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Opened 16 Mar 1884, architects Wright & Reed, used as Institute, library & Town Hall, converted to cinema 1910, redecorated & opened as Ozone Theatre 1929 (when 2 shops were also added on main road), closed 1960, used by youth group 1966-1978, small cinema in dress circle 1977-1985, vacant until restored 1993, re-opened as Semaphore Library 14 Feb1994.
“For some years past the want of a hall suitable for holding public meeting and concerts, and for other purposes, has been much felt at the Semaphore, and the public were obliged to be contented with such accommodation as they could obtain at hotels and such places. . . In 1881 Mr. J. C Lovely, who has always taken great interest in matters connected with the Semaphore, started the project of erecting an institute.” [Advertiser 17 Mar 1884]
“having three frontages to streets. . . The front to the Semaphore road is two stories high, having a large reading-room on the ground floor, while a library and ladies and gentlemen's retiring-rooms are also provided. The main entrance to a vestibule in the middle of the building is of a very handsome character, and from the ground floor a broad flight of stairs will lead to the upper floor, where there is to be one large room suitable for a museum, and two other apartments to be used as committee rooms.” [Advertiser 19 Mar 1883]
“Semaphore Institute.— The progress of this building has been marked by the utmost despatch, and already the walls are well above the lower window-sills. It had been suggested to invite Lady Robinson to lay the foundation-stone, but at a meeting of the committee. . . it was decided to postpone any ceremonial until the building was completed, when the committee would be placed in a far better position to carry out the inauguration in a mode befitting the occasion.” [Register 20 Jun 1883]
“The building consists of a hall 70 feet x 47 feet, and 34 feet high, with a stage 48 feet x 27 feet, so arranged that theatrical performances can be given. Attached to the latter are performers' retiring rooms. In the front of the hall are — library, 19 feet x 18 feet; reading-room, 30 feet x 19 feet; retiring and cloak rooms, spacious entrance hall and stairs to first floor. On the first floor the rooms over those first mentioned will be devoted to Corporation offices and other similar uses whilst the space over the retiring and cloak rooms has been devoted to a gallery 51 feet x 12 feet.” [Register 17 Mar 1884].
“The Semaphore Institute Library has now a nucleus of 600 volumes with which to commence the formation of a library.” [Port Adelaide News 25 Apr 1884]
“The Semaphore Chess Club held its first meeting for practice on Monday, April 21, in the large reading-room of the Semaphore Institute. More than a dozen members were present, and some good games were played.” [Express & Telegraph 30 Apr 1884]
“The Semaphore Amateur Christy Company will give their first public entertainment at the Semaphore Town Hall this evening in aid of the local boat club.” [Express & Telegraph 28 Oct 1884]
“A bazaar, with Christmas tree, was opened in the Semaphore Town Hall. . . The proceeds were in aid of St. Bede's Church and the Children's Hospital.” [Evening Journal 16 Dec 1889]
“offer of the trustees of the Semaphore Institute to transfer to the Semaphore Corporation for the sum of £1,000 the property known as the Semaphore Institute Building. . . The building cost £5,500, furniture £366, gymnasium £150; land, taking a moderate value, was £750. Some £800 was owing.” [Register 28 May 1889]
“[The Mayor] stated that he had much pleasure in handing to the Town Clerk that evening the deeds of the Semaphore Institute, which building was now entirely the property of the Corporation. . . The building and furniture and effects had only cost £1,000, and the inventory contained a first class piano, all the scenery, chairs, and other valuable effects.” [Port Adelaide News 8 Nov 1889]
“In consequence of the expansion that must follow the union between the Port Adelaide and Semaphore Institutes additional accommodation was necessary. . . They wished to have the Semaphore Institute continued, but conducted on much the same lines as the one at the Port. . . under the conditions of amalgamation the Semaphore Institute was not to have less than 3,000 volumes on the shelves, in addition to a large number of magazines.” [Register 25 Sep 1900]
“The branch institution at Semaphore will, according to the agreement, have in the local Town Hall five rooms — library, public and subscribers’ reading room, smoking room, and lecture-hall. There will be maintained a minimum supply of literature to the extent of 2,500 volumes, and an adequate supply of magazines. The Semaphore subscribers will have the advantage of access to the Port Adelaide Institute, where over 15,000 bound volumes are shelved.” [Express & Telegraph 17 Dec 1900]
“Port Adelaide Council. . . to secure the consent of that body of the amalgamation of the institutes. Mr. Penny explained that the scheme for amalgamation had been submitted to the now defunct Semaphore Corporation, and they had granted the use of the necessary increased accommodation at the Semaphore Town Hall.” [Register 19 Jan 1901]
“The annual meeting of the Port Adelaide and Semaphore branch of the District Trained Nursing Society was held in the Semaphore Town Hall.” [Advertiser 20 Aug 1903]
