Tomblin’s Jewelry managed by fourth-generation family member

As a young child handing out Christmas ornaments at Tomblin’s Jewelry and Gits, Mattie Hurt, of Cassville, did not know the store would be hers to manage one day.

The business celebrated its 60th anniversary in September, with Hurt representing the fourth generation to work at the family-owned operation.

“Celebrating 60 years serving Cassville and the surrounding area is a humbling experience,” Hurt said. “There are very few businesses that continue to be owned and operated by descendants of the original proprietor. I wonder from time to time what Wayne and Tommie [Tomblin] would think about the daily operations.”

Tomblin’s specializes in jewelry, but the shop also offers an array of home decor, gifts, personal care products and more.

Hurt is the daughter of Amy Stephenson, now part-owner whose mother, Chloe Epperly ran the business after her parents, Hurt’s great-grandparents, Wayne and Tommie Tomblin bought it in 1964, when it was Mr. Brown’s Jewelry Store, owner by K. E. Brown for 42 years.

The Tomblins were married in 1945 in a twist of fate that began a love story for the ages when they were asked to be witnesses at their friends wedding, and their names were put on the bride and groom spot by mistake. The two looked at each other and decided right then that they would be married.

Over the years, the business grew, and it changed locations three times until finding its home in the old Barry County Bank, its current location.

In 1986, following Wayne Tomblin’s death, Epperly ran the store in her mother’s stead. A year later, a fire broke out in the upstairs portion of what is now Whitley’s Pharmacy, due to an electrical repair.

The business was relocated to the west side of the square until the current building was built. During this time, Chloe Epperly would receive a police escort to and from the bank to secure the fine jewelry during the closed jours of the day.

After the fire, within the original archway of the store, there was a frame for a divided sign, which is now located in the back of the Tomblin’s.

There were enough spaces in the sign that it was refurbished and now contains the letters of Tomblin’s in stained glass, then the archway was rebuilt.

In 1996, Tommie Tomblin passed away on Nov. 30. At that time, Chloe Epperly and Dana Kammerlohr became co-owners of Tomlin’s Jewelry and Gifts, and Chloe managed the store.

Aside from helping families begin and offering lifetime memories, Tomblin’s prides itself on customer service.

Offering direct sales, gift wrapping, jewelry repair, engraving, bridal registry, class ring orders and much more, Tomlin’s Jewelry and Gifts in Cassville aims to promote American made products and support local artists by carrying their lines.

Chloe Epperly died on Nov. 9, 2020, at 68 years old.

With so much family history engrained into the business, Hurt said Tomblin’s has been part of her whole life.

“I really don’t remember when I first started working because the store has always been part of my upbringing,” she said. “I do know that I have handed out ornaments at every open house since I was able to walk.”

Hurt said through her youth, she did not know what she would be doing day-to-day as an adult, and managing daily operations of the store was not necessarily a goal.

“I didn‘t pursue the daily operations; it was handed to me after my Gramme passed away,” she said. “I had been working with her for several years with differing schedules and responsibilities. When she passed, we all wanted the store to continue to be part of the community.”

Community and the family legacy are the driving force behind Tomblin’s, as Hurt said the business has developed relationships with many of its customers and their families over the years.

“It is important within a small community to know your customers and build a relationship with them,” Hurt said. “There are many people that come to Tomblin’s because of the positive experiences they or their families have had over the years. I would hope that the legacy Tomblin’s provides over the generations to come is that we are honest, fair and care about customers without sacrificing quality.”

While some things have changed over the years, Hurt emphasized that focus on community is not one of them.

“The store had been part of my life since I was born,” she said. “There have been many changes over the years, but a lot of things stay the same. We try to carry on the same vision my great-grandparents established and my Gramme continued by helping the customer find exactly what they want at the most affordable price.

“People always want to get great customer service and we strive to continue the legacy they created.”