NORWICH – What began as a hobby-turned-business for John Skillin in 1921 has withstood the test of time, as Skillin’s Jewelers prepares to celebrate 90 years of business in downtown Norwich.

According to third generation owner Hal Skillin, his grandfather spent 35 years in the watch and clock repair – and jewelry – business, first from a rented storefront at 34 East Main Street and later from its 12 American Avenue location.

In 1956, the elder Skillin – who was self-taught in his trade – retired and sold the store to his son Harold, who had grown up around the family business. Less than two decades later, following his graduation from Ithaca College in 1970, Hal Skillin joined his father, as the business continued to grow and expand its jewelry lines.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Hal Skillin purchased the business after Harold’s retirement in 1974. In 1977, he relocated the business to its current location at 8 South Broad Street, where his father continued to work with him, repairing clocks and watches, for another 20 years.