Family to reopen Brownville landmark
5/2/09 | 19 comments

Family to reopen Brownville landmark


By Diana Bowley
BDN Staff
BANGOR DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO
Don Belvin (from left), his wife, Coleen, brother John Belvin and (not pictured) John’s wife, Kristin, plan to reopen their Junction General Store and Entertainment Park on Memorial Day weekend. High gas prices last year nearly caused them to leave the area.

BROWNVILLE, Maine — Brothers John and Don Belvin and their wives had intended to sell the business they created from the ground up when high fuel costs and a tanking economy last year left them with barely enough to meet expenses.

They reluctantly put their Route 11 Junction General Store and Entertainment Park up for sale last fall and packed their bags. Don planned to head south for a carpentry job, and his wife, Coleen, intended to leave her nursing job to join him. John and his wife, Kristin, also a nurse, intended to head to Presque Isle, where a job was waiting for him at a big-box store.

It was a tough decision for the brothers who had followed their dream in 2003 by returning to their hometown, where they pumped their life savings into a vacant building and 70 acres off Route 11. There they converted the property into a general store, restaurant, campground and amphitheater for live concerts.

The brothers tended to the business while their wives worked at nursing jobs in the region. But just as the business started to see a profit last year, gasoline prices rose to an all-time high and the economy began to sour.

“Last year was our best year and we weren’t sure if it wasn’t too little, too late,” Don Belvin said this week. “We went through so many emotions toward the end of last year, and we thought because of the high fuel prices we did not see an end to it, and we just truly thought that there was no way this could go on. Fear got to us more than anything last year and it probably shouldn’t have.”

Belvin said it really hit home when their boxes were packed.

Before they hoisted those boxes into a moving van, however, both men landed jobs in the region.

And then fuel prices declined.

“We were quite tickled,” Belvin said.

Another boost came from their fans, who told them how much they would be missed.

After a Bangor Daily News story last fall reported that the families were leaving, they were flooded with telephone calls and e-mails encouraging them to reopen and to continue to offer quality entertainment, Belvin said. He said their Web site had more than 5,400 hits after the story.

“The response from our fans all over the state has been just overwhelming,” Belvin said. “They knew how hard we had worked and wanted us to stay.”

With that encouragement, the Belvins plan to reopen the store and restaurant Memorial Day weekend and continue to be open weekends throughout the summer and fall. The campground also will be open and a series of live tribute concerts as well as new-release movies are planned for the amphitheater, according to Belvin. Season passes to the concerts will be on sale for $100 on Memorial Day weekend.

Belvin said the tribute concerts planned for the 2009 season include: Night Train, a Guns N’ Roses tribute, July 3; Back in Black, an AC/DC tribute, July 4; Captured, a Journey tribute, July 17; Rick Larimore, a Rod Stewart tribute, July 18; Mamakin Weekend, an Aero-smith tribute, Aug. 7 and 8; and Diver Down, a Van Halen tribute, Sept. 5.

A Christian revival weekend will be held Aug. 1-2 and churches of all denominations are invited. On Friday and Saturday nights in June, karaoke singing will be offered until dark and then new-release DVDs will be shown.

“We are nervous and excited, Belvin said. “We know it’s going to be a great summer again and we know the support will be there. We’re just hoping that, you know, maybe it will be enough this time to get us going again and get us back to where we need to be.

“We really do thank God. He’s giving us the strength,” Belvin said.

For information, call 965-8876 or visit www.thejunctiongeneral.com.

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Comments
19 comments on this item
On 5/2/09 at 4:37 AM, oeepapa6 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

"Home is where the heart is"! This is such great news. We wish all the Belvin's, the best season ever and we will see you soon! Wonderful breakfasts, great conversation and the concerts are great fun!!!!!! Head down, you're in for a great surprise!!!!!! We are fortunate to have you in the Brownville community and thank you for having faith in the area population! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much success!!!!!!! Ron and Patty (Vickers) Petrie

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On 5/2/09 at 7:08 AM, kevin77 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Good for them-see you at back in black!

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On 5/2/09 at 9:35 AM, kateindfcity wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It actually is a really fun experience camping at their property and watching the shows with a bunch of friends and family members. Up here in the sticks it's hard to find fun and exciting things to do. Good thing they are staying, I'll probably be attending one of the shows with some friends in the summer.

Peace.

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On 5/2/09 at 10:06 AM, Joedirt wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Yes, exactly! They defiinately know Generation W, X, Y, and Z. Instead of watching the news, succombing to doom and gloom, get out and have a good time. John and Don Belvin are a great example of Iconoclastic vissionary thinking and have used the ruralism setting to foster a great setting for those who wish to get away to fresh air, rekindle marriages, the sound of trains, just a relaxing venture. Now what you need is a fresh knew way for the State to revamp the entire appproach in how to support business like this. They need to really change thier practices and regualtions dire. Not only that, you won't find a better priced package in what they offer.

What I liked is their State of the Art Wi Fi System that enabled me to get on my Facebook with my laptop and keep in touch and check mail while lying their in my tent. I had coverage everywhere! Go figure! Of all places mind you. Way to go guys for a visionary project. Honest, you won't find a better deal anywhere with a resturant, store, concerts, camping supply depot. We got horseshoes, volleyball, new friends to meet, place to eat, concession stand, hmmmmmmm. This is it people, mark my words. If you really look at their model of a businees, their goals, dreams, it's not about alot of money. It's about being able to stay home, run a business and giving a community a business that is something no one else has done, a niche that encompasses all the fun entertainment, to make life fun. Here's to the 22nd century. Grab a tent,bring the kids, kick back relaxm take a deep breathe, enjoy. Fargo North Dakota ranked first in fresh air, Brownville Junction, second.

