Mayor Proclaims "Paramount Jewelers' Day" in Maplewood

In 1950, Sam Scott walked through downtown Maplewood and happened upon a small jewelry store. He had just left a larger jewelry store, and decided to buy a ring from the smaller one, .

More than 60 years later, the Maplewood business completed a ring for Scott's 30-year-old granddaughter. It's that kind of family tradition that proprietor Paul Buenger celebrated during a party at the store on Thursday. Scott was recognized in front of a crowd of 50 for being the store's longest-running customer.

Mayor James White also proclaimed August 25, 2011, as , noting the store's iconic neon sign and its dedication to downtown Maplewood during the good times and bad.

, president of the , also presented Buenger with a glass plaque.

"I can't thank you enough," Buenger said. He credited the city and its residents for the store's success over the years.

Community celebrations are scheduled later in the year, with monthly drawings for select gifts of jewelry in October, November and December.