Charles Petersen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1826. He learned watchmaking from his father and practiced his craft in Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Switzerland before he came to Honesdale, PA in 1851. Six months after his arrival, he bought out his employer and built this double three-story building where he established the oldest and largest jewelry store in Honesdale. The Petersen store was the site of many “firsts” in Wayne County history, including the first telegraph and first telephone. The business continued after Charles Petersen’s death in 1895, with his daughter, Carrie Petersen, in charge. Miss Peterson, a close friend of artist Jennie Brownscombe, was president of the Honesdale Improvement Association from its organization in 1891.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. and museum only 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.