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.
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.