The business was originally Mary's Hallmark located on the corner of Main & Pine. Charlie and Fran purchased the store from Mary in September 1986 and renamed it Chat's Hallmark. Charlie had been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumer in January of that year. After surgery and radiation, he was hopeful, but, Fran later understood that he was planning for her to be self sufficient if he died. He knew Fran loved to sell and had a creative arts background. Charlie passed on in March of 1987.

Fran was on Main and Pine for a little over 5 years, during that time downtown shopping deteriorated, however, Fran was fortunate to have parking on Pine Street. Hallmark suggested for her to relocate to a shopping center. She chose Belle Mill Mall because it had a Luckies and Payless anchor stores. With the move the name was changed to Fran's Hallmark. Luckies left the center and so did Payless. Having a lease and not a better location to move, she stayed.

At Christmas time Fran used the empty suite next to her store as a seasonal Christmas room, having its own door, sales force and register. After a couple years she put in a door to the seasonal room via the existing store. It was difficult for people to see that it was a separate room not a mirror or elusion, so she put double doors in and kept it open year round, as it is now.

Fran's has it all (almost), CARDS for "all" occasions (the computer will print a card if you can't find one to fit the occasion), gift wrap, real ribbon, party supplies, balloons, stationary, albums, wedding and anniversary gifts & supplies, bath & body lotions & products (Calif. Olive Oil), FRESH home made fudge (and you can always have a free sample), and chocolate & truffles from San Francisco.

Fran's Hallmark also has Jelly Bellies from Goletz in Vacaville, novelty candies during special seasons, TY Beannie Babies, Beanie Buddies, Attic Treasures, Classis and Baby TY. To keep it fair and available to ALL the collectors in the area from mountain communities to valley folk, we hold drawings to purchase the new and hard to find pieces. Collectables Inc. Dept.56 Villages, Snowbabies, Snow Bunnies, Duckees and more specialty, Enesco - Presious Moments, Cherished Teddies, Growing up Girls, Mary's Moomoos, Calico Kittens, Mouse Tails, Friends of a Feather - Kim Anderson, Cast Art - Dreamsicles, Slap Stix, Ivy & Innocence, Harmony Knigdom Jest Boxes etc., Jan Hagara - David Fryckman - Eddie walker - Willie Rae - Kurt Adler - Snowtown, Fritz & Floyds - Design Ware and dishes as well as Charming Tails - Firelight oil burning glass candles, Hallmark - Cards, Keddie cars, Spring and Christmas Ornaments, Seasonal Items, Lunch Boxes, Collectables trains, Videos & CD's, Lifton Light Houses, Coke items, Art work of Rick Caen - Byers Choice - Margaret Furlong Home and Garden Decor - Sports - Note holders, Bookends, Candles, Waterfalls, Bird Plate Covers, Fan pulls, Wind Chimes, personal adornment, Pins, Jewelry, Aprons, Checkbook covers, Foods, Coffees, Teas, Salsa, and Books. They also have special sections for Western - Fishing - Golfing - Winnie the Poo - Mary Englebret - Angles - Plush - Puzzles - Star Wars - Cows - Pigs - Sheep - R/W/Blue - Bears - Tea Cups & Pots - plate stands / holders - Display cup boards etc. - Harley Davidson - Dogs & Cats - Rubber Stamps & Supplies - Pens - Stickers and Sports.

Fran's Services:

Gold Crown Card - Mastercard - Visa - Discovery - American Express

Layaway - Special Ordering - Free Gift Wrap

Great Hours & Staff - Free Coffee