Better days

There’s a lot of talk about the demise of “mom and pop” and “family-owned” business these days. Usually, Wal-Mart and other big corporations get the blame. While that may be true in some instances, Lori and I have come to the conclusion that another big reason is the dwindling sense of family tradition and pride.

We’ve seen that theory in action over the past few days. Since there were no large chain truck stops near Suffolk, we waited for our next load assignment at Big Charlie’s Travel Plaza. It had the appearance of having once been a first-class operation but it has now become a bit ragged around the edges. Another trucker, who obviously saw our hesitation as we inspected the showers, said “Charlie’s used to be one of the best truck stops in the country. Then Big Charlie died and his kids took over. It wasn’t too long before they sold it to these people and it became like this.” We can only assume “these people” had no knowledge or appreciation of what Charlie’s used to be.

Last night we witnessed an example of how good an independently-owned business can be. White’s Truck Stop in Raphine, Virginia is owned by Dick White. There’s no doubt this is his place. Though he’s getting on in years, he’s there every day talking to the customers and overseeing the operation. The walls are lined with his gun and knife collection, photos and newspaper clippings reflecting his love of motorcycles, and his personal collection of antique and vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles in a small glass garage by the front door.

There’s an obvious sense of pride about the place, and it flows from the top down. The question is, what will happen when Mr. White is no longer able to watch over the place. We’re not sure if any of his children are involved in the operation or if there is another “heir apparent” that will carry on the tradition of the place. We can only hope so because we’ve seen what can happen to a place that loses the sense of pride that comes with tradition.