The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
-by Bonnie Johnson The Quill Staff
Gene Fox worked for FS for fifteen years and during this time, FS bought Wayne Waddill's station, putting Gene in charge. Richard Jarvis approached Gene and asked why he didn't start a tire shop of his own. Gene thought about this idea and opened his shop in 1975 after buying the land from Jarvis' and building the building that houses the tire shop.
Gene said business has changed dramatically in the 29+ years he has been in business for himself. It has become more involved and complicated. There are so many sizes of tires anymore that it's difficult to keep up with all the sizes. The government has mandated a no-burn order for disposing of tires. A large trailer comes around and picks up the old tires, taking them to a disposal place. These places shred the tires, combining with another substance and using for resurfacing highways, or putting the pieces with coal to be used by power plants, etc. This is supposed to make the coal burn hotter. Gene also has to pay a $2.50 fee on each tire sold and this money goes to the state, supposedly for research on the use of old tires. All of this has to be documented for the state.
In 1995, Scott Shaner started working for Gene. Scott grew up in the community and is very familiar with the people and the area. Gene and Scott make trips to the fields to change tires and they also handle emergency road service.
Gene has been married to Theresa Mixer Fox for over 40 years and they have two sons, Michael and Brad. Michael and Wendy and their two children, Halle and Morgan live in Morton where Michael works at St. Francis Hospital as a respiratory therapist. Brad lives in Galesburg and has worked for UPS for over 15 years.
Gene has the same concern that many business people in Stronghurst and area communities have and that is "the little towns are dying".
There isn't the loyalty to the hometown businesses like there used to be, and it not only hurts the businesses but it also hurts the community. Working with the area people has been very rewarding and the people have been very supportive. He's been able to maintain a good living for his family and appreciates the business people have given him.
At left is Gene Fox with employee Scott Shaner.