History
Located on Main St. in Campbellsport, Schlaefer Optometrists has been a cornerstone of the community for almost 100 years. It started as a jewelry store, and clock repair, owned and operated by Matthias Schlaefer in 1906. Because jewelers used small instruments, and made minute repairs, they also repaired eye wear. It was very common to have a jewelry store combined with an optometrists office.
Matthias graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 1916, followed by his son Anthony in 1955, and granddaughter Ann in 1992. The Schlaefers have maintained a family atmosphere, and the community has enjoyed the benefits of their legacy.
The beautiful brick building standing today has undergone several changes. The original structure, built in 1906, was rebuilt in 1940 by the DelPonte family. An addition, added on in 1975, doubled the size of the office. A remodel was conducted in 2008, and the interior of the building was updated. Many of the original tools and the original work bench can still be seen today.
Circa 1916
Schlaefer's Jewelry Store/Optical Shop
Matthias Schlaefer is behind the counter with an unknown employee at the counter. Many of the clocks in the background still grace the walls of the office today.
Matthias Schlaefer
Graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1916.
Anthony Schlaefer
Graduated from St. Lawrence Seminary in 1941
Served in the United States Air Force 1948-1952
Graduated fromIllinois College of Optometry in 1955
Ann Schlaefer
Graduated from Marian University in 1980 with degrees in Nursing and Human Relations
Graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 1992
Recipiant of the Magnificat Award from Marian University in 2010
Circa 1930s
Matthias Schlaefer seated in his exam chair. The instruments in the photo, antique by today's standards, could still give accurate prescriptions if used today.