Savannah family loans reproduction of iconic William Trego painting to Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus is now home to a reproduction of the iconic 1883 painting “The March to Valley Forge” by William Trego. The family of the late Lamar W. Davis Sr., and his wife Mary C. Davis is generously allowing the University to display this painting in the History Department located in Hawes Hall. Lamar Davis Sr., was a former Professor of Accounting at Armstrong College (1948-1976), a practicing CPA in the firm he founded (1954-1991) and a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Lamar and Mary, whose ancestors Fendal Whitworth and Robert Walker served as Patriot Militiamen in South Carolina and Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary War, loved history and instilled that love in all their family. “The department is delighted to have one of Trego’s most famous works and iconic historical paintings,” Christopher Hendricks, Ph.D., interim History Department chair, said. The painting is on loan by retired judge Lamar W. Davis Jr., and his wife Sarah M. Davis (Armstrong State University ’70,’84). “My father loved the students and loved teaching,” said Davis. “My hope is that as students pass by the painting it will encourage and inspire them to keep moving forward.” An unveiling of the painting was held in Hawes Hall on May 1 as a thank you and recognition to the Davis family. The “March to Valley Forge” reproduction is available for public viewing during normal University hours. Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.