“The first of a series of people's concerts, arranged by the Semaphore Amusement and Recreation Committee, was given in the local town hall on Wednesday evening. These concerts have been organized as a means of popularizing the seaside. A number of succesful [sic] open-air entertainments were given during the summer, and the winter engagements promise to be an even greater success.” [Evening Journal 3 May 1906]
“a fine selection of Lyceum moving pictures was given at the Semaphore Town Hall. . . The principal films were those depicting the late King's funeral. . . In addition, there were the usual collection of educational, dramatic, and humorous subjects.” [Register 21 Jun 1910]
“the remodelling of the old institute building, in front of which two shops are to be erected. Two-dome ceilings are to be put in, and a commodious lounge and dress circle. The floor will be sloped towards the front, where there is to be a massive proscenium. . . On the ground floor the library, subscribers' and public reading rooms will be established. . . The top floor will contain a billiards-room, secretary's office, kitchen, and conveniences, the back portion being a soldiers' hall.” [Advertiser 15 Jul 1929]
“Ozone Theatres Limited . . . at the reconstructed Semaphore Hall last night were treated to four surprises. These were the wonderful transformation that has been effected in the art decoration of the interior of the hall, delightful effect of indirect lighting, general excellence of the programme, and clarity of the voice production by the talkie equipment. Other pleasing features in the new theatre are the comfortable tip seats, with ample room between the rows. . . The art decoration is in Adam and Jacobean style, with a modernistic touch. The proscenium is, indeed, a work of art, and is the original design of Mr Chris A. Smith (architect), as are window and ceiling ornamentations. . . The theatre serves a large and growing district.” [News 10 Dec 1929]
“the newly renovated Semaphore Ozone Theatre tonight. . . All proceeds from the opening night are to be donated to the Lefevre Community Hospital. . . the theatre had been completely re-modelled and recarpeted, and some seating accommodation had been dispensed with to afford patrons more comfort. A new washable plastic screen (the only one of its kind in S.A.) had also been installed.” [Messenger, Port Adelaide 20 Nov 1952]
Anchor, which “may have come from the Star of Greece”, unveiled 29 Apr 1952 as a memorial to 14 merchant seamen of Port Adelaide. An extra name (Capt Joseph Creer) added when new plaque installed, perhaps when anchor was re-located closer to the jetty.
“Preparation of the anchor and cable for a memorial at Semaphore to sailing ship captains would be completed next week. . . A concrete base was ready on the foreshore for the memorial. . . The memorial would have the names of 14 captains inscribed on a plaque in the base.” [The Mail 22 Mar 1952]
“The sturdy, solid-looking memorial, topped with a ship's anchor, facing the sea on Semaphore foreshore, seems to typify the rugged courage with which the sailing ship captains faced the perils and disasters of the deep. Their expert navigation brought the sailing ships safely across thousands of miles of sea. They relied mainly for guidance on the stars, a compass, and ‘the grace of God’. . . The anchor on the memorial may be a link with that tragedy, when 17 lives were lost, but expert opinion will go no further than to say the anchor ‘may have come from the Star of Greece’.” [Messenger, Port Adelaide 24 Apr 1953]
“Merchant Seamen. . . A memorial to their memory will be unveiled at Semaphore. They are the masters, officers, and men of sailing ships who, last century, brought settlers here from England and kept the struggling young colony supplied. In those days ships were less than half the size of a present-day interstate coastal vessel. They were never entirely free from the dangers of storms, uncharted islands, and hidden reefs. . . a bronze plaque on a memorial erected on the Semaphore sea front, near the bandstand, will commemorate their deeds. It reads: 'In memory of those gallant masters, officers, and men of the sailing ships which visited Port Adelaide — especially those captains who lived at Semaphore and whose names are recorded hereon.' Another plaque lists the names of 14 masters who retired to Semaphore. The list includes: John Hart, who established a whaling station at Encounter Bay, then moved to Semaphore, where he built a large flour mill. In 1871 he became Premier of South Australia and made a start on the first Water conservation schemes in Adelaide hills. Marshall Smith, who inaugurated the Royal Naval Reserve in SA. He served with the Navy in His Majesty's Colonial Ship Protector. William Begg and John Legoe, who started the SA Stevedoring Co. . . The other 10 names on the list are: John Bickers, A. F. Boord, P. Dickson, Ben Germein, John Germein, J. H. Gibbon, W. P. Lee, Thomas Pickhaver, Peter Slater, and Joseph Walsh. . . The memorial consists of an old sailing ship anchor weighing l½ tons, mounted on a concrete stand 12 ft long and 5 ft. wide. The memorial will be unveiled by the Mayor of Port Adelaide (Mr. H. J. Moore) on Tuesday. [The Mail 26 Apr 1952]
JOSEPH CREER
A former seaman and pilot at Port Adelaide, was later commander of the South Head signal station, NSW.
