This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

"Between the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour."

These words comprise the first stanza of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "The Children's Hour." They also inspired the name of the charming The Children's Hour store in Salt Lake City.

Yes, The Children's Hour is a place where one can pause from the day's occupations to experience childlike enchantment at the fine treasures, clothing and gifts to be found — but it is no longer just a place for children.

Since Diane Etherington opened The Children's Hour in 1984, she has transformed the business from a tiny, 250-square-foot children's bookstore to a destination shop in Salt Lake City's 9th and 9th neighborhood that serves women, men and children.

Diane takes great care in gathering a unique and delightful collection of clothing, shoes, books, jewelry, dolls, toys and gifts. I saw miniature tea sets and hand-sewn baby shoes that would be keepsakes for generations. I also saw timeless toys and collectibles like Madame Alexander dolls, Muffy VanderBear and German-made Steiff toys. There are designer clothes from Free People, Eileen Fisher and other noted labels. Women love the store's original and stylish assortment of shoes, and men love the comfortable Camper shoes.

Over the past 20 years, Diane has enjoyed working in the store with all four of her daughters, and finding just the right item for each customer. With one-of-a-kind merchandise and the extra touches like free gift wrapping, Diane makes sure customers leave The Children's Hour feeling better than when they came in.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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