Charles E. Dyke, a native of Derbyshire, England, founded C.E.Dyke Ltd. in 1886 when it was known as a member of the carriage trade.

Grandson Dick Dyke and his wife Eleanor have operated the business for the past 20 years. The store was renowned for its jewelry and also sold fine bone china, figurines, collectibles, and watches.

Eleanor Dyke says the jewelry was predominant, especially at Christmastime.

“We liked to stock fun things – a china pig playing tennis for instance… things like that. We weren’t just strait-laced,” she said.

The couple set high standards for the company, and traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, the diamond-cutting centre of the world; to Las Vegas for the largest jewelry show of all, and Toronto and Montreal twice yearly for gift shows. They stocked many unusual items.

“In the 20 years that we were here we felt that we tried to keep Main Street unique,” said Dyke.

The old world charm of the store was preserved with original showcases and wall cases instead of chrome and glass.

The antique hand-carved oak cupboards run the length of the north wall and nearly reach the 12-foot ceiling.

Dyke says the cabinets were built and carved by the Doane Bros. and will be left to the Yarmouth County Museum when the business closes.

“The brothers did a lot of very exquisite work in town in old houses,” she said.

The Dykes were once offered $50,000 US for the irreplaceable display cases.

Other antique pieces will go to the AGNS Western Branch.

Although the third floor of the building was lost to fire many years ago, the Dyke’s considered them selves fortunate with the amount of storage space they had. They had the luxury of a basement and upstairs for stock.

“We could carry china for people over a period of time,” said Dyke.

“They didn’t have to buy it all right away. That’s a service that’s gone by the books these days. At one time people could buy a place setting of china and that would be a start. They’d get a place setting every Christmas.”

The younger generation has different priorities now. They are more concerned with the versatility of the fine wares they purchase.

Are they oven-proof? Can they go in the microwave and dishwasher?

Dyke says that the box stores have taken their toll on the business over the years.

“A great percentage of people wanted Walmart prices and C.E.Dyke service,” she said.

When asked what the response of customers has been to their closing, she said, “People are saddened. We were always there,” she smiles sadly. “Even if they didn’t come.”

Upstairs in a dusty room crammed full of history, there are ancient ledgers where the date, supplier, description, and the name of the purchaser of each ring is recorded along with a finely detailed drawing.

Dyke says she doesn’t want to divulge specific details – many of the female recipients are still alive and some of the more dated rings were only $75.

Staff are continually discovering relics from the past in the daily operation of the business: foot-long steel hatpins with amethyst tips, a stainless steel mesh evening bag and brooch pins in a box lined with red felt.

Charles F. Dyke had the original business located in the south of Yarmouth and his unusual mascot caused some problems.

“He had a parrot outside and it was chained to a post and in those days when the horses and drivers apparently went past on the street, the parrot picked up some bad language,” said Dyke.

She says she’s not sure what she and her husband will be doing after the store closes but may become more involved with the AGNS.

Donnie Hamilton, owner of Runner’s Attic, will be expanding his business from next door with a men’s clothing line.