By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Local landmark Sally Lane’s Candy Farm will be making a move to downtown Paris. And in so doing, it will come full circle.
Sally Lane’s Candy Farm was opened 1958 years ago in the pink house on Hwy. 79 N. by Sally Lane Jones. Sally Lane’s now will be operated by the owners of Jack Jones’ Flowers and Gifts, which is another local landmark. And Sally Lane was the stepmother of Jack Jones. See how it all fits together?
Sally Lane’s is known for its wide assortment of homemade candy, from the signature pink and green mints to bark, fudge, peanut brittle, white chocolate popcorn, specialty treats and a variety of gift items.
The most recent owners of Sally Lane’s, Shelby Freeman and Pam Freeman Rockwell, made the announcement over the weekend. They purchased the Candy Farm in 2006 and returned it to the original pink house on the Lake Highway, along with operating out of their homeplace on Gum Springs Rd. Before the Freeman family owned it, Sally Lane’s was operated for several years by Jerry and Jean Peterson.
Rockwell said the time was right for the sale, with Shelby Freeman turning 83 in December, with the second generation having other jobs and the third generation of the family growing up.
Rockwell also noted that when the state closed the Paris Landing Inn, it affected their business more than most people would imagine.
“It will be such a wonderful thing for Sally Lane’s to be downtown,” she said. Jack Jones’ Owners Ronnie and Cathy Robbins “got in touch with us and within a week it was a done deal! Tradition is important to all four of us and we will do anything we can do to help them get started right.”
Sally Lane’s will now be located at 112 N. Market St., a few doors down the block from Jack Jones Flowers & Gifts at 118 N. Market St.
Cathy Robbins said Ronnie will head up the Sally Lane’s operation and will be in training with Shelby Freeman at the Gum Springs candy house for awhile. Until the new shop is ready, Sally Lane’s candy will still be sold out of the Gum Springs location.
Rockwell noted that Sally Lane’s will have the same phone number at 731 642 5801.
Robbins said Christmas orders already are being taken for the famous Sally Lane’s pink and green mints and other specialties.
“This year has been full of surprises and this is the icing on the cake,” she said.
From left, Shelby Freeman, Cathy Robbins and Pam Freeman Rockwell celebrate. (Photo courtesy of Pam Rockwell).