This year we mark an important milestone for Hogans - 80 years of exceptional craftsmanship and service. In this journal, we journey through the archives and rich history of Hogans, reflecting on the remarkable evolution we've undergone over the past eight decades. From what started with one person's passion for the jewellery industry to where we stand today, ours is a story of small family business. The story of Hogans Family Jewellers is rooted in the vision and dedication of our founders, Jack and Madeleine Hogan, whose legacy continues to shape our specialised approach to jewellery today.
The Story
Cast your minds back to the 1940’s. World War 2 was underway and ended in 1945, the Japanese were bombing pearl harbour, Darwin Harbour and shelling Sydney Harbour, The first computer and a microwave oven were invented. Brisbane’s Story Bridge had just been completed. Don Bradman was at the peak of his career and James Hardie released an award-winning building product by the name “asbestos”. All the while, a young lady, Madeline Hogan, had been working as a sales assistant in the jewellery department at David Jones in Sydney City - she dreamt of one day owning her own jewellery store.
It was in 1945, Jack and Madeline moved back to their rural home region of Griffith, New South Wales and and realised Madeline’s dream, opening the first Hogans store. After eight years of hard work establishing their roots in regional New South Wales, our founders made the decision to move their young family and business interstate to Toowoomba. They say it was the warmer climate and tree lined streets that they fell in love with after travelling through on their way to the Queensland coast for a family beach holiday.
Jack and Madeline eventually found a tenancy in Ruthven Street and officially opened the first Toowoomba location in 1953. During the early stages of this tenancy, they made the risky decision to put all of their profits back into the business rather than a house for their growing family of eight. Residing at the back of the shop, they would work long hours to slowly but surely, built a name around the Toowoomba area for quality service and jewellery pieces. All six children spent time working in the business, whether it was bookkeeping, as qualified watchmakers and jewellers or as sales consultants. 30 years after relocating to Toowoomba, an opportunity arose for Jack and Madeline to purchase their own piece of the Toowoomba CBD - the second shop location at 243 Margaret Street. It was here that the business would reside for close to 48 years.
Jack and Madeline's son, Peter, spent his entire working career at Hogans, taking over operations and ownership of the business alongside his brother, Paul. As the family's first fully qualified jeweller, Paul built a reputation as a skilled Master jeweller and designer over his 43 year career until handing the reins over to his son and our current Managing Director, Lachlan.
In November of 2022, Hogans Family Jewellers opened its new premises at 241 Margaret Street, Toowoomba. Having spent 45 years in our previous location, the requirement came for a new purpose-built workshop and showroom. Occupying a multi-level building, the new showroom and workshop boasts a reclaimed antique heritage brick façade, a luxurious Turkish travertine showcase and foyer, Blackbutt timber flooring, pressed metal ceilings and brushed brass trims. This grand new space at not only reflects the historical architecture of the surrounding CBD but provides unparalleled access to view our fully functioning workshop where our team of highly skilled, award-winning jewellers craft bespoke masterpieces.
The Archives
Nothing tells a story like historical images. We've compiled some of our favourites images from the archives to share with you as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.
