Adelaide Secrets – Page 15 of 43

February 4, 2016

Urban Exploring: Chapman’s Smallgoods

Having been exploring the Chapman’s Smallgoods Factory for years now with our regular partner-in-grime, it’s time to say our goodbyes.

The Chapman’s Smallgoods site was the first smallgoods factory in Australia. Built in 1889 by George Chapman and his brother Albert; it became one of the largest employers in the Adelaide Hills. In the 1940’s, the capacity of the ham and bacon curing plant was trebled and the number of employees grew to 380.

Chapman's Smallgoods — Awesome Adelaide — Old Chapmans Industrial Estate, Nairne South Australia.

In 2002, Chapman’s Smallgoods relocated to Murray Bridge and the factory was no longer required. It was used by other manufacturers for a time until falling into disrepair.

Chapman’s will always hold fond memories amongst Adelaide Hills residents, explorers and even those who trashed the joint. I will miss Chapman’s in all its glory and although I visited dozens of times, I still wish I’d come more. Remember the good times and cherish these last moments of the great factory of Chapman’s.

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January 19, 2016

Urban Exploring: Grow House

During a Saturday afternoon exploring sesh we came across this little place. As we entered, it seemed to us to be a huge ‘man cave‘ — littered with possessions, tools, and personal belongings. Large High-Bay lamps hung from the ceiling. Couches, chairs, and mannequins scattered the floors.

As we explored our surroundings further we came across (what I like to call) a ‘f**k-off door’: alarmed and dead-bolted top and bottom. Many months prior the building had been seized under South Australia‘s criminal code for being used to produce cannabis for sale.

Beyond the door was the grow room…

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January 2, 2016

Urban Exploring: Prospect Air Raid Shelter

It was the early 1940’s. Japanese submarines fired torpedoes in Sydney Harbor and its Air Force began its bombing campaign against Darwin. Fearing we were next, State and Local Government built a network of Air Raid Communication Centres across Adelaide to coordinate a local response to air raids by the Japanese.

One of the Air Raid Shelters, located at Prospect, has sat disused for 10 years. For a time it was used by the Scalextric Club, the Prospect Boy Scouts, St John Ambulance Service for training, and at one time, a ham radio operators’ centre. Water penetration and neglect have rendered the structure non-functional.

Prospect Air Raid Shelter — Awesome Adelaide — The Prospect Air Raid Shelter.

The Shelter is one of only four of its kind left in the Adelaide area, with the remaining three at South Road in Torrensville, Rugless Terrace in Glenelg, and Oxford Terrace in Unley. A similar shelter, the Islington Air Raid Shelter, was not built for communications but for storage of emergency food, blankets and other supplies.

Prospect Air Raid Shelter Plans — Awesome Adelaide — The design for the Air Raid Shelters was drawn up by the Engineering and Water Supply Department of South Australia (now SA Water). (Photo courtesy Prospect Local History Group)

This January, the Prospect Council will vote on whether to demolish the structure or restore it. A local History Group hopes the shelter will be re-used as an interpretive history centre highlighting aspects of the area during World War II. However not having local heritage status, we fear its fate is already sealed. Make your voice heard.