W. C. Lean & Jung Collection
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
History San Jose Research Library
2023
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Title: W. C. Lean & Jung Collection
Dates: 1909-1980
Collection Number: 2004-58
Creator/Collector:
Lean, W. C.
Jung, William H.
Jung, William F.
W. C. Lean & Jung Jewelers
Extent: 10 linear feet
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Small collection of financial and customer records from W. C. Lean & Jung Jewelers, operating at 99 South First Street in
San Jose from approximately 1904 to 1984.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open to the public for research by appointment.
Please consult the Curator of Research Library & Archives for information on publication and reproduction.
[Identification of item]. W. C. Lean & Jung Collection. Collection Number: 2004-58. History San Jose Research Library
Materials were found in the original Wilcox Block building occupied by W. C. Lean when it was being remodeled, and donated
to History San Jose by the developer.
Biography/Administrative History
W. C. Lean was established as the H. Morton Jewelry Company in 1888, purchased by Lean circa 1904, and operating at 99 South
First Street in the W. J. Wilcox building. W. C. Lean worked for jewelers in San Francisco before coming to San Jose and purchasing
Morton's business. Morton's apprentice, William H. Jung, stayed on to help run the business, soon becoming a partner. The
two bought the Wilcox Block in 1920.
Jung's son Bill took over the business with his wife Ruth after his father's death in 1939. With the deterioration of downtown
San Jose in the 1970s, the business steadily lost its clientele and closed its doors in 1984.
Built in 1867, the E. J. Wilcox building was left empty after 1999, purchased in 2002 by the San Jose Redevelopment Agency,
and re-sold in 2007 to developers to be renovated.
Scope and Content of Collection
Small collection of financial and customer records from W. C. Lean & Jung Jewelers, comprising watch and clock repair records,
customer account books, yearly financial reconciliations, and silverware manufacturer sales catalogs.
Jewelry stores
Clocks and watches--Repairing
San Jose (Calif.)