How It Started
The roots of Colby & Gale stretch back to 1933, when Foss Etheridge established Etheridge Oil, operating with just four 15,000-gallon above-ground tanks. The foundation for today’s company was laid in 1944 when Charlie Gale and Ken Colby joined Etheridge Oil, ultimately purchasing the business in April 1946 and renaming it Colby & Gale, Inc. In those early days, the operation was simple but dedicated — two trucks, with Charlie driving one and Ken the other.
Journey of Growth
By 1947, the company had evolved into a fuel oil and bottle gas operation, expanding their fleet to three trucks capable of moving 650 to 1,000 gallons at a time. Neil Sprague joined the team that year as bookkeeper and pump attendant, briefly leaving to serve in the Navy from 1950 to 1954. A significant change came in 1957 when Ken Colby sold his share to Charlie Gale, who led the company until his passing in December 1961.
Era of Expansion
By 1947, the company had evolved into a fuel oil and bottle gas operation, expanding their fleet to three trucks capable of moving 650 to 1,000 gallons at a time. Neil Sprague joined the team that year as bookkeeper and pump attendant, briefly leaving to serve in the Navy from 1950 to 1954. A significant change came in 1957 when Ken Colby sold his share to Charlie Gale, who led the company until his passing in December 1961.
Modern Evolution
Neil Sprague purchased the company from Charlie’s widow, Kathryn, and initiated a period of expansion. The business grew to include a Laundromat in 1966 and acquired Phillips Power Products in 1977. In 1979, Neil retired, selling to Jimmy Phillips and Barry “Gus” Knott. A major milestone came in 1988 with the relocation to Biscay Road, where six fuel tanks were installed — four 15,000-gallon tanks and two 50,000-gallon tanks — all of which remain in service today.
The 1990s brought new leadership, with Robert Clifford purchasing Barry Knott’s share in 1993, and long-time employee Verne Verney becoming an owner in 2001 after Danny Hallowell’s retirement.
Today, Colby & Gale has transformed into a comprehensive full service company
The success of Colby & Gale’s 90-year journey is attributed to our unwavering commitment to building strong customer relationships and meeting our community’s evolving needs.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to the principles that have guided us since 1933: reliable service, community support, and personal attention to every customer.