The John Falk hardware and grocery store on Deer Street, located between Weston Avenue and New Delta Avenue. SCHS image circa July 4, 1905.
John A. Falk was born on a farm in Dalsland, Sweden, on February 6, 1864; the son of Andrew Johnson Falk and Maja Lisa Eriksdotter. John grew up in a family of ten children and attended school in his home village of Grinstad. A family crisis occurred when John was 15 years old which changed his life forever. His father encountered severe financial reverses including the loss of the family farm. John and his siblings, who were old enough to work, were forced to fend for themselves.
Though a mere youth, he was lucky enough to find a job on a neighboring farm watching cattle. John must have impressed the farmer as a hardworking and reliable employee. The following year he was hired on as a regular farm hand. He earned 48 kroners per month which amounted to about $12.00 in American money.
