Kolstad Jewelers

Soren Kolstad's sons took over the business in 1878, according to Palestine's visitor listing for the family house. P. A. Kolstad and his brother John S. ran the store together until P. A. bought out John's share in 1913. P. A. and his wife, Molly Groth Kolstad, built a two-story house at 1005 North Queen in 1880. P. A. died in 1922. The Norwegian-American Historical Association holds a 1978 booklet issued for the store's 125th anniversary. The visitor listing says the family store operated until 1994, and the building at 100 West Oak is still a jewelry store.

What the plaque says

Kolstad Jewelers Soren Kolstad (1823 - 1918), a skilled artisan and clockmaker, migrated to Texas from his native Norway in 1852. He settled in Palestine, where he opened a jewelry store in 1853. The store has occupied four locations. Mahogany display cases, installed in the third shop in 1916, were transferred to the present site in 1933. Managed by five generations of the Kolstad family, this is believed to be the oldest retail store in continuous operation by its founding family in the state of Texas. Members of the Kolstad family have also been leaders in religious, civic, and educational activities. (1977)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Texas State Railroad Excursion Train — 3.9 mi
  A round trip of about 25 miles of track between the Palestine and Rusk depots through the Piney Woods, on a line built by prison labor and reopened as a tourist railroad in 1976.

More markers nearby

• First Christian Church — steps away
• Eilenberger's Bakery — steps away
• Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II — steps away
• Don Hastings — steps away