flying back there hour after hour. I don’t know how they stood it.” Fortunately, in 1973, work commenced on an 8- by 12-foot addition to the side of the building, giving the silversmiths room to breathe.

The business employed several silversmiths over the years, but some became staples. Jeannie’s brother Douglas Thompson served as assistant silversmith from circa 1970 through about 1995. Thomas Parker, son of Richard and Jeannie, took over that role from roughly the mid 1990s to the mid 2000s, when he went on to open his own shop in Great Barrington.

Before leaving the business, Thomas Parker trained Chris Mathein, who has stayed on as silversmith and will continue creating jewelry for the Little Silver Shop’s online sales.

Over the years, the business employed countless “sales girls” as well, some of whom also stayed for many years.

Elin Larsen, who lived near the family, started on Thanksgiving weekend in 1974 and worked in some capacity at the store for approximately 15 years, leading the sales team for some of that time.

She started at a busy time and she remembers holiday periods with as many as 6 colleagues selling in that tiny space.

“There’d be a line out the door and we kept going from the time it opened to the time it closed,” she said.

But quiet times at the Little Silver Shop didn’t translate to idleness. Mr. Parker expected people to keep busy.

“He taught me a lot. He was the best boss I ever had, only because he taught me such good work habits,” she said. “There was no sitting around in that store. There might be three of us in there on a summer day with nothing to do, so we did what we did over and over - but he taught me great work habits and it stayed with me forever.”

Larsen was even entrusted to pruning the roses that surrounded the shop and fondly remembers some of those trademark cars Mr. Parker was known to drive, including a Buick Riviera.

Richard Parker’s passion for Old Avon Village and its upkeep led to this honorary mayor title.

“The Riviera was a car around town that everyone knew,” she said. “It was a classic and he was so proud of it. They made him the mayor of Old Avon Village, which he was also very proud of.”

The family estimates that designation came at least 17 years ago.

“It was a surprise; they installed it out there without him knowing,” Jeannie Parker said. “It was a wonderful gesture by Ann August who, at that time, owned the village.”

“He kind of got that title because he’d always walk around in the morning with his cup of coffee and talk to everybody and catch up on the gossip and news,” said Robert Parker.

He’d also keep his eye out for aspects of the village that needed work. “He was always about making the village look nice,” Jeannie Parker said.

He may have worked hard to keep things nice and continually update and add new designs but, in many ways, Mr. Parker was a creature of habit. For decades, he wore the same leather apron, finally giving it up when it became so dirty that his clothe

were getting tarnished.

He also had those distinctive cars, clothes and hairstyle.

“He always wore his hairstyle the same from the 50s right straight through, with a whiffle in the front,” Jeannie Parker said.

But there’s no doubt that the button bracelet is Mr. Parker’s legacy. His designs were numerous but that has remained the best-selling one. Numerous variations exist but that original bracelet with its wavy silver and simple, yet imminently functional button clasp remained the favorite.

His family estimates that it was just four or five years into the business that he began making them, drawing inspiration from historical hook bracelets found in many cultures.

It’s sold so far and wide and has become highly recognizable.

“It’s interesting that you see people and they will recognize the button bracelet and say ‘I know exactly where you got that,’” said Paul Henault of Simsbury.

Henault’s family has been shopping at the Little Silver Shop for decades – his wife Terry as far back as the 1970s.

Notably, when the couple relocated temporarily to San Francisco, they would still run across people who recognized Mr. Parker’s handiwork.

They are far from alone with that story. Sometimes it’s those sporting the bracelets that are shocked when someone from the Farmington Valley knows from whence it came.

Over the years, people have also taken and shared photos of the bracelets in exotic locales that have included small Italian Villages, the Eiffel Tower and on Kenyan safari.

Many years ago, Mr. Parker received a U.S. Map at Christmas – so he could mark sightings with push-pins. A world map soon followed and in recent history, social media has made it even easier for people to share their photos – and stories of bracelets, the shop and Mr Parker.


Chris Mathein has been at the Little Silver Shop for more than 15 years and will continue creating jewelry for online sales. Here he heats silver to approximately 1,600 degrees and shapes it into a button that will be used for a bracelet.  

“It’s amazing to me that it just keeps going – and that the young kids would want something or wear something that their mother or grandmother wore but the designs are almost timeless,” Robert Parker said. “They’re not elaborate. They just kind of seem to span the space of time.”

Mr. Parker stopped working at the shop in March of 2020 when it closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As fate would have it, he would have soon stopped due to declining health.

Since then, however Robert Parker has stepped in, traveling frequently from his home in Sarasota, Florida, keeping the business going and launching online sales. His dad was known for his old-school system of paperwork, hand-drawn designs and pricing in ledger journals, and even a book that included past purchases for frequent customers – a feature that got more than a few significant others out of a jam for an anniversary or birthday.

