Louise and Kenny got their sales permit in 1968 and began their business as Ellie & Eva Company. The first retail store was on Clay Street and later moved to the current location in 1974. The business on Clay Street sold record albums, ma-jong, Chinese silk jackets and jades. Ellie & Eva Company later moved to 707 and 709 Jackson Street. 707 continues with all the items above except no more music. 709 Jackson became a grocery store selling cookies in tin cans, preserves fruits by the pound from huge glass jars, beef jerky individual wrapped, and soy sauce too. Times were bad after Loma Prieta in 1989, so the business moved in the direction of the trend...709 changed from a grocery store, to a travel agency, back to music store with cassette tapes and CD, to a gift shop/novelty shop. Almost four year ago, it made sense for Kenny to retire. Kenny's youngest son was not ready to retire 709 just yet, so he tried his hand in photo/art for a time before the passion this father and son have for music returned. You will now find instruments such as ukulele, viola, er-hu, guitars, bass and more. Most days you will find Kenny reading the Chinese newspaper or the sports page to follow his favorite team, but that's usually after he finishes tuning a few instruments. We welcome you to come by and just check us out.
