ProvenanceThe trays would have been issued by the canteen or cafeteria and were part of MV TROUBRIDGE’s original fit out. They were taken by the donor's parents Ron and Margaret Galbreath of Kangaroo Island in 1964. Stories have been told of how these plates were thrown overboard for sport by passengers.
MV TROUBRIDGE was South Australia's and the Adelaide Steamship Company's first roll-on-roll-off ship. Discussions began in 1957 between the district councils of Kangaroo Island and various Adelaide based shipping companies in order to organise a ship and route that could handle the bulk transport of goods and trailers necessary. The South Australian Government promised to support the venture. Until that time the KARATTA and ketch trade had catered to Kangaroo Island's trading and transport needs.
TROUBRIDGE succeeded the popular KARATTA and MINNIPA on the Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln run. It cost 1.3 million pounds to build the ship, although the project in all cost over 2 million pounds. It was launched in 1960 by Lady Playford, wife of Premier Sir Thomas Playford. Originally the TROUBRIDGE made two calls a week to Port Lincoln but was withdrawn from the run in 1971 for failing to make a profit. It was the Adelaide Steamship Company's last vessel. In 1972 it was sold to the State Government and re-commenced the Adelaide/Kingscote/Port Lincoln service. TROUBRIDGE ceased trading and was laid up in Port Adelaide in 1987 and was replaced by more modern ferries travelling from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw. It is remembered fondly for its modern lines, however, many also remember its rocky trips across Backstairs Passage.SignificanceIllustrative of food service on domestic sea voyages, very typical of the early 1960s. The MV TROUBRIDGE was the first ferry built specifically for the Adelaide Steamship Company to travel between Kangaroo Island and the mainland.DescriptionThree light blue plastic tray plates stamped 'M.V. TROUBRIDGE' in red around the rim. Oval in shape with a circular recess for glass or cup. Plastic of a pearly appearance and no two are exactly the same.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)The Adelaide Steamship Company LtdAcknowledgementDate of Creationc1960Date of UsageMaterialPlastic Accession NumberHT 2007.0605 a-c
