Geneva, Illinois, boasts a rich tapestry of history, and woven into its vibrant downtown is the sparkling story of its jewelry trade. Back in the late 1800s, a leisurely stroll down West State Street would reveal a glittering array of jewelers, each vying for the attention of discerning Genevans. Names like Joseph Bell, A.R. Dow, Charles J. Peterson, and W. R. Smith were synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. What many might not realize is that today’s esteemed State Street Jewelers carries the torch, tracing its lineage back to one of these pioneering establishments.
The remarkable heritage of Geneva’s State Street Jewelers stretches back to 1891. It was then that W. R. Smith, an enterprising jewelry salesman hailing from Harvard, Illinois, decided to plant roots in Geneva. He opened his own jewelry store on the south side of State Street, nestled between Second and Third Streets. Smith’s establishment was more than just a jewelry store; it was a purveyor of fine goods. Alongside exquisite jewelry, customers could find silverware, elegant stationary, sporting equipment, delectable candies, and even tobacco and cigars. Smith also offered expert repair services for watches, clocks, and various novelties, making his store a true hub for the community’s needs and desires.
After an impressive 18 years serving Geneva, the seasoned 77-year-old Mr. Smith decided to retire, passing the baton of his thriving business to John C. Ranbow from Decatur, Illinois. Ranbow ushered in a new era of modernity, revamping the store with a contemporary plate glass storefront. He also refreshed the inventory, introducing a new selection of jewelry, updated showcases, and stylish fixtures. However, in 1920, Ranbow accepted a compelling opportunity in Chicago and chose to sell his Geneva venture. The business then transitioned into the hands of S. R. Knox of Janesville, Wisconsin, and G. S. Bauder and Howard Bauder, both of Geneva. They incorporated the business under the banner of Knox-Bauder Company. These experienced jewelers and skilled repairmen were committed to offering a meticulously curated collection of fine jewelry and timepieces.
By 1926, fate intervened as both Mr. Knox and Mr. Bauder faced health challenges. They made the difficult decision to liquidate their stock through an auction and put the business up for sale. W. A. Britton, formerly a milk retailer from Elgin, stepped in to acquire the company. Recognizing the need for expertise, Britton hired a highly skilled jewelryman, watchmaker, and engraver to ensure the continued quality of service at the Geneva store. Perhaps navigating unfamiliar territory, Britton sold the business within a year to F. J. Kohloff, who brought a decade of experience in jewelry sales and repair from Deerfield, Wisconsin. For a period, Mrs. Kohloff took charge of the Geneva store while her husband expanded their reach by opening another location in the Baker Hotel in St. Charles.
In 1938, the Kohloffs decided to consolidate their efforts on the St. Charles store, leading to the sale of the Geneva business to L. D. Linneman, a watchmaker and jeweler from Elburn. Unfortunately, just three years later, Mr. Linneman’s health declined, forcing him to sell the jewelry store to C. M. Thorp of West Chicago. Thorp was a watchmaking veteran with over twenty years of experience, including a stint at the prestigious Bradley Horological School in Peoria and later specializing as a railroad watch inspector. For the subsequent fourteen years, Thorp Jewelry became a cherished fixture on West State Street, known for its quality and reliability.
The year 1955 marked another turning point as Mr. Thorp, after a long and distinguished career, retired and sold his esteemed business to Robert and John Anderson, lifelong residents of Geneva. The Anderson brothers had been successfully running their own jewelry and repair shop on Third Street since 1952. They seized this opportunity to elevate their presence by moving their operations to Geneva’s bustling main thoroughfare. By 1985, as the brothers approached semi-retirement, they sold Anderson’s State Street Jewelers to local jewelry professionals Donna Zollner and Jeffrey Hampton, ensuring the continuity of local ownership and expertise.
State Street Jewelers maintained its address at 216 West State Street until the year 2000, when the business expanded into more spacious premises next door, reflecting its continued growth and success. In 2013, State Street Jewelers made its latest move to 230 West State Street, following the closure of Merra-Lee Shops. This enduring business remains deeply connected to the Geneva community, actively partnering with non-profit organizations such as the Geneva History Museum, Mutual Ground, and the Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, demonstrating its commitment beyond commerce.
To further celebrate this iconic Geneva institution, the Geneva History Museum recently hosted the “Brown Bag Program ‘Bring Your Bling’,” where State Street Jewelers’ own gemologists generously shared their expertise. Attendees were invited to have a piece of jewelry evaluated, offering a glimpse into the knowledge and service that State Street Jewelers has provided to Geneva for generations. This event underscores the ongoing relationship between State Street Jewelers and the community it has so faithfully served for over a century, cementing its place as a true gem in the heart of Geneva.
