Johnny's Store Namao Re-Opening

[The Anvil]

Every family has stories, and one of ours is tied to a piece of Alberta history: Johnny’s Store. Built in 1902 by Jeremiam Frank Johnson, this humble store has been a cornerstone for its community for over a century. But what makes it truly special to me is its connection to my family.

From 1910 to 1939/40, my great-great-grandfather, John Stephen Samis, owned the store. During those years, it was managed by a few family members, including my relative Earl Samis, who operated it until 1924. Later, in 1931, Robert McNeilly stepped in to manage the store, and by 1939/40, the McNeilly family officially purchased it from my relatives.

While my family owned it, the store didn’t have an official name, at least not that my grandfather remembered. It was called “Red’s” for a while during his childhood, but by the time he left the Samis family farm at 18, it had become known as “Johnny’s Store”—the name it holds to this day.

I grew up visiting Johnny’s Store as a child myself, my father taking me there, and now, I’m getting all excited to take my daughter, even though she’s only 15 months old. It’s heartwarming to know that well over 120 years later, my family will still be making memories and following in the path set by our relatives. It’s incredible to reflect on the legacy of places like Johnny’s Store, where generations of families have left their mark. For me, it’s a reminder of how deeply we're connected to the history and communities that have shaped us.


Jonny Anvil