BUSINESS

A-Z Jewelry & Swap was the first licensed pawn shop in Peoria

Matt Dayhoff
Journal Star
Gary Davis, manager of A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop, examines some jewelry brought in by a customer of the longstanding pawn shop in downtown Peoria.
Gary Davis, manager of A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop, examines some jewelry brought in by a customer of the longstanding pawn shop in downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop at 414 SW Adams Street in downtown Peoria.
A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop at 414 SW Adams Street in downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
A vintage autographed bobblehead of the late Peoria Chiefs owner Pete Vonachen, sits in a display case of collectibles at the A-Z Jewelry & Swap shop in downtown Peoria.
A vintage autographed bobblehead of the late Peoria Chiefs owner Pete Vonachen, sits in a display case of collectibles at the A-Z Jewelry & Swap shop in downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
A hodge-podge of bicycles, mantel clocks, musical instruments, knick-knacks and many other used and vintage items can be found at A-Z Jewelry & Swap in downtown Peoria.
A hodge-podge of bicycles, mantel clocks, musical instruments, knick-knacks and many other used and vintage items can be found at A-Z Jewelry & Swap in downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
One of the more unusual items at A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop is this taxidermied ram complete with horns and long hairy coat.
One of the more unusual items at A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop is this taxidermied ram complete with horns and long hairy coat.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
A-Z Jewelry & Swap general manager Gary Davis stands next to rows of speakers, audio equipment and televisions at the longstanding pawn shop in Downtown Peoria.
A-Z Jewelry & Swap general manager Gary Davis stands next to rows of speakers, audio equipment and televisions at the longstanding pawn shop in Downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
Stacks of 45rpm vinyl records sit atop a display case at A-Z Jewelry & Swap in dowtown Peoria.
Stacks of 45rpm vinyl records sit atop a display case at A-Z Jewelry & Swap in dowtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
A line of guitars hang on a display wall at A-Z Jewelry $ Swap Co. in downtown Peoria.
A line of guitars hang on a display wall at A-Z Jewelry $ Swap Co. in downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
A cardboard cutout of actor James Dean leans against a wall at the A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop in downtown Peoria.
A cardboard cutout of actor James Dean leans against a wall at the A-Z Jewelry & Swap Shop in downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR
Sets of two-dollar bills fill part of a display case at the A-Z Jewelry & Swap Co. on Adam's Street in downtown Peoria.
Sets of two-dollar bills fill part of a display case at the A-Z Jewelry & Swap Co. on Adam's Street in downtown Peoria.
MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR