Merry Christmas!! Adelaide Railway Station: North Terrace end of the building that opened in 1928. South Australia
The station’s palatial dimensions and lavish amenities were designed with the highest levels of passenger comfort and convenience in mind and captured the extravagance and optimism of the outgoing era
The provision of public telephone booths was considered essential for a building of such state pride, especially for long distance travellers. During the twenties and thirties, the main concourse also boasted dining rooms, a cigar store, a wine saloon, a lolly shop, a barber, a beauty parlour, hot showers, and handsome blackwood stalls selling fresh fruit, novels and hot soup.
Combined these services were considered a revelation in luxury and operating efficiency.
Now, nearly 100 years on, these once essential building amenities will be transformed to showcase South Australian artists, through a series of exhibitions curated by JamFactory.
JamFactory
For almost 50 years, JamFactory has been supporting and promoting innovative and outstanding craft and design through its studios, galleries and shops.
Adelaide Railway Station
This grand landmark structure has greeted railway passengers arriving in the city for more than 80 years. The Adelaide Railway Station marks a period of transformation in the state’s railway system. It was a celebrated achievement at the time, but it was also mired in controversy.
In the early 1920s South Australia’s railway system was in a dismal state. The state government brought out Ohio-born William Alfred Webb from the United States to make improvements.
As the new Railway Commissioner, Webb made major changes. He built stronger bridges and bought bigger locomotives. He also decentralised railway administration, giving greater control to divisional superintendents. Within a few years, he had revolutionised the state’s railways.
Unfortunately, Webb did not foresee that automobiles would soon outpace rail.
Although mainly positive, Webb’s program and the building of the railway station came with a big price tag. The Railway Commissioner was heavily criticised and was the subject of debate in Parliament. His spending contributed to the near bankruptcy of the State Government by 1929. As the Great Depression set in, Webb returned to the US with a tarnished reputation. [Ref: Adelaide City Explorer]
THE RAILWAY STATION BUILDING
Foundation Stone Laying. Mr Gunn's Final Official Act
A noteworthy ceremony in the history of the State will take place at 11 am today, when the retiring Premier (Hon J Gunn) will lay the foundation stone of the new railway station at North Terrace.
Invitations for the occasion have been sent to members of the Ministry, members of both Houses of Parliament, and other representative citizens. It is also expected that the public generally will attend in large numbers. The Premier, who has authorized the whole of the detailed expenditure, in the work to date, and manifested a keen interest in its progress will, by this act, fittingly celebrate in a public way the termination of his position as Minister of Railways. The stone is to be set in the main portion of the facade, near the entrance to the ramp.
The building was begun at the end of last year, and it is expected to be completed by July, 1928. In addition to the usual railway facilities, accommodation will be provided for the whole of the clerical staff in Adelaide, numbering approximately 400. The frontage to North terrace is 225 ft and to a new roadway on the east, 390 ft. The whole construction is to be of reinforced concrete and steel frame, with brick cement walls. The height for the present will be of four floors with flat roof, and allowance has been made in the design for the addition of three extra floors at a future date. The floor area of the building is 303,000 super feet. The main passenger concourse is 370 ft by 41 ft by 40 ft high, covering 16 railheads. The main waiting hall is in the form of a Maltese cross, measuring 120 ft each way, with a concrete dome in the centre, 45 ft diameter, of a height of 70 ft above the floor level, supported by eight Ionic columns each 30 ft high, the four annexes each being 45 ft by 38 ft by 25 ft high. Country and suburban ticket halls each 100 ft by 25 ft by 25 ft high are arranged on the street level, with ramp and stair approaches to the passenger concourse, which is 18 ft 6 in below. The area of the parcels and luggage offices is approximately 30,000 super feet. In the construction of the building 2,250,000 bricks will be used, 20,000 cubic yards of concrete, and 1,200 tons of structural steel. The whole of the exterior elevations, the passenger concourse, the main waiting room, and ticket halls, will be finished with white cement and brown sand. All windows, doors, and office partitions throughout will be of steel: thus the whole building will be entirely fireproof. Immediately under the main waiting hall on the platform level will be a large, public dining room, 90 ft each way, adjoining which is to be a quick-lunch cafe, 70 ft by 36 ft. A hot water heating system is to be installed throughout, and the building will be replete with the most modern appliances, including a vacuum cleaning plant and tube system. The total cost is approximately £400,000.
