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.

Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.