Located at 95 Chestnut Street, Waite-Evans jewelry company, was one of the oldest firms in the industry in Providence. Its history dates back to 1865, when Daniel B. Waite (1828-1886) and Peter C. Smith founded Waite, Smith Co.

The firm consisted of Daniel B Waite, his son William H Waite, Mathewson, and Peter C Smith and was located at 61 Peck Street. Daniel Waite’s son, Charles Daniel Waite (1853-1922), joined his father’s firm after graduating from high school to learn the trade. Peter C Smith died on March 22, 1880. Daniel B Waite succeeded to the business with Mathewson, and the firm became Waite Mathewson & Co.

Waite Mathewson & Co. existed until 1887, when Mathewson withdrew from the business. Soon after, Daniel B Waite died, and his son, Charles D Waite, took over the business. William H Waite had also left the firm earlier and, together with Henry G. Thresher, worked for Waite-Thresher Co., incorporated in Rhode Island in 1899.

Incorporation of Waite-Evans

Charles D Waite continued to conduct the affairs of Waite-Mathewson & Co. as sole owner until June 1908. In 1908, he incorporated the firm Waite-Evans with a capital stock of $30,000 and became its president. His son-in-law, Edwin Bowen Evans (1878 – 1931) became secretary and treasurer.

Waite-Evans manufacturing concern made rolled gold fobs, crosses, rosaries, eyeglass chains, chatelaine pins, stone set hat pins, earrings and brooches.

Charles D. Waite led the Waite-Evans firm until his death in 1922. According to the will of Charles D Waite, his son-in-law Edwin Bowen Evans continued the family business as its president.

Waite-Evans Mfg Co subsidiary of Louis Stern Co

In June 1936, Arthur Kaplan, president of Louis Stern Co announced the ownership of the Waite-Evans Mfg. Co., 70 Elm St., Providence. Waite-Evans Mfg. Co. was a subsidiary of Louis Stern Co until 1952. Since 1952 the new owner of Waite-Evans had been W & H Jewelry Company of Providence, Rhode Island.

Waite-Evans jewelry firm ceased to exist in 1957.

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