Georgia Historical Society Honors Colonial Group, Inc. as Newest Georgia Business History Initiative Inductee.
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) recognized Colonial Group, Inc. as the latest honoree in the Georgia Business History Initiative with the dedication of a new historical marker in downtown Savannah’s Historic District. Historical marker in downtown Savannah highlights company’s role in the economic growth of Georgia in the 20th and 21st centuries. The marker recognizes the 100th anniversary of the company’s founding by Raymond Demere in 1921.
Each year the Georgia Historical Society selects iconic companies in our state to be honored through the Georgia Business History Initiative. By showcasing these companies, GHS seeks to teach Georgia students, citizens, and tourists alike about the pivotal role of Georgia’s leading businesses in the economic, cultural, and social development of Georgia and the United States.
Speakers for the dedication included The Honorable Ben Watson, Georgia State Senator for District 1, who sponsored a Georgia Senate Resolution recognizing Colonial Group, Inc. for having grown from its “humble beginnings in July 1921 to become one of the leading businesses in the state;” and The Honorable Van Johnson, Mayor of Savannah who proclaimed July 21, 2021, as Colonial Group Day in Savannah. Mr. Christian Demere, President and CEO of Colonial Group, Inc., brought remarks while Robert H. Demere, Jr., Chairman of Colonial Group, closed the dedication. The marker text was read by Ms. Brynn Grant, President and CEO, United Way of the Coastal Empire and Dr. Groce served as Master of Ceremonies.
“When my great grandfather, Raymond McAllister Demere, returned to Savannah after serving in World War I, he saw the popularity of the automobile increasing along with the demand for automotive fuel,” said Christian Demere.
“He purchased a 55-gallon barrel of oil and founded Savannah’s first independent wholesale petroleum company on July 21, 1921. Two years later he opened his first service station in Savannah. From there, what would become Colonial Group’s diverse family of companies was born out of the growing demand for petroleum products.”
In addition to the new historical marker, the Georgia Historical Society compiled a company profile about Colonial. It outlines the history of the company. This educational resource for Georgia middle school students will be available to educators beginning with the fall 2021 school year. Through these educational resources, students can learn about Colonial Group, Inc. The marker is located at the site of the company’s first filling station at 342 Drayton Street in Savannah.
Source: Georgia Historical Society PRESS RELEASE
