by Akos Kovach | GTA Board Member
They saw. They came. They rebuilt. They created – Ray West & Jeanette West
Ray’s Vintage Market and Books, Toys & More by Jeanette became tourist destinations. They were featured in TV documentaries, travel guides, famed for their Roaring 20’s vintage clothing and two of the nicest people to ever inhabit Historic Chase Creek Street.
They were local docents, Jeanette helped open the Clifton Visitor Center, Ray has been a long time member of the Clifton Town Council and that is just a smidge of all the projects and activities this truly dynamic duo has brought to this 150 year old mining community.
The time finally arrived when they closed the doors to their stores recently, and the outpouring of good wishes and positive sentiments from friends and customers alike began on Facebook.
A volume of books could be written about their accomplishments and contributions to the Town of Clifton and to Greenlee County. Hopefully one day soon the first volume will be written, because these two business and community leaders worked tirelessly on bringing visual magic to Clifton. Together with friends they helped create the Colors of Copper Art Show & Wine Tasting Event, helped establish the Business Association of Chase Creek and ensured that an Arizona Office of Tourism Visitor C enter be established.
There is much more to the story of how the West’s moved East, and we shall return with more fun facts as the research unfolds. Until then keep your eyes open – there are still a few surprises this special couple intends to bring to the people in this region.