Family Auto Repair Business thrives post-fire in North Main Street location

During a recent meeting of the North Brookfield Historical Society, Bud Lane shared a captivating story about his family's auto repair business, shedding light on the town's history and the challenges of running a business in the past. Lane recounted how his father entered into a lease agreement with Mr. McCarthy, which initially promised a steady stream of business. However, after paying off the note in just nine months, Mr. McCarthy was left frustrated as he lost business due to Lane's father's sons frequently bringing their cars in for repairs without payment.

This arrangement allowed Lane's father to thrive in the auto repair industry for two decades, until 1954. Lane, who served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956, returned to help his father until his retirement in 1965. A significant turning point in their business came after a fire in July 1955, which, while not destroying the building, prompted them to construct a new facility at 372 North Main Street. Remarkably, they managed to build and open the new location by November of the same year, a feat Lane noted would be nearly impossible today due to modern regulations and red tape.

Lane's nostalgic reflections included anecdotes about the hard work that went into building the new garage, as well as personal memories of the fire's aftermath. He shared photographs from that time, illustrating the challenges faced by his family and the resilience that characterized their efforts.

This discussion not only highlighted the rich history of North Brookfield's local businesses but also served as a reminder of the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship in the community. As the town continues to grow, the stories of its past, like Lane's, remain vital in understanding the spirit and determination that have shaped North Brookfield.