Blochers Jewelers
Paul W. Blocher opened Blocher Jewelers and Silversmiths in the 600 block of Lawrence Avenue in the summer of 1907. The shop moved to 314 Sixth Street for a number of years before settling in at the location most of us are familiar with at 507 Lawrence Avenue in 1947.
For a little over sixty years, Blochers was a staple of downtown Ellwood City before moving to a larger location in the Franklin Township Plaza. We have heard from a number of people that remember the unique black marble front and how it just seemed to “class up” the area. So many Ellwoodians have a tie to Blochers either through engagement rings, wedding gifts, anniversary gifts, Christmas gifts and so on. When someone mentions Blochers, it seems that everyone is inclined to give an inventory of the important items they purchased there through the years.
Paul’s daughter Ruth took over the business her father started in 1938. The Ellwood City’s Centennial Queen’s daughter Rikki continued the business until 1999 when her daughter Mary took over and became the fourth generation to carry on the family business.
I remember how expensive it looked. That black marble front was exquisite and made it stand out from all the other stores. Peronally, I was only in it a few times when my mom bought a wedding gift for my dad’s barber shop clients. We were invited to a lot of weddings. I remember how “pretty” everything was. As a kid, I couldn’t afford anything, but it was pretty. That photo of inside the store is how I remember it. Very special store.
My memories of Blocher’s was seeing them polishing the silver every time I walked by the store – they sure kept it all shining. Ruth Blocher Rearic’s husband, Norm, was the best man at my mom and dad’s wedding in Oct. 10, 1938.
Blocher’s was awasome I remember the wonderful Sterling silver lamps on the glass counters, Also remember at Christmas they would nave several pine trees up on the Balconey and had all blue lights it was nice… I was really sad to see that the building was empety when i was in Ellwood on the 4th of July this year
I remember when in second grade we collected money to buy our homeroom teacher (Miss/Mrs Rodgers) a Christmas present. All classes did that, as I recall. We collected oh prabably 10 or 15 cents from everyone and when all money was collected downtown we went for this present. Well, we went into Blocher’s. How great is that, we had to have all of about 3 or, at the most, 4 dollars to spend. As I recall the person who talked to us was very nice and understanding, but informed us that there really wasn’t anything we could buy in there.
I wasn’t alone that day, but who I was with, where we went after leaving Blocher’s or what we bought for our teacher is lost in my memory. My hope is that someone who was with me, visits this site, remembers this story and has the answers to where we went and what we bought that wonderful Christmas Season in, what I figure was, 1953. Heck, the lady at Blocher’s could have come up with something, because I don’t really remember, but I don’t think so.
Anyways, I find this story pretty cute about a few second graders and a wonderful store known as, Blocher’s.
Danny you’ll be glad Blocher’s building isn’t empty any more, Helen that had the Tux rental shop is in there now. She moved there a couple weeks ago. Blocher’s have a real nice store in Franklin Plaza.