The Holden’s boating tradition goes back over 60 years, as Tom, Sr. took the future Mrs. Holden on dates to Lake Lure, N.C. in the 40’s, where they rented a boat for 50 cents a day. Mr. Holden enjoyed boating so much, that he began to deal with small engines and boats at his business in Inman, S.C.( Holden’s Home and Auto Store), where he first became a Johnson Outboard dealer in 1956.  With the impending opening of the new water works reservoir (which would be known as Lake Bowen), Tom, Sr. realized that there would be a need for more boat dealers, so he left the radio/TV/ and appliance business, and in 1961 opened Holden’s Marine and Sport Center at 1265 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg.