Kolstad Jewelers
Palestine, Anderson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Soren Kolstad (1823 - 1918), a skilled artisan and clockmaker, migrated to Texas from his native Norway in 1852. He settled in Palestine, where he opened a jewelry store in 1853. The store has occupied four locations. Mahogany display cases, installed in the third shop in 1916, were transferred to the present site in 1933. Managed by five generations of the Kolstad family, this is believed to be the oldest retail store in continuous operation by its founding family in the state of Texas. Members of the Kolstad family have also been leaders in religious, civic, and educational activities. (1977)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Soren Kolstad, a skilled clockmaker born in Norway in 1823, emigrated to Texas in 1852 and opened a jewelry store in Palestine the following year. Passed down through five generations of his family, the shop is believed to be the oldest retail business in Texas still run by its founding family. Its mahogany display cases, installed in 1916, moved with the store to its present home in 1933.
Why it matters
Kolstad Jewelers is a rare thread of unbroken family enterprise stretching back to the Republic era, and a reminder of the Scandinavian immigrants who helped settle Texas.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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