The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Sixty-eight years isn’t very long for a river or a rock formation to exist; for a family-owned business in downtown Terre Haute, however, it’s almost forever.
We don’t blame Ben Stein for deciding, finally, to sell Rogers Jewelers, the Sixth Street and Wabash Avenue store his father and uncle took over in 1942. Ben spent much of his youth working there and has managed Rogers since Gerald Ford was in the White House and “Rocky” was the No. 1 movie in the nation.
Over the decades, the Steins stayed put while retail business after retail business packed it in or left downtown for the U.S. 41 South commercial corridor. Even in the gloomiest, down-at-the-heels times, before the revitalization of downtown Terre Haute began in earnest, Rogers remained a bright, warm and sparkling spot of life and hope.
Since 1942, countless couples have chosen their engagement rings and wedding bands there. High schoolers have picked out their class rings and I.D. bracelets. Sons and daughters have found just the right anniversary clock or bowl for their parents, and parents the perfect watch or pearl pendent for their child’s college graduation. A lot of joy was generated at Rogers.
We’re cheered to hear that attorneys Mike and Kal Ellis, who bought the historic building from Ben Stein, plan to keep the name and the jewelry business and add a gift shop. In the meantime, we just want to say: Thanks for staying, Ben. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.