“Capt. Joseph Creer. . . was born at Douglas, Isle of Man, in 1826, and went to sea at an early age. In 1848 he arrived at Port Adelaide, and served as mate under the command of the late Capts. Allen and Grierson, before joining the Port Adelaide Pilot Service in about 1851. . . He left the service in 1864 to take command of the barque Kohinoor, of the Black Diamond line, belonging to the late Capt. H. Simpson. In 1867 he joined the Clarence and Richmond Rivers Steam Navigation Company, of Sydney, and had charge of the Grafton and other steamers for six years. In 1873 the deceased gentleman joined the Sydney Pilot Service. . . He was twice married. His first wife was the daughter of the late Thomas Cain. . . She died in 1855, leaving one son — Capt. T. E. Creer, of Semaphore. His second wife was the daughter of the late J. H. N. Ferrers, of Port Adelaide. . . There are eight surviving daughters and three sons by the second marriage.” [Register 10 Jun 1909]
“Three of the four surviving sons have followed the sea. The eldest, Captain Thomas E. Creer. . . is now manager for the Adelaide Steamtug and Lighterage Company, at Adelaide, while the twin sons, Reginald (who served as captain in the South African campaign, and with the Naval Brigade in China) and Bert, are at sea, the last-named being on the R.M.S. Makura. The other son, Joseph D. Creer, is in the Navigation Department. The daughters include Mrs. E. Playfair, Mrs. Parry, Mrs. Nairn, Mrs. Gale, Mrs. Bakewell, Mrs. Scott, and Mrs. Garwood.” [Advertiser 14 Jun 1909]
The unique short NP/BN semaphores at St Regis, Montana are a result of the need to see them while passing beneath the old US Hwy. 10 bridge. View is looking railroad west at milepost 197.5, 8-19-1984. GM
paper, oil crayons, gold marker, watercolors
paper glued over wire circles and wired onto mesh base so they stand up and wave. Papers left over from Sunrise. This piece got accepted into a show.
66593 passes the semaphores at Bromfield, on The Marches Line, with 6V64 Crewe Basford Hall to Wentloog intermodal, Saturday 23.11.13
Infrastructure to authorise movements in Lithgow Yard was still controlled from signal box of that name by semaphore signals in 2008. These are situated near the former Eskbank Station. Lithgow, NSW. September 20, 2008.
A postcard of the Esplanade between Semaphore Road and Newman Street showing the Time Ball and Signal Station.
Bottom left corner : J Taylor Callotypist, Port Adelaide
A rather shabby looking HST set about to pass through Prudhoe station on the Tyne Valley Line on 21st September 2019 working 1W06, the 07:30 Kings Cross to Aberdeen service, diverted due to engineering works on the ECML to the North of Newcastle. This location still retains semaphore signalling.
We go back to 2003 on Santa Fe's Raton pass division with semaphores everywhere.We have a Z-train detouring with up to five trains a day on this division which today only see's Amtrak
Northern Ireland Railways (NIR) Metropolitan Vickers (Metrovick) 104 Class Locomotive No.108, arriving at Portrush with the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) 'North Coast Flyer' railtour, August 1990.
