Businessman Bo Johnson’s efforts on Busbee marker about to pay off

ALBANY — Thursday morning, as those around him celebrate the pomp of honoring former Georgia Gov. George Busbee with the unveiling of a historic market at Busbee’s former Albany home, Bo Johnson will heave a big sigh of relief.

The Albany businessman, who bought the former governor’s 1205 W. Third Ave. home when he saw that it was in disrepair, will end a two-year project Thursday with the unveiling. The marker will culminate a labor of love that became something of a beast for Johnson to see through to fruition.

“I had no idea it would be such a huge task, but then, I had no idea what the process involved,” Johnson said Saturday as he turned his attention to chores at his own home. “I went to Mayor (Dorothy) Hubbard with this idea when I first bought the property, and she directed me to the local Historic Preservation Commission. Once the idea got their approval, it went to the Georgia Historical Society.

“It’s been quite a process. There are all of these details that must be completed, from funding to wording on the marker, to upkeep. It’s been about a two-year project, and while it’s taken up way more time than I originally thought it would, there’s this great feeling of pride as we get ready for the unveiling.”

Busbee’s four children, including his son, George “Buz” Busbee Jr., who lives in Lee County, are expected to be on hand for Thursday’s unveiling. Albany and Dougherty County government officials, the local Historic Preservation Commission, officials with the Thronateeska Heritage Center — which will maintain the marker — representatives of the Georgia Historical Society and other invited guests (such as Gov. Busbee’s former law partner, Bill Divine) have also been invited for the historic unveiling.

“I remember 1974; I was in high school then,” Johnson said. “I remember how excited and proud Albany was to have the governor come from our city. It was amazing to think that the strategy that led him to the governor’s mansion started right there in that house.”

When Johnson moved his Artesian Financial Group business to a house he’d purchased at 1201 Third Ave., he was aware of the Busbee home one lot over. He’d grown up playing with the former governor’s children and decided he’d purchase their former residence.

“It was a buffer against encroaching businesses in that area, but I also thought the home had historic significance for Albany,” the financial consultant said. “I’m something of a history buff, and I’d always taken great pride in George Busbee’s accomplishments as Georgia’s governor. It was because of him that Albany got businesses like MillerCoors and P&G, and he had the same kind of economic impact all over the state. That was one of his greatest accomplishments as governor.

“Once we went through the approval process, we formed a committee that worked hard to keep things going with the marker. The committee members share the pride in Gov. Busbee’s accomplishments, and I believe this marker will have educational significance for our community. I think it’s a source of pride that all of Albany can share.”

Thursday’s 11 a.m. unveiling ceremony is open to the public.