A Walk Through Time - Campbell Jewelers

Campbell Jewelers was founded in 1933 by Bryce Campbell. The original building was located on 19^thSt. next to Weinstein’s. In its early years, the business featured Bulova and Elgin watches, clocks by Seth Thomas and Westclox, Fostoria glassware, and Bluebird diamond rings. Campbell Jewelers was also the official watch inspectors for the Southern Railway System.After finishing his tour with the Marines in 1960, Bryce Campbell’s grandson, Joby Peters, came to work for the business. “My father went to jewelry repair school and watchmaker school. He worked there until my great-grandfather passed away of a heart attack in 1972,” says Joby’s son, David Peters, who worked in the family business throughout high school.In 1974, the original building was destroyed by a tornado. The business relocated across the street in the Tweedy building. In 1984, the Peters opened a second location inside the Jasper Mall.In 1999, Joby Peters’ health began declining due to his battle with cancer. “My mother and father ran the business until my father’s illness in 1999,” David says. “My dad passed away in January of 2000.” To the chagrin of many of its long-time customers, one of Walker County’s longest-running businesses, Campbell Jewelers, closed its doors after 67 years. 78