SOUTH BAYMOUTH—On July 13, the community gathered at John Budd Memorial Park to celebrate a momentous occasion: the 75th anniversary of Carl Brown Bus Lines and the 60th anniversary of Carl’s Trading Post. The event was a heartwarming blend of nostalgia, family values, and community spirit, drawing a full house of family, friends and community members.
The festivities were enlivened by the live music of Shades of Midnight, a five-piece band out of Sudbury, who played a mix of country and classic rock, setting a joyful tone as guests enjoyed a barbecue feast featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages, and all the fixings. Games like corn hole added to the fun for kids and guests, also creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie amongst those in attendance. The event was put on by the Brown family businesses as a way to bring community, friends and family together to help ring in the special occasion.
The event paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the Brown family in the South Bay Mouth business scene and the community. The event celebrated the businesses of Carl Archibald (Archie) Brown, founder of Carl Brown Bus line established in 1949 and celebrating 75 years in service. The event also recognized his son, Carl Brown Jr., founder of Carl’s Trading Post, respectively established in 1964 and celebrating its 60th anniversary in business. Over the years, both businesses have come to be recognized as institutions and trusted community members and services.
Robert Brown, Carl’s eldest son, was visibly moved, choking back tears as he reflected on his father’s impact and the company’s journey. Robert said in his speech “This celebration for 60 years of Carl’s Trading Post and 75 years of Carl Brown Bus marks not just anniversaries, but a celebration of our journey together … Our customers are more than just our patrons; you have been our neighbours, our community and best of all, our friends. We have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting so many wonderful people both locally and internationally.” Robert spoke to the crowd about the early start of the Carl’s Trading Post in 1964 when he was 11 years old. “I now realize, looking back, how formative these years would be in shaping me into who I am today. These experiences have helped me learn to work with people and understand their diverse needs.”
Robert reminisced, “The bus line was actually started by my grandfather Archie, but after the first few years, our parents Carl and Roberta continued the work and grew the businesses. All of us siblings worked in the businesses, which taught us the value of hard work and dedication. It is our hope that the future generations of our family continue to share and uphold these values in their endeavours.” Robert expressed his profound appreciation to the school boards, youth groups, and First Nations who continued to employ their bus services and who continue to trust them as reputable operators with unwavering standards to service and safety. Robert also made sure to thank his younger brother Gary, whom he called the companies “our jack-of-all-trades.”
Robert’s younger brother, Gary Brown, brought a lighter touch to the occasion, charming the crowd with humorous anecdotes and stories from their early years of service. He recounted how his older brother was the educated one and that he was a much freer spirit when growing up, suggesting that academics wasn’t his strong suit. Though he never went to school past secondary, Gary recounted that the businesses presented him with the best education he could ever have asked for. “The bus business allowed me to get hands on learning, which is the best kind of education there is. Though I was never a mechanic, I learned the trade along the way. I also became a driver. But in terms of unwavering standards to safety and safe operation, I can assure you all here today that there was never a single bolt on any of our buses that wasn’t double checked. First by our mechanics team, and secondly by me before they returned from servicing.” Gary made sure to thank all of the bus monitors who assisted in keeping the children safe on the buses, the mechanics who kept the buses in safe running order, the dispatchers who coordinated the operations, as well as the trainers who provided current information on highway safety regulations and provided up-to-date certification. Gary also extended a profound thanks to his brother Robert, as well as the extended family who have all worked at maintaining the family’s legacy.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of the Brown brothers and their family’s contributions to the community. MPP Michael Mantha presented Robert and Gary with awards, honouring their dedication and the positive influence of their businesses on Manitoulin Island and the community of South Baymouth. The brothers humbly acknowledged that their success would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of their employees, especially the bus drivers who ensured safety and reliability or service.
The importance of family values—hard work, perseverance, and exceptional customer service—was a recurring theme throughout the day and event. The Brown family’s businesses have thrived not only due to their strategic location in South Bay Mouth, where the Chi-Cheemaun ferry operates, but also because of their strong ethical foundation and down-to-earth hospitality. Robert recounted how the store often served as a first place of contact for many tourists disembarking from the vessel. Sometimes, some were in need of provisions or friendly directions to various places on the Island. He spoke fondly of many of the memories he had of meeting various people and recounted a cute story about once when he and Gary were younger, working with their father at the store. “One of the most memorable customers we had came in asking for directions to Manitoulin Island. Father and I just smiled and looked down. Gary the bolder of us laughed kindly and said, ‘You’re standing on it.’ But these are the kinds of interactions you cherish over the years.”
The celebration was emceed by Peter Brown, nephew to both Gary and Robert who, not surprisingly, like many of the young Browns spent his summers working in the family businesses. His contributions included heartfelt tributes to current employees and those who have passed away, recognizing their vital roles in building and sustaining the company.
Those who passed away included Bob McDonald, Wayne Skippen, Vern Johnson, Burt Cooper, John Moote, Crug Bowerman, Tom Simpson, Mrs. Klages and Albert Kay. The drivers acknowledged for their years of service included Paul Duxbury (three), Larry Lacappelain (six), Dick Bowerman (eight), Laura Frank (nine), Darren Brown (12), John McNaughton (15), Eddie Glasby (19), Ed Sagle (19), Pax McKenna (20), Tom Nighswander (21), Bruce Tustian (21), Bob Case (23), Shelly Brown (23), David Brown (25), Michael Brown (40). In addition to these long-term dedicated employees, the Browns family also wanted to make sure to mention the invaluable contributions of their spare drivers. Though these drivers were not constants, their assistance in times of need often made the difference when it was most needed. These dedicated backups are Jack Greenway, Wayne Campbell, Mike Bond and Tom McQuay.
As the sun set on this memorable day, the sense of community and shared history was considerable. The celebration of Carl Brown Bus Lines and Carl’s Trading Post was more than just an anniversary—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of family and community, and a promise of continued dedication to service and excellence for the residents and visitors of South Baymouth.
