What followed was history: the famous Magic Cave, the beloved Christmas Pageant, and even the headline-making sponsorship of The Beatles’ Adelaide concert in 1964. Generations of South Australians grew up with Johnnies woven into their memories.
Paul Flavel captures this legacy with warmth and depth, blending colourful photographs, candid personal anecdotes from staff and customers, and years of meticulous research. His inspiration for the book stems from a childhood memory; riding the lifts at Rundle Mall with the “lift ladies.” Those moments, along with family conversations and community interviews, sparked a lifelong desire to preserve Johnnies’ story.
I refuse to allow Johnnies to slip further into the past. We must recognise its contribution to the State.
Readers will be transported back to The Buttery, relive the thrill of pageant day, and rediscover the elegance of a bygone shopping era. More than a retailer, John Martin’s was a community hub and an important workplace, a cornerstone in South Australia’s social fabric.
The journey doesn’t stop at the book. A series of author talks and historical events are planned for 2026, marking what would have been John Martin’s 160th anniversary.
Flavel is also consulting on a documentary currently in development with ABCx Productions and is working on a podcast series to capture even more of these treasured stories.
John Martin’s – The Story of South Australia’s Beloved Department Store is both a nostalgic celebration of Adelaide’s retail heart and a powerful reminder of the stories that shape our shared history.
John Martin’s – The Story of South Australia’s Beloved Department Store
RRP $75.00
For further information: johnmartinsbook.com
