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“Mr. Jenkins has shown a spirit of progressiveness that is exceedingly creditable, having developed from a horse-and-buggy mail carrier of only a few years ago into the ownership of one of the most important lines in Virginia. This has been accomplished by giving the public a square deal, being prompt and courteous to his patrons, looking always toward making them as comfortable as possible.”
The account went on to say: “We wish Mr. Jenkins success, for we feel that he deserves it, and we believe that he will succeed, knowing that the public is always ready to encourage anyone who shows a willingness to give it a fair return for its money.”
And the bus business did prosper. Mr. Jenkins bought all his vehicles from Dick Weaver Buick in Culpeper and his large, triple seated Buicks became a familiar sight along the highways. At one time he invested in a 30-passenger bus and had it on the road only a short time when faulty wiring caused the bus to catch fire while crossing the mountain between Rappahannock and Front Royal. “No one was hurt, but the bus was completely burned,” remembers Ruby Jenkins. He had a full load of passengers at the time, and a new bus was sent to carry them home. Among those on the bus were Anne Keysets mother, Mrs. Slaughter, and Mrs. Bartow Brown.
The Jenkins bus service also aided those who were unable to do errands in person. The drivers would have a list of notes and pick up medicine, groceries and supplies for those on their list.
When Virginia Trailways bought the line from Winchester to Fredericksburg, riders found it hard to adjust to the less personal service. “They’d stand on the road and wave, but the bus wouldn’t stop,” Ruby Jenkins said. The bus, of course, stopped only at selected locations. Later, the company abandoned the line but would not sell the franchise so that no one else could offer the service that meant so much to Rappahannock people of a half-century ago.
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