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Louis Beckman

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Louis Beckman

Kendallville, Indiana circa 1863-1891

Louis Beckman is one of five generations of craftsmen who have plied their trade at the full-service jewelry store in Kendallville. The full-jewelry store 150 years in business at its location at 127 S. Main St. Visitors to the store have a chance to learn about the store’s history, tour the jewelry, watch and clock workshops and meet the next generation of craftsmen who are being prepared to carry on the tradition of watchmaking and jewelry expertise that began with Julius Gotsch in 1859. Gotsch became a trained watchmaker in the kingdom of Saxony in Europe. He came to the United States at the age of 19 and set up shop in Fort Wayne. In 1859, Gotsch brought his young apprentice, Louis Beckman, to open a store in Kendallville. Beckman eventually took over the business in 1863. He passed it on to his son, Charles, in 1891. In 1947, R.W. Christianson was brought to Kendallville by another jeweler, Guy Swartzlander. In 1951, R.W. was hired by Charles Beckman. Charles eventually handed the business to R.W. Christianson in 1952. David Christianson took over in 1975. Watches were not manufactured in the U.S. on any sort of scale until 1855.

1863-    1891

Kendallville, Indiana

COMPOSITION: METAL, GLASS
(1) Eyeglasses, 6 inches

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