Loop Jacobson - ADHDA Legacy Business Award Winner

Well Deserved Recognition

The Astoria Downtown Historic District Association is honored to present owners Frank & Judy Van Winkle, owners of Loop-Jacobsen Jewelers in Downtown Astoria, with a 2026 Legacy Business award.

Loop-Jacobsen started business in 1919. Mr. Harvey Loop bought the business in 1932 and partnered with Mr. Jacobsen that same year. Franks Dad Richard “Rip” Van Winkle was a City of Astoria Fireman for many years, and in 1952 came to work at Loop-Jacobsen on his day off, repairing clocks, something he loved to do and was very good at.

Mr. Loop died in in 1977, and his daughter sold the business to Richard & Estel. “Rip” continued to be a fireman, and Estel ran the store.

From Then To Now

Frank was a proud graduate of Clatsop Community College, receiving his AA degree in 1970 in Industrial Mechanics; skills and expertise he learned in these programs used to this day. Estel encouraged Frank to go to watch making school, and in 1979-80 he took courses at PCC Rock Creek campus, taking community education classes while working a day job with Western Auto, and with now wife Judy and two children to support. Franks Dad connected Frank with jewelers in the Vancouver area, and he also opened “Daddy’s Clock Shop” in the North Portland area. Frank came to work for the store after Western Auto closed and took jewelry making classes from famed Clatsop Community College Art Instructor Royal Nebeker years later. He then taught Community Education Jewelry classes at Clatsop for almost four years.

In 1987, “Rip” died, and Franks mother told he and Judy in March of 1988 she was going to travel, and it was “sink or swim, the business is yours”! Judy joined the team then and she and Frank have worked together ever since.

As a mom-and-pop retail shop, they specialize in clock repair, engraving, pearl stringing and jewelry sales. Frank is the only clock repair specialist in a five-county region and regularly does “house calls” for large grandfather clock repairs!

Frank and Judy have been very involved with the Scouting America Troop #509 for many years. Frank is also a Ham Radio Operator and a member of the Clatsop County Auxiliary Communications group. Judy has been an active member of the ADHDA for many years, attending the monthly meetings on a very regular basis. Loop-Jacobsen has donated pearl necklaces, earrings and the Queens crown for the Astoria Regatta Festival for many years.

Congratulations to Frank & Judy on this well-deserved award!