100 Years and Counting: These Time-Honored Greenville Businesses Have Stood the Test of Time
In 1924, the United States was in the midst of the “Roaring Twenties”. Iconic names like Marlon Brando and George H.W. Bush were born, while the nation was introduced to the first crossword puzzle and the FBI appointed its first head, J. Edgar Hoover. Simultaneously, in Greenville, an array of businesses, many family-owned, were already operational. Today, in 2024, they stand tall, weathering the Great Depression, World War II, and a world of economic upheavals and changes. Here are some Greenville establishments that have unflinchingly stood the test of time, enduring for over 100 years:
Hale’s Jewelers
Initially making its debut in 1856 as a watch shop on Main Street, Hale’s Jewelers has been a constant delight for Greenville residents. Their iconic clock was installed in 1910, and since then, it has moved along with the store to Haywood Road in 1982 and then to its present location on Verdae Boulevard in 2021. “We’ve kind of seen the small community grow into the metropolis it is today. The original founders founded on producing quality products, creating trust and being part of the community. That adage has never really changed,” said Lecian Lee, President of Hale’s Jewelers.
Greenville’s Century-Old Funeral Homes
Two local funeral homes have seen over a century of service. First to open in 1872 on East Washington Street, Mackey Mortuary built a new funeral home on North Main Street in 1926 and relocated to Century Drive, high on a hill overlooking Interstate 385 in 1969. Today, it’s known as Mackey Funerals & Cremations, boasting a second location at Woodlawn Memorial Park on Pine Knoll Drive.
Another revered establishment, Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, has been serving since 1913. Today, with multiple locations, the family company is operated by “great-grandsons and their sons.”
Greenville’s Long-Standing Law Firms
There are several law firms with deep Greenville roots. Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., dating back to 1887 when Harry J. Haynsworth opened a law office in Greenville, has since experienced multiple mergers.
Law firm Wyche, P.A. took its roots in 1921 and has been heavily involved in developing downtown Greenville. Renowned attorney Tommy Wyche found the Natureland Trust in 1973.
The Price Law Firm traces its roots back to 1906 when James H. Price began his practice.
And Many More…
Other noteworthy mentions include V.M. Manning, which began in 1916, and moving company Smith Dray Lines dating back to 1911. Greenville’s signature Duke’s Mayonnaise was created in 1917 and became C.F. Sauer’s “flagship product.” A number of other local companies and establishments round out the roster of Greenville businesses and organizations that have endured for over a century, marking their stamp on the rich history of the town and continually providing stellar service to its residents.
