Company Description:
Colonial Electric Company, Inc. commenced operations in the early 1900's at 10th and Vine St. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies had just won the National League Pennant (1915) and with over one million residents, Philadelphia was the country's largest city. As the city's electrical demands increased through the middle of the century, Colonial responded and flourished.
By 1970, Philadelphia's population was nearly two million. The road systems badly needed updating. Colonial's turn-of-the-century office building and warehouse was taken by 'eminent domain' to make way for the new Vine Street Expressway. Rather than endure a move, Colonial's president and the founder's son, John Wilson, opted to close its doors and liquidate the inventory.
At that time, Joe Bellwoar had been Colonial's star outside salesperson. He offered to buy Colonial's inventory and was given permission to use the Colonial name. Square D, one of the nation's leading electrical manufacturers, agreed to transfer the franchise authorization to the new Colonial Electric Supply. In 1972, Joe moved the inventory to a warehouse at 40 N. 2nd Street in the Old City Section of Philadelphia. He renamed the business Colonial Electric Supply Co., Inc. to reflect the company's focus as a wholesale supplier.
Colonial Electric Company, Inc. commenced operations in the early 1900's at 10th and Vine St. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies had just won the National League Pennant (1915) and with over one million residents, Philadelphia was the country's largest city. As the city's electrical demands increased through the middle of the century, Colonial responded and flourished.
By 1970, Philadelphia's population was nearly two million. The road systems badly needed updating. Colonial's turn-of-the-century office building and warehouse was taken by 'eminent domain' to make way for the new Vine Street Expressway. Rather than endure a move, Colonial's president and the founder's son, John Wilson, opted to close its doors and liquidate the inventory.
At that time, Joe Bellwoar had been Colonial's star outside salesperson. He offered to buy Colonial's inventory and was given permission to use the Colonial name. Square D, one of the nation's leading electrical manufacturers, agreed to transfer the franchise authorization to the new Colonial Electric Supply. In 1972, Joe moved the inventory to a warehouse at 40 N. 2nd Street in the Old City Section of Philadelphia. He renamed the business Colonial Electric Supply Co., Inc. to reflect the company's focus as a wholesale supplier.