Even in 1936, the company now known as Mayo Garden Centers was deemed “the oldest ‘one-man company’ in Knoxville,” by the Knoxville News-Sentinel. For nearly 150 years, Mayo has been a landmark stop for garden products, outdoor equipment and furniture.
Mayo Garden Centers is so deeply rooted in Knoxville history that May 18 is designated as “Mayo Seed Company Day” in Knox County.
Daniel “D.R.” Mayo founded the business in 1878. His legacy has carried to a fifth generation of Mayos running the business, helmed by great-grandson Claxton Mayo Jr. and great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth Mayo Cox.
The story of how plant seeds sprouted one of Knoxville’s oldest family-owned businesses began in a small storefront on Gay Street.
Sowing seeds since 1878: How did Mayo Garden Centers start?
Daniel “D.R.” Mayo, an Arkansas cotton planter, moved to Knoxville to be with his bride-to-be and opened a grocery store on Gay Street. He began carrying garden and field seeds, which was rare for grocery stores at the time.