View allAll Photos Tagged semaphore
While I had driven by this old semaphore signal in Plymouth on many occasions, I had never stopped to take any pictures until now. While it no longer directs rail traffic, it still makes a very interesting prop for a picture, and serves as a reminder of the railroad days gone. This view is looking north towards the junction of the Pemigewasset Branch to Lincoln.
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]
57314 hauls Carnforth - Gloucester Statesman ecs through Wrenbury. 47786 was swinging along at the back. The signalman seems to be out with his camera, and who can blame him - next weekend the semaphores and 'box are due to be decommissioned. 4th October 2013.
When put in service in 1911, the Chicago & North Western's Chicago Passenger Terminal (also known as Madison St. Station) was signaled with GRS Model 2 disk dwarf signals as well as high semaphores.
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 guard on 153313 gives the 'tip' to the driver at Barnetby after checking the doors and the signal whilst working a Newark - Grimsby train on 26th August 2015. The new colour light signals have already been installed on the platforms here just behind the fencing and are folded down. Photo: Ivan Stewart.
West bound BNSF is getting ready to pass through the classic semaphores at Colmore N.M back 2003 with detour Z-train.We spent a week on this division photographing this former ATSF passenger route lined with semaphores everywhere.This section is 90mph for Amtrak and 70mph for Frt's.Today only Amtrak runs on this section of track but the blades still stand .Time for a beer!!!
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
Moves to the east (timetable southbound) at the interlocking on the Belt Railway of Chicago at 75th Street interlocking were governed by this two-aspect mechanical dwarf signal. The pipe operating this signal leads to the right and passes between the ties on the right.
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.
Wrenbury during an engineering possession for resignalling of the Crewe - Shrewsbury line. The nearest signal post on the lorry was NH1, the Nantwich down distant. The post has been bent during removal; clamped, shaken and pulled out of the ground by a road rail vehicle. The new signals were lit, and it's to be hoped they work this time because there's no plan B now. 12th October 2013.
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