Dowdle Sports originated from an old family business that started
in 1909 and was licensed as a hardware store in Memphis, TN and located where the current Rendezvous restaurant now operates. The
sporting goods business emerged from a dissolved partnership in the
Desoto Hardware Company with Orgill Brothers in the 1940's and became
Dowdle and Jetton Sporting Goods in 1947 owned by brothers-in-law Bill
Dowdle and Charlie Jetton. After several years, Dowdle purchased
Jetton’s interest and the name was changed to Dowdle Sporting Goods,
Inc. In 1995, the name was shortened to Dowdle Sports, Inc and the
company moved to the Cordova suburb of Memphis, TN at 981 N Germantown Pkwy at Macon Rd. Dowdle Sports was eventually acquired by LIDS.
