While museum’s and cemeteries are great sources for a city’s history, so are it’s old buildings. Included in this posting is a compilation of some of Adelaide’s old structures;

ELDER HALL (University of Adelaide) - built in 1898 following a bequest from Scottish Australian Sir Thomas Elder, and opened in 1900 by the then governor of South Australia, Lord Tennyson, it was originally known as the Australian Senior Acadamy of Music. It is one of Australia’s finest and most historic concert halls and serves as the heart of the musical culture of the country. Modeled after the Middle Temple in London, the Hall is the spiritual home of the Elder Conservatorium.

Elder Hall is located on the University of Adelaide’s campus.

Designed in the Florentine Gothic style, the Hall’s interior features an open hammer beam roof.

Up to 1000 people can be seated in the Hall, while the stage can accommodate up to 150 performers.

BLACK BULL HOTEL - during the earliest days of the colony, the Black Bull was Adelaide’s first permanent hotel. Established in1838, its origins were in a tent and was first known as The Buffalo’s Head Hotel. It was renamed the Black Bull in 1841.

Located on Adelaide’s Hindley St. (within sight of the Rundle Street Mall area), the Black Bull hotel began life in a tent back in 1838.

Looking towards the Rundle Street Mall, the Black Bull was originally known as the Buffalo’s Head in a makeshift community near the river Torrens

Today, the Black Bull’s bar is the most popular attraction.

EAST END MARKETS - prior to 1875, farmers delivered their products directly to individual grocers. By the late 19th century, the growers and grocers agreed there was a need for an organized market. The East End Markets were established on East Terrace, opposite the Stag Hotel, on property owned by shop-keeper Robert Vaughan. While this market continued to function until 1988, it gradually lost business to the newly formed (1869) and larger Central Market near Victoria Square.

Operating between 1875 and 1988, the East End Markets was Adelaide’s first attempt at an organized system for bringing growers and grocers togeater.

Still hanging on the wall of the markets’ entrance are the Bye Laws for the organization running everything.

Of course, even then, everything had to be inspected.

Archival photo of the East End Markets during its heydays.

STAG HOTEL - situated on the corner of Rundle Street and East Terrace, the Stag Hotel has functioned as an Inn or Hotel since 1849. During its early years, the Stag served as the headquarters for produce growers and buyers ( including their horses and vehicles) at the nearby East End Markets. In 1902, the new owner, Thomas Richardson, demolished the old building in favor of a much larger hotel. It is still a busy landmark.

Still vibrant, the Stag Hotel is ideally located near Adelaide’s busy Central Business District.

The original Stag Inn as it appeared in 1876...

...and later in 1910.

PORT ADELAIDE’S UNITING CHURCH - by November of 1849, a group of Christians from various denominations had been meeting informally in a sail loft. They then formed themselves into the “Congregational Church of Port Adelaide.” Over the next several years, the group met in three different buildings until their present church was built in 1867. By 1978, they had become part of the Uniting Church of Australia.

At 150 years of age, the Uniting Church of Port Adelaide is just one block away from the National Rail Museum.

Its appearance has not changed very much from this circa 1870 photo.

The main altar is simple in its elegance...

...as is the rest of the main hall...

...even its stained glass windows reflect the church’s simplicity.

Located in the church’s backyard are two objects of importance to the congregation; this old aboriginal well once used by the natives living on this land prior to the arrival of the Europeans (and decorated by their descendants)...

...and this oddly bent pine tree that the congregation feels symbolizes the even in the face of adversity, prosperity can be achieved.

The most significant collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural artifacts in the world are contained in the South Australian Museum located on Adelaide’s North Terrace, next to the University of Adelaide. In 1847, The South Australian Institute, which included a public library and a museum, was established in rented spaces on King William Street while it awaited construction of its own new building. The new museum building opened on North Terrace in 1856 and focused on natural history and research. It’s stated mission was “To increase knowledge and understanding of natural and cultural heritage ... (and) to provide opportunities for study, education, and enjoyment.” Over the years, the museum has developed partnerships with such organizations as the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Flinders University, Botanic Gardens of South Australia, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, and SANTOS (Australia’s oil and gas company), among others.

Situated on North Terrace next to the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Museum focuses on the natural history and culture of the State.

Ever cognizant of the cultural heritage of the region, the museum greets visitors with this acknowledgement that the Kaurna people have been the traditional custodians of the greater Adelaide region.

The Museum is home to the most significant Australian Aboriginal cultural artifacts in the world, including this wall of aboriginal art....

...as well as this collection of boomerangs.

