Fourth Generation Jewelers
Siebke Hoyt was founded 1889 by George B. Ludy and Robert P. Taylor, two experienced watchmakers. Ludy and Taylor Jewelers, as it was originally known, was located at 225 First Avenue NE.
In 1914, Ludy and Taylor hired a young watchmaker, Gustav Siebke, to help them with their business. Gustav Siebke, a graduate of Bradley-Horological Institute, became a full partner in 1921, and the name of the business was changed to Siebke and Taylor Company.
Joseph Hoyt, another young watchmaker and jeweler, marred Marilyn Siebke, Gus Siebke’s daughter, on October 1, 1945, after returning from service in World War II. Joseph joined the company in 1946 and became a full partner in 1953.
The name of the firm was changed to Siebke Hoyt to reflect the actual ownership. Pearl Taylor, Robert Taylor’s wife, had previously sold her share of the business to Joseph Hoyt.
Gus Siebke died on December 24, 1973, following a long illness. The 83-year-old Siebke was chairman of the board of Siebke Hoyt at the time of the death. Joseph M. Hoyt continued to work at Siebke Hoyt, retiring in January 1975. He was chairman of the board at the time of his death on May 6, 1983 in Orlando, Florida.
Joseph “Jay” Hoyt, the current president of Siebke Hoyt, joined the company during the Christmas season of 1974. His younger brother, Thomas, joined Siebke Hoyt in 1986. Thomas serves as Vice President of Siebke Hoyt Jewelers.
In late 2011, Joseph “Jay” Hoyt’s son, Joseph Thomas Hoyt joined the company. After being schooled at GIA, he now helps his Father and Uncle with all the operations of the store.
Jay and Tom Hoyt operate their store with the philosophy of quality merchandise at a fair price. Siebke Hoyt’s sales figures have resend dramatically over the past years. The reason is simple – VALUE - and the finest trained sales staff in the Midwest.
