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 tra...
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