Long before electric streetlights illuminated Adelaide’s bustling streets, local publicans were tasked with keeping our streets lit with lamps outside their establishments, beckoning weary travellers and locals alike to enjoy a warm meal and a cozy bed. With pubs on pretty much every corner of the city’s gridded layout, they played an essential role in shaping Adelaide’s social landscape.
To explain Adelaide pubs’ deep history and nostalgia, enter historian Patricia Sumerling, a devoted advocate for preserving Adelaide’s rich history. Her interest peaked after working with the City of Adelaide to gather details for a heritage study by the Lord Mayor in the 1980s.
The recent community rally to “Save the Cranker” highlights just how deeply these venues are woven into the fabric of Adelaide’s identity. Recent legislation to protect the iconic Crown and Anchor Hotel from development ensures that this vibrant live music venue can continue to thrive.
Patricia says the decline of hotels and pubs in Adelaide is dire.
“It’s very serious, we currently are losing two pubs per year in the city,” she added.
“If this goes on there won’t be any left in a few decades.”
Yet, as many beloved establishments fade away, it becomes crucial to remember and share their stories.
As a member of the Professional Historians Association of South Australia, Patricia is committed to documenting the narratives of our city’s historic hotels. Her upcoming book, “Hotels in Adelaide: An Illustrated History,” shines a light on the tales and transformations of these cherished buildings with over 400 illustrated images.
Patricia says pubs used to be the “heartbeat” of Adelaide.
“You went there for weddings, wakes, baptisms, union meetings, balls, dances, you name it, it was a hub of the local community. It’s where all the action happened,” she said.
“Right from 1837, every pub has had to have a gimmick – whether it’s live music, karaoke, wonderful food – every hotel is there for a reason!”
Patricia says pubs today are up against restaurants and popup bars.
“Post-war the Cities population dropped from 43,000 to below 12,000, which means the city struggled to maintain those hotels,” she said.
“As the city begins to build up again, we need to keep our local pub in mind as they fall behind.”
Pubs were originally made for the working class, as a financially-accessible gathering place.
“Working class people shared their troubles with the publicans, instead of going to their local priest. Publicans even lent out money to their customers!” she said.
In her talk on Monday, she’ll discuss how every pub is Adelaide is unique and holds its own story.
“They’re all so different, no one pub is the same as another in the city,” she said.
“The Publican often shapes the character of the pub.”
What better venue for such a discussion than the Historian Hotel itself? This gathering spot is perfect for those eager to delve into the past while sipping a refreshing drink. Join Patricia at the “History at the Historian” event to hear her invaluable insights and resources unearthed during her research.
This engaging evening is not just about recounting the stories of hotels that have closed their doors, but also about celebrating those that continue to thrive and foster community spirit. Adelaide’s pubs are vital social spaces, each with its own unique history and charm.
In her book, she dissects the decline of pubs across the city, their important place in Adelaide’s history and how we can make sure they are here to stay, so raise a glass to the vibrant stories these historic hotels hold and cheers to Adelaide’s proud title as the “City of Pubs.”
“The reality is we’ve got 45 pubs left in the city – down from 197 at one stage – and quite the few are on the verge,” Patricia said.
“Already the Duke of York is changing from its pub-roots and the King’s Head is currently vacant – which could leave them vulnerable to arson, like the Oxford Hotel earlier this year.
“If you don’t look after your local, you’ll lose it!”
History at the Historian with Patricia Sumerling
Where: The Historian, Coromandel Place, Adelaide
When: Monday, 21 October 2024, 5:45 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
Book release: Hotels in Adelaide: An Illustrated History due next year
For more information, visit here.
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