By Tucker McLaughlin, Jr.

News & Record staff

SOUTH BOSTON —  Ed Talbott has proven to be one of the town's nice

guys, and a resourceful businessman, too.

The successful, family-style motorcycle dealership he founded ˆ first

as Ed's Triumph in 1958  and Ed's Inc. Honda Yamaha since 1979

celebrates its 50th birthday this weekend.

It's been a weeklong remembrance, but the party gets into a higher gear

Saturday. There will be BBQ and a Poker Run, cash prizes, a live band,

prize drawings, pictures for the children with mom, and more. As usual,

with an eye towards always making a difference, the proceeds go to the

Halifax County Cancer Association.

Talbott, reflecting on this special anniversary, said yesterday, "It

feels good. The Good Lord's been good to me."

Talbott feels optimistic about the business, with a talented, veteran

support team. He also feels fine physically.

Mr. Talbott also credited his wife, Barbara, as a key player in helping

Ed's thrive.

"She gave up a whole lot for us to put more time in the business," said

Talbott.

He has been a respected business and community leader.

"My business is a great business to meet a bunch of very, very active

people. You've got to stay active," said Talbott, who left the former

J.P. Stevens plant to set up his own business after turning away from a

possible supervisory career there.

And he's a fan of motorcycles.

"I love motorcycles. I've been riding motorcycles for just about 60

years now. It's a good, clean sport," said Mr. Talbott.

He's seen the product options expand, with more expensive models than

whenhe started in the late 1950s.

He has a more limited role now, with a transition team in place.

Darren Talbott, Ed's son, is on hand to carry on the family business.

Ed's Inc Honda Yamaha features a talented supporting cast, including

Andy Lowery, who has 32 years here, and will remain a fixture.

David Barksdale and Wes Noll are the lead mechanics, with Merritt Brown

alsopart of the mechanics team.

Leroy Foster is known as the ŒGold Man‚, and also has considerable

experience here.

The other business associates include a new secretary, Amanda Trent.

The business lost longtime secretary Nancy Burkhart, at her passing

last November, after she had worked at Ed's 27 years.

--

Ed Talbott has meant much more to the community, of course, than merely

selling and servicing motorcycles.

The family has deep roots in the area.

Mr. Talbott is also extremely proud of his close-knit family, including

ten grandchildren, and the life paths taken by his four children.

And he has a major commitment to Halifax County and South Boston.

He is a life member of both the local rescue squad and the Cluster

Springs Fire Department. He has 38 years of service to the Ruritans.

He wasn‚t motivated by a sense of reward. "It was something you wanted

to do, something you feel like you needed to do.

"Any my wife has been very, very cooperative in letting me do these

thing," said the local business owner.

It's all part of a successful ride that celebrates a very significant

milestone this weekend.