For locals and visitors to Austin alike, Joe Koen & Son Jewelers is a well known business located near downtown. The jewelery store is recognized for being the oldest family run store in Austin. Yes, this business has been open since 1883, which is an amazing 137 years as of this writing.
Joe Koen & Son Jewelers sign
Austin, TX Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here is a close-up of the sign as the neon glows along Congress Avenue in Austin
Jewelers sign Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
In 1883, founder Joe Koen opened the store in a hotel drug store on Congress Avenue then moved to 6th Street. Eventually the business moved to its present location at 711 Congress Avenue in 1972. In a way, it is amazing that the business continues to thrive, especially with the tremendous growth and increased property taxes being faced by many business owners in Austin. In fact, several venerable businesses has closed in recent years.
Joe Koen & Son Jewelers sign in the day Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Check out the signage at this store. The neon signs still light up at night, making this a destination for roadside travelers looking to see what a bit of old Austin used to look like. An old Austin that is rapidly disappearing. 11-20