Since much of South Australian history is tied to the cultures of the Pacific Islands, it is only natural that the museum would exhibit artifacts from that area, such as this family long house from New Guinea.

Here is a piece of fossilized sandstone from the Ediacaron Ocean that covered Australia more than 550 million years ago.

Long before the arrival of the Europeans, women of the Pacific Islands (particularly Figi and Samoa) wore aprons like these decorated by sea shells. When glass beads were introduced to the islands by the Europeans, the aprons took on a more colorful appearances.

Trobrian Islanders used trading canoes such as this “Kula” during their voyages around the islands.

Of course, no museum we’ve ever visited failed to have exhibits about the ancient Egyptians. It’s a wonder that there are any ancient Egyptian artifacts left in Egypt!

One of the best ways we’ve found to learn about a city we are visiting is to explore its churches. This is where the history and development of urban life truely comes alive.

In 1838, two years after the founding of Adelaide, the Roman Catholics of the city began organized religious meetings , with the first formal Mass being held in 1840 in a home on East Terrace. As the population began to grow, Adelaide’s Catholic congregation felt the need for their own Cathedral ( with the first plans being drawn up as early as 1845). The foundation stone was laid in 1851. However, the gold rush in the neighboring state of Victoria interrupted the construction, as South Australia went into an economic depression. By 1856, the foundation stone was re-laid. The new Cathedral, to be built in the Gothic Revival style, was designed to be built in stages. With the first stage complete, the Cathedral was dedicated in July of 1858. As the population continued to grow, additional expansion stages were added. The 108 foot tall Bell Tower was begun in 1887, but was not completed until 1996 (109 years later). Like the Cathedral itself, the church’s organ was built in stages; the first in 1869; in 1926, the organ was replaced by a bigger one; and finally in 1954, it was totally rebuilt.

Exploring the beautiful St. Francis Xavier Cathedral gave us an insight into the history of Adelaide that we did not see in the other attractions we’ve visited.

Sitting along one side of Adelaide’s Victoria Square is the Gothic Revival styled St. Francis Xavier Cathedral.

From the first laying of the foundation stone in 1851 to the completion of the Bell Tower in 1996, this beautiful edifice took 145 years to complete.

A closer look at the central nave and main altar reveals some of the grandeur of the Cathedral.

Equally impressive is the main entranceway with its wonderfully ornate wood door and frame, as well as the pipes of the organ resting above.

But, for us, the most beautiful parts of the church were its stained glass windows, from the Rose Window above the main door...

...to the many glorious panels along the side walls.

There was much to enjoy in all parts of this Cathedral , including this exquisitely carved statue of St. Francis Xavier in the front vestibule.

A side view of the building demonstrates the elegance of its Gothic Revival architecture.

Along the exterior side wall of the church, facing Victoria Square, is this wonderful statue of St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop.

The University of Adelaide was founded in 1874 in the center of the city’s North Terrace. Perhaps it’s most magnificent and imposing edifice is the Renaissance style Barr Smith Library (opened in 1930).

Robert Barr Smith was a Scotsman who worked as a commission and supply merchant to the Australian colonies. In 1854, he moved to Melbourne and then, two years later, to Adelaide. It was here that he formed a partnership with Thomas Elder , creating the “Elder Smith & Company”. As their business grew, they expanded into trading, farming, and copper mining, opening large areas of South Australia’s outback. By 1890, they owned an area larger than Smith’s home country of Scotland. Barr Smith was very interested in the social and cultural development of Adelaide, donating large amounts of his wealth to those pursuits. When the University of Adelaide was founded (1874), Barr Smith became a member of its governing council, serving nineteen years. During his lifetime, he donated over $50,000 (in today’s dollars) to the University, including some $15,000 for the improvement and expansion of the library ( following his death, Smith’s family donated an additional $100,000). The new library building, which opened in 1932, was designed to hold 150,000 volumes and accommodate two hundred people in its reading room ( which itself could hold 15,000 books). To honor Robert Barr Smith’s generosity to the University of Adelaide, the library was named after him. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful libraries in Australia.

Situated at the center of North Terrace, the University of Adelaide was founded in 1874.

The Barr Smith Library, named in honor of Scotsman Robert Barr Smith, is considered to be one of the highlight buildings on the campus.

Archival photo of Robert Barr Smith, benfacter of the University of Adelaide.

Entering the main lobby of the library, you begin to see the grandeur of the building.

Considered to be the most beautiful part of the library, the Barr Smith Reading Room can accommodate 200 people.

