Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on a special corner in our community: the intersection of Winchester Street and Sixth Avenue in St. Peters. This spot holds a treasure trove of memories for me, as it was once home to my grandfather’s butcher shop. Mr. SJ Fallon—affectionately known as Syd—ran his business here many years ago, and his legacy lives on in the very walls of this cherished building.
As a fourth-generation South Australian, the significance of this corner resonates deeply with me. My grandfather served in the First World War and returned home with medals of honor, having been injured in service. Though he didn’t serve in the Second World War, he returned to a new mission: owning and operating the butcher shop that would become a cornerstone of the community. The other day, I stumbled upon some of his old stationery, with the words “Your Recommendation Respectfully Solicited” elegantly printed at the top, and I couldn’t help but smile at the simplicity of his four-digit phone number: F3929.
In delving further into my grandfather's history, I made a poignant discovery: while he passed away in 1981, in 2015, to commemorate 100 years since the First World War, an honor board was created at the Port Adelaide Semaphore RSL. I was deeply moved to find my grandfather’s name on that board, a testament to his bravery and service.
With a heart full of nostalgia, I decided to visit the shop, and to my delight, it is still standing strong! The current owners have taken wonderful care of the building, and I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely lady at the Total Look hairdressing and beauty shop, located at 87 Chesterfield and Sixth Avenue. She kindly shared with me the history of the space and showed me where she believes the refrigerator used to be—a fascinating piece of history transformed into a usable area today.
As I walked through the shop, I was captivated by the original floorboards, lovingly maintained, and could even see remnants of where there might have once been a wall dividing the deli from the fruit and veg section. It was truly moving to stand in a place my grandfather would have entered daily to run his business, surrounded by the echoes of the past.
One particularly sentimental discovery was the old money tree out front—a plant my grandmother always treasured and kept close to her loved ones. The leadlight windows still glisten with their original charm, whispering stories of days gone by.
This journey of exploration has shown me that whether it’s buildings, shops, people, or statues, there is always a rich history waiting to be uncovered. As I delve deeper, I’m on the lookout for any old photos or memorabilia of the butcher shop. If anyone has leads or memories to share, please let me know!
A huge thank you to the wonderful ladies who took the time to share their insights and keep this corner of history alive. It’s moments like these that remind us of the stories woven into the fabric of our community and the legacies left by those who came before us. Here's to my pop Syd Fallon, a true St. Peters icon!
Check out the photos below to see the beautiful shop that has stood the test of time.
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful team at West Lakes Foto Shop for bringing my cherished photo of Pop back to life. They do such a fabulous job of capturing, restoring, and duplicating those special family photos—so if anyone out there has old memories they’d like to preserve, I highly recommend their services!
If you're planning a visit to South Australia to explore your own family history, or simply want to discover the rich historical gems our state has to offer, why not stay at Adelaide Style Accommodation? Our homes offer the perfect base for your journey through South Australia’s past. Whether you're delving into local history or enjoying the beautiful attractions around our state, we’re here to make your stay as comfortable as possible!
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