After the farming era in The Valley, Elwin Kingsbury and his family
established the Shell Service Station on Route 100 at the
Warren-Waitsfield town line. "Hooter Dan Farnham, the man with a plan,
was one of many people working at the service station. He attracted
customers from all over. We can't forget Hooter Dan, the public
relations man. Also there was Greg Pierce who was a great asset. Bryan
Kingsbury did lots of welding all over The Valley. And I can't forget
Sledge Hammer Mr. Cool Jim Livingston and his heavy duty excellent
efforts as a mechanic on large equipment.
One day, as I remember it, Jim had a white car and had Cop Catcher
written on it and went off the road at the junction of Routes 100 and
17. The vehicle heated up. In an attempt to fix things, he opened the
hood of the "Cop Catcher" and after lifting the hood, he pulled the
radiator hose off and after several tries got the steam coming out, but
it was aimed directly at his body in the wrong places. He dropped his
pants and rolled on the grass hollering over and over again for water,
water, water and water. After a few minutes he recovered and said
"Damn, never had such an experience before." It sure was an exciting
development for Jim.
As time went on to the 1980s or so, the garage was turned into
Kingsbury's Country Store. Dad semi-retired. Bryan, Vicky and Troy
Kingsbury then operated the store. Margaret Kingsbury looked after the
deli and the ice cream window. There was a going-away party for my
oldest son, Kris, and his veteran friends, who had signed up for the
U.S. Navy in San Diego. Kris and his buddies all had a great time.
Scott Kingsbury, also my son, put together a band, In Transit, and
provided dancing under the tent and under the stars, complete with a
barbecue for all with corn on the cob, seafood and all kinds of other
food. Jodi, Kim Woods' friend, helped with many pre-made dishes. Uncle
Mert, a party man, stopped in. People arrived from Granville -- Edwin
Harvey and Roberta Jaques -- and from all over the place. It was
estimated that there were 400 to 500 people.
After several years the store was sold to Mac's and a new building was
erected on the same site. We, as family, miss dad, the farm, the
service station, and the country store. We have many memories to last
forever.
We wish the new owners and investors the very best.
Remember the very fertile river bottom and the rich topsoil.
From an ex-farmer with sincerest regards,
Bob Kingsbury
Warren
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