Along the walls of the Reading Room is a Latin inscription that translates to “ Robert Barr Smith filled the earlier library with books as gifts from himself and his heirs. A.D. 1892 onwards.”

Here at the Research Librarian’s’ desk you can request information on the many subjects covered by the 150,000 volumes in its collection.

There also is a “Special Collections “ section.

A 1911 photo of “Auchendarrech”, Barr Smith’s summer home.

The oldest nautical collection in Australia is housed in a series of historic buildings (circa 1850’s) at the South Australia Maritime Museum in Port Adelaide. Opened in 1986, and built upon the previous collection of the Port Adelaide Institute (1872), the museum highlights the voyages of Mathew Flinders and Nicholas Baudin ( explorers of Australia’s South Coast). Among the museum’s collections are 17 ship figureheads, the oldest being from 1836 (the largest such collection in Australia), Captain Cook’s traveling chest, and objects from the exploration voyages of the Macasson Seafarers ( from southwest Indonesia). Today, the museum is home to more than twenty thousand nautical objects, including several historic vessels; i.e. the steam tug “Yelta” (1949); the navy work boat “Archie Badenach” (1942); the iron trader “Nelcebee” (1883); and the oldest, the timber ketch “Annie Watt” (1870). For lovers of all things nautical, this was an informative and fun place to visit.

Port Adelaide has several very interesting museums, including the South Australian Maritime Museum seen here. This museum chronicles the seafaring history of Australia’s South Coast.

Built in 1873, the ketch “ACTIVE II” allows visitors to get a glimpse of how tough the life of a ketch trader was.

In the early days of the South Australia settlements, whaling was an important part of life, and was depicted in much of the art of the time.

As the popularity of living in South Australia began to grow, more and more immigrants made the arduous journey, most in steerage class accommodations such as this...

...or if they were lucky and could afford it, in second class compartments.

Seventeen ship figureheads make up the largest such collection in Australia...

...including this one of a Scottish clansman recovered from the 1858 three-masted wooden barque “Claymore” ...

..and this one from the 1861 three-masted wooden barque “Wave Queen”, wrecked in Rivoli Bay in September of 1874.

Among the 20,000 objects in the museum’s collection are several historic maritime vessels, such as the 1949 steam tug “Yelta”, which periodically still takes visitors up and down the river during the summer...

...and the 1942 Navy workboat “Archie Badenach.”

Restoration work being done on the 1883 iron trader “”Nelcebee”.

About a half-mile past the National Rail Museum is the South Australian Aviation Museum. Founded in 1984 by a group of enthusiasts interested in air travel history and aircraft restoration, the museum chronicles the history of aviation and aerospace industry throughout Australia. By 1990, it became the official aviation museum of South Australia and the home of the heritage rocket collection associated with the Woomera Test Range (active between 1950 and 1980). Of particular significance for me was a new project devoted to restoring a P-3 Orion from the Royal Australian Air Force. One of my amateur radio mentors was a crew chief on a U.S. owned P-3 and was able to get me on board his plane for a tour. In addition, I was able to make my first aviation mobile radio contact with him while his plane was flying on a training mission. This was a cool museum.

While this main entrance did not look very impressive...

...it was a different story once you were inside.

One of the signature exhibits in the museum is this Spitfire...

...along with this Fokker F27 Regional Airliner.

This one had an interesting configuration inside.

This is an 80% scale replica of the Fokker DR1 Triplane made famous by Baron Manfred Von Richtofen (the “Red Baron”).

”Move over Von Richthofen, there’s a new ace in the air!”

One of the newest acquisitions is a AP-3C Orion from the Royal Australian Air Force..

It is currently being restored in one of the hanger buildings.

Port Adelaide is home to Australia’s largest railway museum. Focused primarily on the Commonwealth and South Australia Railroads, the museum was originally founded in 1963 by a group of rail preservationists after having convinced the Commissioner of the South Australia Rail System to grant them land on the site of the former “Mile End Roundhouse.” The first steam locomotive arrived at the end of August 1964. Being a mostly open-air site much of the museum’s collection began to experience problems being exposed to the weather. Realizing that they needed a larger site with buildings to protect the exhibits, the museum staff in 1987 began renovations of the Port Dock Goods Terminal. This opened in early December of 1988 under its new name, “The Port Dock Station Railway Museum” (now more commonly known as the National Rail Museum). By this time, its collections had grown to include examples of the three gauge systems used throughout Australia (i.e. Narrow, Standard, and Broad). In addition to its collection of historic rolling stock, the museum now also includes a number of historic buildings, such as the 1878 “Goods Shed” and the 1951 “Collington Shelter Shed and Booking office” (a typical example of South Australia’s small country stations). “Catch Point” has been the museum’s magazine since 1982. You don’t have to be a “Rail Fan” in order to enjoy this attraction.

