My family has a long history in the jewelry business.  Cornwell Jewelers is America's oldest jewelry store owned by the same family, in the some location. In 1831, John Cornwell arrived in Athens, Ohio to attend Ohio University. John opened his jewelry shop in 1832 in the upstairs of Ten South Court Street.

With fortunes being made in the California Gold Rush, John locked his door in 1852 and headed west. No one is certain if John struck gold, but in 1856 he returned to Athens and reopened his shop. Cornwell Jewelers has not been closed since.

The second generation of the family to operate the business was D.C. Cornwell, who moved the store to the main level of the building in 1869. Cornwell Jewelers has remained in this space since 1869. Charles A. Cornwell became the third generation to run the store. Everyone knew Charlie, my great, great uncle, for he was often found sitting at his bench, eye loupe in place.

My Pa, Walter Cornwell, took over in 1948. Pa worked at several places in downtown Athens before taking over the store. Old timers remember him operating his snack bar called "Corny's Corn Crib" in the Berry Hotel on North Court Street.

CORNWELL JEWELRY STORE (left) 1914 or 1915