Ismay Trading Post, Utah

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Ismay Trading Post sits proudly at the intersection of McElmo and Yellow Jacket canyons, marking the last stop on the road to the Navajo reservation from Colorado's east side. For decades, it served as a one-stop shop for those living beyond the end of the road, offering mail services, general store goods, fresh produce in season, and reliable flat-tire repairs all under one roof. Eleanor Heffernen Ismay and her husband John Ismay built the adobe trading post from scratch in 1921 with the invaluable assistance of Eleanor's father Jim Heffernen, who also constructed the Oljeto Trading Post still operational today. In a 1976 oral history recording archived in the Heritage West database, Eleanor Ismay shares her story: "McElmo is renowned for its diverse array of fruits. Unfortunately, our orchard suffered from blight, but our son has successfully cultivated thriving orchards up Yellow Jacket Canyon."