One of the perks of our field is that we, as auctioneers, get to work with, in and around history. Our current auction is loaded with historical items (you can see the catalog HERE), but it's the location from which the auction is staged that piqued my interest.
The history of the Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce is rich with stories dating back to the 1920s. The mission has always been about enhancing the economic prosperity of members, and as a result, the community. That mission continues today. The location from which that mission was exercised has changed four times over the years and now a fifth as the organization will become a tenant in the new Bulloch Solutions building.
Since 1991 the Chamber had been located on South Main Street at the former residence of the Harry W. Smith family. A charming house, it fit the needs of the Chamber and Development Authority for nearly 30 years. As I walked through the house I wondered about the Smith Family and how things might have been different when they occupied the house originally built in the late 1800s. The house had seen nearly every modern convenience come to life and itself was retrofitted to include those. Once occupied by a business owner (Harry Smith of Smith's Jewelers) this house went on to enjoy the company of the Statesboro business elite during the Chamber's time there. What conversations those wall must have heard! The growth of Georgia Southern and Ogeechee Tech. The birth of new banks. The deals negotiated to bring new industry to town. Political campaigns that were both born and put to rest. Oh the things they could share if the walls could talk!
As the Chamber moves on to its new residence much of the fixtures and equipment were left behind. That's where we come in. All of items that will not fit the needs of the organization will be sold at auction. We approach that task with a level of humility and respect, celebrating the past and feeling the excitement of the future. What an honor it is to be asked to complete this job, but what an honor it is to work out of a building with so much history. I trust that whoever buys the house will have an equally rewarding experience.
Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex
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