ASHMONT - The gas pumps were officially removed from the service station located along Highway 28, near Ashmont on Dec. 7, marking the end of an era.
Doug's Service was registered on Nov. 18, 1939, and was originally located across from the school in Ashmont. The current shop along the highway was opened on May 2, 1962.
The business was run by the Hays family for many years, and at one time school buses and a Greyhound bus depot also operated from the location.
A cafe was opened in 1990, and eventually turned into a store.
In March 23, 2014, long-time owner Glen Hays passed away. Current owner, Dale Hedrick, purchased the shop the following year from Glen's wife, Jean Hays.
"For lots of people in the community, this is where their first job was, pumping gas or working in the restaurant," says Hedrick. "The Hays family has been a major part of the community since 1939."
So, it was somewhat bittersweet when Hedrick took the necessary steps to remove the gas pumps at the location. While it was a necessary step, it was also a difficult change to see for such a long-standing business in the community.
A mechanic shop and auto wreckage continue to operate from the site, and the building once again houses a restaurant - Highway 28 Diner.
