Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rosco663]

Gidday folks,

This is a little off my my normal beat but definitely related to motoring in the town I have lived in since 1974, Gawler, South Australia.

Gawler is the first country town in the state of South Australia, and is named after the second Governor (British Vice-Regal representative) of the colony of South Australia, George Gawler. It is 44 km (27 mi) north of the centre of the state capital, Adelaide, and is close to the major wine producing district of the Barossa Valley. The town plan was devised by the colonial surveyor William Light, and was the only town planned by him other than Adelaide.

Being a good days ride north of Adelaide in route to the burgeoning copper mines at Kapunda and Burra, it became a rest stop with numerous pubs, hotels and stables. Later flour milling and the Pheonix Foundry which produced steam locomotives amongst other cast wares.

Driving from our house down to the main street we always pass by a particular building which is the subject of this post.

The first use for this property was Duffield's stable and fodder store next to the Exchange Hotel around 1890.



An early newspaper article follows from 1906 showing new owner.



After a time the site was redeveloped into a garage servicing the now booming motoring public in the early 1920's. The basic structure remains to this day.



A change of ownership, mid 1920's.



Another change of ownership in the late 1920's. And renamed Aero Motors which remained for some decades. Note at this time steam trains still ran through the middle of Murray Street Note petrol pumps now out the front.



Mid 1950's new petrol pumps.



Late 1970's newer petrol pumps.



In the 1980's it became an exhaust, suspension and brake shop. The petrol pumps were removed, as this is a very busy intersection and need to be streamlined for traffic. I remember taking my HR Holden in for a new exhaust system to be fitted here and (perdon my French) but a real pain in the arse to get in and out of without being side swiped.



Still brakes and exhausts but new ownership. The new owners had the many layers of paint sandblasted off the building to reveal the beautiful local sandstone and quoin work.



Midas were the last to operate this premises to serve the motorist as the local council deemed it too dangerous to have drive ways available. The site was left empty for a while and was owned by a local couple who ran a leadlight manufacturing shop there. It is now an office supply shop.



I hope this has been of some interest to all viewers. It has been quite a process putting this together. Next project will be the Willaston Service Station which started as one and still is today, much changed of course.

Cheers
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Rosco

[Rick]

Fascinating story there, very interesting to see how the site evolved - I was almost dreading getting to the end, thinking that the final episode may have been a levelling of the site for re-development....

I'd like to see if any more images survive of the old dealership in Adelaide that first sold the 24 Dodge, Waymouth Motors. I found a drawing of the place, but wonder if the building still survives or not.

Thanks again for putting that together

RJ
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[Rosco663]

Cheers Rick,

Unfortunately your site did not fare as well.

42 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, north side, on June 19th 1923, just prior to its demolition. According to the 'Advertiser', July 21, 1923, this building was erected around 1893 and used by John Reid for livery stables. Subsequently was purchased by the Waymouth Motor Company Limited



The new(er) buildings are here in these next two. These were also Waymouth Motor Company Limited and still Dodge dealers This is probably where your Dodge was sold as new.




But, alas, finally the site was redeveloped into an office tower . Topham Street which ran past Waymouth Motor's is now the entrance/exit to a multistory carpark.



Cheers,
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Rosco

[JC T ONE]

[Rick]

Thanks for the info on Waymouth Motor Co., I'd found a line drawing from approx the era of my car, and yes it shows the replacement multi-floor building in your photos 2 and 3 - I'd not seen any photos of the place before though, so thanks for digging them out.

RJ
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Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
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OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
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[JohnDale]

Fascinating post Rosco & of great interest. Thanks for taking the time to assemble & post,cheers,JD.
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1958 Ford Zephyr Mk2 Convertible
1976 Ford Granada Ghia.

[roverdriver]

Thanks for that interesting photo-history, Rosco. Many hours can be expended hunting for such information, and you have put together a clever potted history. Much appreciated.
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[Richard H]

Lovely photos, thanks for sharing them! It's a shame the first garage isn't operational anymore, but at least the building is still standing as you say
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Richard Hughes