Sampson's Cottage at Port Pirie: In the Mid North region of South Australia

There are a couple of landmarks that stand out in Port Pirie. Of course, the most dominant is the chimneystack at the smelter. But don’t overlook Memorial Oval, which is pivotal to Pirie’s sporting scene. There’s also the old Railway Station - until 1967 the passenger train used to run down Ellen Street into the heart of the city. And across the road is another Pirie landmark - Sampsons, the Family and Shipping Butcher with a facade to capture the imagination of any country kid.

The butcher shop was first established in 1864 and was run by the Sampson family for several generations. The National Trust purchased it in 1984. The shop’s strange and ornate façade has always prompted some tall tales according to local teacher and historian, Bev Dennis:

“There's always been a myth that there was a tunnel. That people could actually deliver meat from here to the vessels lined up at wharf. But I must admit that as a National Trust Branch we've never (found) any connections to that tunnel.”

As a shipping butcher, Sampsons would provide meat and other supplies to crews waiting in the port.

Now it offers bed and breakfast accommodation. Inside you see the National Trust has gone to great lengths to retain this part of Pirie's commercial history. The old shop counter has been converted into the kitchen sink but apart from that - it remains pretty much as many locals remember it:

“The iron work inside was, of course, used for hanging pieces of meat on. It was decided not to remove them because it added to the character of the room. We also maintained the interior's link with the past. The wall tiles were part of the original butcher shop.”

In the parlour to what was the Sampson family home, the pencil marks recall the days when Port Pirie had four digit telephone numbers and the Sampson boys - Harry and his brother Richard, knew most of them as they'd jot down the orders.

The Sampson boys would then be off on the horse and buggy to make the delivery. It’s a throwback to a different time, which is still preserved in the town's main street.

Sampson's Cottage is at 66 Ellen Street. You can't miss it. For more info please email info@postcards-sa.com.au