The dresses are so similar, it’s hard to tell at first glance. | Photos via Maggie Payne
Did you get married in Greenville late 1985 or early 1986? Did you have your dress cleaned or preserved at Mayhew Laboratories, Inc. on Bradshaw Street? If yes, keep scrolling. If no... still keep scrolling, because this is a good story.
Maggie Payne is getting married in March 2026, and like many brides do, she wants to pay homage to her mom by incorporating her dress into her big day. Mayhew Laboratories, a now-closed dry cleaner, had preserved it following her parents’ wedding in December 1985. It was then packed away for four decades, but when they recently pulled it out for Maggie to try on, it was someone else’s dress — not the one worn by Maggie’s mom, Connie, 40 years ago.
What better way to reach 80,000+ Greenvillians to track down the dress than to slap this story at the very top of the GVLtoday newsletter, right? Let’s help Maggie and Connie get this dress back to its owner — and hopefully find theirs in the process.
What famous item was also cleaned at Mayhew Laboratories?
A. Prince’s costume when he performed at Greenville Memorial Auditorium in the 1980s B. A beaded evening dress from Miss South Carolina 1957, later worn at Miss America C. The pale blue chiffon dress Mamie Eisenhower wore during a Greenville campaign stop D. A dress worn by Joanne Woodward in “Three Faces of Eve”
If a traditional semester feels too overwhelming right now, Flex Start might be just what you need to keep moving toward your goals. | Photo provided by Greenville Technical College
Let’s be real — life’s busy. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your goals on hold.
Enter: Greenville Technical College’s Flex Start classes. Beginning the week of Sept. 22, these courses start later than traditional classes and let you earn a full semester of credits in just 10 weeks.
Perfect for working professionals, current students, or anyone looking to advance their career, Flex Start offers online, in-person, and hybrid classes at multiple campuses across Greenville County. Whether you want to pick up a few extra credits or take a full course load, you can attend class whenever it works for you.
Pro tip: Spots fill up fast, so be sure to check out the wide range of classes available. You’ll find everything from music appreciation and psychology to microeconomics, early childhood, and more.
The GVL Arts Market is a new event popping up in Camperdown Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 12 to 5 p.m. Artists in the Upstate can apply to join when applications open today at 12 p.m.
Announced
Remember when we told you yesterday that Little Leaf Coffee was on the move from Cartwright Food Hall? We now know where it’s headed. The coffee shop is taking over the cafe at Green Laundry Lounge soon.
Ranked
No. 3. That’s where Bank of America Fall for Greenville currently ranks in the race to become USA Today’s 10Best fall festival. You can vote through Monday, Sept. 8 at 12 p.m. Plus, the lineup for the Oct. 10-Oct. 12 festival drops today — so be on the lookout for that in tomorrow’s newsletter.
Coming Soon
What’s poppin’, TR? Sushi Yama is opening a boba tea concept called Boba Yama. Celebrate the grand opening on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 12 p.m.
Civic
Mauldin’s City Council approved an ordinance allowing up to five hens per single-family home — no roosters, though, so don’t worry about unsolicited wake-up calls. Coops must stay in the backyard and meet height rules. (Greenville Journal)
Opening
As you trek to the mountains for apple picking this fall, Jeter Mountain Farm is adding something sweet to its lineup: The Orchard Scoop is now serving small batch, homemade ice cream next to The Orchard Baking Co. Celebrate the grand opening on Friday, Aug. 23 + Saturday, Aug 24.
500+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Giveaway
Round two of our Greenville County Teacher + Staff Appreciation Giveaway is happening now. We’ve partnered with Greenville Federal Credit Union to give two more Greenville County Schools teachers or staff members $450 in gift cards to their favorite local restaurants. Learn more + enter.*
Post of the Day
Tucked near downtown Greenville with views of Paris Mountain, this modern retreat is the definition of an urban oasis.
It’s owned by former Bachelor + Bachelorette star Andi Dorfman and local commercial real estate developer Blaine Hart. Designed by local architect Jared Moore, and styled by Dorfman, the multistory home is crafted for both relaxation and entertaining, from the art-filled third-floor studio to the dramatic wet-room bathroom and the saltwater pool, rooftop patio, and putting green.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’m incredibly excited for the upcoming seasons at local theatres, particularly “Come From Away” at Centre Stage + “Gutenberg! The Musical!” at The Warehouse Theatre. I loved each of these shows in their Broadway form, so I’m looking forward to seeing them on Greenville stages next month.
