QUILCENE — If you’re going for a drive down U.S. Highway 101, make sure you check the gas tank first. There’s no gasoline in Quilcene.
One of the few stations along the long stretch of highway in East Jefferson County has closed its doors and left the Quilcene community without a local stop to fuel up.
“The economy is bad,” said Dong Kim, owner of the Village Store in Quilcene, on Tuesday.
“That’s it. We’re closing.”
He declined to say anything more.
The gas station and local market closed at 2 p.m. on Sunday, a sign on the building reads.
Now the pump handles are locked and covered, and the store is locked and empty.
Quilcene residents hope an investor will be attracted by the location and purchase the store.
“I hope someone moves in,” said Lisa Hames, past president of the Quilcene/Brinnon Chamber of Commerce.
“Someone should really buy that up before the bridge closes.”
Bridge closure
Hames remembers the community businesses thriving when the Hood Canal Bridge collapsed 30 years ago.
She sees the market as a location where a lot of money could be made during the six weeks, beginning May 1, that the eastern half of the bridge will be replaced.
During that time, U.S. Highway 101 will be the only land route on and off the Peninsula.
“When the bridge is down, we are going to see more traffic through here,” she said.
“If we don’t have a gas station, then they might not be stopping here for long.”
Valerie Schindler, owner of Windermere Hood Canal in Quilcene, said that the closures of small businesses are a symptom of the national economy.
“It’s just another sign of what’s happening to our greater economy and how it does affect the boots on the street.”
Schindler also said it would make things difficult for the residents of the town.
“It’s not good for the community,” Schindler said.
“We have to plan ahead. You better plan and not be low on gas around town.”
From Quilcene, the closest places to buy gas are the Tesoro station along U.S. Highway 101 in Brinnon, which is 12 miles away; the Chevron Station in Chimacum at the corner of state Highway 19 and Chimacum Road, about 15 miles away; and the Beaver Valley General Store along Highway 19 near Port Ludlow, also about 15 miles away.
________
Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
