Tobin Brothers Garage To Close

by Rob Yagid

After nearly four decades of turning wrenches and tuning cars, the Tobin
brothers are closing their doors for good. The Tobin Brothers Garage
located at the north end of Wrong Way Bridge is for sale. Brothers
Robert, 63, and Art, 61, originally from Waterville, plan to retire by
the first of October, whether the business has sold or not.
Tobin Brothers Garage "did a little bit of everything" as Robert put it,
doing body work and tune ups for close to 40 years. Robert and Art have
been the sole owners and operators of their garage since June 1 of 1967.
Growing up in Waterville, the Tobin brothers were just two in a large
family. Both enjoyed working on cars and remember with precision the
early days of their careers. "Making $50 on a car was just fine back
then (late 1960s), nowadays I can't even look at a car for that much,"
remembers Art. "It's become less fun and more of just a job," he adds.
Robert and Art were maintaining the lot late Friday afternoon, picking
up fallen branches and trimming grass when most businesses were
preparing to close. The Tobins are well respected for their hardworking
character.
"I'd work 50-60 hour weeks at the garage and another 20-25 hours at my
other business," says Art, whose other business, apartment/housing
facilities will keep him busy in his retirement. They took a break and
were eager to discuss the changes they have seen in both their business
and the community over the years.
"Cars have changed a lot, for the better," said Art, "They've become
more sophisticated and in turn more expensive."
While Art recalls the development of their business, Robert remembers
the changes the community has gone through. "You just don't know people
like you used to," he says "town is a lot bigger, and there are a lot
more faces that you don't recognize".
The brothers decided to end a career that they've spent a lifetime
mastering for simple, but valid, reasons. "It's just time for some sort
of change," says Robert, commenting that being in business with his
brother has had its ups and downs. Art agreed, but added that they made
it work.
Some community members are sad to see the change the Tobins seek, and
feel the town won't be the same with them not in business. Bob Hinshaw,
of Bob's Repair on Route 108, remembers the early days of his business
in the '70s. One would think that new competition coming to town would
breed animosity between the two garages. Hinshaw recalls the "huge
hearts" the Tobins showed him. "If you need them, they're always there,"
says Hinshaw, who has traded services, tools and advice with the Tobin
brothers over the years.
While retired, Art knows he'll still be busy, the apartment houses will
offer relief from the long hours he's grown accustomed to. As for his
older brother, retirement comes without drastic change from everyday
life of the past 37 years, "I'd imagine I'll still end up tinkering on
cars," he laughs.