H&GHS Note: Although there is compelling anecdotal evidence in Wilson, T., Radcliffe, J. & Steele, C. ”(2022) “Adelaide Public Transport – the first 180 years”, Wakefield Press p.9 and Manning, G. (unpublished) “A Social History of Thebarton, Appendix 9 p. 3 to support a Beach St terminus on the Esplanade as suggested by the author there is no direct physical evidence to either confirm or refute this. (13/05/24).

One of the funniest stories (to me) she ever told, was about her catching a tram back to Henley from town, when she was in her 20s.

Women’s undergarments were nothing like those today. And, because I lived with my Grandmother I knew about them as often helped her – how to lace her ‘stays’ (corset), and was mortified when hanging her ‘bloomers’ on our clothes line, as it was visible from the street (Military Road, Grange). Bloomers – Panties, Knickers, whatever they are called today. Elastic waist, like panties, but instead of elastic at the leg openings these had ‘legs’ to them, reaching down to the knees, sometimes with elastic the bottom also.

Anyway my aunt had caught the train to very busy Henley Square, and as she got off the tram, the elastic in the waist of her bloomers gave way, and they fell below her dress skirt, right down to the ground. I know I would have been mortified if that had happened to me. So I asked her what did she do, what did people say?

She said she quickly looked around, and no one appeared to notice, so she stepped out of them, stuck her nose up in the air, and continued walking as if nothing had happened.

I can imagine in the 1920s this would have been scandalous, especially in such a busy area. But laughed so hard at the thought of my aunt doing such a thing, and seemingly getting away with not being noticed. I think she was even proud that she had not be caught out.

Though, being told this as a child, I couldn’t help but wonder who might have found them in Henley Square, or on the tram’s steps, and what they might have done with them.

I do still remember tram service, I know I rode on it, but my memories are vague on it. I do remember that there was quite a lot of noise that came from them as they ran upon the rails.