If you need to bring the electornics with you to keep in touch, they accomadate too! "Dare to be Rare" guys and never afraid to be "To Rad for Mom & Dad". GETUP THIER PEOPLE!

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On 5/2/09 at 10:16 AM, Joedirt wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Oh, and get this. I brought my Magic Jack USB telephone with me and made a few calls to my buddies out in Vale colorado while they where camping and hiking with the AMC. No think about it, where else can you sit with your LL Bean chair at your tent, listen to the crowd out there with the bands, enjoy a nice telephone conversation on your laptop and with a webcam, show em what's going on.

Ahh yes, there is camping heaven without a high price commercial campground. Gotta love that Wi Fi system they got.

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On 5/2/09 at 10:23 AM, Joedirt wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Great story Diana B. You're a go getter!. You do BDN proud.

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On 5/2/09 at 2:09 PM, neversayno wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Yeah, he is right. Look at it from a distance. You got a campgound included in the ticket, most camprounds offer a place to sit.That's all. Just a stopping point to Bangor to shop. Big deal. And twice the cost! This unique campground has a live concert, resturant, camping supply depot, store, trails all over, nice fresh air, plenty of positive ora here! ATV is you got em. Love hiking up there.

Stressed out with traffic, reservations hard to come by? Nothing but white picket fence canned entertainment ot Bangor's over priced campgrounds!,and they trully are. They give you that" all I want is your money" feeling. Not in Brownville Junction.It was soo neet to sit at my table in my RV up there and cooking breakfast while reading my E-Mail and relying back to my company in Virginia. I love their Wi Fi. They did it right. Most do not support VPN network connectivity. This one did. and we where way in the back. No problem! Way to go boys. Hey think about opening it up to business conventions. Rather do it there than some damn hotel!!

To all corporations out there. Think about asking them to host your meetings. Talk about employee moral getting a boost!!!

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On 5/2/09 at 2:22 PM, Joedirt wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What an idea. Schwinnnng! They do that out West like in Montana, Utah, Colorado. Corporations take their employees out to Dude and Dudess Ranches for retreats. Nice idea. Now that's way out of the box. Cool, I like it.

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On 5/4/09 at 2:00 AM, BDROBERT wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

In 1949 my Dad. Hadden Richardson purchased Cohen's 5&10 store in Brownville Junction. I wqs 11 yrs old at the time. He renamed it Richardsons General Store and I recall clearly the challanges he faced through the years. In those days the town was a very active railroad and lumbering center ! It was an exciting place to grow up and I completed my schooling there. I would pray the Belvins have the ultimate success in their business. Their property has been a figure in my life from the Swayzes to Ralph Berg to Casey Gray.Always a pleasant landmark. It is heartwarming to see the courageous effort being made by the Belvins and all of us that the town spawned should promote,share news of and encourage the use and patronage of their facility. Maine needs to become more user friendly in order to retain it's valued citizens. At the request of a 70 year old "Railroader" please support and promote the Belvins in this endeavor!!! BRAVO!!! Bob Richardson

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On 5/4/09 at 7:34 AM, Joedirt wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Here, here. Build it and they will come. Come on Maine, be proactive, not reactive. Yes the "economy" is drifting a bit of course. It is a ship people. It can re course itself. You got to make it happen. Economy is based on attitude. It can change. Make it happen. Next thing you know, your back up on your skis and sailing again. Good piece BDROBERT. Step up to the plate people. It is your turn at bat. JLN

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On 5/4/09 at 8:19 AM, hokydad wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

just a matter of time and we will read an article about it going under

ten to one says this will be the case

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On 5/4/09 at 8:45 AM, Louise wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

hokydad-----Are you always this happy and up-beat??

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On 5/4/09 at 8:54 AM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Louise good one! It brought a smile out this morning...life is good!

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On 5/4/09 at 10:12 AM, Joedirt wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Nice comment hokydad. Just remember, if anything worth saving fails. it will be your fault. Don't forget it. Write it in stone my friend. Keep it to memory.

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On 5/4/09 at 10:17 AM, Joedirt wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Get up there people. Make a promise to yourself. This ain't gonna fail. The economy can kiss my A&*. Ain't gonna happen on my watch!!!!

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On 5/4/09 at 10:24 AM, RedHandOfUlster wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Always nice to hear about locally owned businesses doing well, especially in a recession. I am glad the Belvin family gave the business a second chance. Thanks to the BDN and Ms. Bowley for such a feel-good story, keep them coming!

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On 5/5/09 at 9:05 AM, hokydad wrote: Click here to view hidden comment         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden
On 5/5/09 at 5:18 PM, blackbirdjock wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Gentlemen:

It was a pleasure to visit your store last summer during a brief stay in Maine during my TDY in southern Maine. I happen to be passing through enjoying Maine scenery and came upon this place while an older gentlemen was making coffee after what seemd to be a night of entertainment. I particularly liked the morning setting as the sun came up, campers retreating from their sites to gather for breakfast which I fould to be very appealing. Your staff was readily available and polite. Service was quick to fill their needs. Very professional.

In the military, we classify this as part of our MWR world, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs. I believe you fill the bill on the Civilian part.

I truly enjoyed my 30 minute stay eating breakfast by the way was fantastic. Wishing you great luck and support from the folks in California.

In todays setting, entertainment is a need, not a want. Morale needs sustainability.

Regards:

D. Stevens

Col. USAF

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On 5/5/09 at 6:28 PM, blackbirdjock wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

hokydad:

No need for a comment like that. It has no useful meaning.

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