Members’ Tour and social activity 2
November 2023

Members met at the Delamere Store where we looked at maps of where the tour would take us. President Sue Speck used section map 1854 and the YDHS publication Old Delamere to tell the story of Rathoola, a Karuna woman, who married a whaler, George Solomon. They received a grant of land from the Government, and had four children but unfortunately, when Rathoola passed away in 1858, the Government revoked the land grant, and most of the children were sent to Poonindie Anglican Mission.
After setting off from Delamere in convoy along Main South Road, we slowed to view the location of Rathoola’s former land. We then stopped at Silverton, off Range Road West on Rarkang Road and looked at the Silverton township subdivision including the site of the Silverton Hotel which had burnt down in suspicious circumstances, and caught a glimpse of Silverton Lodge, a State Heritage listed building which was once the post office.
On to Talisker mine site, also State Heritage listed, where we walked to the mine office ruins. Here we enjoyed a superb view of Kangaroo Island, and looked at maps supplied by Rob Kirk, showing the geology of the area. We descended a steep track to see the mine workings, including the remains of the crusher house. Returning to the cars we travelled to Fishery Beach, the site of an early whaling station where the ore from Talisker was further processed and shipped out. The Fishery Beach region is also State Heritage listed because of its archaeological significance.
Members enjoyed a convivial lunch together at the Cape Jervis Community Centre where they reflected on the morning’s activities and had a closer look at the maps and documents related to the tour.