PART SIX - A Large Conflagration

It would take a muffled explosion that occurred in the early morning of Wednesday 21 February,
1923, that would supply the evidence I needed. A huge fire that lit up Adelaide!

Duncan & Fraser, a well-known vehicle manufacturer, importer and new vehicle dealer, had their
premises just around the corner, on Franklin Street. A news report from the Border Watch paper
(23/02/1923) dramatically tells the story of the ensuing inferno:

"the whole block covering nearly an acre was soon a black and smouldering mass. Flames fed by
petrol, oil, and other combustibles, burst through the roof hundreds of feet in the air, making
a wonderful spectacle."

The fire brigade could do nothing to save the building. They did manage to save six new Studebakers
and a number of Fords before the roof collapsed, then, "Eighteen new Studebaker cars, which were
awaiting delivery on the following day, and 44 new Fords were destroyed in a few minutes".
The damage bill was estimated to be over £150,000.

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Out of this calamity came one lucky photograph that looked back towards Young Street. Importantly,
it showed the church, and the shed structure between it and the Detmold's building. Most importantly,
I now had a second reference point - No.19, the second from Detmold's, was the church, and it was
being used by a second-hand auto dealer, Ern Bateup. [See Photo 6 Mud Map].

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Photo 6 Mud Map
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Photo 6 Mud Map - detail
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This was credible evidence (but not conclusive) that suggested Scott Bonnar's first premises -
his little factory, workshop, and secondhand motorcycle showroom - was indeed the 60ft. x 40ft.
stone walled church!

TO BE CONTINUED ...

NOTE: all photos come from the State Library of South Australia collections.
For an excellent set of photos of the Duncan and Fraser business click HERE.