402 - Pleasing You Was Important At John Martin's

Most South Australian's of a certain age, remember John Martin's Department Stores with great fondness. And now, 26 years after the doors closed, Paul Flavel has brought Johnnies back to life with a magnificent, hard cover book. He's our special guest, taking us down memory lane after five solid years of research and story gathering.

There is no SA Drink of the Week this week.

And in the Musical Pilgrimage, we hear an early song by Australian legend, Peter Combe, which was written for the John Martin's Christmas Pageant.

Join us for this milestone episode as we blend history, music, and community conversation, marking eleven years of showcasing the passions that shape South Australia.

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Running Sheet: Pleasing You Was Important At John Martin's

00:00:00 Intro

Introduction

00:00:00 SA Drink Of The Week

No SA Drink Of The Week this week.

00:02:45 Paul Flavel, Author, John Martin's The Story Of South Australia's Beloved Department Store

In this episode, Steve Davis sat down with author Paul Flavel to delve into the rich history of John Martin's, South Australia's beloved department store that graced the retail landscape for over 130 years until its closure in 1998. Paul's new book, John Martin's: The Story of South Australia's Beloved Department Store, is the first comprehensive documentation of this iconic institution, lovingly dedicated to his grandmother—a personal link that fuels his passion for the store's legacy.

We explore dramatic moments in John Martin's history, starting with the devastating fire on Easter Sunday in 1901, when a display of wax figurines representing the Rock of Ages caught fire, spreading rapidly through the store. Despite such challenges, including enduring the Great Depression and two World Wars, John Martin's remained a cornerstone of the South Australian community.

Paul shares how John Martin's stirs vivid memories in the subconscious of South Australians. For many, it was a place of first jobs straight out of school, the magic of the annual Christmas Pageant—a wonderful institution that brought joy to families—and staff picnics that fostered a sense of loyalty and connection among employees. These traditions remind us of a time when working for a company meant being part of a community.

We reminisce about the charming "lift ladies" and ot