The cloak room is the first office to have permanent quarters in the new building, and it is located on the extreme northeastern corner, and a start has already been made in the demolition of the old office near the assembly platform. The counters of the new quarters are polished hardwood, and the racks are convenient and commodious, the windows forming an artistic design in Flemish leadlight. The work on the station is being carried out departmentally, and 140 men are employed thereon. Up-to-date appliances are in use, including air compressors, concrete mixers, and other mechanical devices. At one period it was thought that work would be delayed, owing to the acceptance of the tender for steel girders being hung up. but it was kept going by the substitution of concrete piers, which incidentally, occupy more room. The acting chief engineer of railways (Mr C B Anderson) has the direct supervision of the undertaking, and the superintending officer (Mr J G Carson), who was formerly in charge of the construction of the new railway bridge over the River Murray at Murray Bridge, has charge of the outside work. The plans were drawn by Messrs Garlick & Jackman, architects, and the details for departmental purposes have been worked out by Mr A M Bonython (structural draftsman). [Ref: Register 24-8-1926]
New Railway Station
It has been decided by the Railway Department officials that there will be no official opening of the new Adelaide Station.
Following a previous announcement that a limited number would be asked to make an inspection of the premises, Mr W A Webb (Railways Commissioner) was besieged with applications for invitations. [Ref: News 16-7-1928]
NEW RAILWAY STATION
An inspection of. the new Railway Station offices in Adelaide will be made this morning by citizens who have been invited to do so by the Minister of Railways (Hon R LButler). [Ref: Register 30-7-1928]
WEIGH BABY AT THE ADELAIDE RAILWAY STATION
In many countries in the world at the present time there are Baby Health Centres at large railway depots where mothers, arriving in a strange city with babies, or waiting to catch a train can take their infants to be weighed and get advice on all matters pertaining to feeding and general care from a competent certified nurse.
Fully appreciating the value of the splendid work done at railway stations by Baby Welfare institutions, the Commissioner of Railways (Mr W A Webb) has placed a room in the new Adelaide railway station at the disposal of the Mothers' and Babies' Health Association, better known under the old title of School for Mothers.
This centre will be opened on Monday, 16 July. A trained nurse will be in attendance each week day from 9.30 am, 1 pm and from 2.0, 4.30 pm.
The large comfortable room that is to be the centre of the nurse’s activities has an entrance off the main waiting room on a level with North Terrace.
Numerous signs boards are being erected by the railway authorities to direct mothers to this room.
Take your baby to be weighed and seek the nurse's advice when next you are at the Adelaide station. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler) 13-7-1928]
Merry Christmas!! Adelaide Railway Station: North Terrace end of the building that opened in 1928. South Australia
The station’s palatial dimensions and lavish amenities were designed with the highest levels of passenger comfort and convenience in mind and captured the extravagance and optimism of the outgoing era
The provision of public telephone booths was considered essential for a building of such state pride, especially for long distance travellers. During the twenties and thirties, the main concourse also boasted dining rooms, a cigar store, a wine saloon, a lolly shop, a barber, a beauty parlour, hot showers, and handsome blackwood stalls selling fresh fruit, novels and hot soup.
Combined these services were considered a revelation in luxury and operating efficiency.
Now, nearly 100 years on, these once essential building amenities will be transformed to showcase South Australian artists, through a series of exhibitions curated by JamFactory.
JamFactory
For almost 50 years, JamFactory has been supporting and promoting innovative and outstanding craft and design through its studios, galleries and shops.
Adelaide Railway Station
This grand landmark structure has greeted railway passengers arriving in the city for more than 80 years. The Adelaide Railway Station marks a period of transformation in the state’s railway system. It was a celebrated achievement at the time, but it was also mired in controversy.
In the early 1920s South Australia’s railway system was in a dismal state. The state government brought out Ohio-born William Alfred Webb from the United States to make improvements.
As the new Railway Commissioner, Webb made major changes. He built stronger bridges and bought bigger locomotives. He also decentralised railway administration, giving greater control to divisional superintendents. Within a few years, he had revolutionised the state’s railways.
Unfortunately, Webb did not foresee that automobiles would soon outpace rail.
Although mainly positive, Webb’s program and the building of the railway station came with a big price tag. The Railway Commissioner was heavily criticised and was the subject of debate in Parliament. His spending contributed to the near bankruptcy of the State Government by 1929. As the Great Depression set in, Webb returned to the US with a tarnished reputation. [Ref: Adelaide City Explorer]
THE RAILWAY STATION BUILDING
Foundation Stone Laying. Mr Gunn's Final Official Act
A noteworthy ceremony in the history of the State will take place at 11 am today, when the retiring Premier (Hon J Gunn) will lay the foundation stone of the new railway station at North Terrace.
