Posted 13 years ago
OTTOXONNOX
(1 item)
Olsen & Ebann was a Mid-west jewelry store chain based in Chicago, IL from the early 1900's to approximately 1970's. This sign is from the Anderson, IN store which closed in the early '60's. It is approximately 29" X 12" X 1/2 " and weighs 26.5 pounds and is believed to be brass.
Would love help identifying this piece and its value.
Don't know the value but my grandfather (Carl K. Ebann) was one of the original owners. He died in 1927 or 1928 I believe. I knew that there were about 15 or so store locations in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and perhaps Iowa.
Olsen & Ebann was owned by my Great Uncle Clarence Olsen & my grandfather Arthur L. Olsen. I believe they opened the store in 1908. It was sold in the 1970's to Zales..who are now all over the Midwest. I remember as a child sitting in the window of their Chicago store at 209 S. State Street with my cousin Kathy watching the Santa Claus parade. I would love to have this sign...What happy memories. My Dad, Robert L. Olsen & my Grandfather, Art would walk to Bergoff's Restaurant for lunch along with Sam's place which was located on Jackson Blvd...I still have jewel boxes with their name inscribed inside.
My mother worked at the Anderson, Indiana store for many years until it's closing in the early 1960's. While in high school, I worked there after school and on Saturdays as a clean-up, wash windows, pickup & send mail, un-pack boxes person. My main job was to keep the entry and outside display area spotless which included daily polishing the brass sign. Please feel free to email me and we can discuss my memories further. I can be reached at BOBWOLFFNC@GMAIL.COM
Wow! Small World! The internet can be pure magic sometimes.
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