Re: Information Regarding Simons, Bro. & Co.
Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 4:48 am
Simons Bros. Co., Philadelphia, Gold Thimble Manufacturers, Celebrate 100th Anniversary
PHILADELPHIA—It is probably not too great a speculation to say that almost every adult American has at some time in his life seen a Simons thimble, for the manufacturing jewelry firm of Simons Bros. Co., at 269 S. 9th St., this year marks its 100th anniversary, and throughout the years the thimble has been its principal manufacture.
While the thimble has been the staple item of manufacturing since 1839 when George W. Simons began making them in gold and silver, the firm has always kept pace with the demands of the day. It is interesting to note that in Civil War days the firm had as one of its specialties the manufacture of fine presentation swords.
Gold pencils and gold-headed canes were also a big part of the business in the early days. Later were added lines of gems, silverware, watches and optical goods, and in 1863 the firm occupied the old Jones Hotel, which for a long time had been the leading and most fashionable hotel of the city, and made its place a bazaar where jewelers could do all their buying.
It was about this time that Peter B. Simons, who had become a partner with his brother in 1853, retired from the firm, and the founder installed his four sons, John F., George W., Jr., Frederick M. and Edwin S. Simons as partners.
At the time of Frederick Simons’ death, March, 1935, his daughter, Lillian Lesley Simons, entered the business. Today Miss Simons and the able staff associated with Mr. Simons for many years, are carrying on the business. The present employes have service records ranging from ten to 51 years, and in several cases they are of the third generation to have served at the same bench.
In addition to thimbles the firm today makes identification bracelets, charms and solid gold chain and link necklaces and bracelets.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular-Keystone - March 1939
Trev.
PHILADELPHIA—It is probably not too great a speculation to say that almost every adult American has at some time in his life seen a Simons thimble, for the manufacturing jewelry firm of Simons Bros. Co., at 269 S. 9th St., this year marks its 100th anniversary, and throughout the years the thimble has been its principal manufacture.
While the thimble has been the staple item of manufacturing since 1839 when George W. Simons began making them in gold and silver, the firm has always kept pace with the demands of the day. It is interesting to note that in Civil War days the firm had as one of its specialties the manufacture of fine presentation swords.
Gold pencils and gold-headed canes were also a big part of the business in the early days. Later were added lines of gems, silverware, watches and optical goods, and in 1863 the firm occupied the old Jones Hotel, which for a long time had been the leading and most fashionable hotel of the city, and made its place a bazaar where jewelers could do all their buying.
It was about this time that Peter B. Simons, who had become a partner with his brother in 1853, retired from the firm, and the founder installed his four sons, John F., George W., Jr., Frederick M. and Edwin S. Simons as partners.
At the time of Frederick Simons’ death, March, 1935, his daughter, Lillian Lesley Simons, entered the business. Today Miss Simons and the able staff associated with Mr. Simons for many years, are carrying on the business. The present employes have service records ranging from ten to 51 years, and in several cases they are of the third generation to have served at the same bench.
In addition to thimbles the firm today makes identification bracelets, charms and solid gold chain and link necklaces and bracelets.
Source: The Jewelers' Circular-Keystone - March 1939
Trev.