Photo taken with permission from Northern Ireland Railways.
© Robert McConaghie
Sunset off Semaphore beach after a 40C+ day, with a bit of a thunderstorm. It looked like it would be a fizzer, but then this happened!
Two Storey House
This two-storey residence was built in approximately 1900 from faced sandstone, with a timber veranda and balcony and corrugated iron roof, on land originally purchased by Uriah George William Marshall in 1866. Marshall was a mariner, originally from Devonshire, who joined the English navy early in life, then emigrated to South Australia. He worked for the pilot service at Semaphore, and while there, was a member of the rescue party to the wreck of the ‘Admella’, for which he received three medals for his lifesaving work.
He was later head lighthouse keeper at Cape Northumberland for 25 years.
This building forms an important element of the Semaphore Pier Historic Precinct.
Semaphores seen before dusk on the road leading to the station and former Stena Line ferry terminal, Stranraer.
Fort Gordon’s indoor pool plays host to dozens of teens June 2, in a Camp Semaphore session focusing on flotation survival skills.
Photo by Bill Bengtson / Fort Gordon Public Affairs Office
A crewmember has just changed the signals to protect the movement of the 'John Molson' steam engine across the diamond in front of Barrington Station at Exporail.
The former 66,000-gallon iron tank on top of the water tower. Tower built 1880 to maintain water supply to Lefevre Peninsula. Previously a pipeline brought water across the Jervois Bridge but water was cut off whenever the bridge was opened for the passing of ships. In 1898 a water main from Happy Valley Reservoir supplemented that from the Hope Valley Reservoir. No longer used to store water for the district, the tower was sold 1935, later converted to residence.
“Semaphore Waterworks. — The operations in connection with the erection of the new water tower at the Semaphore have commenced, the ground being pegged off, and some loads of building material having been laid down.” [Register 17 May 1880]
“Water Tower at the Semaphore.— The structure designed to support an immense tank for the water supply of the Semaphore is in course of erection. The foundation, of concrete, has been properly put in, and the brick and cement walls are so far raised as to give the idea of the shape of the building. It is octagonal, and as it will attain a height of nearly 100 feet it will prove an ornament to the neighbourhood, and make an excellent seamark for mariners. The work is very rapidly progressing, twenty hands being constantly employed. The whole of the structure is to be of bricks cemented.” [Register 17 Jun 1880]
“In order to set at rest the rumors that the water tower at the Semaphore was leaning, Messrs. Cleave & Hardy, the builders, have had the structure tested, and report it to be perfectly upright.” [Express & Telegraph 24 Sep 1880]
“Mr. James Hooker, of Hindley-street, is just now finishing to the order of the Government a piece of work such as is not often seen in colonial foundries, namely, an iron tank capable of holding 66,000 gallons of water. It seems a very well-made tank, but at present the plates are merely held in position by a few screws. It is intended to stand on the top of the water-tower at the Semaphore, and will be supported on very substantial-looking girders, which are also in course of being manufactured.” [Evening Journal 17 Nov 1880]
“At the Semaphore steps have been taken to avoid the inconvenience caused by the cessation of the supply whenever the Jervois swing bridge is opened. The present mains to the Semaphore cross this bridge, and consequently have to be disconnected to allow it to be opened. It being considered unadvisable to lay a main across the bottom of the Gulf, a water-tower has been built upon the highest point of the ridge of sandhills, and in the centre of the district to be supplied. This tower carries a tank which will be kept full so long as the bridge is closed; but whenever the pipes are disconnected to allow of the bridge being opened, then the water stored in the tank will be available for the supply of the district until the communication is restored.” [Register 3 Jan 1881]
“The tower is of red and white brick, and is somewhat over 60 feet in height from the surface of the ground to the bottom of the tank. It is octagonal in plan and as ornamental as is possible under the circumstances. The tank is 30 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep. It is constructed of wrought-iron, and is supported by wrought-iron girders. The tank will contain 66,000 gallons or 300 tons of water.” [Register 8 Jan 1881]
