Phone: 812-847-9950

Email: fjewelbox@sbcgobal.net

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In 1958, James Francis could not find work when unemployment was extended.  With two children to support, James and Patsy Francis started Francis’ Jewel Box on August 23, 1958.  Their business began in a small room behind the “Grand Theater” building on A Street Northeast in Downtown Linton.  The “little box” was just large enough for a watchmaker’s bench, a 4-foot display case and a wall unit.  At the time, there were seven jewelry stores in Linton and several in the outlaying communities in Greene County.  In October 1959, the Francis’ found it necessary to move to a larger location at 20 East Vincennes Street.  Over the next ten years, the family grew to seven and the jewelry store developed a strong customer base.  In October 1969, they relocated to 165 North Main Street beside the Cine’ Theater.  The foot traffic for movie nights gave the business additional exposure.  In 1995, Francis’ Jewel Box moved into its current location at 145 North Main Street in Downtown Linton.

 

Francis’ Jewel Box sells fine jewelry, sterling and costume jewelry, class rings, and watches.  We also offer gifts including glassware, wedding items, such as cake knives and servers, and baby items, such as rattles and banks.  Francis’ also provides wedding brass candelabra rentals, table linen rentals and men’s formalwear rentals.

 

Francis’ Jewel Box offers repairs of fine jewelry, watches and clocks.  We have in-house ring sizing, chain repairs, watch battery installation and watch band adjustments.   Stone setting, watch crystal replacement, wristwatch, pocket watch and clock repairs are also available from qualified bench persons. 

 

Free engraving, sizing and gift wrapping are available with your purchase from Francis’ Jewel Box.

 

James and Patsy had five children, Karen, Kevin, Kathy, Amy and Krista; “four clerks and a watchmaker”.  The store is now managed by one of the daughters, Kathy Matthews. All the children grew up in the store, though four of them do not have an active part in the current store, they are all here when help is needed.  If a family member walks into the store and things are busy, they will step behind the counter and wait on a customer or answer the phone.  Though James and Patsy are gone, it is obvious their influence still remains in the business.  “Dad’s philosophy was, you are always positive about the community and your business.  People don’t want to be around negative people”, Matthews said.  “Mom remained active in the day-to-day operation until her death in 2000.” 

 

Matthews enjoys managing the family business.  Visions of her father and mother working through “blood, sweat and tears” to make a living for their family, keeps her coming back each day.  It is gratifying to walk down the street and know people by name and them knowing you by name.  Small independent businesses like Francis’ Jewel Box make Linton a strong shopping base for Greene County.

 

 

History of the Store

Jewel Box, Inc.

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