Davis Dry Goods was started on Court Square in Lexington, TN on September 28, 1935 by Herbert Davis, Joe Moore, and O.H. Roberts. Sales for that particular day were $125.00, which was exceptional for 1935. They were the first store in town to display their merchandise on counters where customers could handle it.

 Herbert Davis
1910-2002
Herbert Davis bought out Mr. Moore and Mr. Robert's shares of the business and completely remodeled the current location in the 1950's. Mr. Davis retired in 1975 and past away in June, 2002. He enjoyed his retirement, and we miss him very much.

 Carole Small - 1986
Elwood recieves
Rotarian of the Year Award

Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children, Carole Small of Lexington and Paula Payne of Pensacola FL.

Mr. Davis' daughter, Carole, and son-in-law, Elwood, have been at the company since 1966 and are the current owners. The Smalls have two children, David and Laura, and six grandchildren.

   Sharon Brown - Halloween 1983
Elwood Small - Halloween 1983

Judy Ridley - 1978
Laura Small - 1978
David Small - 1978

  Many stories of days gone past were heard by talking with Mr. Davis. One in particular that stands out in my mind is the stocking raid of 1943. It seems Mr. Davis was lucky enough to receive a shipment of silk stockings during a time that silk was being rationed by the government because of war. The army made parachutes out of the silk. When word got out that Davis Dry Goods had silk stockings, the rush was so great that he was forced to lock the door when they ran out!

The name itself dates the store, and we have thought about changing it, but we always stick with what is time-proven success. This business has always found success because of exceptional brand name merchandise, for a fair price, and one-on-one personalized customer service.

 1976 Bicentennial Celebration

Elwood and Carole Small
Herbert Davis
Allean Shugart
Helen Holmes