“The whole of the materials for the tank were therefore ordered direct from England through the Agent-General, and upon their arrival Mr. Jas. Hooker was entrusted with the task of putting the tank together and erecting it in position. . . A great deal of work has been done in laying new mains, which have become necessary to maintain an efficient supply to the rapidly increasing district. A new line of 18-inch main is being laid from the Hope Valley Reservoir along the North-East-road into North Adelaide. . . A new 10-inch main has been laid from the North Adelaide Reservoir along Torrens-road into Lipson-street, Port Adelaide, and from thin a new line of 8- inch and 6-inch main passes along St. Vincent-street over the bridge, and through the Semaphore district to the water tower.” [Adelaide Observer 8 Jan 1881]
“An inspection of the Semaphore watertower was made by the councillors of the local municipality. . . The building is 110 ft. high and stands on the summit of the highest ground in the locality. The structure consists of six storeys, including the basement. . . The three floors above this are used as living chambers, but are not regularly occupied. The tank containing the water is built above. . . The water when the talk is full will supply ordinary wants for fully five hours.” [Advertiser 4 Feb 1891]
“From 4 o'clock this afternoon the residents of the Semaphore will enjoy what they have so badly needed in the hot weather, and so long endeavoured to get — an increased supply of water. . . To lessen the rise of the district being cut off when the bridge is opened a water tower was some years ago erected on a high position at the Semaphore. . . but last year, at the height of the hot weather, it did not to any extent minimise the inconvenience caused by the poor pressure of water. . . nothing would ensure a satisfactory supply but the laying of a new main direct from the Happy Valley works.” [Register 17 Aug 1898]
“The water tower at the Semaphore is used for water storage purposes. Should the consumption from the mains become greater than the capacity of the mains to supply it the deficiency is met by water from the tower. If a burst should occur in a main the supply in the tower is drawn from. The tower m kept full, but is emptied and cleaned periodically.” [Advertiser 14 Oct 1915]
“Well known as a landmark and a guide to navigators, the Semaphore water tower. . . has passed its span of usefulness. No one wants it now. Tenders for its purchase were called by the Engineering and Water Supply Department, but as no buyers were forthcoming this tower of ‘hand-made’ bricks will come down to release the valuable land for the building of houses. . . Summer consumption rate now would empty the huge tank in less than, an hour. . . The tank was used to maintain pressure until about-a year ago. . . The late Mr. Thomas Sanders, who for more than 40 years was superintendent of Port Adelaide Waterworks district, used the tower as a summer residence, and under its water load of nearly 300 tons had perhaps the coolest ‘house’ in the town. Mr. Sanders supervised the erection of the tower and the filling of the tank. He retired in 1910. As a landmark, the white-topped tower is mentioned in navigation books. Until recently there was a lead light on the seaward side. The tower is the first object which masters of incoming ships see when approaching the Semaphore anchorage. As an observation point it used to have its advantages in the early days. From the tank platform incoming mailboats could be seen an hour earlier than from the lookout of the nearby signal station.” [News 2 Jul 1935]
“A Well-Known Landmark at Semaphore. The Lofty Water Tower. . . capable of conversion into Small Flats. . . Extremely Low Upset Price of £150.” [Advertiser 23 Apr 1936 advert]
“The lofty water tower, a well known landmark at Semaphore, was sold by auction this afternoon to Mr. A. L. White, dentist, of North terrace, Adelaide. His intentions are to convert the structure into flats. Bidding started at £150 and a satisfactory figure was reached before the sale was effected. The building consists of four stories with a basement, and a large tank.” [News 23 Apr 1936]
“The Old Water Tower at Semaphore, well-known as a landmark and guide to ships, is to have a block of flats attached to it. The tower was used to supply Lefevre's Peninsula with water when the supply was cut off by the opening of Jervois Bridge for ships to pass through. The purchaser of the property decided not to demolish the structure because of its historic associations.” [The Mail 5 Mar 1938]
“Mr. White bought the tower at an auction sale two or three years before the war. When he bought it he was inundated with letters from Semaphore residents asking him not to demolish ‘the grand old building’. A letter from the Harbors Board pointed out that if he had the tank demolished it would spoil a series of new charts showing the tank as a navigational aid. Mr. White has built two three-storied flats alongside the tower, and would convert the rest of the building into additional flats, only the 25-ft. diameter octagonal rooms are a sub-divisional problem.” [News 16 Aug 1948]
This ancient CAnada SOuthern semaphore still stands in Amherstburg hidden away from the rest of the world as mother nature slowly takes over.