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The late Ben Cooper founded the store and was a hand engraver. Many of his original tools are still on premises.
In earlier years, the store had locations on Main Street, City Hall Avenue, 109 Granby Street, Lansdale Building, Kresge Building, and 201 Granby Street (Roster Building).
Salvatore P. Sansone (Teddy) went to work with Ben Cooper after World War II. Teddy began buying the business from Ben in the 1940's and decided to keep the established name.
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Ben Cooper |
The business has been family operated throughout the years. Teddy's wife, Mildred, although a full-time registered nurse, assisted in waiting on customers and keeping inventory. Teddy was an accomplished hand engraver and had a charismatic personality that attracted customers. Teddy's brother-in-law William Hampshire, was always on hand to help with the business aspect of the shop and to help acquire new accounts. In earlier years the accounts included some of the area's major stores such as: D.P. Paul, Hecht's, Frank Ford, Twin City, and Spertner's.
Anthony V. Sansone Jr. began working for his Uncle Teddy in 1962 doing both watch repair and engraving work. Anthony, a Master Watch Repairman, is still working at Ben Cooper Jewelers today.
Other influential roll models were Mary Hamilton and Melvin R. Lewis who joined Teddy in the 1950's, but now have past on, but not before leaving their vast experience with Michael Mitchell.
After Teddy's death in 1982, William Hampshire managed the shop until Michael Mitchell, Teddy's grandson, returned from college.
Michael came to Ben Cooper Jewelers full time in 1985 apprenticing under Melvin and Mary. In 1988, Michael left for Santa Monica, California to earn his Graduate Gemologist's degree from the Gemological Institute of America. While there Michael also studied jewelry design. Michael and his wife, Nan, continue to run Ben Cooper Jewelers as a family business. Nan received her degree in Music Education from Mary Washington University and her Master degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University. She currently teaches for Virginia Beach Public Schools but continues to assist with customers at the store while taking care of the paperwork and other office duties. |
