From a simple start in 1961, Chimney Corner Lawnmower, Inc., has grown to its present operation with stores at Hudgins and White Marsh.

April 1 marked 55 years in the tractor and mower business for Frank Crittenden of Hayes. The name of the business comes from Crittenden’s original location in leased space at the former Chimney Corner Pontiac at Hudgins.

Crittenden started the business part-time, offering tractor and lawnmower sales and service. He also was a vocational education teacher at Mathews High School at that time and continued teaching there until 1980.

In 1976, Crittenden sold half interest in the business to Bobby Diggs of Hudgins, a former student of his at MHS. Diggs had worked at Newport News Shipbuilding for a dozen years. The White Marsh store opened in 1996. Both feature sales, service and large parts departments.

Crittenden said he started his business before riding mowers first came out in the late 1960s. Now, the two stores sell John Deere tractors and mo...