fiverhtte étatt’un

After the horse-drawn “carriages” era, it was many years before a vehicular ‘service industry’ was opened in the village. Coincidentally it was eventually opened on the site of the first car- riage builder ‘at the corner’.

Gas was readily available at the local grocery stores. These “hand-pumped” gas outlets did not close until the late 1950’s. With the use of time saving “electric” pumps the others became obsolete. Some local mechanics such as Frank Dunning, DJ. MacLeod, Stanley Coles, Sr. and DB. Reid had small garages where oil changes could be made and minor vehicle repairs com— pleted.

With the desire for a more modern facility, Stanley Coles, Sr. purchased ‘A acre of land from the former William and Hannah MacKenzie property on October 18, 1956. Here he built a modern service station and entered into an agreement with the Canadian Oil Ltd. on November 1, 1957 to operate a White Rose Service Station. Ill health forced Stanley to sell in 1966. It was pur— chased by Robert Wygant in June 1966. Another change took place on June 29, 1968 when Ray Douglas took over the business. His wife, Annie, did the bookkeeping part of the business for eight years. Ray’s son Allan went into partnership under the name of the R & A Service Station. Ray and Allan also changed from the Canadian Oil Co. to Shell Canada Ltd. in 1973. In 1976 Allan and his wife Eileen took ownership of the business.

On June 29, 1994 the Douglas family celebrated their 25th year in the public service industry which caters to tourists, farmers, and residents for their “service station” requirements.

White Rose Service Station R & A Service Station

Lauchlin MacKay carriage house in background.

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