R.H. Foster Energy LLC recently purchased two long-standing Pembroke institutions -- Johnson's Shell and Morgan's Irving. The sale of these two beloved businesses was swift and created concern and speculation throughout the community. The businesses both have long histories in the town.
     Johnson's was originally a grocery store in Pembroke owned by Joyce and Dwight Johnson. Many longtime Pembroke residents have fond memories shopping there. Their son, Terry Johnson, purchased the current site on Route 1 in 1998 from Brian and Lisa Priest, whose garage was destroyed by fire. Terry Johnson relocated the family business and built the gas station that local residents have come to know and love.
     In 2004, Doug and Cathy Diffin purchased the business from Terry Johnson and opened their doors on March 8, 2004. Doug Diffin says, "We have had many firsts here. Sandra Nystrom has been with us from day one. We have provided an important life foundation for many local young people by giving them their first job, offering flexible schedules to work around school, and later, marriage and family life."
     The Diffins' favorite part of the business was serving the customers, who in the process became friends. During the pandemic, Diffin says, "to keep our friends and family safe, we disinfected the pumps and the store every 30 minutes for over a year. We didn't want anyone to get sick."
     Billy and Sue Morgan opened their doors for business in 1971. Sue and her family have been serving Pembroke and the surrounding region for 40 years. Jane Bell of Tide Mill Farm reminisces, "For many years, on Christmas Eve, Sue and Billy had a Customer Appreciation Day. They would make a huge batch of seafood chowder to give to customers, as a token of thanks for their friendship and business. People would flock in to get their chowder."
     Clearly the affection felt between the owners of Johnson's Shell and Morgan's Irving and their customers runs deep. The sale of these two businesses will be a big change for the town of Pembroke.
     Among the reasons cited by both owners on why they decided to sell is that the fuel tanks must be replaced every 30 years, under state law. Diffin points out, "Our tanks were due to be replaced a year ago, but we got a one-year moratorium because of the COVID pandemic. Now they must be replaced." He says the replacement cost for them is $50,000, which would require a 20-year loan. Diffin notes that it would take many years to recover those expenses.
     Sue (Morgan) Woodman says, "Our tanks need to be replaced in three years, at an expense of $500,000, to be paid in 20 years. I will turn 72 in November. I can't take on that level of debt at this stage of my life." She adds, "I have aged out. Modernization is making change necessary. It is time for someone with the resources to move this business forward. I didn't seek this -- they came to me, which was a tremendous relief. This sale prevented me from having to find a realtor. I see it as a blessing."
     Doug Diffin shares similar sentiments, citing stage of life and tank replacement as deciding factors to sell. Furthermore, R.H. Foster has been their fuel provider for over 17 years. Diffin says, "When we went through tough times, R.H. Foster was better to us than any bank. The local banks refused to work with us." He continues, "I can't imagine selling to anyone else. R.H. Foster has always been so good to us. It just feels right."
     R.H. Foster is also a decades old, family-owned business. In fact, it is now in its third generation of Foster family members working for the company. It is also a local business. It was founded in Machias by Robert H. Foster, who began delivering heating oil in 1959. It now has offices in Hampden, Ellsworth, Machias and Beals.
     In a release, Katie Foster, executive manager at R.H. Foster, states, "The relationships that R.H. Foster has with our customers and our communities are something that are incredibly important to our family. We have a long standing relationship with Doug and Cathy Diffin and have worked with them at their three locations for more than a decade. Sue (Morgan) Woodman and her family are a pillar of the Pembroke community, and we are very excited to continue to work with them in this capacity. We will continue to operate Morgan's Irving as Morgan's Shell and Pembroke Freshies."
     Foster continues, "We are pleased to have Sue (Morgan) Woodman continuing to work at the store and Vicki Verge working as the general manager, offering the same great deli products, food selection, snacks and other items that the community knows and loves."
     Johnson's Shell has been closed, with employees having been offered positions at Morgan's. Plans for the property have not been released.
     While changes were necessary, the Morgan and Diffin families have expressed great confidence in the R.H. Foster family, and shoppers will continue to see many familiar faces continuing to serve them at Morgan's Shell and Pembroke Freshies.