“After 65 years, economy putting some tarnish on Chupp Jewelers”

After 65 years, economy putting some tarnish on Chupp Jewelers

Posted: 16 Sep 2010 11:09 PM PDT

Martha Chupp of Chupp Jewelers has a great sense of humor. She needs it these days.

"Business has been bad because of the recession," she said.

Chupp's situation is probably indicative of many mom-and-pop businesses that are struggling nationwide.

On Sept. 12, 1946, Leland Chupp opened Chupp Jewelers on Fourth Street, near the Tippecanoe County Courthouse. In 2001, the business moved to its current location at 662 Main St.

Chupp died in May 2008 at 92, and his widow, 73, continues the business.

As Chupp Jewelers starts its 65th year, Martha Chupp admitted that she is worried.

She said many former customers have stopped buying jewelry at her store or they are buying online and then bringing items in for her to appraise.

She said a longtime customer who used to buy a lot of diamond jewelry has decided to start buying online.

Chupp claims much of the jewelry people buy on the Internet is "junk."

"I can show people jewelry," she said. "We also do specialty orders and sell (school) class rings."

Chupp also repairs and makes jewelry, sells watches and batteries for them. A goldsmith is her only employee.

When preschoolers come in, she gives them little beaded bracelets as gifts.

Bryan Jordan and Violet Thompson were checking out engagement rings last week. Chupp showed them many sets and styles.

"We haven't set a date, yet," said Thompson with a smile.

Jordan told Chupp that he would come back.

After Leland Chupp's first wife, Ruth, died in 1980, Martha Swadener went to work at Chupp Jewelers.

Originally from Mishawaka, she was the former owner of a lumber yard in Monticello.

As a high school girl, she worked at Indiana Beach in Monticello selling popcorn and making toffee for $1.20 an hour. She said she met singer Fabian and jazz legend Louie Armstrong at the amusement park.

Armstrong wanted to buy a bag of popcorn.

Chupp said Armstrong asked, "How much do I owe you?"

She replied: "It's free for you, Mr. Armstrong."

On Valentine's Day, 1981, she and Leland Chupp were married in Monticello.

"He was 21 years older than me," she said with a grin.

Loves interacting with people

Chupp said she "loves seeing people." That's what keeps her coming to the store each day.

"I've had people come in and talk about how their spouses are cheating on them," she said. "I just tell them to take a seat."

On the wall is a sign that draws laughs. It reads: "Advice to crew: If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something."

For now, Chupp said she hopes people will come downtown to her jewelry store.

"We have many of the jewelry items on sale at half-price," she said. "I just hope things pick up."

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Engagement Rings

Friday, September 17, 2010