BELVA, W.Va. — One of the last remaining full service gas stations in West Virginia is marking a major milestone.
Brown’s Service Station in Fayette County is celebrating 100 years in business. The station is located in Belva about five miles north of Gauley Bridge along Scrabble Creek Road.
“We pump the gas, check your oil, wipe your windshields,” co-owner Tammy Brown told MetroNews.
Brown and her husband Adam hosted a celebration event at the station Sunday afternoon.
The Brown’s took over the family business from Adam’s father who opened the doors in 1922. They provide a number of services including pumping gas, a rarity in West Virginia where most gas stations are self-service.
“There’s a lot of people who don’t like to pump their own gas,” Tammy Brown said. “There are people that work and they don’t want to get the smell or chance of spilling it on them or anything.”
It’s illegal to pump your own gas in states like New Jersey or Oregon.
During the summer surge of high gas prices, Brown said they relied on their regular customers.
“Mostly the ones who are dedicated will stay with us, but you just have to do what you can,” she said.
Over the years, the Browns have made available additional services like oil changes and tire sales to keep their business afloat. Adam is also a very active owner and works long hours.
“Most people that start businesses want to start them, get them going and then have their employees run them. That’s not the case here. I truly think that’s how the station has stayed alive,” his wife said.
The Browns say their son is ready to take over the business soon as a fourth generation owner.