A Family Story Since 1928
Built in Clayton. Trusted Across the Mountains.
What began with Lewis F. Reeves Sr. and Rubye Dickerson Reeves grew into a fourth-generation family enterprise serving North Georgia and Western North Carolina.
The Beginning
An 18-Year-Old, a Young Family and a Main Street Vision
In 1928, 18-year-old Lewis F. Reeves Sr. came to Clayton and, alongside his wife, Rubye, began building a business rooted in useful products, dependable service and personal relationships.
The business first operated in the Derrick Building on Main Street before moving to the southwest corner of Main and Savannah Streets. From that downtown foundation, Reeves became the oldest retail store in Rabun County still owned by its founding family.
The Reeves Timeline
Nearly a Century of Growth
Each chapter reflects the same practical idea: grow with the needs of the mountain communities Reeves calls home.
Reeves Is Founded in Downtown Clayton
Lewis F. Reeves Sr. and Rubye Dickerson Reeves establish the family business in Clayton. Local historical records place its early Main Street operation in the Derrick Building before the store moved to the corner of Main and Savannah Streets.
Reeves Expands to Highlands
The Highlands, North Carolina, location becomes Reeves’ first major regional expansion, eventually growing into a full-service lumber yard, building-supply operation and approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space.
Ace Partnership Begins
Reeves joins the Ace Hardware cooperative, gaining the purchasing strength and product reach of a national network while remaining locally owned and family operated.
Dillard Store Opens
Opened in spring 1995, the Dillard branch extends service to north Rabun County and southern Macon County with hardware, building materials, lawn and garden products, sporting goods and gifts.
Feed, Farm and Power Equipment Expand
Reeves Feed & Farm opens in Clayton with feed, seed, fertilizer, landscape supplies and outdoor power-equipment sales and service. Its operation also becomes the starting point for the expanding rental department.
Eight Operations, One Family Legacy
Reeves now serves Clayton, Dillard and Highlands through specialized retail, outdoor, building-supply, feed-and-farm, rental and home-furnishing destinations supported by more than 140 employees and a transition toward fourth-generation family management.
Four Generations
A Family Business in Every Sense
Reeves did not simply pass from one owner to another. Each generation worked inside the company, learned the communities it served and helped shape its next chapter.
Lewis Sr. & Rubye
The founders established the business, its work ethic and its lasting place in downtown Clayton.
Lewis Jr. & His Sisters
Lewis Reeves Jr. became company president, while his three sisters held active operational and ownership roles.
Nine Family Careers
Nine members of the third generation built careers as Reeves employees, managers and company leaders.
The Next Chapter
Today, Reeves is transitioning toward fourth-generation family management while preserving its local character.
Always Evolving
From Hardware Shelves to Complete Mountain-Living Resources
The selection changed because the communities changed. Reeves expanded beyond traditional hardware to meet the needs of homeowners, builders, farmers, outdoor enthusiasts and families furnishing mountain homes.
- Lumber, millwork, windows, doors and building materials
- Feed, seed, farm supplies and outdoor power equipment
- Tools and equipment rentals for projects large and small
- Apparel, sporting goods, hunting, fishing and outdoor gear
- Furniture, home goods, gifts, housewares and interior design
Current Location Record
How the Reeves Footprint Grew
Today eight operations serve three mountain communities. Confirmed opening dates are shown below; unpublished dates are clearly marked for verification from Reeves family records.
Clayton Main Street
The original Reeves business and the historic downtown anchor from which the company grew.
Reeves Outdoor Center
A specialized Clayton destination for hunting, fishing, archery, optics and outdoor gear.
Reeves Building Supply
The Clayton lumber, millwork and building-material operation serving homeowners and professional builders.
Reeves Feed & Farm
Opened with feed, seed, fertilizer, landscape supplies and outdoor power-equipment sales and service.
Reeves Rental Center
Rental began within the 2014 Feed & Farm operation; the date it became a separately identified location should be confirmed.
1995
Reeves Hardware Dillard
Opened to serve north Rabun County and neighboring southern Macon County.
Reeves Hardware Highlands
The company’s first major regional expansion into Western North Carolina.
The Summer House by Reeves
The Highlands furniture and design destination was documented in operation by 2018; its original opening or Reeves acquisition year should be confirmed.
What Has Never Changed
Local Knowledge. Useful Products. Familiar Faces.
Family Leadership
Four generations have helped guide Reeves while keeping decisions connected to the communities it serves.
Personal Service
Reeves has grown through relationships, product knowledge and the willingness to help customers find the right solution.
Mountain Community Roots
Clayton, Dillard and Highlands are more than markets, they are the hometowns and neighbors Reeves has served for generations.
The Story Continues
Built on History. Ready for What Comes Next.
Nearly a century after Lewis and Rubye opened their first store, Reeves remains family owned, locally grounded and willing to evolve. The buildings, products and departments may change, but the purpose remains familiar: help people build, maintain and enjoy life in the mountains.
Experience Reeves Today
Eight Operations. Three Mountain Towns. One Reeves Family.
Find the Reeves location that best fits your next project, outdoor adventure or home.