Located on Lipson Street, just on the edge of the center of town, The National Railway Museum is the largest Museum of its type in Australia.

A 1.2 kilometer (3/4 mile) long track runs through the grounds...

...on which a half-scale train takes visitors for a quick tour of the attraction...

...which we enjoyed riding.

Locomotives from the old to the new are on exhibit....

...as well as a station master’s office...

...and a switching room.

We got the chance to see the fancy parlor cars...

...dining cars...

... the formal kitchen car...

...and the general class coach cars.

Introduced in 1934, “The Murray Car” was used by the Railway Commissioners duringv their annual inspections of the Commonwealth Railroads gauge lines. At the time, it was the most modern car on the Commonwealth Rail System.

We had a great visit to this museum.

As a tribute to the many camels and driver’s that helped to build the railroads and Australia, this monument was erected in the middle of the museum’s grounds.

During this trip to the Boston area, we were able to rent an apartment in the town of Norwood, Lori's home town. Originally settled in 1678 by Ezra Morse (who built a saw mill here) as a part of Dedham, it was not incorporated as Norwood until 1872. The local Neponset native Americans, who had lived and hunted here for centuries, called this place "Tiot" meaning "place enclosed by water." The laying of the Norfolk County Railroad tracks through the area in 1847 insured its growth.

In the center of town is the 125 year old St. Catherine of Sienna parish church. This is where Lori worshiped growing up, but more importantly, is where we got married fifty years ago. So it was only fitting and proper that during our Golden Anniversary year, we spent time in the town that has meant so much to Lori and me.

Now, off to Vancouver, British Columbia.

St. Catherine of Sienna parish church in the center on Norwood.

As with any crest, a lot of symbolism is employed; in the upper part of the crest, the book and quill, along with the flour-de-lis, represent St. Catherine's efforts to return the papacy to Rome from its temporary location in Avignon; in the lower portion, the codfish represents Massachusetts and the carillon tower of city hall represents Norwood; the three mountains at the bottom represent the old name for Boston - Tremont.

Looking down the central aisle towards the main altar...

...where we got married fifty years ago; April 29, 1967.

At the back of the church, this beautiful stained glass window in the organ loft above the main entrance, adds a lot of natural light to the inside.

Elegant stained glass windows decorate the entire church.

While visiting the church, Lori ran into these acquaintances from her childhood; Mary Curran-Kelly and Mary O'Connor. Ironically, Mary Curran-Kelly shared the same marriage date and location as us.

While located eight and a half miles from the city proper, Port Adelaide was destined to become Adelaide’s main shipping Port. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, this was all mangrove swamps and mud flats. But when Captain Henry Jones of the Royal Navy first explored the area in 1834, he felt that the 21 foot depth of the Port River made it quite navigatable. Two years later, Colonel William Light (founder of the Adelaide settlement) decided that this area was suitable for the city’s main Port (even with its distance from the settlement). Thus, on January 6, 1837, Port Adelaide was formally established (as the Port Creek Settlement) with Captain Thomas Lipson as its first harbormaster. Colonel Light had hoped to create a canal between the Port and the city in order to make it easier to deliver supplies to Adelaide. However, a lack of financial support for this project kept it from being built. In 1840, a 336 foot long wharf - named Maclaren’s Wharf - was built allowing ships up to 540 tons to dock. The period between 1841 and 1970 was considered the heyday of Port Adelaide. With the introduction of container shipping and regional shopping centers, Port Adelaide began to decline. In 2005, 73 square miles of the Port River inlet was established as the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary - the first “urban” dolphin sanctuary in the world.

Outside of the Visitors Center is this Memorial to all the laborers who helped to create Port Adelaide.

First lit in 1869 in the outer harbor of the Port River, this lighthouse was relocated to its current position in 1986.it is now one of the top tourist attractions in the town.

Climbing to the top of the lighthouse provides a wonderful view down the Main Street of Port Adelaide.

Geirge French Angas’ 1846 painting of Port Adelaide.

Built in 1846, The Railway Hotel ( located opposite the railroad station) was one of top resting places in town.

As the main shipping center for Adelaide, supplies would arrive from all over the world. This Customs House made sure that all the correct papers were filed and taxes paid on those supplies.

Ships like the SS Ridge Park we’re frequent visitors to the port.

Named after the first harbormaster of Port Adelaide, Lipson Street is one of the main roads through the downtown area.

