You would have to be at least 91 years old to remember Main Street in Trussville without a Mabe turning a wrench on a motor or selling a lawn mower.
Now, all Trussville residents know what it’s like.
Mabe Power Equipment Center, the oldest business in Trussville, closed its doors for good April 30. It had been open since February 1921 as a service station and garage
.
Kathy Mabe Kennedy, the store’s official owner since 2007, said family reasons, the 2003 flood and three consecutive years of drought led to the decision to close. Kennedy and her husband, Chris, looked at the situation and decided to close.
“The Lord is giving us a sign, He’s showing us that it’s time to stop,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy was the third generation of her family to own and operate the business. Her son, Keith, who sold equipment and worked in the repair shop in the summers and after school since he was 15, would have been the fourth.
Kennedy said the name was changed from Mabe Garage and Lawnmower Repair in 1990 because she was still getting calls from people looking to get their cars repaired.
Kennedy said the business downsized last year and that she is looking to sell the building.
Kennedy thanked Trussville, Chalkville and area residents for their “loyal support” over the years. She said fourth-generation customers were still buying parts and getting their equipment repaired at Mabe Power.
“I was selling stuff to grandchildren and great-grandchildren of my grandfather’s customers,” Kennedy said.