J. W. O’Bryan, Jeweler

[richard]

Post your memories of Jack O’Bryan in this Thread.

[nancs]

Some long time ago, I posted info about J. W. O'Bryan, Jeweler, the store being at 425 Washington Street. When the boards were reogranized a while back these posts got lost in the shuffle. Am making a feeble stab at getting it all back on the message boards. This photo is a start.

Nanc



J. W. O'Bryan's jewelry store at 425 Washington Street as most of us would remember in the 1940s, into the 50s.

[nancs]

With extra time not being something that I have much of at the moment, at least time to call my own, I am going to have to relate my thoughts in short segments.

Facts that I do know about O'Bryan's Jewelry Store. My dad, Charlie Stevens, worked for Jack O'Bryan, beginning at age 14, and until our family moved to California in 1952. That would translate: My dad began working in the store as a mail boy in about 1924, with that probably being his freshman year in high school, since he graduated in 1928. And just to further establish ages, I do believe that 'Uncle Jack,' to me, was 20 years older than my dad.

As 'email conversations' occurred over recent times regarding '425 Washington Street' with a message board friend who joined me in doing research this summer, I began 'puzzling' about this 425 location, as somewhere in the back of my mind, as well as part of what the research was revealing, O'Bryan's had to be first at a different location.

Aha!!!! I checked the old Logs I had. In 1927 I found an ad, but NO location mentioned.

In the 1929, Log I found the following ad.




In the 1933 Log, I could establish the 425 Washington Street address.



And now some of the pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fall into place. Another day, will share 'the Washington Street' mystery, not exactly a ghost story, but almost........................and some of this 'questioning' goes back to the eBay postcard of the fire station by the City Hall.

Another day, folks.

Nanc

[nancs]

Perhaps today would be an appropriate moment in time to continue posting some of my memories of J. W. O'Bryan's jewelry store. Happy Halloween!

Looking at the photo of the store, at the back, behind the front retail portion, there was an 'office' area. On back of that----------living quarters for the gentleman that owned the building, and behind that the store room that opened to a small parking lot.

As a very little girl, my mom and I would most often enter the store from that back parking lot, and in the process of getting to the store proper, we would have to walk through 'the living quarters' of Michael Wolf. (It did take some 'doing' to eventually come up with this man's name.) My recollection of this gentleman was that he was a 'grumpy old man' and gave me cause to hide behind my mother's coattails as we walked through. The man would most often be seated in a large arm chair reading a newspaper and he 'might' grumble an 'hello' as you passed by.

In later years, the 'story would unfold,' most often told by my dad, after going to the cowboy movies at the Rio. The area would be quite dark, and the 'tale' was always so spooky. It seems, according to this oral presentation, that Mr. Wolf died, and this fact went unnoticed for a number of days. Oh, my, how I just pictured myself having walked past a dead man!!!!!

In July 2006, I decided that one of the 'stories' that I wanted to confirm was 'the ghost story of Mr. Wolf's passing.' As I relate from the newspaper account, I unfortunately got away from the library and on the way to the airport, and once home realized that my copy of the details of his passing had no date! I do believe that Mr. Wolf passed in the spring of 1941 or 1942, and something I will have to verify on another trip.

According to a lengthy Evening Republican account, Michael Wolf, age 70, born in February 1872, was found dead, the victim of a heart attack, in his living quarters to the rear of O'Bryan's. It was presumed that he had been dead for three to five days, as the newspaper carrier had become suspicious as the papers had been 'collecting' at his door. The version I heard, as a child, the date of his demise was established by the date on the newspaper that he had in his hands when he was found.

Within this newspaper account there is a great deal of Columbus history. Mike Wolf was born on the family homestead which was the location of O'Bryan's. The home was not remodeled into a business until 20 years prior to his passing, which would make it in the early 1920s. However, Mr. Wolf retained a part of the original house as his residence, it was his home and he declined to move. Apparently Mr. Wolf's mother, Elizabeth Koehler Wolf was the city's oldest business woman when she passed in late 1921. Until the property at 425 Washington was remodeled, it remained as a frame dwelling in the heart of the business district. The Wolf living room was, indeed, the retail portion of O'Bryan's.

There are other facts about Michael Wolf that I will add at another time, as he was a most interesting man about town. Additionally, I 'think' that the loft at 423 1/2 Washington was perhaps on the most recent home tour in town.

Nanc

[nancs]

Part Two:

Since Michael Wolf resided at 425 Washington Street and was the landlord for O'Bryan's jewelry store, I will continue information about him within this thread.

