Unseen Adelaide – Page 25 of 45

May 9, 2015

Urban Exploring: The Tube Room

Long before EFTPOS and electronic transactions, Adelaide store owners needed a way to securely store the daily takings. A common solution in the 19th and 20th century was to employ a Pneumatic Tube System.

Every time a salesperson collected cash they would place it into a special cartridge and load it into an airtight tube. It would then be propelled (by means of suction) along the tube, until it reached the end.

The end would often be located in a different floor of the building (in our case the 2nd floor) containing a vault or strong room. There the money would be securely stored awaiting transport via armoured vehicle.

Not many Pneumatic Tube Systems still exist in Adelaide so I was shocked to find this one inside an abandoned shoe store. Be sure to let us know if you find something similar!

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May 1, 2015

Urban Exploring: Drovers Station

It was a warm sunny day in Adelaide. Hesh, Skold and I were doing another recon mission to this place — previously we found it impenetrable. Prying back a branch of an overgrown bush we identified a fracture in the buildings fortifications.

We squeezed through and onto the grounds.

‘Drovers Station‘ was once owned by a stockman back in the late 1800s. Disused for many years, the buildings have been left to rot and decay. The floorboards have been mostly eaten away by white ants. The walls turning to powder from rising damp. Large structural cracks from ground movement.

In the yard sits machinery from a bygone era. The 1963 International Harvester VF-190 truck proudly displays its military past on the glove box “… BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF USAF”. The hand-crank of the 1945 Fordson E27N tractor reminiscent of days before electronic ignition systems.

We love the fact that just behind a door or on the other side of a wall lies so much of Adelaide’s history. Having such a visceral connection to it far outweighs reading about it in a book or having a guide explain it to you.

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April 12, 2015

Urban Exploring: The Adelaide Central Market Tower

Built in 1900 and completed in 1906, The Adelaide Central Market has been a powerful statement for fresh produce in Adelaide for many years. Unknown to many, its tower has sat unused for 115 years — since its original construction.

The Adelaide Central Market Tower (Photo: Lena Madssen)

To this date, the original purpose of The Adelaide Central Market Tower is unknown. Rumour suggests it was used as a fire lookout for the early detection of fires. Another source indicated that it was used as a local police post. The mystery of its true purpose still remains. If you think you may know, tell us in the comments below, or send Ryan Kris a message. Be sure to read his fascinating article ‘The mystery of the Adelaide Central Market Tower‘.