Santa Barbara Memories
The Bennett family moved to Santa Barbara and in 1954 Elrine took a job at Ott's Hardware Store on State Street. She became General Charles Ott's executive secretary and "right hand gal". Elrine took great pride in seeing that the store provided the best in service and goods to their patrons. Al worked at Gilchrist's Jewelers on upper State. It was their dream to open their own jewelry store and this goal became a reality in 1977 when they opened Al Bennett, Jeweler, on E Valley Rd in Montecito. A "Mom and Pop" business they worked tirelessly providing the community with the finest in jewelry and watches. Elrine was in charge of the retail side of the business while Al could fix just about anything when it came to fine time pieces and jewelry. They made lasting friendships with many Montecito residents during their years here and were sorely missed when in 1991 they retired and moved to Grass Valley, CA to be near Elrine's relatives.