A Downtown Diamond: 5 Generations of E. Newcomer and Son

When Nappanee was platted  at the end of 1874 the B & O railroad had been completed and train service to the area had just commenced. By the end of the first year there were at least fifty dwellings, storehouses and factories: perhaps as many as 100 people.  The rapid growth of Nappanee included a flurry of  commercial activity.  Within the first half dozen years Nappanee had claimed stores and businesses that sold all that a modern village would need including: dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots, shoes, notions, drugs, implements. With a confectionery, blacksmiths, makers of harnesses, furniture, bricks and wagons. As well as restaurants, saloons, hotel, doctors and dentists.  These  businesses have all come and gone, with one exception, E. Newcomer & Son Jewelers  is still in business today, making it not only Nappanee’s oldest business but also the oldest family owned jewelry store in the state of Indiana, and  the oldest continuously operated business in Indiana,



Like many early residents of Nappanee, Enos Newcomer, moved from Locke.  Born in Ohio. His parents moved to the village of Southwest in Elkhart County for the fertile farmlands. Enos, a carpenter, who was newly married, opened the business in 1880. The first store was located near the Northeast corner of Main and Market. It is rumored that Enos Newcomer started the store when he thought $8.00 was too high a price to pay for a watch. Enos lost his entire beginning inventory to burglars. Despite a rough start, the business grew. Enos’ son John  joined the business in 1902, John Newcomer was also an optician who repaired glasses. He also became an expert at watch repair.

The business was moved in the 1930s to it’s current location at 107 South Main street.  John’s son, Reed Newcomer took ownership until his sudden passing when he was just 38 years old.  Reed was known for carrying a stash of diamonds in his vest pocket.  Reed added sewing machines and thimbles into store specialties.  James (Jim) Newcomer, Reed’s brother and only living son of John, became their successor in 1953. Jim ran the business which sold not only jewelry, watches and clocks but also carried a variety of stemware, silver, housewares, and gifts.  
Through the years each Newcomer owner has added a certain flair to their legacy.  Jim served as mayor of Nappanee from 1972—1975. His wife Margaret took ownership of the store until 1980 followed by their son Brad, the current owner.  Brad has a degree in horology and is a trained watch maker and jeweler.
Although business has changed over the years; demand for skilled fine jewelry repair and design has not waned.  E. Newcomer & Son takes pride in the jewelry they sell.  Another family trait that has been passed down through the generations and is well known to our community is a big jovial laugh.  This and their quality craftsmanship is what has kept Newcomer’s in business through 5 generations.  Although downtown Nappanee has seen many businesses come and go over the years,  Newcomer’s has remained.