Rooted in Resilience (1885–1927)
The year was 1885. The Civil War was a recent memory, the flag had only 38 stars, and Thomas Edison was just beginning to electrify the world. Amidst this era of change, Nels P. Nelson assumed proprietorship of a jewelry store in Forest City, Iowa.
Built on long hours and a reputation for quality, the store quickly became a local staple. Residents frequently stopped by to synchronize their own timepieces with the beautiful walnut jeweler’s regulator clock—N.P. Nelson’s pride and joy.
- The Fire of 1915: On a freezing January morning, fire swept through the building. In a dramatic rescue, the massive regulator clock was rushed out onto the sidewalk to safety! Undeterred, Nels rebuilt a new brick and stone store shortly after.
- A Family Torch Passed: After Nels passed in 1916, his sons Leo and Paul continued the Forest City legacy. But another son, Ralph H. Nelson, had his eyes set on the west.
A New Chapter in Spencer (1928–1945)
In 1928, Ralph H. Nelson landed in Spencer, Iowa, purchasing the former Howe Brothers jewelry store on Grand Avenue. He established the new firm just in time to weather the Great Depression.
- The Move of 1931: Following the great Spencer fire, the store moved three doors north to 403 Grand Avenue. Ralph’s ability to build a new home during the Depression stood as a testament to his industry and business acumen.
- The War Years: During WWII, inventory was scarce—family records show that one year, only two Gruen watches were shipped to the store! The business pivoted to repair, keeping the community’s watches ticking until peacetime returned. Many wartime engagements were sealed with Nelson diamonds just before grooms shipped out to serve.
Building for the Future (1946–2000s)
Ralph’s son, R. Tom Nelson, followed in his father's footsteps after serving in the Korean conflict. The business continued to grow, leading to another move in 1975 to our current location at 409 Grand Avenue.
- The Move of 1975: R.T. Nelson and partner Tom Otis rolled the giant, thousand-pound safe right up the sidewalk to its new home! They remodeled the space with custom cherry woodwork that still defines our showroom today.
- The Fire of 1977: Disaster struck again when a propane torch regulator failed, engulfing the store in flames. Miraculously, the safe door was closed just in time. The family spent long hours sifting through ashes to recover gold and stones, and with the help of the community, Nelson Jewelry rebuilt stronger than ever.
The Legend Continues (Today)
In 1989, the fourth generation took the helm when Tom R. Nelson joined the family business. An innovative businessman with a deep love for Spencer, Tom has carried the Nelson tradition into the 21st century.
In 2014, the store underwent an extensive remodel to update the interior while carefully preserving the handcrafted cherry fittings of the past. And standing watch over it all is N.P. Nelson’s original 11-foot-tall walnut regulator clock—a survivor of two fires and a century of change. The legend on its door remains our promise to you today:
"Accuracy is our watchword."
The staff of Nelson Jewelry are standing by, ready to assist in any capacity. We extend a heartfelt invitation to help us celebrate our past and build a successful future!
