27

New owners emerged in 1925 - Erle Stubbs and Oz Miller. They operated the store until 1933. Oz Miller was the brother of Mabel Miller who operated the post office for several decades. During the period 1933 to 1938 the store closed during the Depression.

28

Oz Miller
Late 1920's
Mill Street

29

Archie Cunningham operated the store from 1918 to 1925. It is believed that he rented the building from the previous owners, George and Janet Oram.

30

From 1912 to 1918, George and Janet Oram operated the store. The Oram family were one of the early settlers to the area. At the same time, George operated a water-driven sawmill on the creek behind the store.

31

George & Janet Oram
1912 - 1918

32

Frank Stafford operated the store between 1911 to 1912. During this time he was building a new general store to the East side of the Combermere bridge. Frank also operated a general store in nearby Barry's Bay.

33

Stafford Store Construction, Combermere
1911
Highway 62

34

Stafford's store in winter, Combermere
1915
East side of bridge, Combermere

Credits:
Barry's Bay This Week

35

Early records from 1859 show that Daniel and Annie Johnson operated the store. It is believed that prior to this date, the family had a fur trading operation from the same building. The Johnson family were entrepreneurs who established a number of local businesses. Daniel was the longest serving owner of the business which lasted some fifty two years (1911). Another influential family - Captain John Dennison, operated the first stopping place called the Dennison House. These families are featured in the other storylines of this exhibit.

36

Daniel Johnson's residence, Combermere
Circa 1950's
Highway 62