Last gas station on Deer Island closes

Welch's Store in Fairhaven, a long-time island business and Deer Island's only gasoline retailer, closed its doors just before Christmas, leaving residents concerned about fuel availability on the island.
Since the 1970s the number of stores on Deer Island has gone from six at one time to today's all‑time low of only two stores, Richardson's Grocery and Bella's Country Store, which is located on the site of Carvel Lambert's former store. The number of gas pumps has also decreased from three sets of pumps in the 1970s to none today.
Welch's Store has not been open for the past few weeks. A December 4 Facebook post from the store stated that it is for sale, but the owners, Warren and Antoinette Calder, will operate at limited hours until it is sold. "We are sad that things did not turn out the way we wanted, but that is life," the post states. "Sometimes you just have to make a hard decision and go forward. Thanks to all of those who believed in us and have been there for us. As far as the tree-lighting festivities every year, we will continue that tradition."
Concerning the effect on islanders, James Stuart, chair of the West Isles Local Service District, says that, in his opinion, in recent years the store has not been a reliable source of fuel. "I expect most people fill up on the mainland," he says, noting that islanders have to get most products off the island. "It will be an inconvenience," he says of the lack of a gas station on the island, but he adds that in the summer those who visit the island may end up being surprised that they can't fill up there.
He notes that Campobello has not had a gas station for some time, but one can just cross the bridge to Lubec to fill up. While there used to be five or six places to buy gas on Deer Island, he remembers that he was told 50 years ago "not to come home with an empty tank."