These stories can also be heard on Sunday mornings around 10 am on WILD 102’s “Look Back in Time” program. Each week’s radio story will be posted here on our website.
Weekly radio stories are researched, compiled, and read by Sheila Winstead, RCHS Board Member.
February 8, 2026
So many businesses have come and gone over the many years of Roseau County’s settlements. One of Roseau’s businesses was Brist’s Jewelry Store, and it was featured in an article on May 13, 1954 in the Roseau Times-Region.
Brist Jewelry store started in Roseau in 1942 when Claud Brist bought the jewelry store
operated by E. O. Anderson. Mr. Brist had previously operated a jewelry store and watch
department in Virginia after graduating from the Johnson Watchmaking School in Minneapolis in
1909.
Now, with 45 years of experience in the business, Brist operates a high-quality store in Roseau
where you are assured of all-around excellence in both workmanship and products. Quality is a
by-word here.
Brist’s has a very complete watch department handling such famous name brand watches as
Bulova, Gruen, Elgin, Hamilton, Westfield and Garland. There is a complete stock of the most
attractive bands to choose from too … in brands in which you can have complete confidence.
The stocks are complete in both men’s and ladies’ watches and bands.
Now that spring is here and everyone knows June is the favored month for Dan Cupid, Brist is
featuring his famous Keepsake diamond engagement and wedding rings for those who plan to
share their lives together. The famous Keepsake rings are available in all beautiful styles and in
a full price range to suit every pocketbook. Also available are beautiful birthstone, fraternal and
other rings for both men and ladies. Your choice is wide and varied at Brist’s.
Most popular jewelry items are always available at Brist’s. Rhinestone necklaces, beautiful
cameos, cigarette lighters, pearl necklaces and many other pieces of jewelry of well-designed
beauty and quality are in constant supply.
Another important feature of the store is the Fostoria Glassware line. Here one may buy the
most beautiful in cut glass for every occasion. The famous line is ever popular as wedding
presents, birthday gifts and as a planned set for the home.
A beautiful complement to any table are pieces from the wonderful patterns of 1847 Rogers
Brothers, Holmes and Edwards, Community and William Rogers silver handled by Brist.
One may buy complete sets, pieces for different sets, and extra pieces such as gravy ladles,
spoons, cold meat forks, spatulas, etc., in all makes and patterns. Silver sets are also a popular
item for the home and can be found at Brist’s.
Also available are famous Westclock and Telechron electric clocks and alarms. It goes without
saying that precision watch repairing and jewelry repairing are a standard at Brist’s.
Another outstanding feature at Brist’s are the parakeets. These colorful, beautiful birds make
wonderful pets and even learn to talk. They are available in many colors and become almost
part of the family. You’ll enjoy shopping at Brist’s … another reason Roseau is a fine place to do business.
Mr. and Mrs. Brist have been in Roseau since 1942 and have become a solid part of thecommunity in that time. They have their own home here and have raised 11 children in addition to their community participation. Mrs. Brist is a member of the Rebekah and Eastern Star lodges and is a member of the Methodist Ladies’ Aid. She is also active in the Ladyslipper Garden Club and always plants many beautiful flowers around her home.
Mrs. Brist is a charter member of the Roseau Lions, is a member of the Civic and Commerce Association and has been a watchmaker for 45 years. His main hobby is the parakeets which he trains to talk and enjoys throughout the whole year. He is an authorized dealer for the birds and has many attractive ones from which to choose.
Melvin is also a watchmaker and helps his father in the jewelry store. He is married and lives in Roseau too. He is quite a hockey fan.
The other children are Lemuel, 39, who is married and lives in Roseau with his family; Sidney, 36, who is also married and lives in Phoenix, Arizona; Edwin, 32, who is married and works in Fergus Falls.
The other married children are Evelyn, who is in Powersville, Missouri; Virginia, Madison, Wisconsin; and Anna, who is in Minneapolis.
Bennie, 22, is in Izmar, Turkey, with the armed forces and has served in several other countries so far. He studied French in an European college for some time.
Patricia is a senior in Roseau high school; Beverly, also in high school here, and Adeline, who is
in the 8 th grade, are all at home. The Brists also have 25 grandchildren.
You’ll like doing business and chatting with the Brists. They are always ready to welcome you
and give you the best of service.
The article I just read also contained several photos of the Brists in their store. Another photo
shows Clifford Petterson holding two parakeets on his arm and listening to them chatter. The
caption says that several in Roseau have learned to say a number of words. One, belonging to
the Johnsons, says “Call Dr. Berge.”
Thank you to 
for letting us share our county’s history with your listeners by donating air time, studio time, and production staff every week.