Rose Jewelers Financial Records

Collection

Identifier: MSS 169

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of financial records of a retail jewelry business in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The journals are daybooks, showing the daily income and expenses of the business including sales. Other journals are cash journals and are intended to show the financial condition of the business. Lacking are the account hournals and ledgers showing more specifically clientele accounts and sources of merchandise. One folder contains a few letters from an unknown woman to Walter Rose.

Dates

1893-1902

Creator

Rose Jewelers (Organization)

Access to Materials

Materials in this collection are available for patron use.

Historical Note

George B. Rose, founder of Rose Jewelers, was born in Nordhausen, Germany, October 30, 1830. At the age of 21, he came to America and established himself at Poughkeepsie, New York. The westward movement was a challenge for him, and so he followed the rail lines “as far west as possible” to La Crosse, Wisconsin. He established his jewelry business on the north side of Pearl Street in the town’s business center in June 1856. His brother Louis joined him in business in August 1857. In 1881, the business was moved to 310 Main Street. After 79 years of operating at this location, the business again moved in 1960 to 111 5th Avenue South. The most recent move was in 1989 to the corner of 5th and Main Street where Steve Rose, along with his sons Jon, Jordan and daughter Heidi continue the family tradition.

Extent

0.8 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Financial records of a La Crosse, Wisconsin, based jewelry store, founded by German immigrant George B. Rose in 1856. Rose Jewelers continues today (2017) still owned by Rose descendants. The journals, consisting of daybooks and cash books, show the clientele to be a veritble "who's who" of the middle to upper class families in La Crosse.