There’s a new face in Thomas, and it is the enthusiastic visage of Ranger Jane. Anyone driving up Spruce St. into town is likely to see her smiling face.
Ranger Jane’s is a retail business that is leading the charge to fill many of the buildings on Thomas’ “upper street” and to bring more boon to the town’s growing economy.
First time business partners Jane Browning and Terry Stone decided to open up a store together that aligns their collective strengths. With a retail background, Stone is heading up the business side of the venture. “Jane and I talked about having a business together, and a retail business seemed the logical thing to do,” Stone said.
Browning brings the personality to the business. “Ranger Jane started out years ago when I worked at Blackwater Falls as a campground attendant. You’re given a uniform, of course, and then I added the hat, and people just started calling me Ranger Jane,” Browning said. “People always react positively to the personae.”
“Our tagline is ‘Ranger Jane’s: gifts and games for all ages,'” Browning said. “I’m filling a niche that I never even thought about, games and toys for kids. After we opened, I realized the only competition we have for selling things like toys and games for kids is the dollar store,” Browning said.
“A store that focused on kids’ games and products would appeal to people who live here with small children and travel through here with children,” Stone said.
Browning and Stone also want to connect their merchandise to the playful atmosphere of the surrounding area. “I also want to be a source of information for Tucker County,” Browning said.
Hosting special events, game nights, and contests are on the horizon for the business as well.
Ranger Jane’s rents the space from Cholpon Ata Development, LLC. The newly renovated building has two retail spaces on the ground level and residential spaces above. The space next door to Ranger Jane’s will be filled by another retail business in September.
The building was originally built and owned by the Milkint family who ran a general store in the space.
In the 1960s, the general store closed and the building was sold. Fortunately, the next owner solely used the space for storage, which helped preserve the integrity of the original interior.
The display shelves that once held products in the Milkint family store still line the walls that are now stocked with games for the inquisitive minded.
As the Milkint building is rejuvenated and housed with businesses and residents, plans continue to develop for more retail and residential development on Spruce St.
“I’m excited about it. I feel like I’m on the cusp of the renaissance of the upper street,” Browning said.
Ranger Jane’s is currently open seven days a week, Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
