- Shreve, Crump & Low
Shreve, Crump & Low, a
Boston, Massachusetts business in its third century of operation, is the oldest jeweler inNorth America and has built such prestigious trophies as theDavis Cup and theCy Young Award . [http://www.antiquesandthearts.com/archive/shreve.htm Antiques and the Arts Online] ] [http://www.shrevecrumpandlow.com Shreve, Crump & Low History] ]History
The present-day Shreve, Crump & Low is the last of a line of firms that began in 1796 with
watchmaker andsilversmith John McFarlane, who opened a workshop across the street fromPaul Revere . In the 1800s, the firm changed its name to Shreve's and grew in its prestige. In 1869 the consolidation of firms that created the name Shreve, Crump & Low was complete.Shreve, Crump & Low remained at their original location until their property was destroyed in the
Great Boston Fire of 1872 . Its new location at 225 Washington Street pioneered the use ofplate glass and artificial lighting in a retail establishment. ThisItalianate building had showcases ofblack walnut trimmed withholly andebony .A relocation in 1891 brought Shreve, Crump & Low to its largest building, a six stories high
Italian Renaissance style edifice oflimestone andmarble . In 1929, Shreve, Crump & Low moved to 330 Boylston Street, one of the earliest examples ofart deco architecture inNew England . In 2006, they celebrated a new chapter in their rich history, introducing new ownership by the venerated local jeweler, David Walker, and opening an exquisitely renovated flagship store in Boston’s Back Bay at the corner of Boylston and Berkeley Streets.At various points in its history, Shreve's has also sold antiques, imported fine
linen andstationery , and exhibited artifacts fromAncient Greece and Rome. With an enduring reputation for service and expertise, Shreve, Crump & Low is renowned for classic fine jewelry and timepieces, tableware, and a distinctive collection of Boston-themed gifts, many exclusive to Shreve, Crump & Low.In 1974, Shreve, Crump & Low opened a second location at
The Mall at Chestnut Hill .Notable commissions
*In 1835, orator and Massachusetts State Senator
Daniel Webster was presented with a 400-ounce silver vase from this firm that was later donated to theBoston Public Library .
*In 1840,Samuel Cunard was given a 30-inch Shreve's cup for helping to finance the "RMS Britannia ", the first steamship to travel betweenLiverpool and Boston.
*In 1848, trustees of theMassachusetts General Hospital presentedWilliam Thomas Green Morton with a Shreve's silver box for discoveringanesthetic ether .
*In 1863, GeneralGeorge B. McClellan received a silver Shreve's pitcher for his efforts in theAmerican Civil War .
*In the 1870s, Shreve, Crump & Low began working in semi-precious metals and created thechandelier andsounding board forTrinity Church, Boston and lighting for theOld South Church and theParker House Hotel .
*In the 1880s, the firm provided lighting fixtures for patrons outside of Boston including thecity hall inProvidence, Rhode Island andKing Kalakaua 'sIolani Palace inHonolulu .
*In 1899, aHarvard University tennis player namedDwight F. Davis purchased a huge trophy from Shreve's to be awarded to the winner of a tournament to which they challenged a team from theUnited Kingdom . The prize is now known as the Davis Cup.
*In 1908, Shreve's created an elaborate silver cup to honorBoston Red Sox heroCy Young . After thepitcher 's death in 1955 this became the Cy Young Award.References
External links
* [http://www.shrevecrumpandlow.com/ official website]
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