On the border of Victoria and South Australia there is a small 10 house town called Serviceton. The town was the staging point to change railroad carriages between the two states from 1865 through to 1971. At that time, many states had different railway line gauge measurements.
I discovered some time ago this circa 1895 railroad building and siding and always enjoy a brief stop at this location. I was lucky this time around as the caretaker for the old building was on-site doing routine maintenance. He saw my cameras and becoming inquisitive asked if I would like a look inside. Can I refuse such an offer - well NO. Two and a bit hours later I am still messing about the place looking in cellars, climbing old staircases, and investigating long ago used rooms.
I was amazed that many of the items from yesterday year are still intact and in each room! Old posters adorn the walls and there is clothing and food stuffs still in some rooms!
The caretaker explained that the building is always securely locked as it's important to maintain history as it was - makes sense. He then alluded to the fact that the building has a ghost. Apparently, so he claimed, lights turn on at night. This is odd as there is no power to the building. When the caretaker investigates and unlocks the door, the lights go out. I will have to check this out in person the next time I pass this way - any takers to come with me??
The history of the building is amazing to say the least. At one stage nearly 600 people lived in Serviceton, so the building has seen it's day. The lineage of the material used in the construction of the building is also fascinating in that materials were shipped from several countries: Norway, Tasmania, and England. Much of the floor is made from Tasmanian Houn pine, the slate in the main entrance way came from England, while the internal spars are made from baltic pine that was shipped from Norway.
The building is also steep with history, and the several small prison cells illustrate this. During World War Two, German and Italian POWS were locked in the cells for hours on end as the trains were shunted back and forth due to the different gauges. Fearing an escape, the POWS were shackled and locked in the cells.
A few things have always attracted my attention at the siding. The old refreshment signs and the staircase leading to the upper levels of the building. Everything is as it was - even the old torn and soiled carpet on the stairs.