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Semaphore Timeball
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By 1856 an official Government signal station had been set up at the corner of Semaphore Road and The Esplanade. Signalmen on watch recorded the identity, arrival, departure and destination of all ship in the Gulf They also relayed information on water depth, tides and instructions for loading and discharging cargoes.
Maritime pilots, had to live within one mile of the station, and each had a person flay which summoned him when a ship required a pilot. The signal Station grew increasingly complex over the years and became a picturesque landmark.
Semaphore's importance as a communications centre was confirmed when a Telegraph and Post Office was established in 1856. The Time Ball Tower was erected in 1875 adjacent to the Signal Station. Before wireless time-signals were invented these towers were found at all main ports throughout the world. The district was very isolated until a precarious wooden bridge, later replaced by the Jervois Bridge, was opened in 1859. The
Semaphore Jetty was completed in 1860, but it was two years before the bridge and jetty were connected by a hardsurfaced road.
In 1917 an electric tram service from Port Adelaide was inaugurated. The 1920'S were boom times during which the Palais dance hall and picture palaces attracted large crowds. The tram service ceased in 1935, the functions of the Signal Station and Time Ball Tower were transferred to Outer
Harbor, and the grand old jetty was much shortened by severe storms.
See also The One O'clock Gun Association
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| Technical / Historical Details | | Nearest Town | Adelaide | Height - Elevation | ?? - ?? | | Lat/Long: | | Lantern | | | Construction | | Lens | | | Built | 1875 | Character | | | First Lit | | Range NM | | | Automated | 0 | | | | De-activated | 0 | Open | Grounds only | | Architect | | Access | Road | | Reference | | Accommodation | No | | See Also: | Williamstown Timeball | | Sources: | | | Other Links: | | |
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