Eileen Eichhorn vividly recalls her first day on the job at Eichhorn Jewelry, located in the heart of downtown Decatur, as their logo proudly declares. “It was day one of Eichhorn Jewelry, August 5, 1965. I was 14 years old and began working for my dad, John Eichhorn, when the store originally opened. I got paid $20 a week,” she noted.
At the time, John was a certified master watch maker and had worked for local jeweler, Ferris Bower, for 17 years before he decided to branch out on his own. He moved about a block and a half south on Second Street to the current location and purchased the jewelry store operated by Jesse Sutton from 1940-1965. Prior to Sutton’s work, the site was known as Keller Jewelry Store operated by Raymond C. Keller from 1928-1940.
Eileen, the current president and owner, works with two of her sisters, Kate Dyer and Laura Ditto, and nephew, Matt Dyer, who have kept the family business growing and thriving as it now celebrates its 60th year in operation.
“Many businesses, jewelry or not, seldom last 60 years like we have. There have been enlargements and restorations to the building throughout the years, but I feel we have continued to thrive because of our strong emphasis on personal service. Repeat customers and referrals have been a key to success. Our reputation is built on the trust of our customers,” Eileen said…