If you’ve ever wandered through Old Tailem Town, you’ll know it’s not just a bunch of old buildings. It’s a place packed with stories, with more than 110 historic homes, shops and sheds collected from around the country and pieced together to form a unique pioneer village just outside Tailem Bend.
And now, after more than 40 years of keeping South Australia’s past alive, the iconic site is being passed on to the next generation of the same family who helped build it.
Tina and Danny Squires aren’t strangers to the place. In fact, they’ve been part of it for decades. Danny for 45 years, Tina for 33.
“We’ve always been here in the background,” Tina says. “Now we finally get to take the reins and carry it forward.”
They’re not planning to overhaul everything. The bones of the village will stay the same, just the way original founder Peter Squires intended.
But there are gentle improvements already in the works. Old buildings are being looked after with a bit more care, the gardens are getting love, and the bathrooms have had an upgrade.
“We want to keep Peter’s vision alive, but also make sure each building is being used in the best way it can,” Tina explains.
The couple has plans to do more with education. They’re working on making the village more interactive for students and collaborating with local history groups to share memorabilia and old photos.
Tourism is a big focus as well, with Tina and Danny keen to team up with other businesses in the region to showcase what the Tailem Bend area has to offer.
Of course, Old Tailem Town isn’t just known for its heritage. It has a spooky side too. Over the years, ghost tours have added an eerie edge to the experience, drawing in thrill-seekers and paranormal fans. That part isn’t going anywhere. It’s as much a part of the village’s character as the rusty wagons and rickety timber pubs.
For Tina and Danny, though, the real highlight is simply being able to share this dream together, and with the help of a group of passionate volunteers who are just as committed to keeping history alive.
“The day we took over was a big one for us,” Tina says.
“This place has been part of our lives for so long, and now we get to look after it properly and keep sharing it with everyone.”
If you haven’t been in a while, now might be the perfect time for a visit. Whether you’re chasing ghost stories, history, or just a great road trip, Old Tailem Town is ready to welcome you back.
Old Tailem Town
Where: Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village, Princes Highway, Tailem Bend
When: Saturday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 12pm-4pm
For more information, click here.
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