Our “Know Your Local Businesses” series usually deals with privately-owned businesses, and not mega-operations such as service stations.

However, Shell and Chevron service stations are landmarks especially interesting — and vital at hurricane evacuation time.

The Shell station is located on the west of State 59 just before you join the long line going north over the Holmes Bridge. The Chevron station is a block away on E. 2nd St. at Highway 180 where it runs north to meet Canal Road. From the Chevron station, the motorist may proceed to the Holmes bridge or head for Canal Road to the Orange Beach Express bridge. 

During Ivan and Katrina the civic-minded managers of the two stations were recognized for being open to the last gallon of fuel and selling food provisions for people fleeing the storm. Shell Manager Sheenah Edwards said that a newspaper had an article with a title “Convenience Store Saves The Day,” referring to Edward’s and Shell’s action when Hurricane Ivan was coming. Edwards and her staff are very proud of their role in emergencies. 

Down 2nd Street at Chevron, owner John Woodson is equal to the emergency task. Woodson also has diesel fuel and propane gas. The only reserve he holds back is for post-hurricane emergency crews such as Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) and other emergency rescue operators. He keeps frying the chicken and baking the rolls for these crews. After Katrina, good neighbors such as Arnie Wiles took RVs to devastated Mississippi, and upon stopping at Chevron to fill propane tanks, were amazed to hear from Woodson, “There’s no charge for a deed such as you’re doing.” 

Shell and Chevron are not unlike all the other good suppliers on the Island. They just happen to be the last stop before motorists join that non-stop line to parts north. They appreciate their opportunity to serve as good citizens and neighbors.