The first settlers to arrive in Adelaide in 1836 had no plans for a “gaol” ( middle-English meaning “jail”) because they apparently felt their new colony would have no crime. Time would prove them wrong. The first prisoners at the time were held in chains aboard the HMS Buffalo and Tam O’Shanter. When these ships had to sail back to England, the prisoners were transferred to a temporary “gaol” that was set up in a military encampment in the Botanical Gardens, where they were chained to trees. Two years later, another temporary, wooden, jail was built next to Government House. At this time, prisoners with long-term sentences were sent back east to the penal colonies in Melbourne and Brisbane. By 1840, plans were developed for the construction of a more permanent “gaol” to house up to 140 prisoners. The first fourteen of them to be incarcerated here were housed in what became known as yard number one while construction continued on the rest of the jail (which was completed in 1841). The first recorded “successful” escape from the gaol happened in 1897 (the three prisoners were later recaptured). Adelaide Gaol was built on a radial plan (i.e. all the cell block yards were accessed from a central point), which was called the “Circle” because wagons delivering supplies to the jail had to swing around this central point in order to leave once again. As the “gaol” evolved, Yards number One and Two were devoted to female prisoners; Yard Three housed the Debtors Prison and the Induction Center (for the processing of new prisoners); Yard Four housed male prisoners ( with the last three cells on the right reserved for the condemned); Yard Six replaced Yard Five in Oder to create a larger dining area. Between 1861 and 1883, thirteen executions by hanging took place on portable gallows set up between the inner and outer walls. In 1894, a permanent “Hanging Tower” had been constructed in which an additional twenty-one executions took place before Capital Punishment was abolished in 1976. Elizabeth Woolcock was the only woman executed in the jail in 1873. The Adelaide Gaol was decommissioned in 1988 and made into a museum. Archeological excavations since then have revealed evidence of hunting and fishing encampments having existed on this site by local indigenous peoples for decades prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

For nearly 150 years, the Adelaide Gaol (jail) housed prisoners.

Each day, the prisoners’ routine would be controlled by the ringing of this bell.

Prior to 1954, prisoners and family members had to line up on opposite sides of these sally port gates for visits. Seen behind the gates is the new visitor center...

...which allowed for more private and intimate time together.

Next to the Central Point Visitors Center is the Medical Officer’s Quarters...

...where prisoners were treated for all kinds of illnesses and injuries...

...including dental.

Each of the cell block yards off of the Central Point has their own purpose...

...for instance, Yards One and Two we’re devoted to women prisoners...

...while Yard Three has the Induction Center for processing new prisoners.

Before the “Hanging Tower” was built in 1894, executions took place on portable gallows between these walls...

Elizabeth Woolcock was the only woman ever executed in the Adelaide Gaol on December 30, 1873. She was buried in this spot between the walls.

Part of the archeological excavations that revealed the existence of indigenous people’s encampments prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

Knowing the history of your ancestors ( who they were, where they came from, what their trials and tribulations were, etc.) is an important part of knowing who you are. In that vein, the Migration Museum of South Australia in Adelaide makes an effort to define the diversity and multiculturalism of the development of the region. This social history museum, founded in 1983, is the oldest of its kind in Australia and a world first (even pre-dating the Ellis Island Museum of Immigration in New York City). Located next to the State Library of South Australia, this complex was once the site of the “Destitute Assylum” (1850 to 1918), housing up to 400 of the city’s poor, incurably sick, and disabled. It included a Lying-In Home for young pregnant women and at one time was six times larger than the current complex. But even before it was the Destitute Assylum, the site was used as a “Native School” to educate aboriginal children. Because of this complex’s link to the history of South Australia’s development, admission is free.

When we first saw this complex, it was hard to imagine that, at one time, it was six times larger.

Prior to this building becoming the Destitute Assylum’s Chapel in 1871, it served as the schoolhouse for Assylum’s children.

These buildings housed the Mothers’ Wards of the Lying-In Home.

Between 1880 and 1909, nearly 1700 babies were born here. All of their names and birthdates are displayed on these slips of papers hung from the ceiling.

Over the years, the buildings served a variety of purposes...

...for instance as the laboratory for the “Chief Inspector of Explosives.” (OK...that’s different!).

Much of the daily life in the Destitute Assylum was regulated by this bell.

Beginning in 1815, an estimated 52 million people immigrated to South Australia from Britain and Europe on ships like this model.

These were the folks that built South Australia.

