Wilkes Jewelers

Founded in 1912 by L.M. Wilkes who was a clockmaker and watchmaker. His daughter, Mabel Wilkes Simpson began at the age of 13 learning the art of watchmaking. The original shop was over the old hardware building beside the telephone operator's office. Mr. Wilkes swept the floors in the hardware to pay for his rent. The current location was built in 1947. Wayne Simpson began working in the store in 1979 and learned the business from his mother and by attending various classes. Peggie Simpson, Wayne's wife, began in 2009. Christopher Simpson began in October 2013 to become the store's fourth generation employee