About Us
Peets Jewelers is a family owned and operated business. The founder, H. Olin Peets, opened the doors of Peets Jewelers on Main Street in Massena NY on July 10, 1950. Olin, at the young age of 24 with limited financial resources, a young wife and baby at home, found it necessary to hitch hike back and forth to Pennsylvania to attend school in order to accomplish his dream of owning his own business. His goal was to provide the community of Massena and surrounding areas with quality jewelry at a reasonable price, with a friendly family atmosphere.
With the help of Olin’s long time friend, Lorenzo Jakes “Jake”, he was able to accomplish his dream. Both men dedicated themselves to the business to make it successful, putting in long hours and hard work. Jake worked at Alcoa, and would work at the store on watch repair after his shift at the plant. Olin’s mother Beatrice “Bea” Peets was also a strong force in the success of Peets Jewelers. As would any mother, she was willing to help her son by working at the store for minimal wage to help him accomplish his goals. With the coming of the St. Lawrence Seaway, the town and village of Massena flourished and along with it, Peets Jewelers.
In June of 1964 the business was moved to 56 Main Street, and in May of 1970 due to the need for another expansion the business moved to it’s current address at 10 Phillips Street. In keeping with the family atmosphere, Olin’s children Hugh and Kristine both contributed to the business in different manners. Hugh learned the art of engraving at the early age of 12 and is still currently doing the engraving for the business. Kristine was a dominate force in the sales field, then went on to raise a family of her own.
In 1976 Olin’s son Patrick attended school, with the goal of buying the business from his father and to continue the family business. Patrick worked for his father and ultimately purchased the business from his father in November of 1982.
Patrick’s children, Shannon and Jeramy, are now running the store full time.