The year is 1930. In the midst of the Depression, President Hoover tells the country that “prosperity is just around the corner.” Babe Ruth earns $80,000 a year - more than the President. The first Mickey Mouse comic is published. The ninth planet, Pluto, is discovered.

In the seaside Cape Cod village of Chatham, Selectman Edwin F. Eldredge opens the fledgling, one-person insurance business that will evolve in the 21st Century into the much larger Eldredge & Lumpkin Insurance Agency. Thousands of families depend on Eldredge & Lumpkin Insurance Agency today for their insurance coverage.

Dick Lumpkin

Dick Lumpkin joined the firm in 1946, becoming a partner. He and his wife, Gladys, - who was Clerk of the Corporation - became owners after Mr. Eldredge’s death. “I enjoyed every minute of my 20-plus years with the Agency,” Dick reminisced in an interview for this newsletter. “Ed had taught me well; the town and its insurance needs were growing. I was fortunate to attract many new customers, many of whom became good friends and still are.” During Gladys and Dick’s tenure, the Agency moved from its original tiny office on Old Harbor Road to its present Main Street location.

In retirement, Dick Lumpkin has found time to pursue his long-time interest in the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, which he hopes will soon be a museum. Currently he is researching and writing a history of the Center’s personnel.

James F. Young

Jim Young came home in 1968 from seven years of military service in Vietnam. “I had no formal insurance training,” he says, “but Dick Lumpkin believed in ‘learning by doing.’ He gave me the opportunity to join the business. I never looked back.”

With Dick at his side, Jim was soon handling the Agency’s larger and more complicated commercial accounts. He and his wife, Judy, purchased the company in 1983, remaining in charge until Jim retired in 1997. Today, Jim and Judy are thoroughly enjoying golf, tennis and boating. “There aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything there is to do!” Jim says.

Alan Long & Robin Turner

Meanwhile, Alan Long was growing up on Cape Cod and earning a Cum Laude degree in Business Administration and Finance from UMASS Amherst. Right out of college he joined the C. Robin Turner Agency of Chatham. “Alan fit right in,” recalls Robin today. “He was very knowledgeable, and everyone liked him. They still do!”

Robin and his wife, Christie Due Turner - who was Office Manager - ran the Agency until 1994. Robin claims he never sold policies. “They sold themselves because I took the time to research and explain people’s options, and find the best way to minimize their risk “

Robin is now retired, but as a homeowner, cottage owner and part-owner of an office building on Crowell Road (the original location of his agency), he spends a lot of time maintaining and managing property. He does find time to enjoy his six grandchildren and to indulge in his passion for reading.

Alan Long and Jim Young completed a friendly takeover of the Turner agency after Robin’s retirement, merging clients with Eldredge & Lumpkin Insurance Agency. To ensure continuity, three Turner Agency staff members joined E&L.

In 1997, Alan and his wife, Pat, took over the helm, continuing to steer the future course of the still-growing Agency. Today, thousands of families throughout Cape Cod and beyond rely on the Agency at its Chatham and Harwich offices for their homeowner’s, auto and business insurance coverage.

Time has marched on throughout the company’s long history, but professional standards have remained constant. Over the years, each owner and their wives have put top priority on customer service, going the extra mile to assist people in times of need.

Robin Turner recalls battling Hurricane Bob in 1991 to check on a piece of commercial property for the manager who was out of town. “Getting to the cottages near the shore was pretty tough, but I was able to reassure the customer he’d been lucky that damage was minimal.”

Jim Young remembers being summoned out of bed when a customer’s home was badly damaged by a fire. He helped the distraught family get lodging that night and address their loss the next day.

Today, Alan and Pat Long continue the legacy of personal service by making their home phone number available for customer emergencies.

Dick Lumpkin, Jim Young, Robin Turner and Alan & Pat Long agree that strong work and service ethics are the primary reasons why Eldredge and Lumpkin Insurance Agency is strong and vibrant in 2005, pausing only long enough to toast the Agency’s Diamond Jubilee.