Soren Kolstad
(1823-1918)
artisan, clockmaker, Norway to America migrant (1852), and jewelry store owner (from 1853)
Died aged c. 95
Commemorated on 1 plaque
Texas Historical Marker #08772
Kolstad Jewelers. Soren Kolstad (1823 - 1918), a skilled artisan and clockmaker, migrated to Texas from his native Norway in 1852. He settled in Palestine, where he opened a jewelry store in 1853. The store has occupied four locations. Mahogany display cases, installed in the third shop in 1916, were transferred to the present site in 1933. Managed by five generations of the Kolstad family, this is believed to be the oldest retail store in continuous operation by its founding family in the state of Texas. Members of the Kolstad family have also been leaders in religious, civic, and educational activities. (1977) #8772
100 W. Oak, Palestine, TX, United States where they worked near