For Tim Smith, the former drummer of Winter of ’74, and his partner Victor Newman, one hard journey has ended.
However for both men, as one journey ends, another has been paved right before their eyes.
Smith had an idea to start a fashion store – an idea three years in the making. On Feb. 8, with the help of Victor Newman and various other people, the idea became a reality. The doors of Bettye Jane’s Fashion Exchange are open.
The grand opening of Bettye Jane’s took place on Tuesday, much to the delight of owner Tim Smith. Driving by Bettye Jane’s, it was pretty hard to miss it.
In the gray sky background stood scarlet red walls that made the store stick out like a sore thumb and at the same time showed a deep romantic passion.
Looking around the place, I noticed the many different styles that were present. Imprinted on the wall were different pictures of musicians, actors and artistic pictures. Buddy Holly, Bruce Lee, James Dean and other influences of rock music hung on the wall like gods.
On shelves along the right side were shoes, boots and ties; on the left side, high heels, go-go boots and shoes. A picture of the original Bettye Jane, Smith’s grandmother, hangs above the cashier counter.
Victor Newman was chanting with customers and Tim Smith stood behind the counter, with a big smile, holding up a plate and asking everyone in the store, “Who wants some cookies?”
Bettye Jane’s has something most stores are missing: a kind of hominess. The TV was on, with music soothing the customers, a couch to sit and read magazines or do your homework, and cookies made by Smith’s nieces.
“I want this to not only be a store, but I want it to be a place were people can just hang out and relax,” Smith said.
One way to relax at Bettye Jane’s is The Simpsons. At 6:30 p.m., when Fox plays host to its “Simpsons Hour,” Smith turns the music off and raises the volume on the TV to watch some cartoons.
However, above all these great things about Bettye Jane’s, there is one more factor that makes this store great – they buy your clothes.
If you bring washed and clean clothes to Bettye Jane’s, they will either buy the clothes off you or give you store credit towards a purchase. This could help most college students who need a couple of dollars for some reason or another.
Bettye Jane’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 411 W. Walnut St.
Whether it’s to buy clothes, sell them or hang out and talk to Tim and Victor, Bettye Jane’s doors are open to any and all.
For more information on Bettye Jane’s, you can visit their web site at www.BettyeJanes.com or call the store at 232-Jane (5263).
The journey is rewarding for Smith. “I haven’t smiled this much on five hours of sleep,” he said.

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