DUNDAS — Elaine Campbell can actually remember the last time she and husband Gary had a one-week vacation.
“We won a cruise so we had to go,’’ she said about an event that occurred more than 10 years ago.
Unlike lobster and butter, vacation and operating a small business are words that don’t usually go together.
But the couple may take a little time this weekend to celebrate, especially since this weekend marks an open house event for a rural business celebrating 50 years in operation.
Campbell’s Corner service station is hosting a pig roast under a tent in the couple’s yard throughout the weekend, next door to their operation that has pumped Irving gas for the past five decades.
The Campbells operate the oldest independent service station in the Maritimes and it’s been at the crossroads of life here in eastern P.E.I. since it was opened by Gary’s father, Clem Campbell, back in 1960.
Back then, the station had an unpaved parking lot and cars stopped by the side of the road to fuel up. To expand the service, old trucks were modified into rigs that could tow other disabled vehicles from far and wide throughout Kings County.
Gas was two bucks a gallon and a tow from Montague was twice that amount.
“We’ve hauled all kinds of things over the years and now we haul across the province and the Maritimes,’’ says the 60-year-old Gary, who took over around the mid-1970s and has no intention of retiring.
He said it’s too busy to retire.
“Anyway, I like doing this and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Love the Island, love living here, love the people. This is a business that people call in the middle of the night for a tow and you can’t say no. I would hope someone would help me.”
Up at 5:30 a.m., Elaine, who handles the books and administration, and Gary, who handles the five-truck towing business, are ready to roll. Son Jason and nephew Tyler McCormack work the four mechanic bays at Campbell’s Corner. Often, they aren't closing up until 8 p.m.
Situated at a critical crossroads in Kings County ensures a constant flow of traffic and the Campbells say location has played an important role, but loyal customers from around the region are the mainstay for business.
Campbell’s Corner goes full bore for 362 days of the year, only closing for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Boxing Day. They'll celebrate today, Saturday and Sunday.
Congratulations!