Growing up in Boston, we were familiar with the famous Haymarket Square marketplace (one of the oldest market venues in New England) with its many produce vendors. So, during our travels, we find it fun to explore similar venues around the globe. For nearly 150 years, Adelaide’s “Central Market” has been the principal food hub for the city - but not the first one. The original fruit and vegetable wholesale venue was the “East End Markets” located along Rundle Street and North Terrace. By 1869, the East End Market has grown so much that the overflow moved to Grote Street (near Victoria Square) and was known as “City Market.” With eighty food carts, this overflow (which soon became known as “Central Markets”) was only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This quickly grew to over 250 shops, staying open Monday through Friday, and eventually replacing the East End Market. Electricity was introduced to the market in 1902, replacing the old gas lights. Today, this three acre site is one of the largest fresh produce markets in Australia and one of the top tourist attractions in Adelaide.

About a block down from Victoria Square on Grote Street is Australia’s largest fresh produce venue, “Central Markets” (still decorated for Christmas).

Starting as an overflow site for the East End Maket, this is now home to over 250 vendors.

The original East End Markets are now apartments and other commercial enterprises.

After changing its name from “City Markets” to “Central Markets”, this new venue has grown to be one of Adelaide’s top tourist attractions.

While fresh produce is its main reason for being...

...you can also find fish...

...meats...

...nuts...

...(of all kinds)...

...and even books.

This three acre site seems to have everything...

...even cactus?

The “Tour Down Under” is the biggest cycling race in Australia, and we were there. With fantastic seats at the start/finish line, we were able to watch the entirety of the 31 mile (i.e. 22 laps around the city of Adelaide) “People’s Choice” segment, as well as the final stage of the women’s portion of the Tour Down Under ( the first stage of the men’s portion was not scheduled to begin out in Port Adelaide until after we left for our next destination. Bummer!). Still, overall, this was an experience that we were glad we did not miss. The sportsmanship of all of the athletes (professional and amateur), the comraderie of the spectators, and the party atmosphere of the entire day were exhilarating!

Prior to the start of the day’s activities, the various sponsor support vehicles parades around the route several times.

Some a little more colorful than others...

...but each one uniquely decorated.

As they passed by, passengers threw souvenirs out the windows to the crowd.

Getting ready for the start of the “People’s Choice Classic.”

Completeling the first lap, the group seemed a bit sedate...

...but as the race progressed, so did the pace of the race.

But not for all.

The final stage of the women’s race is about to begin...

What exhilaration to be so close to the action!

Ahhhmmm?....there seems to be something missing! (Just out of camera range, a massive crash happened. This was one of the casualties).

At least one of the spectators got into the spirit of the day!

We were fortunate to be in Adelaide during the time of Australia’s premier cycling race; “The Tour Down Under.” Established in 1999, after the Australian Grand Prix Formula I race had moved to Melbourne, this race became part of the “Union Cycliste Internationale” (UCI) World Tour - with all 18 UCI World Teams participating. Most folks are familiar with the “Tour de France”, the oldest (starting in 1903) and most famous of the UCI World Tour events. The Tour Down Under is similar in that it is a multi-stage event held in and around Adelaide over several days. It is now the biggest cycling event in the Southern Hemisphere and the first UCI World Tour event to take place outside cycling’s traditional home of Europe. Held in January each year, this is also the first race on the international cycling calendar. Sponsored by the Australian Oil and Gas Company, “Santos”, the Tour Down Under attracts the elite of world cycling. America’s Lance Armstrong competed in this race three times prior to his retirement from cycling in 2011. Part of this year’s event included a 22-lap (31 mile) route around Adelaide, known as the “People’s Choice Classic,” as well as a pre-race running event known as the “Undies Run” - a 1.5 mile fun-packed family run to raise monies for Bowel Cancer research. We had a fabulous time experiencing all that this day had to offer.

Adelaide’s Victoria Square (the central business district) was transformed into a giant exhibit area for the race...

...that included Team Sponsor support vehicles...

...bicycles of all sorts ...and prices...

...and the exhibit areas..

...where you can watch the support teams tuning up the bikes.

...even the Tooth Fairy was there.

But we were there primarily for the races...beginning with the “Undies Run”...

...while the original concept was for runners to strip down to their underwear for the race, there are “underwear style uniforms” available....

...and each year, they are slightly different in appearance.

The whole idea is to have some fun...

...some more than others.