Apparently Mr. Wolf never married, but carried the torch for his sweetheart who died. For over 50 years Mr. Wolf would return to an Edinburg cemetery at Christmas and place a wreath on her grave. Christmas was 'his day' and he remembered many poor families, providing them with baskets of groceries. Also on his 'Christmas list' were those to whom he gave 5-pound boxes of candy------The Rev. W. H. Book was one recipient, as well as his last school teacher, Mrs. Charles Beaty. (Am wondering here, if that was the wife of the custodian at Garfield School in the 40s.)

Mr. Wolf was interested in aviation, and allowed the Columbus Aero Club to use his farm east of the city for an airport. According to the article, when the Indiana air tour visited Columbus Mr. Wolf provided favors for all the air-men and women.

By occupation, Michael Wolf was a farmer, with farms on both the east and the west sides of town. It seems that he was rather eccentric in his business dealings. He would purchase all kinds of machinery and just allow it to rust away. Another message board participant made mention to me in a private email that he recalled the Wolf farm in east Columbus, and the collection of machinery that remained within his memory.

Finding this account about Michael Wolf, has only served to prove to me, that there are so many 'untold stories' of Columbus history, literally lurking within each of us. It was so fascinating to me, how one little childhood spooky story, sent me on so many other trends of thought. Just knowing that the Wolf homestead remained on Washington Street until the 1920s, in the heart of the business district, was fascinating. AND perhaps even explained some of the 'background area' that we were seeing in the fire department (by the city hall) postcard on eBay.

Here's to Columbus history, via the 'grass root memories.'

Nanc

[Babs]

Nanc,
Thanks for all the "inside" information on the building and it's owner. The rest of us would never know about all of this if you didn't post it for us to read.

This website is a terrific place for just this very thing to be recorded and how fortunate we are that so many will probe their minds and recall stories such as yours to let the rest of the world take a small stroll down memory lane.

We are lucky indeed that David Sechrest began this site and that now others will begin to post and record their stories for future generations to learn about what life was like for us and living in this great little town of Columbus, Indiana

[nancs]

J. W. O'Bryan, Jack, 'The Irishman,' and 'Uncle Jack' to me.

Not only was Jack O'Bryan my dad's boss, he was the substitute grandfather that I never knew, as both of my grandfathers passed long before I could remember either one of them. I suppose that I was 'expected' to give him some 'title and respect' and 'Mr. O'Bryan' a bit more formal than he wanted and thus, he became my 'Uncle Jack.' Altho' many years later I have run across others who knew him by that same 'title.'

Uncle Jack, besides being a businessman in town, was, indeed, a character. Through my child's eyes, it seemed that he literally knew everyone on Washington Street. Always greeting people with a big smile and ready to have a good laugh with them.

He always seemed ready for some kind of prank or joke. Come March 17th he 'lived up' to the nickname of 'The Irishman.' That was 'his day.' He celebrated the day with great enthusiasm. I have included an undated account of one St. Patrick's Day.

From a 1959 Evening Republican

Nanc

[David Sechrest]

Nanc, your posts about Michael Wolf were wonderful reading, and you tell the "story" so well! You are, indeed, a gifted writer...

While reading your posts about Mr. Wolf's occupation being that of farmer, and the mention of a farm located in East Columbus, I wondered if, by some chance, Wolf Street, the most southern street running the one block between Center and Cherry, might have been named because of him. Back before all the development on the south side there, that entire area (south of the railroad tracks in East Columbus) was nothing but farmland. I could be way off base here, as I don't know where Mr. Wolf's farm was located, but it did cross my mind...

We drive by so many of our city streets each day, and don't even ponder why they're named what they are. Caldwell Street is pretty self-explanatory, at least for those of us who remember the Caldwell mansion on 25th Street.

Someone once told me that Grand Street was named thus, because of the view of the Ruddick-Nugent home, and I really have no reason to doubt this.

Anyway, I sit here wondering if it's at all possible that Wolf Street was named after the gentleman you wrote about...

[RER]

"Michael Wolf A Butcher During The Year 1868... Location Washington Street"

Courthouse records indicate that there was a Michael Wolf the Butcher. I wonder if he was related to the Michael Wolf you are talking about here. Maybe the street is named after the Wolf family because of the long history. Interesting anyway !


Bob

[nancs]

From Bob,

"Michael Wolf A Butcher Durning The Year 1868... Location Washington Street"

Courthouse records indicate that there was a Michael Wolf the Butcher. I wonder if he was related to the Michael Wolf you are talking about here. Maybe the street is named after the Wolf family because of the long history. Interesting anyway !

In answer to your statements, according to the article in the newspaper, his father was 'Michael Wolf,' so that might be a safe guess. Some of the directories at the library go way back and might be a source for further investigation and perhaps verification. I was sort of 'wondering' what Michael Wolf's mother's occupation was, guess all of this waits for another jaunt to Columbus. My, my, the list just grows!!!!

David, on the street name-----Wolf-----I pawn that question and observation off on Richard and George, as I think they have some recollections along those lines, as to the location of the Wolf farm in East Columbus.

