Miriam Hilser’s great great grandfather Richard Hilser moved to Ireland from Germany 155 years ago and established a jewellery store in Cork.
Since then the shop in the Grand Parade has survived the burning of Cork the by Black and Tans during the War of Independence in 1920 and being looted during the subsequent Civil War.
More recently Miriam and her staff had a bird’s eye view of the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II to the English Market in Cork in 2011 from the second floor of their store.
Her father Harry had the same prime viewing spot when President John F Kennedy made his trip to Leeside just months before his death in 1963.
Miriam also recalls the custom of such well known figures as Niall Tobin and Billa O’Connell.
The family will still operate a store from Bandon in West Cork but their flagship premises in the city will close its doors for the final time Saturday afternoon.
Miriam, who is the fifth generation of her family to run the shop, says it will be an emotional day for staff and customers alike.
“I started working here at Christmas from when I was fifteen and full time at 17. My dad has been here since he was fifteen and he only retired in August of last year. I remember coming in as a child and my grand aunt Mary sitting on a high stool behind the counter. She pierced my ears and it was like the old traditional saucepan with the sterilised needle. I think all girls love jewellery. I have known everyone in the trade since I was a child. It is a lifetime of memories.”
She says she broke down in tears when telling her father Harry about the imminent closure of the store.
The shop has a proud history. Founder Richard Hilser, who hailed from the Black Forest area of Germany, arrived in Cork in the 1860’s. The business was originally in South Main Street before moving to the Grand Parade.When the shop was established Richard sent for his brother Joseph to come to Cork.
Richard Hilser brought the first cuckoo clocks and alarm clocks to Ireland from his native Germany.
The decision to close was made because the old building was beginning to fail structurally. Miriam says pressures on city centre trade have also been an issue.
“During the boom years people were going abroad and purchasing abroad. Obviously the internet as well. Because we stayed traditional and true to our name we continued to do well. But the time has just come for us to close here really. Business has been difficult within the city centre. But we will still have Bandon.”