Five months after the colony was founded ( in 1837), the Supreme Court of South Australia was established. The rapidity of this creation made it unique among all the other Australian States, i.e. the other states did not establish any judicial systems until long after the settlement of their colonies. With unlimited jurisdiction over civil matters and authority to hear the most serious of criminal cases, this highest court in South Australia held its first session in May of 1837. It was presided over by Sir John Jeffcott as the “First Judge of the Court.” The tittle of Chief Justice was not officially introduced until 1856. Most cases of the Supreme Court are heard by a single justice. The “Full Court” (consisting of three judges) sits on appeals from a single-judge session. In the early 1850’s, Justice Benjamin Boothby was appointed to the Supreme Court of South Australia. His tenure was full of controversy as he asserted that the “...parliament of South Australia had not been validly constituted since the enactment of the Constitution Act of 1855-1856.” The constitutional crisis created by Boothby resulted in the Colonial Laws Validity Act of 1865, which was designed to remove any apparent inconsistencies between local (“colonial”) and British (“imperial”) legislation. It also resulted in his removal from the bench.

Sitting opposite Victoria Square in Adelaide’s central business district, the Supreme Court building of South Australia houses several court rooms, judges chambers, the Court Library System, and the Probate Registry. The building’s main lobby, with its magnificent staircase, is one of the more ornate and beautiful municipal buildings we have enecountered.

The Supreme Court of South Australia sits opposite Victoria Square in central Adelaide.

Its central staircase took our breath away...

...but you can’t really appreciate until you see from the upper levels...

...but don’t forget to look up.

Most cases are heard by a single justice, while the “Full Court “ (three judges) sits on appeal cases.

On display throughout the building are works of prisoner art...

...some of which are quite good.

Also as part of the complex is the Court Library Service

...and the Probate Registry.

When South Australia gained self-government in 1857, construction began on a building that would provide working space for the officials of the new state government. By 1872, the population of the colony had grown sufficiently that the government felt it necessary to increase the membership of the House of Assembly (what we call our House of Representatives) by ten. As a result, larger quarters were needed. Construction of a new parliament building to house the expanding House of Assembly in 1874, while the upper chamber, the Legislative Council (e.g. our Senate), remained in the Old Parliament House. World War I delayed the completion of the new building until 1939. Once construction of the new paliament house was completed, plans called for the old Parliament House to be demolished. This time, World War II intervened and the older building was turned into a Royal Australian Air Force recruitment office. Following the war, various government departments used the Old Parliament House until the 1970’s, when it was converted into a ”Constitutional Museum.” Today, the Parliament of South Australia remains a bicameral institution with 47 members comprising the House of Assembly (the lower chamber) and 22 members making up the Legislative Council (the upper chamber). The governor of South Australia serves as the Queen’s representative but is not considered a member of parliament. The official government of the state is formed from the House of Assembly while the main function of the Legislative Council is to review legislation passed in the House of Assembly.

South Australia’s Parliament House situated along Adelaide’s North Terrace.

While they do offer public tours, you have to watch the schedule carefully to make sure the building is accessible.

Saved from demolition by World War II, the Old Parliament building next door now serves as a museum...

...with exhibits from the early days of self-government...

...including paintings of North Terrace when it was just a dirt road with horses and carriages rather than cars and trucks.

Like other Parliament buildings throughout Australia, the House of Assembly (the lower chamber where the government is formed) is decorated in green...

...while the Legislative Council (the upper chamber) is decorated in red. Here, legislation passed by the House of Assembly is reviewed for compliance with existing laws.

Parliamentary members and their staff make use of the research library when drafting and/or reviewing proposed legislation.

As big cities are developing, conservation of open green spaces within their borders become ever more important. And so it was with Adelaide. Colonel William Light, who chose and designed the site for South Australia’s capital, intended that Adelaide have a botanical garden. For various reasons, however, it took more than twenty years for this to come to fruition. Opened along North Terrace in 1857, the 130 acre Adelaide Botanic Gardens were modeled after the Royal Gardens in Kew, England and Versailles, France. By 1877, a Victorian glass greenhouse, known as “The Palm House” became a centerpiece of the gardens ( and still exists today). Two years later, the last purpose-built colonial museum in the world, the “Santos Museum of Economic Botony” (sponsored by South Australia’s Oil and Gas Company) was erected within the grounds. The gardens exhibit an array of both native and international horticulture, providing a relaxing respite from urban hectic life.

Entering through this magnificent wrought-iron fence along North Terrace, one quickly leaves the hectic life of Adelaide’s urban environment behind...

...and are greeted by this pepper tree from Cental and South America.

Known as “The Palm House”, this Victorian green house remains one of the Gardens’ showpieces.

What a beautiful building!

It was like another world inside...

...with its own little grotto.

In 1879, The Santos Museum of Economic Botony was built...