Invitations for the occasion have been sent to members of the Ministry, members of both Houses of Parliament, and other representative citizens. It is also expected that the public generally will attend in large numbers. The Premier, who has authorized the whole of the detailed expenditure, in the work to date, and manifested a keen interest in its progress will, by this act, fittingly celebrate in a public way the termination of his position as Minister of Railways. The stone is to be set in the main portion of the facade, near the entrance to the ramp.
The building was begun at the end of last year, and it is expected to be completed by July, 1928. In addition to the usual railway facilities, accommodation will be provided for the whole of the clerical staff in Adelaide, numbering approximately 400. The frontage to North terrace is 225 ft and to a new roadway on the east, 390 ft. The whole construction is to be of reinforced concrete and steel frame, with brick cement walls. The height for the present will be of four floors with flat roof, and allowance has been made in the design for the addition of three extra floors at a future date. The floor area of the building is 303,000 super feet. The main passenger concourse is 370 ft by 41 ft by 40 ft high, covering 16 railheads. The main waiting hall is in the form of a Maltese cross, measuring 120 ft each way, with a concrete dome in the centre, 45 ft diameter, of a height of 70 ft above the floor level, supported by eight Ionic columns each 30 ft high, the four annexes each being 45 ft by 38 ft by 25 ft high. Country and suburban ticket halls each 100 ft by 25 ft by 25 ft high are arranged on the street level, with ramp and stair approaches to the passenger concourse, which is 18 ft 6 in below. The area of the parcels and luggage offices is approximately 30,000 super feet. In the construction of the building 2,250,000 bricks will be used, 20,000 cubic yards of concrete, and 1,200 tons of structural steel. The whole of the exterior elevations, the passenger concourse, the main waiting room, and ticket halls, will be finished with white cement and brown sand. All windows, doors, and office partitions throughout will be of steel: thus the whole building will be entirely fireproof. Immediately under the main waiting hall on the platform level will be a large, public dining room, 90 ft each way, adjoining which is to be a quick-lunch cafe, 70 ft by 36 ft. A hot water heating system is to be installed throughout, and the building will be replete with the most modern appliances, including a vacuum cleaning plant and tube system. The total cost is approximately £400,000.
The cloak room is the first office to have permanent quarters in the new building, and it is located on the extreme northeastern corner, and a start has already been made in the demolition of the old office near the assembly platform. The counters of the new quarters are polished hardwood, and the racks are convenient and commodious, the windows forming an artistic design in Flemish leadlight. The work on the station is being carried out departmentally, and 140 men are employed thereon. Up-to-date appliances are in use, including air compressors, concrete mixers, and other mechanical devices. At one period it was thought that work would be delayed, owing to the acceptance of the tender for steel girders being hung up. but it was kept going by the substitution of concrete piers, which incidentally, occupy more room. The acting chief engineer of railways (Mr C B Anderson) has the direct supervision of the undertaking, and the superintending officer (Mr J G Carson), who was formerly in charge of the construction of the new railway bridge over the River Murray at Murray Bridge, has charge of the outside work. The plans were drawn by Messrs Garlick & Jackman, architects, and the details for departmental purposes have been worked out by Mr A M Bonython (structural draftsman). [Ref: Register 24-8-1926]
New Railway Station
It has been decided by the Railway Department officials that there will be no official opening of the new Adelaide Station.
Following a previous announcement that a limited number would be asked to make an inspection of the premises, Mr W A Webb (Railways Commissioner) was besieged with applications for invitations. [Ref: News 16-7-1928]
NEW RAILWAY STATION
An inspection of. the new Railway Station offices in Adelaide will be made this morning by citizens who have been invited to do so by the Minister of Railways (Hon R LButler). [Ref: Register 30-7-1928]
WEIGH BABY AT THE ADELAIDE RAILWAY STATION
In many countries in the world at the present time there are Baby Health Centres at large railway depots where mothers, arriving in a strange city with babies, or waiting to catch a train can take their infants to be weighed and get advice on all matters pertaining to feeding and general care from a competent certified nurse.
Fully appreciating the value of the splendid work done at railway stations by Baby Welfare institutions, the Commissioner of Railways (Mr W A Webb) has placed a room in the new Adelaide railway station at the disposal of the Mothers' and Babies' Health Association, better known under the old title of School for Mothers.
This centre will be opened on Monday, 16 July. A trained nurse will be in attendance each week day from 9.30 am, 1 pm and from 2.0, 4.30 pm.
The large comfortable room that is to be the centre of the nurse’s activities has an entrance off the main waiting room on a level with North Terrace.
Numerous signs boards are being erected by the railway authorities to direct mothers to this room.
Take your baby to be weighed and seek the nurse's advice when next you are at the Adelaide station. [Ref: Bunyip (Gawler) 13-7-1928]