News: Spencer History – Jewelry Stores

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Haven, Ducate, Graves, Ingham

Source: Spencer Centennial Book (1874 – 1974)

Mr. A. B. Haven owned and operated the first jewelry store, after having bought the Graves & Son line of jewelry to add to his stock. He employed H. M. Ducate as jeweler and salesman. They also sold Remington sewing machines. After Mr. Ducate acquired the shop, he ran this ad in the Spencer Tribune of August 1, 1884:

"M. H. Ducate is now open for trade with the largest and best assortment of jewelry goods on the Wisconsin Central line - Ladies and Gents jewelry, musical instruments from violin and drums to mouth organs-sheet music and music boxes."

He also advertised that he would do engraving and repair clocks, watches and instruments; he handled the celebrated Rogers Brothers silverware.

Guy S. Ingham was our next and last jeweler. His shop was the present Spencer Beauty Parlor which he had built. While operating the store he served as the area's optometrist. Guy installed in his store a Delco Light, a complete electric light and power plant for farm, store, and home. He was agent for Spencer and the surrounding territory. It should be mentioned that his wife, Julia, helped him operate the store, he discontinued the business in 1925.