History

A Bit of History


The Peddler resides in a structure that was built originally as a dwelling for the Floyd Family. In approximately 1916,using stones gathered from the property T.F. Floyd created a unique homeplace at the foot of Paris Mountain. This was no ordinary home however as Floyd had a vision of creating a recreation haven for the Greenville Community. Thus, Dreamland was born. Complete with swimming lake, waterfall, dance pavilions, bunk houses and a golf course, Floyd's "dream"  became a reality as local folks flocked to the site for years and years for rest and relaxation. Several articles have been written about Dreamland and there is also a wonderful DVD created by William Bates, a local songwriter and filmmaker whose memories of the place stirred an effort to re-tell some of those memories to others.

As the times changed so did folks' ideas of recreation and the heydays of Dreamland  wained and eventually ended. In the 1950s "The Hilltop Supper Club" occupied the site and provided food, beverages and dancing to its loyal clientele. It was at this point that additions were made to the original structure and a new identity was established. 

Later in the late 50s or early 60s it became a German Restaurant known as the "Rathskeller". For a short period of time the building housed a bar called "Summer Place". This did not last terribly long as neighbors did not appreciate the lively nature of this establishment!

The building lay vacant for a period of time until it caught the eye of Bob and Shirley Duvall, two resourceful and creative people that also had a vision. They were looking for just the right location for a unique style of dining. The idea was a simple one: a great steak, cut at your table and then grilled over charcoal, a baked potato and a fantastic salad. The Greenville Peddler was born in May of 1969. Through all the growth that Greenville has seen bringing with it restaurants of every description, this "little stone house" in the woods on the wrong side of town continues to delight its customers celebrating special occasions, as well as those just enjoying an ordinary Wednesday evening with good friends.

The Peddler was established in 1969