In November,
1941, Cecil M. Etherredge (1904-1974) a former banker,
and life insurance agent formed a partnership with Osma
B. Hutson and became Hutson-Etherredge Agency. After Osma
B. Hutson’s death in 1942, Mr. Etherredge became
the sole owner. At this time, the firm was involved in
insurance, real estate, and loans. Mr. Etherredge and his
wife Virginia
H. Etherredge were both involved with local charities
and business organizations.
Lewis E. Brown (1917-2005), who had previously
worked in the Bank of Aiken, returned from service in World War II and began
working for Mr. Etherredge on October 1, 1945. Mr. Brown secured an interest
in the business several years later and worked primarily in the insurance department
while Mr. Etherredge dealt mainly in real estate and loans. At this time, the
office was located in the Farmers and Merchants Bank building located at the
corner of Laurens Street and Park Avenue. The agency became a corporation, Hutson-Etherredge
Agency, on December 20, 1952. Mr. Brown, a native of Aiken, served on Aiken City
Council and was Mayor Pro Tem for many years. He served on many committees for
both the City of Aiken and University of South Carolina in Aiken.
