50 years of service recognized by 275th
By Nora Cardec
Back in the 1950s,

(Left) Richard E. Koivu stands in front of the first truck he was able to buy for the business in 1956 or 1957. It took him about two years before he was able to afford the pick-up truck.

Richard E. Koivu had a dream Bof one-day owning a business and he discussed it with his father before going off to war.

On his return, after serving in the Armed Forces, Koivu made his dream a reality. With his father's support, Koivu opened Country Auto Sales and Service, Inc.

The business started selling used cars in 1955 but has expanded to include car repairs and sales of auto parts. Now, both his children are involved in the business.

According to Koivu, the secret of his success is the support he has received from the town and the reputation he has built.

"Once you start something, you have to make it work," said Koivu.

In 1939, a young couple took on farming despite the incredulity of their peers. She was 19-years-old. He was 24. She was a city girl; he was a farmer.

The late George Rossbach and his wife, Laura, started Rossbach Farm with only a few cows. Before the Rossbachs became parents, they both worked the farm raising feed for the herd and milking the cows.

(Above) Richard E. Koivu Jr., Sally Koivu and Richard E. Koivu stand outside Country Auto Sales and Service, Inc., which the senior Koivu opened on Bayberry Hill Road more than 50 years ago in West Townsend.

"I learned to drive tractors and mowing machines and I learned to milk the cows by hand all George's way," said Laura Rossbach.

The couple's four children grew up helping around the farm. Now, three of them; Charlie, Evan and Phillip run the farm. Laura Rossbach, who is approaching her 87th birthday, takes care of the business' books.

Both families, the Koivus and the Rossbachs, have endured the test of times. Just like them, there are 12 other town businesses that have reached or surpassed 50 years of service.

The Townsend 275th Anniversary Committee will acknowledge the contributions of these businesses during a recognition award dinner on Sept. 23 at the Bull Run Restaurant, in Shirley. Cocktail hour is at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

The event is part of the fund-raising campaign of the 275th Anniversary Committee, said Albert "Tubby" Boucher, member of the committee.

"This is the first time these businesses will be recognized," said Boucher. "They have been supportive throughout the years with the town's celebrations and it's time they are recognized for their loyalty and participation."

Mary Jane Kruger, 275th Anniversary Committee member, agrees with Boucher in honoring the businesses for their loyalty to the town. They both attribute the businesses' success to their community-oriented philosophy of service.

The honorees, in addition to Rossbach Farm and Country Auto Sales and Service, are; Amadon Farm, Dr. Lawrence

Churchville, Sr.; Kao Real Estate, King Farm, Lorden Oil, McNabb Pharmacy, Nashoba Publishing, Anderson Funeral Homes, Inc., Pete's Barber Shop, Shepherd Sales and Service, The Settle Shop and Townsend Ford.

Tickets to the dinner are $40 per person. For tickets, call Tubby Boucher at (978) 597-8876; Mary Jane Kruger at (978) 597-8104 or Ed West at (978) 597- 2456.