Robert has brought back some of his dad’s designs, such as a mushroom pendant and bracelet that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s and have become so again. He’s also found nautical themed designs of the past have been a hit at farmers markets in Sarasota.

The decision to close the shop in Avon was a difficult one and Robert Parker is keenly aware that people will miss the ability to come in, try something on – or pick up that very last-minute gift.

“It’s tough because I know that people come to look and try on and you don’t get that experience online,” he said.

Since the announcement was posted on social media, the store has been extremely busy. Some customers mistakenly thought they would no longer be able to purchase the jewelry.

Also, in the last several weeks, Robert Parker has been overwhelmed – in a good way – with stories and memories of experiences, family stories and so much more.

“I had a woman come in last week and say ‘I just had to come in and look one last time at the shop - take it all in,’” he said.

The late Richard Parker meticulously documented every aspect of the business – the old fashioned way – on paper. Legend has it that there was even a book documenting the past purchases of long-time customers – helping friends and significant others with their last-minute gift ideas.

While there is much to do in transferring the way the business operates, Robert Parker has received a personal gift in the last several months.

Unlike his brother, Robert Parker, who is in the private mortgage lending business, went a different career direction than his father.

“It’s been an awesome experience for me because I always did my own thing and was involved in my own businesses and dad did his thing,” he said. “The last year and a half has really given me an appreciation for it,” he said. “Dad committed essentially his whole working life to crafting jewelry for the community.”

The last official day to shop at the Avon store is Sept. 29.

Robert is also hoping to schedule some pop-events in the future in and near the Farmington Valley to give people the chance to at least occasionally come once again to shop the designs in person and share their experiences.

“I’m open to seeing what direction we can go,” Robert Parker said. “My goal is to keep dad’s designs out there and keep his legacy alive.”


The Little Silver shop can be found at http://www.littlesilvershop.com/

Updates can also be found via https://www.facebook.com/Littlesilvershop1



Amanda Scherzer, Alison Reno Leeds, and Richard Parker celebrate a birthday at the shop.
The Little Silver Shop prior to the 8- by 12-foot addition built in 1973 included just 48 square feet of workshop space. Below: The addition, seen in progress and as finished, added some breathing room for silversmiths.  




Robert Parker helps Sheryl Roche of Avon with a button bracelet, which wasn’t the first one she purchased from the shop. “He has so many jewels and gems and gifts that you can buy for people,” she said. “It’s going to sorely missed as a little shop but I’m excited to have it still be online.  


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Valley Happenings

Fit for a Lifetime races

Fit for a Lifetime Choose Your Race to benefit a sports program for individuals with a disability. March 29, starting at 8 a.m. Farmington River Trail, 350 Collinsville Road, Unionville. Several races, fees vary. https://fitforalifetime.itsyourrace.com/

Earth Day celebration

Flamig Farm, 7 Shingle Mill Road, is having their annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26 from 9 to 5 p.m. (rain date April 27) with discounted admission of $5 per person (under 2 is free). 860-658-5070 or www.Flamingfarm.com

Tunxis Senior Citizens meeting

Tunxis Senior Citizens Association’s monthly meeting, featuring Bunny Bingo. Monday April 8. Community Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville. Meeting at 1:30 with introduction, followed by six games of Bingo and then refreshments. $1 for admission and $3 per pack of papers. $20 gift certificates to local grocery stores will be awarded to bingo winners. Call the  860-675-4770 to learn about membership.

April at Hill-Stead Museum

• Art of Shearing, Sunday, April 6-10 a.m., Sheep Shearing, fiber artists, vendors, free hayrides. $20 carload.

• On view through April 27, visit The Arethusa Collection From Italian Renaissance to Contemporary British Art to see the private collection of Tony Yurgaitis, owner of Arethusa Farm.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

Garden club event

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a presentation on “Floral Mechanics:  Past, Present, Future for Eco-Friendly Floral Designs.” Tuesday, April 8, 11 a.m. at 40 Dyer Avenue. Open to the public. $5 guest fee for non-club members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

The SpongeBob Musical

Favarh Players presents The SpongeBob Musical, April 4, 5 at 7 pm; April 6 at 1 p.m. at Northwest Catholic School, 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford. Cost: $15 per person. Tickets: favarh.org/theater

2025 Walker’s Cup: Honoring Women in International Showjumping

The Ethel Walker School invites the community to the Second Walker’s Cup on Sunday, April 13, a day of friendly equestrian competition and celebration. This year’s event highlights the achievements of U.S. women in international showjumping and honors the female athletes who have paved the way. Opening ceremony begins at 9:15 a.m., followed by a warm-up round and two rounds of competition. A closing ceremony and victory gallop conclude the day at 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Ken Whelihan at kwhelihan@ethelwalker.org.

