This ongoing series from Barrie Historical Archive curator Deb Exel shows old photos from the collection and one from the present day, as well as the story behind them.
Williams Jewelers – 66 Dunlop St. W.
The jewelry business was a bit of a Williams family thing.
Edward Hodgson Williams opened his jewelry, silverware, fine china and watch shop at 44 Dunlop St. W. in 1879.
Williams launched his business advertising pure gold wedding rings: plain, chased or set in diamonds and always in stock.
E.H. Williams Jewelers sold watches, clocks, jewelry of the latest designs and the best makes. Repairing and cleaning was done on short notice as well.
By 1910, Williams, referred to as Barrie’s favourite jeweler, was still carrying out practical watch and clock repairs and all work was warranted. E.H. Williams, the jeweler, does script engraving of artistic design on any article purchased at his leading store. No extra charge.
But that’s not all! If you are bent on getting married, you need a license. E.H. Williams, Dunlop Street, has them for sale. All business treated confidentially.
Interestingly, apparently the best fishing tackle for speckled trout and bass was also available at E.H. Williams!
Edward, a Welshman, watchmaker and a Methodist, had seven children with his wife, Letitia Alexander. They had five girls — Margaret, Letitia, Lilly, Mable and Pearly — and two boys, named Edward Jr. and Ernest.
Ernest Alexander Williams became a jeweler like his father. He lived at 66 Dunlop St. W., formerly Elizabeth Street, for 25 years and 6 months, and owned his store for 21 years.
Many will remember this building as the first Sam the Record Man location, L.A. Submarine and The North Restaurant, which later moved to the historic Bennett/Rayner home right behind the Williams jewelry store.
