Step through the doorway of the Robertstown General Store and you’ll be greeted by a wide smiling gentleman, impeccably dressed and ready to serve.
This is Merv Lehmann and on March 28 he celebrated 70 years working as the town’s much loved shopkeeper.
Merv, or “Lehmy” as he’s known around town, started working for the previous owner of the store, Mr Reg Roberts, when he was barely 16.
He still remembers what “The original Roberts” said when he started work.
“I was told if I didn’t come to work with a tie, I might as well not turn up for work, so I bought a tie and have worn one ever since. I got used to it, I’ve got around 50-80 ties in the wardrobe!”
Whilst the world around Merv has changed, the store he bought from the family after which the town was named, hasn’t all that much. Its original timber floorboards still creak underfoot and the shelving and timber post office desk reminds visitors of a simpler, slower paced era.
Merv is always glad to assist.
Merv happily claims the title of "oldest man in Robertstown" at 86 years of age and he's become quite the tourist attraction as he continues to offer good old fashioned service rarely seen these days.
"We get people from England, America, Germany all over the place!"
Merv has no plans to retire any time soon, so go for a drive to Robertstown and sign his visitor's book - he'll be only too glad to assist.
