CAIRO- The John Lee of Nansemond Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames Seventeenth Century, placed a bronze plaque on Bishop’s Jewelry, 138 South Broad Street, Cairo, Georgia, in commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the family ownership of the jewelry store. It is the successor to Sanders Jewelers, established in 1897, making the building 126 years old.
In 1948, Bill and Evelyn Bishop purchased the store. Later that year, Ralph, Bill’s brother, joined the firm. Ralph specialized in jewelry repair and watchmaking and Bill and Evelyn in jewelry sales. In 1999, Mark Bishop, son of Ralph, purchased the store which is one of the mainstays of the downtown historic district.
Kathy S. Mills, Vice President and Marking Chair of the chapter, served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Mark Bishop, store owner, gave the history of Bishop’s with special emphasis on the changes in the jewelry business, accolades to his staff, and the community of Cairo. Bishop said of his employees, “They are not employees, they are family!” Marilyn W. Joyner gave a tribute to the store and its owners.
A very special guest was welcomed to the marking ceremony. Phyllis H. King, 45th President of the Georgia Society, National Society Colonial Dames Seventeenth Century, was in attendance. She gave a message outlining her projects, which are to donate books on Colonial History to libraries, to mark historic sites in Georgia, to donate money and items to Veterans’ organizations, and to increase membership. She also shared with the group the qualifications necessary to become a member of the National Society, Colonial Dames Seventeenth Century. President King has served the State Society as historian, chaplain, 2nd vice president, and 1st vice president and has been a member of the Thomas Wingfield Chapter since 2012, serving in various leadership roles.
Other members of the John Lee of Nansemond Chapter participating in the marking ceremony were Jinanne B. Parrish, President, presenting the history of the chapter, Dr. MaryFriend S. Carter giving the invocation and leading the group in the singing of “God Bless America”, Lois F. Hand leading the Pledge to the American Flag and the Georgia Flag, Hannah G. Jaspert the Salute to the Colonial Dames Flag, Nancy J. Pyle The American’s Creed, and Mary Margaret T. Quiggle Object of the Society.
The blessing before lunch at The Depot was given by Howard Thrower, former Mayor of the City of Cairo.