“Let’s wear our Southern Sensibilities with a sense of pride. Let’s really think 

hard and deeply about our Southern roots — because they’re important.” 

—Greg Parker (Ted Talk) 

Southern Sensibilities and the Philbrick-Eastman House 

Known as the Philbrick-Eastman House and located on Chippewa Square, this gorgeous Greek Revival residence designed by antebellum architect Charles B. Cluskey began construction in 1844 for Moses Eastman, a local Savannah silversmith. Soon after, Samuel Philbrick occupied the home. 

The Philbrick-Eastman House quickly became known as the finest mansion in all Savannah. 

This 15,000 square foot mansion, featuring its iconic Greek columns and elaborate fencing, was completed in 1848 under the new ownership of John Stoddard, a local merchant. In 1912, a third-story was added, with other renovations occurring in 1953 when the property first began its use as a commercial banking and insurance company headquarters.   

In 2015, local businessman Greg Parker purchased the property and moved his fast-growing gas and convenience store headquarters into the Philbrick-Eastman House. Mr. Parker has made a magnificent showpiece of this exceptional building for the Parker’s company. In a recent Ted Talk, Greg Parker explains the winning charm of southern sensibilities involved in his success. 

Growing from a single location in 1976, Parker’s is fast approaching the billion-dollar mark in sales, and for several years running has been one of America’s fastest-growing privately-owned companies. The Parker’s renovation of the Philbrick-Eastman House has been honored by numerous Georgia and local Savannah awards for its meticulous historic preservation and refurbishment. 

Much of the renovation was indoors and out of sight from street-view. But when visiting this fabulous mansion, another exciting feature to notice is the cast-iron fence located in front and behind the house next to the street. Between the fence structure spires, detailed medallions feature images of infamous people from the distant past.  

These include world-famous writers, like: 

Lord Byron: “Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.” 

William Shakespeare: “It is not in the stars that hold our destiny, but in ourselves.” 

And American politicians, including: 

George Washington: “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means for preserving peace.” 

Thomas Jefferson: “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” 

John C. Calhoun: “The object of the Constitution is to restrain the Government, as that of laws is to restrain individuals.” 

The business of Parker’s emphasizes mobility. But the Parker’s headquarters show serious concern for the crucial basis of a healthy and resilient public identity. Appreciating a concrete place to cultivate civic engagement, Parker’s chose one at the very heart of Savannah’s Historic District where it resides. Bravo!