On other street names-----there off of 7th Street, to the south, near Garland Brook, there is a 'Smith Street and a Webber Street.' It is my 'understanding' that area was the 'Smith Addition' and those two streets named after my great grandfather, S. Webber Smith.

Oh, how one thing leads to another, and all so fascinating.

Nanc

[David Sechrest]

Sorry about the incorrect location of Wolf Street. Wolf Street is a block north from South Street (which I initially thought was Wolf). Wolf runs from Cherry to Mapleton, and is two blocks in length.

[richard]

Nancs, David and all. I found the following during a trip to the Library on September 6, 2006. Just to refresh all, 425 Washington Street was the second address of the J. W. O’Bryan Jewelry Store and had a Michael Wolf residing in the rear area.

The Library has a few old Columbus Directories and the Charles E. Merson’s Columbus Directory of 1882-1883 of 425 Washington Street lists John Ringgenberg Meat Markets and J. E. Burnett Lunch Room at the same address. This book also lists an Elizabeth Wolf, widow of Michael as living at 720 Fifth Street.

The 1908-1909 book lists an E. Wolf Meat Market, res do, at 425 Washington Street. I assume that res, is the directory abbreviation for residence.

The 1910-1911 book 425 Washington as Elizabeth (widow Michael) as prop E. Wolf Meat Market. It also listed Michael as living in the rear and his occupation was listed as a farmer.

The 1915-1916 book lists Elizabeth Wolf at 425 Washington Street and Frank Borgman as living in the rear.

The 1919-1921 book only lists Elizabeth Wolf at 425 Washington Street.

A 1925-1926 book listing has Barbara Wolf, Millner and Michael Wolf living back in the rear.

The 1929-1930 book listing for 425 Washington Street lists (Vacant.) Nancy was surprised at this, as she understood that her dad started working at J. W. O’Bryan before 1930. She checked the 1928 Log and the ad in that Log says that J. W. O’Bryan was located at 417 Fourth Street!

The 1938-1939 Directory lists, J. W. O’Bryan at 425 Washington.

I believe that I/we found that Michael Wolf owned land/farms west and east of Columbus. George lived in East Columbus in the late 30's or early 40's. One of Michael Wolf’s farms was in the area of Oak Street to the east and Wallace Avenue on the south and McKinley Avenue on the north. He can recall seeing farming equipment stored in the area along Oak Street.

David, what are we seven or eight blocks from Wolf Street? I think some of us need to do some investigating to see if we can find a plot map from that time.

[richard]

Ad with J. W. O’Bryan located at 417 Fourth Street from a 1928 Log.

[nancs]

Richard, you are awesome!!!!! What a Sherlock in our midst!!!! We will get it altogether eventually!!!!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!

On to what I wanted to post!!!!

In elaborating on the J. W. O'Bryan jewelry store. Think an appropriate place would be to continue following the passing of Michael Wolf. At some point not too long after that, Mr. Wolf's 'quarters' were taken over by the store and remodeled to accomodate the watch and clock repair department. For a fact I am certain that there were three watchmakers and maybe a fourth. I do believe that Norval Fischvogt got his start in the trade at O'Bryan's before he eventually opened his own store in town. Remember, this was a time long before 'disposable watches' of today, and people regularly had their fine time pieces cleaned and repaired. Clocks were also repaired, and the watchmakers rotated to cover that part of the repair department, each taking a turn at repairing the clocks. My dad worked in that department, as a watchmaker, and he also did the hand engraving and much of the jewelry repair. Hand engraving, now, has almost become a lost art. Additionally, he worked the front in sales, and did much of the ordering, ran the store when Uncle Jack would go off on a trip, as well as, being responsible for the window displays.

The store itself, carried not only watches, rings and the like, but several lines of fine china and sterling flatware, as well as Rosewood pottery. Additionally, they carried a line of Sheaffer pens. Know that at one point in time my dad put in a Sheaffer pen display in the front windows. That I think was part of some promotion by the pen company. It seems to me, in looking at the photo of this window display, Sheaffer Pen Company 'provided the billboard advertising' and it was up to the merchant to put it into a display. If you note you will see a model train, as well as some toy cars incorporated in the window display. It sort of stands in the back of my mind that my dad got the train from Nagel's to use in the display, as I 'think' they/Nagel's did have toys for sale. I have absolutely no recollection if my dad's entry into the 'Sheaffer Pen' contest bore any 'fruit.'

One little side issue------------do you remember the time, long before ball point pens, and pens as we know them today, were filled from bottles of ink, and within the bottle was a small 'well' in which to dip your pen as you refilled it? Wonder what one of 'those little puppies' would bring on eBay?