Community Breakfast w/Easter Bunnny

AVON – Community Breakfast with the Easter Bunny & Egg Hunt, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road. Details, times at avonmumc.org, 860-673-2111.

Author Luncheon in Avon
AVON – The Friends of the Avon Free Public Library present New York Times honored author, J. Courtney Sullivan, on Friday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Farmington Polo Club located at 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington. Tickets are $50 per person. Download an Author Luncheon Reservation form at  https://www.avonctlibrary.info/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/new-Author-Luncheon-2025-Reservation-form-2-9-25-1.pdf.

 

At the Farmington Libraries

The following programs are offered by The Farmington Libraries. Except where noted, programs take place at the main library, 6 Monteith Drive. Register for programs at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Cake Candle Decorating! Thursday, April 3 at 6 p.m. 12 and up Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• History of Beauty & Cosmetics - Thursday, April 10 at 1 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

• Paths to Autistic Empowerment. Presenter Jeremy Farrell encourages attendees to think critically about the benefits of open communication and self-advocacy for their lives and the lives of those around them. Thursday, April 17 at 6 p.m. Register at www.farmingtonlibraries.org.

 

Canton Community Health Fund

CANTON – Canton Community Health Fund, Inc.Community Partner grants/ Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship and Pay It Forward Scholarships for graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety. www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.

Word Art at Gallery on the Green

CANTON  – Gallery on the Green’s Word Art, plus Solo Shows by Renée and Patrick Hughes and Peggy Stosz, takes place through Saturday, April 19. In “Word Art” visual artists create a work of art that is inspired by prose or poetry, while writers create new work in response to visual art. On Saturday, April 5 from 7 to 10 p.m. authors will read aloud. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. http://www.galleryonthegreen.org or call  860-693-4102

Easter Bunny at Westfarms

FARMINGTON – At Westfarms the Easter Bunny will greet visitors in Bunnyville – a three-dimensional town for kids to explore through April 19. Located on the shopping center’s lower level in the Center Court, Bunnyville features many places to visit. For more information or to make a reservation at https://shopwestfarms.com/

Welcoming Hummingbirds

AVON – The Garden Club of Avon presents Welcoming Hummingbirds to your Yard and Garden with Catie Resor on Monday, April 21 at the Church of St. Ann, Father Bennett Hall, 289 Arch Road. Guests are welcome for a light lunch at 12 p.m. with the presentation starting at 1 p.m.  Reservations are required, the guest fee is $15 payable at the door with cash or check. Spots must be reserved by April 15 by emailing thegardenclubofavon@gmail.com.

All For Girls Summer Academy

Providing a summer of academic discovery, The Ethel Walker School’s All For Girls Summer Academy is where curiosity meets exploration and fun. Our vibrant in-person program for grades 5-8 is an immersive learning experience on campus, while grades 9 and 10 connect and collaborate in online spaces. Learn more, register at www.ethelwalker.org/summer.

Program on Stress and Disease

SIMSBURY – Stress and Disease with Dr. Wendy Hurwitz takes place Wednesday, April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. To register, call 860-658-7663 or visit: https://simsbury.librarycalendar.com/event/rescheduled-stress-disease-w-dr-wendy-hurwitz-54826

Friends of the Simsbury Public
Library Spring Author Luncheon

SIMSBURY – The Friends of the Simsbury Public Library will hold it 2025 Annual Author Luncheon on Tuesday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Hop Meadow Country Club in Simsbury. This year’s featured author is critically-acclaimed author Claire Messud, who will discuss her latest award-winning historical novel, This Strange Eventful History. Cost is $38 per person.  Please RSVP by April 8. Seating cannot be guaranteed. Sorry no refunds. Register on-line at www.simsburylibrary.info or pick up a reservation form at the library’s reference desk, or call 860-658-7663.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Road, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

National Day of Prayer event

AVON – There will be a National Day of Prayer Event held at Carmon Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, Thursday, May 1 from 8 to 9 a.m. The theme this year is “Pour out to the God of Hope and Be Filled” from Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Tag, Bake sale

CANTON – The North Canton United Methodist Church, 3 Case St. North Canton, will hold a tag and bake sale April 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Early birds 8 a.m., $10 entry. Free after 9 a.m.

Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League

FARMINGTON – Tunxis Ladies 9-Hole Golf League. Thursday mornings at Tunxis County Club starting in May. Visit https://www.tunxisgolf.com/ or call 860- 202-0957 or email jco13142@gmail.com

Old school house open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Those interested being a Sunday: info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

Send May listings to
jfitts@turleyct.com by April 7

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