On page 134 In the Aug. 13, 1984, issue of National Home Center News, Duncan Building Material Warehouse in New Tazewell, Tenn., is shown in all its rugged glory.

It might not look like much. But the photo is attached to an article in which the store’s owner describes the enterprise as the home center industry’s very first warehouse store. It was opened in 1974, beating Home Depot to the punch by a full five years.