The Unique History of Elmquist Jewelers In November 1869, brothers Peter Johan and David Elmquist emigrated to the United States from Kronoberg County, Smaland in Sweden, according to family genealogy records. The original United States citizenship papers for eldest Peter reveal that they arrived in Quebec, Canada around May of 1869.   In 1870, their United States citizenship papers were officially signed in Dunn County, Wisconsin, an event that would mark the beginning of a new enterprise in a new country and surviving over a century.

Born to the family of Johan Marcus Elmquist, an organ manufactory operator, David Elmquist was the fourth son in a family of six children. His career began as a jeweler’s apprentice under the supervision of brother, Peter. By 1872, David would become a journeyman and together Peter and David would run a jewelry store in Minneapolis.

Ida Hultgren While living in Minneapolis, David met his wife Ida Hultgren. Ida was also from Sweden and the two would eventually marry in 1875. Soon after the marriage, David would move his family to Litchfield, MN, where he would own and operate a jewelry store. After trying his fortune in Litchfield, David would decide once again to relocate and move to one of two towns, Bemidji or Willmar, MN, and, from there, one could use an old cliché by saying “THE REST IS HISTORY.

1902 - David Elmquist In 1902, David Elmquist opened a jewelry store in the first of what would eventually become four store locations in Willmar. On Benson Avenue, Elmquist Jewelers would remain until 1928, occupying two stores at different times over a 26-year period. Then in 1929, David’s son Oscar would move the store to the Lakeland Hotel Building for the next 37 years. By 1967, Don Elmquist, Oscar’s son would move one door down to 411 West Litchfield Avenue, the store’s fourth location. Downtown Willmar has been the home to Elmquist Jewelers for over a century.

1915 - Oscar Elmquist Oscar Elmquist took over the family-owned business in 1915, one year prior to the passing of his father, David. Oscar would operate the business into the late 1950s. I recall a recent conversation I had with Oscar’s daughter, Avis, who grew up watching the inside of the family business. She described her father as a hard worker and talked about how diligent he was with his daily work routine, which consisted of “walking to the store very early every morning and working until 5:30 every evening. Oscar would return home to the family residence on West Third Street and stay just long enough to have supper with the family and then walked back to the store to finish up in the back room on various work orders or repairs until 9:00 or so at night.”

2014 marks another incredible milestone in the journey of Elmquist Jewelers, with the building of their new store at 101 28th Ave. SE in Willmar. The staff at Elmquist is sad to leave their beloved downtown location, but is excited to begin the adventure of the next 112-plus years with more parking!   Even though the store location will change, the Elmquist tradition will continue to live and thrive today as we strive to be the destination "Where Your Best Memories Ever Begin!"