IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION celebrating 120 years of the Flavin/Browne Irish heritage and community presence in Jackson County.
Intro
RESOLUTION # 16324, June 11, 2007
INTRODUCED BY Theresa A. Garza and Scott Burnett, County Legislators
Body
WHEREAS, the fifth generation of the Flavin/Browne family is marking the 120th year of the family business; and,
WHEREAS, Browne's Irish Market has been recognized by the Irish Trade Board and Enterprise Ireland as North America's oldest Irish business; and,
WHEREAS, in 1887, Ed and Mary Dillon Flavin, both immigrants from Ireland, opened a market in the front of their home at 27th & Jefferson in Kansas City, selling dry goods, eggs, and lace made by relatives in Ireland; and,
WHEREAS, in 1901, Ed and Mary moved "Flavins" store to the corner of 33rd & Pennsylvania and moved their family of eight children to a second floor residence at the same location; and,
WHEREAS, in 1917, the Flavins' daughter, Margaret, married James R. (Jim) Browne, Sr., from Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry Ireland and the Flavins transferred ownership of Flavin Grocery to their daughter, Margaret Flavin-Browne, and her husband, James R. (Jim) Browne; and,
WHEREAS, Margaret raised 11 children while working daily behind the counter at the store as Jim kept the neighborhood alive during the depression by letting people pay what they could; and,
WHEREAS, in 1924, Jim Browne and 6 other men founded Associated Grocers which continues to be a successful national corporation yet today; and,
WHEREAS, in 1957, Jim and Margaret's eldest son, James R. (Bob) Browne, Jr. and wife, Margie, bought the family business; and,
WHEREAS, Bob, a staunch advocate for the preservation of the neighborhood, passed away in 1981 and his interest in the property passed to his widow, Marjorie, who, along with their daughter Kerry Browne of the fourth generation and partner John McClain transformed the business into a full eatery with an expanded Irish gift line; and,
WHEREAS, in 1983, the Landmarks Commission approved a landmark designation of the three buildings of 3302 Pennsylvania, 3300 Pennsylvania and 609/611 W. 33rd Street as "The Flavin/Browne Historic Building Complex;" and,
WHEREAS, in 1987, the Flavin/Browne family celebrated 100 years of successful business and the contributions of four generation were recognized locally and nationally by customers both near and far, sharing fond memories of the Flavin/Browne business and family; and,
WHEREAS, in 2001, a year-long centennial celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the original "Flavins," now known as Browne's Market, was held and the Flavins and Brownes are recognized by the Native Sons; and,
WHEREAS, the success of the Flavin/Browne family business is a testament to the strength of commitment to family and heritage; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, that the Legislature congratulates the Flavin/Browne family and recognizes the Flavin/Browne Historic Building Complex in celebration of 120 years of cultural, aesthetic, and architectural heritage in Jackson County.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________ ______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution 16324 of June 11, 2007 was duly passed on June 11, 2007 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______8________ Nays ______0________
Abstaining _____0______ Absent _____1_______
________________________ _________________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature