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Local mechanic closes shop after 37 years
Jodi Robb
Wednesday April 30, 2008
After 37 years of business, local mechanic and shop owner Fred Copeland is retiring from his Main St. business on April 30.
Copeland, who apprenticed and worked for Heinbuck Motors until he purchased the garage from Jack Rilett in June 1971, has spent three decades servicing Bothwell and area vehicles.
In the beginning, Copeland pumped gas as well as serviced vehicles, tractors and small engines, but over the years he became a full-time garage and removed the gas pumps.
Professing to see many changes in the automotive industry in his career of 47 years, he admits that the garage has not changed much over time.
He recalls when he first started in the garage that the going rate for labour was $4 per hour and today it is anywhere from $50 to $60 per hour.
When he opened for business in 1971, gas was sellng for 28 cents a gallon.
“People stop and talk all the time about the latest sports results or the latest news in town -- for some it is a gathering place,” Copeland said.
When asked about his thoughts on retiring, Copeland said, “My wife has been ready for me to retire for a few years now. I think she has quite a long honey do list made out, but I think I am ready for the change.”
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