Glimpses of Greenville: A Journey Through Rey’s Dual Lives

Nestled within the nostalgic core of Greenville, there exists a tale of intertwining past and present, caveat by a shared name – Rey’s. The story, tantamount to a historic saga, unfolds at the heart of the city, at 20 N. Main St. Sandwiched between East Coffee and East Washington streets, the narrative of these dual lives emerges.

Tracing the Origins: Rey’s Jewelers

In 1937, W.S. Reyner and I. Goldsmith envisaged a unique business venture – Rey’s Jewelers. The establishment rapidly prospered and expanded, capturing the entire building by 1940. With an investment of $20,000, they set forth an exquisite façade and extensive interior decorations that would etch its mark in the annals of Greenville County’s history, an image immortalized in the Coxe Collection.

Rey’s Jewelers evolved into a precious sanctuary where countless Greenvillians celebrated their special occasions. The symbolism of rings and other jewelry emanating from this store carried momentous threads of personal stories and sentimental journeys intertwined with the journey of Rey’s itself.

The Evocative Transformation: Rey’s Bar

Today, the space that once shimmered with the cherished tokens of Rey’s Jewelers radiates with a different kind of glow. It is now home to Rey’s bar, touted as Greenville’s only “upscale dive bar”. The transformation, however, does not dilute the legacy of the building. Instead, the curators of the current establishment have chosen to honor the deep-rooted heritage of Rey’s.

The name Rey’s, illegibly etched on the building, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the past. It bridges the timeline from 1937 to the present, symbolizing the site’s past and present lives.

Adjacent to Rey’s, the building that once housed Walgreen’s, reflected in the “drugs” signage, now hosts the Trio restaurant, another compelling narrative of Greenville’s evolving cityscape.

Concluding Reflection: The Story of Rey’s

The tale of Rey’s dual lives, engrained in the heart of Greenville, unveils how history is neither confined to the past nor lost in the present. Rather, it is a dynamic entity that is carried forth, cherished, and transformed with changing times. The story of Rey’s, imprinted on Greenville’s urban fabric, serves as a compelling narrative of adaptation, significance, and continuity.

A city’s history finds life, not only in museums but within the lived spaces of its cityscape. The tale of Rey’s reiterates the inherent value of honoring roots while embracing change, crafting a meaningful present that ties back to its past. It inspires the enriched consciousness of history in the everyday lives of its citizens, fostering a deeper connection with their city and their shared heritage.