If you stroll down Sutter Street in Folsom’s historic district, you’ll find a stretch of storefronts that have witnessed generations come and go, their facades changing with the times. But for almost half a century, one shop has stood as a steadfast link to the past, its windows aglow with the rich green of jade and the intricate carvings of Asian furniture. Now, as autumn settles in and October’s crisp days fill the air, the House of Jade is preparing to close its doors, marking the end of an era for the Snyder family and the community they’ve served for nearly half a century.
The story of House of Jade began in October 1976, when Ken Snyder and his wife opened the shop in a building that had already lived many lives — a pizza parlor, and before that, a funeral home. Ken, 92, recalls those early days with a mixture of pride and disbelief at how quickly the years have passed.
“Almost five decades. That’s a long time being here,” Ken said. “We’ve seen a lot of changes.”
Back then, Folsom was home to just 7,000 or 8,000 people. Sutter Street was a different place, with a leafy median down the center and old gas lamps lighting the way. “We had four lanes of traffic even with that median going down the middle,” Ken said. “But we modernized. We pushed the sidewalks out 10 feet on each side, which they claimed gave us more parking spaces, but it changed everything. It’s just not the same street.”
The House of Jade quickly became known for its unique offerings — jade jewelry, hand-carved Asian furniture and a sense of authenticity that set it apart from other shops. “This whole counter was full of jade,” Ken remembered. “Pretty much, we specialized in jade jewelry and furniture. Basically, Asian style.”
The business was a family affair from the start. Mark Snyder, Ken’s son, grew up in the store, sweeping floors, cleaning windows and learning the trade from his parents. “I’ve been here thirty-eight years working,” Mark said. “When my parents opened the store, there wasn’t much in Folsom. We just had a good run.”
Mark’s involvement grew over the years, and so did his expertise. He estimates he’s been to Hong Kong forty-nine times, as well as dozens of trips to Korea and Thailand, forging relationships with craftsmen and suppliers who would help fill the store’s shelves. “We’d get a 20-foot container and have it shipped right back here in the alley,” Mark said. “Some people probably think you just order from a catalog, but we actually went to the people who made it.”
The Snyders’ commitment to authenticity meant long hours and hard work, but it also brought rewards — travel, lifelong friendships and a deep connection to their customers. “A lot of people have come through that door,” Ken said. “Lots of people.”
Over the decades, the Snyders watched as Folsom grew from a quiet town into a bustling city. The family business weathered economic downturns, changing tastes and the challenges of running a small shop in the age of big-box retailers and online shopping. “The younger generation’s not into antiques,” Mark said. “Amazon and free shipping — mom-and-pop stores just can’t compete. We can’t sell a piece of furniture now because it costs more to ship it than what we’re selling it for.”
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges. With travel restrictions and supply chain disruptions, sourcing inventory became nearly impossible. “COVID came along, and the communists pretty much took over Hong Kong where we got most of our furniture and jade,” Ken said, referring to political changes that affected their suppliers. “Online buying now that nobody used to do, you know that has had a big impact. Twenty, thirty years ago, people didn’t shop like that. During COVID, we all kind of got used to it. We were buying our toilet paper online.”
Despite these obstacles, the Snyders kept their doors open, thanks in part to loyal customers and the strong relationships they had built. “Ironically, what helped us stay open a little longer was buying back pieces from longtime customers who had passed away,” Mark said. “We bought back all our pieces that they had bought over the years from us, from like thirty years ago. We flew up to Washington, picked stuff out, stayed the night at his house and then drove thirteen hours back and brought it all back.”
The building that houses the store is itself a piece of local history. Before the Snyders purchased it in 1977, it was Bruno’s Pizza. Before that, it was a funeral home — a fact that still raises eyebrows among customers. “People come in and ask, ‘What was this?’ I tell them, ‘A funeral parlor,’ and sometimes they just walk right out,” Mark said with a laugh. “It’s hard to believe what this building has seen, especially if it could just talk.”
Last week, the Snyders received a heartfelt surprise from the community they have served for so long. Judy Collinsworth, executive director of the Folsom Historic District; board member Karen Holmes; members of the district staff; and others made a flash-mob-style visit to the shop to thank the Snyders for their decades of dedication. The celebration included desserts and cupcakes, laughter and memories shared among friends.
Joining the festivities were Jim and Dorothy Cormack, owners of Rainbow Bridge Jewelers next door. The Cormacks, longtime business colleagues and friends, expressed sadness to see their neighbors and fellow small business owners bid farewell to Sutter Street.
“The Snyder family built a unique, successful business here in the heart of the Historic District, ” said Collinsworth. “We wish them all the best in retirement and offer our heartfelt congratulations on 49 remarkable years on Sutter Street.”
Prior to the farewell surprise party, Mark and Ken teamed with the Historic District and Folsom Times to “recreate” the historical photo of the landmark building, complete with era themed costumes. The remake of the photo was presented to the father and son at the farewell gathering for a keepsake.
With Ken’s 92nd birthday behind him and Mark now 60, the Snyders decided it was time to retire. The building was sold four months ago, and the last day for House of Jade is set for Oct. 31. Until then, the family is clearing out the last of the inventory, offering significant discounts — up to 50 percent off — on remaining furniture and fixtures through the end of this week, which will be their last open to the public.
Ken is looking forward to retirement and plans to spend more time fishing. “I’m going fishing,” he said with a smile. “After all these years, I deserve to retire.”
Mark, too, is looking ahead. He plans to stay active in the community, volunteering with Folsom High School’s football chain crew — a role he’s enjoyed for years — and possibly working a few days a week at a local golf course. “I just want to work maybe three days a week, just to keep busy and get outside,” Mark said.
Both father and son say they will miss the store and the community that has supported them for so long. “We’ll miss it, though,” Mark said. “I’m sure the community will miss us too. We’re the longest original owners left on the street.”
For many in Folsom, House of Jade is more than just a shop; it’s a place filled with memories. Customers recall shopping for gifts, admiring the unique furniture and chatting with Ken and Mark about their travels and the history of the items on display. The Snyders’ commitment to quality and personal service set their business apart in a world increasingly dominated by impersonal online retailers.
As the Snyders prepare for their final days on Sutter Street, they are grateful for the support and friendship of their customers. “A lot of people have come through that door,” Ken said. “We’ve been part of this street forever.”
The farewell festivities last week were just one example of the community’s appreciation. “It meant a lot to us,” Mark said of the surprise visit from district leaders, neighbors and friends. “It’s nice to know we made a difference.”
The closing of House of Jade marks the end of a chapter not just for the Snyder family, but for Historic Folsom itself. The shop’s departure leaves a void on Sutter Street, a reminder of the challenges facing small, family-owned businesses in a rapidly changing world. But the Snyders’ legacy will endure — in the pieces of jade and furniture that now grace homes throughout the region, in the memories of the customers they served and in the example they set for what it means to be part of a community.
For nearly 50 years, House of Jade has been a place where history, craftsmanship and family came together. As the lights go out and the doors close for the final time this week, Folsom bids farewell to a business that has long been part of its heart and history.
House of Jade will remain open through util this weekend, offering 40 to 50 percent off remaining furniture and merchandise.
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