Blackburn Jewellers celebrates 75th in style

A night of drama, romance and unexpected mystery. 
Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Blackburn celebrates 75th
Toni Lucas photo

On Thursday, September 15 the Fox Theatre was the site of a special celebration. Doris Blackburn greeted the crowd at the front door.  They were all there to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Blackburn Jewellers, and be part of the give away of three diamonds for the evening.  Blackburn invited those in attendance to enter their names into a draw barrel.  People walked past two tables that were filled with cupcakes spelling out "75".  Everyone was asked to refrain from eating the cupcakes until after the movies.


Guests could enjoy a light dinner from that was served buffet style in one of the theatres, in front of the screen. Sophie Carney, owner of Simply Catering said "It was the first time we catered in the Theatre, and the staff here were very accommodating.  It was quite a good setup.  We should be celebrating.  75 years in business is something to be proud of."

Toni Lucas photo

People visited and chatted, snacked, and found their seats.  One theatre was showing Casablanca, and the other the new Woody Allen film "Midnight in Paris".  There were draws before the movies were played, with people receiving beautiful prizes like watches, necklaces, bracelets and handbags, generously donated by companies like Cadman Manufacturng, Boliva, Cosmoda, and Kareri, all vendors to the store. The excitement was high as prizes were opened by lucky winners.  Edna Nichols won a beautiful diamond and saphire ring, valued at $1500.  Later, Doris shared that the winner of the draw was Kevin Turner.

Carol Berridge
T. Lucas photo

Before they rolled the films, Doris went into each of the theaters and talked a bit about what this evening meant for her.  Carol Berridge, who was a loyal store employee for 23 years, recently retired was given a hug. Doris told everyone that they did not have to choose one or the other film, they could watch one film, then afterwards all join for a cupcake celebration intermission in the lobby.  After that they could watch the other movie.

"I am sure that my dad (Laurie Blackburn) is here with us," she said. She took a moment to compose herself, and smiled.  She thanked her staff, vendors, and "all the amazing customers that we have had over the 75 years."  Doris told us that although she could not name the winners of the diamonds until they were notified, she mentioned that the draw for one diamond was done, and the winner of who owned the oldest Blackburn receipt was "Gerald Lewis, who brought in a receipt for a watch from 1953, purchased from my dad."  The third diamond?  Baked into one of the cupcakes in the lobby.

Allistair Metcalfe
T. Lucas photo

I asked Allistair Metcalfe, grandson of Laurie Blackburn which movie he was going to watch first.  With an easy smile he indicated the one that was playing the Woody Allen film.  He then nodded towards the other doors. "Casablanca.  I will save the best for last."

Once everyone was out of the shows there were more prizes, and everyone gathered and chose their cupcakes.  some ate their cake, said their goodbyes, and left.  No one had won, and there were more cakes still on the table.  Everyone was invited to choose another sweet.  Some demurred, some eagerly tried again, and the crowd thinned.  Finally, we were down to the last few in the room, and very few cupcakes on the table.  Then one.  Everyone eyed each other nervously, unwilling to be the one that would reach for the last cupcake, chocolate frosted.

Doris Blackburn
T. Lucas photo

After a bit of nervous joking, one of the gentlemen in the group handed it to Allistair.  The tension was palpable, as he held it, seemingly unsure what to do with it.  Then one of the caterers told him "that is not it.  It had white icing."   Allistair then broke it open for all left to see that it did not hold a diamond.  Some of the ladies who had left earlier on had taken their cakes with them.

The mystery of the missing diamond was solved the next day.  Betty Whipple had taken her cupcake home, and gave it to her husband, Ted.  He chose to take it to work, and found that he had the winning lunch that day, when he went to eat the dessert.  This is definitely a time when it would not have been wise to trade desserts!