The front windows of the store were always filled with examples of the wares offered within. Perhaps the most memorable part of these displays was the period of time that the store 'rented' moveable displays to feature in the window. One that I particularly recall was 'Santa's workshop' which was delightfully animated. These displays were changed each month, and you could always tell when a new one was in, as the 'window shoppers' on Washington Street would be lined up several deep to get a peek at the new arrival.

Foot traffic on Washington Street was plentiful. Thus the displayed items would remain in the windows well after the store would be closed for the evening. It was my dad's 'evening job' to return to the store to remove the most valuable items and put them in the safe.

As I searched through old photos, and bless my mom for saving so much, I found a window display for Westclox's as well. No date accompanied either of the photos that I have included.

Nanc

[Babs]

Nanc,
What memories of a fine downtown business. You can include me in that line of people pressed up close to view all the "lovely" displays in O'Bryan Jewelry. It was one of my favorite places to stop and look in the windows.

Remember the days when people just went downtown, even after the stores closed, to "window shop"? Anyhow thats what
we called it and what a fun time it was to see all the new displays.

I miss that we don't have a thriving downtown like we had when I was a kid. Now if you venture to the downtown area after dark most likely you will be pretty much alone on the sidewalks. I suppose this is the mark of progress and the fact that shopping centers are now located in the outlying areas. Sometimes what we call progress is not for the best in all instances.

Interesting that you included your dad's evening ritual of having to remove the window displays. I would say most people didn't realize this was happening.

Thanks again for some "warm, fuzzy memories" of growing up in Columbus. :-)

[Babs]

I had a second thought here. Does anyone know when O'Bryan's closed their doors? I'm fairly sure it was open into
the 60's because when Don was in Viet Nam I had a ring made
for him at this store and sent it to him overseas. That would've
been in 1967 and I'm positive the store was still O'Bryan's.

Just curious.

[Ricky_Berkey]

This is from the Bartholomew County Archives. Michael Wolf is buried in city Cemetery

WOLF, MICHAEL
PFEIFER & BROCKMAN ADDITION - 1873 LOT 171
1872 - 1942 (BURIAL APRIL 24)

nancs said:

I just pictured myself having walked past a dead man!!!!!

In July 2006, I decided that one of the 'stories' that I wanted to confirm was 'the ghost story of Mr. Wolf's passing.' As I relate from the newspaper account, I unfortunately got away from the library and on the way to the airport, and once home realized that my copy of the details of his passing had no date! I do believe that Mr. Wolf passed in the spring of 1941 or 1942, and something I will have to verify on another trip.

[Ricky_Berkey]

From the Batholomew County Archives:
buried in City Cemetery

WOLF, MICHAEL - the Father
PFEIFER & BROCKMAN ADDITION - 1873 LOT 171 (FATHER)
1824 - 1881

WOLF, MICHAEL - the Son (Nanc's spooky memory )
PFEIFER & BROCKMAN ADDITION - 1873 LOT 171 1872 - 1942 (BURIAL APRIL 24)

nancs said:

From Bob,

"Michael Wolf A Butcher Durning The Year 1868... Location Washington Street"

Courthouse records indicate that there was a Michael Wolf the Butcher. I wonder if he was related to the Michael Wolf you are talking about here. Maybe the street is named after the Wolf family because of the long history. Interesting anyway !

[nancs]

Thanks mucho, Ricky, for clarifying. I know that at one time I had that info on 'a computer,' like the antique one, and the info didn't manage to make it over to the new one. Really appreciate.

And interestingly, the newspaper article says that burial was at Garland Brook, which I did question, as I recalled what you have posted.

Much appreciated.

Nanc

[nancs]

In 2006, I attempted to take photos of the places that I held dear in my memory. Sometimes one way streets interferred with my attempts, sometimes too much traffic twarted my efforts, and in this case.............................a painter at work hampered the photo that I really wanted. AND sometimes just the camera in the hands of a poor photographer!!!!

This is a 2006 look at 425 Washington Street, a painter is hard at work.

Ricky, this would be a great spot to 'explain' about that 'black front' on the one building. I know you imparted some really interesting info on it back in July at the celebration. Thanks.

Thanks Richard, for adding a great photo of 425, and apparently the reason that painter was hard at work in July.



This next photo is my rather poor effort to capture the back view of 425 Washington Street. To the left would be the old dime store building, the alley, the building on to the north with the 'black' front, the next, I believe the back of the old Gause Cafe when it was on Washington Street, and the green building 'should be' the back of 425. In my memory, 425 had a covered porch area in the back with a door to the 'then store room,' rather than as it is now, closed in. Think that it is rather interesting tho', to note the chimney on the one building, and 'do you suppose' that which might have remained from when some of these Washington Street buildings were first homes???

And this, a much improved version of the back of the building. Thanks, Richard.



Nanc