William Horrell Sr. was looking for a name for the business he had purchased when he took inspiration from the previous owners, and named it for his children.
It was May 1964 when Horrell bought Ready Distribution, named for the owners Ray and Ed.
Horrell decided to name the business for his daughter, Margaret, and son, Bill.
That was how one of the most recognizable names in the Mid-Mon Valley business community, Mar-Bill Jewelers in Rostraver Township, was born.
Mar-Bill Jewelry is marking its 40th anniversary in business this year. The business, started by William Sr. and Ann Horrell, actually had its start at 400 Broad Ave., North Belle Vernon. It was started as a catalog showroom, selling everything from radios to hardwares and even swimming pools, which store personnel installed.
In 1986, a smaller jewelry store opened in the Hill's Plaza section of the Tri-County Plaza in Rostraver Township. A store was once located in the Mt. Pleasant area. It was since sold and the swimming pool business is named Joe's.
In 1996, the business was moved to the Rostraver Square area. The business now focuses exclusively on jewelry, including full-service on site.
Bill Horrell Jr. said the merchandise was converted to jewelry when the larger retailers started to gain a larger piece of the market.
"The market got so competitive when the big retailers came in," Bill Horrell Jr. said. "We had to find our niche in the market."
"I appreciate the insight my father had for business," said Bill Horrell Jr., the son of the current owner. "He was always an entrepreneurial guy."
Even today, Bill Horrell Sr. remains active in the business, overseeing the finances. A third generation of Horrells, Mike, is a jeweler, doing repairs at the store. Bill Horrell Jr.'s wife, Linda, is a gemologist. Both are graduates of the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, Calif.
The Horrells started the business in order to earn additional money so they could send their two children to college, a goal they achieved. He also worked at the Monessen Southwest Railroad as well as in the mine, his son recalled. Bill Horrell Jr. was just 10 when his father started the business.
"The first thing I learned was how to repair bikes," Bill Horrell Jr. said. "My grandfather, George Jonas, taught me that. I've been here ever since."
