Longtime jewelry store is closing

WALLA WALLA – Martin’s Jewelers of Walla Walla, is closing after 133 years in business. The family-owned business started in 1889 when Charles Martin set up a small watchman’s bench inside a pharmacy. He later opened a jewelry store of his own on West Main Street. He filled the shelves with cut glass items and clocks, and he lined the glass cases with jewelry and pocket watches. His wife, Hazel, worked by his side in the store.

Together, Charles and Hazel Martin kept the business alive through the hard times brought on by the Depression. The store changed location several times before settling in at its current location at 18 East Main Street.

Port Martin, Charles’ son, learned the jewelry trade working with his father in the 1930’s and 1940’s. He earned $3.00 a week, including room and board. He remembers playing in the back rooms as a child, and his father telling him, “You’re going to be a jeweler.”

Port sold the business to his daughter and son-in-law Paul and Mary Eagon when he retired in 1982.  Soon to join them was Paul’s brother Rich Eagon.  Paul and Rich have since retired and Martin’s Jewelers is now owned by Charles’ great granddaughter Erin Mason, who is a graduate gemologist. She has carried on the watch repairing tradition that started it all, which has been passed down through the generations.

Martin’s Jewelers has not set a firm closing date, but depending on inventory levels, the business will probably be open until Christmas.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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