
Stepping into the Wayback Machine and turning the dial to 300 years ago, you would see herds of buffalo, elk, and deer wandering without a care through dense forests and sipping cool water from pristine streams. In the days before the American Revolution, this was Cherokee Territory, and only the most intrepid made their way into the foothills.
First known as Pleasantburg, its name was changed to Greenville in 1831. With ample water resources and rail service, Greenville became the center of textiles in the state. Between 1880 and 1903, there were some 13 mills opened in the Greenville area utilizing water power from the Reedy and other rivers. Some mill owners provided housing and stores for their employees. Within these mill villages developed something else…baseball teams.
Recruited to play for the Brandon Mill team at 13, Joe Jackson probably made more playing baseball on Saturdays ($2.50) than he did all week pulling a 12-hour shift each day. Jackson went on to play in the bigs and currently has the third highest lifetime batting average (.356) in major league history.
Along about the same time that Joe was swinging Black Betsy, a store on Main Street, Meyers-Arnold was making a name for itself. From offering clothing for women and children, the store diversified to include all matters of goods from toasters to towels and shirts to shoes. Employees of Meyers-Arnold were asked to cater to their customers and to take care of their needs. Gosh, that sounds familiar…and that’s not the only thing you’ll find from a by-gone era at 111 North Main Street in Downtown Greenville.
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Rock-A-Bye, Camper, Under Treetops
Read MoreThe Great American Campout takes place Friday, June 24 – Saturday, June 25. Sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, the event is designed to connect campers of all stripes across the country with nature, wildlife, and each other.
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What's in a Land Trust?
Read MoreLand trusts are non-profit organizations that work with landowners and other associations to help save our land heritage, create open spaces, protect wetlands and wildlife habitats, and provide recreational opportunities for everyone. On June 4, all Mast Store locations will host representatives from a community land trust partner. To support the important work that they do, each store will donate 20% of that day’s sales to its partner conservancy.
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It's Wedding Season
Read MoreWeddings are big events bringing together members of two families to celebrate their union into one bigger family. There’s usually a ceremony, probably some drama, good food, maybe a little drink, and stacks of gifts. We’ve pulled together several thoughtful gifts that are perfect for any couple requesting your presence at their nuptials.
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Workin' for Livin'
Read MoreIf you’re a child of the ‘80s, you might remember “Workin’ for a Livin’,” a song by Huey Lewis and the News that paid tribute to the work-a-day folks that keep our lives moving forward. The same sentiment can be applied to the work of land trusts – they are workin’ for OUR livin’.


Our Greenville location had humble beginnings as a shoe and dry good store. As the city grew, so did the need for diversity in what your favorite store carried. In the early 1900s, the building at 111 North Main Street became Meyers-Arnold Department Store. It was locally owned and very customer service oriented. On opening night for Mast Store, many members of the family attended the special event and shared some really poignant memories.
*Photo Courtesy of the Greenville Historical Society, The Coxe Collection.
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