COAL RUN VILLAGE, Ky. — Hefner’s Jewelers, which has been a fixture of Pike County for more than 100 years, has announced it is going out of business.

The family-owned jewelry store first opened its doors 1921, but it might have never done so, if not for a wayward cow. According to a statement released by the business, store founder William “Bill” Hefner was traveling by train to Tennessee, when he was forced to spend the night in Pikeville because a stubborn farm animal was blocking the tracks. As the legend goes, Hefner fell in love with the town and decided to open his business there.

The store has remained in the family ever since, with current owner David Hefner the third generation to operate the establishment.

David Hefner said in the company statement that the decision to close the store was made with “a heavy heart,” but he hopes to share memories with customers who stop in during its final days in business.