The Story of Us: Campbell Jewelers

Campbell Jewelers was one of the longest-running businesses in Jasper. Founded by Bryce Campbell in 1933, the business’s original location was next to Weinstein’s on 19th Street in Jasper. 

The product line included clocks by Seth Thomas and Westclox, Fostoria glassware, Bulova and Elgin watches, and Bluebird diamond rings. Campbell’s was also the official watch inspectors for the Southern Railway System. 

In 1960, Bryce Campbell’s grandson, Joby Peters, finished his tour of duty with the U.S. Marines and came to work with the business. 

“My father went to jewelry repair school and watchmaker school,” explains Joby’s son, David Peters, who worked in the family business throughout high school. “He worked there until my great-grandfather passed away of a heart attack in 1972.”

In 1974, a tornado ripped through downtown Jasper and destroyed several buildings, including Campbell Jewelers. The business then relocated across the street in the Tweedy building.

A decade later, the Peters opened a second location inside the Jasper Mall. By 1999, Joby Peters’ was battling cancer and in poor health. “My mother and father ran the business until my father’s illness in 1999,” David says. “My dad passed away in January 2000.” 

To the chagrin of many of its long-time customers, Campbell Jewelers closed its doors after 67 years. 78