32 years of full service comes to end

Terry and Deanne Murphy, who have operated Terry Murphy’s Court Street Auto for the past quarter-century, closed their shop last week. (Adam Drapcho/Laconia Daily Sun)

Terry Murphy’s Court Street Auto owners retire, gas station to stay open

By ADAM DRAPCHO, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — Terry Murphy's dream, as a young man, was to become a pilot. But, coming of age as the Vietnam War wound down, a steady supply of military-trained airmen made it unlikely that he would find work. He turned instead to his mechanical skills and took a job that moved him and his wife Deanne from Connecticut to Laconia.

Terry started working at the Court Street service station 32 years ago, when it was owned by Greg Shannon. Seven years later, he bought the business from his boss and put his own name up on the building. A year later, Deanne joined the business.

On Thursday of last week, Terry and Deanne worked their last day as owners of Terry Murphy's Court Street Auto. The gasoline service will continue to be operated by Stafford Oil Company, which had leased the property to Terry and Deanne, though the automotive repair services will no longer be offered, leaving Murphy's 800 regular customers looking for a new place they can trust with their vehicles.

Murphy's, until last week, offered a filling station experience that young drivers might have found completely unfamiliar. It was a full-service station, where not only would the attendant pump the gas for the customer, he would also, if so desired, check the engine fluids and even install new windshield wiper blades.

For many of today's drivers, those services may not be worth going out of their way. But for a dedicated group of drivers, Murphy's might be the only place they'll choose to visit in the city. Some of their regular customers are elderly or have mobility challenges, and are happy to stay in their vehicle while someone else fills their tank. Others are professionals who don't want to risk getting gasoline on their hands or clothing.

If the vehicle required more attention, it could be pulled into one of the shop's three bays. Murphy's was a true mom-and-pop shop. Deanne scheduled service appointments and kept the books, while Terry and his mechanics made the repairs.

And, if the customers waited in the shop while their car was being fixed, they would find themselves getting to know – and be known by – Deanne.

"A lot of them do like the friendliness of a place where you can talk," Deanne said. Over the years, Terry and Deanne have gotten to know their customers. "It's a good feeling to have people feeling comfortable in your environment... It starts to become a personal thing."

The services offered were tried and true, and so was the Murphys' business philosophy.

"You build your business through trust," said Terry. "We tried to maintain honesty and build trust in people. I left a lot of money on the table, but at least I was honest about it."

When the economy slumped in 2008 and 2009, Terry and Deanne saw their business suffer. This year, they've noticed a rebound – but they had already begun to plan their retirement. Terry was disappointed that he couldn't find a buyer for his service business, but decided the time had come for him to transition to the next phase of his life.

"It's difficult to admit you're getting too old to do your job efficiently," he said.

"Speak for yourself," ribbed Deanne.

Since announcing their retirement, old customers have been showering the Murphys with gifts, hugs and well-wishes. They plan to continue living in Belmont, and each of them will look for part-time work while they pursue their other interests.

For Terry, that will mean a return to his first passion, as he restores two classic airplanes, a 1947 Aeronca 11AC and a 1948 Piper PA-17 Vagabond.

Deanne said, "You leave with fond memories, bittersweet memories, and go on your way."

Terry and Deanne Murphy, who have operated Terry Murphy's Court Street Auto for the past quarter-century, closed their shop last week. (Adam Drapcho/Laconia Daily Sun)