...in order to explore the commercial uses of horticulture from around the world.

The many uses of various seeds from around the world amazed us.

Everything about this place was delightful...

...and beautiful!

Weeellll...maybe not everything. In one corner of the gardens is the original Adelaide City Morgue. At least it’s historical.

Several institutions have been clustered along Adelaide’s North Terrace, giving it the nickname “Adelaide’s Cultural Boulevard.” Among them is the official State Library of Southern Australia. This is the largest public research library in the state and is home to the “South Australiana Collection” (documenting the history of the area from pre-European settlement to the present day). Unlike most of the libraries with which we’re familiar, none of this library’s collections can be loaned out. They have to be used on site.

Before leaving England in 1836, a group of educated settlers formed the “South Australia Literary and Scientific Association” with a collection of books to start a library in the new settlement. During unloading, the trunk fell into the Port River, necessitating the books having to be left to dry in a warehouse for two years. This collection formed the nucleus of South Australia’s first Library, but not as we know it today. This was a “subscription” library of 120 people who paid an annual fee in order to access the books. By 1856, the South Australia parliament passed legislation for the creation of the South Australia Institute for increased public access to the collection. Four years later, the library was housed in the Institutes Building (the first of the library complex) while a new building was being constructed. However, this took 18 years to complete, as several delays resulted in some of the earlier work being condemned and needing to be removed. One investor, John Andrew Tennant Mortlock, made a substantial donation to the library. As a result, the Board of Directors decided to name a wing of the building after him and place a portion of the South Australiana collection in it. In 1884, the Mortlock Wing was opened as a public library, museum, and art gallery for the colony. At that time, the collections numbered some 23,000 books and the library had a staff of three. Today, the Mortlock Wing is one of the most visited (and photographed) parts of the library.

The State Library of South Australia along North Terrace in Adelaide.

Within the “Institutes Building” ( the first structure of the library complex) is the Mortlock Wing...

...the most visited, and photographed, portion of the library.

A portion of the South Australiana collection is exhibited in the cases on the ground floor of the wing.

Orher parts of the library house different collections.

Of course, there are the stacks of general reference materials. But, all of the material contained within the library HAVE to be used on site. None can be loaned out.

Some of the finest silverware of the early 19th century are also on display.

With over seven hundred retail stores within this pedestrian-only space, the Rundle Street Mall has become the center piece for Adelaide’s Central Business District (CBD). Created in 1976, this is some of the most expensive real estate in Southern Australia (at approximately $3700 per square foot per year). Among its features are a number of arcades (including the Italianate Adelaide Arcade which boasts having had the first electric lights within a building in the CBD, as well as being home to six ghosts), plazas, and a number of large South Australian flagship stores. Rundle Street itself was named after John Rundle, a member of the British House of Commons and the original director of the “South Australia Company”, ( formed in London in 1835 to develop the new South Australian settlement). In 1895, the first electric lights were installed at the corner of Rundle and King William streets. While the mall includes many modern sculptures by local artists, perhaps the best known is the twelve foot tall “The Spheres” by Bert Flugleman, two large stainless steel spheres (a little over six feet wide), balanced one on top of the other. Coming in a close second are a group of life size bronze pigs (named Horatio, Truffles, Augusta, and Oliver). On the same corner of the mall where the first electric lights were installed, is the Historic “BeeHive Corner”, built in the mid-1800’s and named to denote a busy trading center. Now the home of Haigh’s Chocolates, this building was once owned by John Rundle. We obviously don’t do much shopping because of the way we travel, but still, this was a fun area to explore.

Rundle Street pedestrian mall as viewed from an external elevator. This portion of Rundle Street was closed off to vehicular traffic in 1976 to create a pedestrian-only shopping district.

Known as the “Beehive Corner” (at the junction of Rundle and King William streets), this is the north-eastern entrance to the mall. The Haigh’s Chocolate building was once owned by John Rundle. The first electric lights in the CBD were installed at this corner in 1895.

The building was given this name to denote it being a busy trading center.

Among the many sculptures decorating the mall, “The Spheres” by Bert Flugelman are reportedly the best known...

...however, coming in a close second are the bronze pigs named Horatio, Truffles, Augusta, and Oliver.

The Adelaide Arcade is one of several malls within the Mall. Designed in the “Italianate” style, it claims to have been the first building in the CBD to have had electric lights installed...

...as well as being home to six ghosts (we did not see any, however).

As with any big city, especially during holidays, street performers could be seen everywhere.

Of course, at this time of year, the stores are all decorated for Christmas.