ProvenanceSouvenir booklet produced by the Adelaide Steamship Company (also known as AdSteam) in 1925 to celebrate their fiftieth anniversary.
The Adelaide Steamship Company was Australia’s largest shipping company and one of South Australia’s most successful business ventures. Founded in 1875 the company can trace its history through the themes of colonial enterprise, wartime and defence, work and culture, cruising and pleasure. Wool, wheat and minerals were making South Australia rich in the 19th century. Cargoes were booming but South Australian shipping was frustrated by small companies and inter-colonial rivals. In 1875 a group of savvy pastoralists and businessmen took action. They aimed to control the transport of their goods and profit via an efficient passenger vessel service.
For more than 100 years the company’s fleet dominated Australian passenger and cargo shipping from Darwin to Townsville. The Company employed nearly 800 people at sea and about 90 onshore. Office managers were expected to work as required to keep ships moving and profitable. While there was great loyalty from some workers, there were also major waterside disputes during the 1890s and 1920s. In wartime the company’s vessels were requisitioned for global campaigns and in peace they offered Australians the journey of a lifetime.SignificanceA souvenir produced by one of the most successful early businesses in South Australia. Various photographs included in the booklet of the management and specific ships.DescriptionSouvenir booklet printed for the fiftieth anniversary of the Adelaide Steamship Company. Coloured cover depicts a square rigged galleon (stylised) flying before the wind. Cover is brown and tied with beige and brown cord. Inside cover is decorated with the company flag and a smoking funnel. Photographs of the Board of Directors and Executive Officers adorn pages 4 and 5. A brief history of the company is included followed by photos and descriptions of specific ships and their journeys. Context is provided in order to better explain changes in the company’s management and routes. Photos of particular locations, ports, quays and company offices are also included in the booklet.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)The Adelaide Steamship Company LtdAcknowledgementDate of CreationDate of UsageMaterialpaper Accession NumberHT 2010.0720 On DisplayNational Motor Museum
