The Manteca Historical Society’s February program meeting on  Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Manteca Museum, 600 West Yosemite) commencing at 7 p.m. honors Redi-Mark and for being in business for  36 years .

Barbara LaMar, purchased a small rubber stamp business in 1977. This sprang from the need to generate income from a home based business, since her husband Jack was on temporary disability due to major back surgery, she needed to care for her husband. She worked out of their home for three years. In 1981 dad was no longer able to physically do the work that he had been doing for 27 years. The LaMars purchased a copy machine and pantograph engraving machine. They opened a store at 107 N. Maple Ave. Jack ran the store, making copies and engraving name badges, desk plates and signs while Barbara made the stamps at home.

Diane Givens started working for her parents off and on in 1982. By 1983 she was working full time. They moved to a larger location at 123 N. Maple and then, to 143 N. Maple in 1985, where they have been ever since.

In 1986, Jack passed from lung cancer. His son Steve joined the business for a few years. By that time they had expanded into trophies and awards. Steve eventually decided that it was not for him and moved on to other ventures.

In 2000 Diane purchased the business from her mom and encouraged her to semi-retire. In 2005 Diane’s husband Clif retired from his job of 30 years working at a Merced tomato processing plant and joined his wife  at Redi-Mark.