-
Staff Photo by John Rawlston Ruby Pospisil has worked at Fischer Evans Jewelry in downtown Chattanooga for more than 46 years. The business was started in this location 140 years ago by W.F. Fischer and his brother. It is the longest-running Chattanooga business in its original location.
The employees of Fischer Evans Jewelers have helped generations of brides register for weddings, celebrate anniversaries, births and other significant moments in their lives.
The store celebrated its 140th anniversary this month, and owner Becky Glover says it is wonderful to celebrate the store's history. Mrs. Glover and her husband, Howard, represent one of three families that have owned the store.
"It's kind of fun that in 140 years, there have been only three owners," Mrs. Glover said.
Fischer Evans was started in 1869 by brothers W.F. and Lewis Fischer and was later purchased by Carter Evans. The Glovers bought it in 1970 and remodeled the store and added several floors of china, crystal, silver, linens, stationery and gifts.
Over the years, longtime employee Ruby Pospisil has helped many brides and families make their gift registries and celebrate special occasions. Mrs. Pospisil, in her 90s, has worked at the store for 46 years, and said there are just too many stories and events that have happened to remember them all. She has enjoyed seeing the grandchildren of customers from decades ago come back to the store.
"That is one of the reasons I am still here," she said.
Howard and Becky Glover's son Richard has worked at the store on and off since his 20s. Now 37, he recognizes that the jewelry business has always been a part of his life. He said he feels as though Mrs. Pospisil and the store's other longtime employees are family.
"It it truly awesome," he said of the people who have worked at the store for 30 and 40 years.
These days he works as a sales associate and the store's engraver. He said the store's approach to customer service has been the backbone to its longevity. He remembers frequently telling customers who were worried about downtown parking to come by and honk their horns and an employee would run out to them.
"It is really neat to have repeat business because that is how you stay in business for 140 years," he said. "We bend over backwards to get them what they want."
Or login with:
New Account