Ellis - Charlie
Source: Putnam County Banner-Graphic April 15, 1982 p A7
Physical limitations make it difficult for a person to reach his potential, but deteramination born of courage can sometimes bring success. This was true of Greencastle’s Charlie Ellis who as a young man launched a successful business from a hospital bed, an undertaking which eventually became Castlecraft Jewelry Co.
Stricken with tuberculosis while a freshman at DePauw, he spent the next 13 years of his life in the State TB Sanitarium at Rockville. There he turned boredom into ingenuity as he created a clip-on ear ring fashioned from gold wire. He began with a few ounces of gold and a pair of pliers from the hardware store. Later this was to develop into a jewelry manufacturing enterprise in Greencastle where up to 20 employees turned out a wide assortment of jewelry creations which were distributed throughout the United States.
The beginning was slow and no doubt this would have discouraged a less determined person. Charlie’s big break came from the simple act of sending “thank you” clip-on ear rings to persons who had sent him messages of cheer. This appreciation on his part did not go unrewarded.
The chain of events started with a radio program. On his “Breakfast Club” broadcast, Don McNeil asked his listeners to send sunshine cards to patients in the Rockville Hospital. And they did.
Recipients of Charlie’s jewelry creation not only appreciated the gesture but they began writing him, asking where they could buy more such ear rings. And a business was born. Orders began to pour in and soon Charlie had to enlist the aid of other patient to keep up with them. After leaving the sanitarium and back home in Greencastle, he began making jewelry on a larger scale, starting with two employees in his home. As business continued to expand, he moved to several locations, the lst being on Indianapolis Road where he closed out Castlecraft Jewelry Co. several years ago as health problems persisted.
His Long Struggle with a respiratory condition ended one evening last week when he passed away in the emergency room of the Putnam County Hospital at the age of 69. A 50-year graduate of Greencastle HS, he was known as “Stretch” Ellis, a six foot three inch member of the Tiger Cub team that went to the sate basketball finals before bowing to an Anderson team.
During his many years at the sanitarium, his biggest problem, he once said was what to do with his idle hands. Under the circumstances, he could have given up, but he was made of sterner stuff. He will be remembered as one who overcame his limitations with determination and courage – two sustain forces that helped him approach life at its fullest. – thanks so much to Bonnie Manis for sending this one – makes one want to go out and do the best possible in honor of this impressive man!