Johnston Grocers

[adee7]

Hello,

My Great Uncle, John Johnston was founder of a chain of grocery stores (Johnston Stores Ltd.) in Dundee.  In 1967 those stores were sold to a conglomerate named 'Spillers'.

Can anyone tell me where I could get a picture of one of the old stores?

Thank you     Adee7    (Kathleen)

[dundeelass]

Hi kathleen.

I remember johnston stores as a child. My mother used to send me there with a note and money in a purse for the "messages" ha ha.
May I suggest you contact Dundee City council - they have a website. They may have some or be able to point you in the right direction.
I have some pictures of "Auld Dundee" but unfortunately not what you are looking for.
I will have a browse around and if I come across anything I will let you know.
Lorraine

[adee7]

Hi Lorraine,

Ah, yes, the secret purchase.

Thanks for the idea.  How long since you lived in Dundee?

Regards,    Kathleen

[dundeelass]

Hi kathleen

Only been in Australia a couple of years but was brought up in Fintry Dundee.
I still read the Tully and courier on line and occasinally go on the dundee web cam.
Are you from Dundee too.
Is it Spillers you are more interested in or Johnson Stores.
Lorraine

[adee7]

Hi Lorraine,

I live in Ontario, Canada.  My father and his many siblings were born in St. Vigeans Parish.  Several, including my father who came to Canada in the 1920's, learned the grocery business in their uncles' stores. 

I am putting together a family history of sorts, and thought a picture of Johnston's Stores would be interesting.

Regards,    Kathleen

[dundeelass]

Hi Kathleen

i will have a look and see what I can come up with. All my family are back in Dundee and i will ask them if they come across anything to let me know.
There used to be a Johnsons store in the Fintry area of Dundee where i was brought up. I am planning on going back to dundee later in the year for a holiday and will keep you in mind. Maybe the dundee library could help.
Kind Regards
Lorraine

[adee7]

Hi Lorraine,

Thanks for your kind offer.  So far, I haven't found anything on line.  All of my relatives from Dundee are gone now, sadly. 

Regards,     Kathleen

[adee7]

Hi again Lorraine,

A note that may interest you -- As mentioned, John Johnston founded those stores.   His brother George Anderson Johnston (also a grocer), was Lord Provost of Dundee, 1929-1932.

Regards,   Kathleen

[dundeelass]

Wow you really do have a lot of history in Dundee !!!!