Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Ah yes, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. I saw many beautiful things when I walked into Oliveto Fine Gifts and Furnishings in Price, Utah.
I was greeted by Helen Smith, the proprietor, who walked me through her beautiful collection of gift items and collectibles in the Main Street store. I saw beautiful items from Lladro, Misaka, Capa de Monte, Armani, Noritake and other items from top name designers and manufacturers. There were also more basic items like Circulon pots and pans and other necessitities that would be coveted by young marrieds for wedding gifts. Helen said that she specializes in a complete bridal registry, exquisite gifts and custom ordered furniture.
Helen told me that she is the second generation to run Oliveto's. Her father Louis and mother Elena started the business on Oct. 12, 1935. Louis had come to this country from Italy in 1904, as a sixteen-year-old. His first store was called "The Rock Store" because it was built with rocks. It was located in Spring Canyon in Sunnyside. Helen gave me a reprint from an advertisement that appeared in the local newspaper, dated 1935, that stressed the store would "provide quality merchandise, honestly priced." That motto is still used by Oliveto's to this day.
The third and fourth generation of Carbon County residents now comes to Helen for their gift and furnishing needs. The bridal registry is very popular in the community and Helen has photographs of recent brides displayed in her front window. I explained to Helen how much I appreciate wedding registries and how they enable gift givers to buy something that is needed and wanted. I remember an old cliché' that says, "People seldom think alike until it comes to buying wedding presents."
Helen does the buying, books, management and selling. Joan Felice, who does the display work throughout the store, very ably assists her.
There is a very comfortable feeling in Oliveto Fine Gifts and Furnishings. Many of those feelings are generated by the gift of the caring personality of Helen Smith.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
