Emeralds Unlimited, Inc.

Emeralds Unlimited, Inc. (1973-1995) was established to provide imported goods from Ireland to promote Irish culture and support Irish American events in the Cleveland, Ohio area. The owners, Joan Dillon Flynn and Dee Keating, who served as vice president, opened the first Irsh import store in Ohio on October 13, 1973 on Old River Road in the Flats called Emerald in the Flats. The company was the first import business to participate in the Irish Cultureal Festival at the Berea Fairgrounds in Cleveland. A second store was opened in Akron by Flynn's son, John Flynn. It ceased operations one year later, when John Flynn moved out of sate. Emeralds Unlimited Inc. imported Irish stone and turf jewelry, sweaters, woolens, crystal, and art work. Bernadette O'Brien, native of Dublin and costume designer for the Cleveland Playhouse handmade "bainin" skirts and purses for the store. Natives of Brooklyn, New York, of Irish parents, Joan Dillon Flynn and her husband Ed moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1958. The company consisted of eight stores, including one in Lakewood and Euclid. The operation ceased in 1995.

From the description of Emeralds Unlimited, Inc. records, 1979-1993. (Rhinelander District Library). WorldCat record id: 769135172

Emeralds Unlimited, Inc. (1973-1995) was established to provide imported goods from Ireland, to promote Irish culture, and support Irish American events in the Cleveland, Ohio area. The owners, Joan Dillon Flynn, and Dee Keating, who served as vice president, opened the first Irish import store in Ohio, which was located in the Flats, on Old River Road, called Emerald in the Flats. Flynn and Keating embarked on this business venture to introduce an authentic Irish store in a geographical area that had been settled by the early Irish immigrants to Cleveland, Ohio. Emerald in the Flats officially opened on October 13, 1973. Emeralds Unlimited Inc. was the first import business to participate in the Irish Cultural Festival at the Berea Fairgrounds in Cleveland. A second store was opened in Akron by Flynn's son, John Flynn. It ceased operations one year later, when John Flynn moved out of state. Emeralds Unlimited Inc. imported Irish stone and turf jewelry, sweaters, woolens, crystal, and art work. Bernadette O'Brien, native of Dublin and costume designer for the Cleveland Play House handmade "bainin" skirts and purses for the store. Natives of Brooklyn, New York, of Irish parents, Joan Dillon Flynn and her husband Ed moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1958. Emeralds Unlimited Inc. in total consisted of eight stores, including one located in Lakewood and another in Euclid. The operation ceased in 1995.

From the guide to the Emeralds Unlimited, Inc. Records, 1979-1993, (Western Reserve Historical Society)