by Shane Sody
History enthusiast Graham Smith has joined an elite group - becoming only the fourth person to publish a book about your Adelaide Park Lands.
His publication “Adelaide Park Lands – History Perspective” has been released through the registered charity/publishing house “My Literary Adventure” of which Graham is the Secretary.
The new book is described by its author as “addressing the colourful history of the Park Lands since early settlement.” Graham Smith says the book covers:
“the formation of the Colony of South Australia and the creation of the Park Lands as an intended amenity ‘for the people’. Each of the 29 Park Lands and six squares have their own special history connection along with the people who helped forge their identity and place in today’s society. They have a rich tapestry of history and this book opens the doors to many of those interesting stories. The importance of protecting and preserving our special Park Lands cannot be understated; and this book will help you understand why.”
Woodlands in Peppermint Park / Wita Wirra (Park 18)
Graham Smith and his wife, Jan, have had a long association and “deep affinity” with South Australian history.
Graham and Jan were the founding members of the former Glenelg Historical Society in 2000. Graham is a descendant of John Smith, who established Smithfield in the 1850s. He and Jan are long serving members of The Pioneers Association of South Australia.
He now focuses on writing early pioneer history of the early settlers of South Australia, having written over 40 books, including books for children, through “My Literary Adventure”.
Graham and Jan Smith have participated in many of the Adelaide Park Lands Association’s regular Guided Walks.
Graham says “the Adelaide Park Lands provide a rich insight into the early days of pioneer settlement from 1836 forward and the ever changing complexion of the various parks since British occupation.”
How to get the book?
“The Adelaide Park Lands - History Perspective” is not available in bookstores but can be purchased for $25 by emailing Graham Smith at myliteraryadventure@gmail.com setting out your delivery address, contact phone number and preferred delivery method.
Delivery in the Adelaide metro area is free. Outside Adelaide, the Australia Post standard delivery charge would be $9.70.
Graham Smith will respond to your email, providing bank account details for you to make a $25 deposit. He has undertaken to make a $5 donation to the Adelaide Park Lands Association for every copy sold.
Earlier Adelaide Park Lands Books
“All about the Adelaide Park Lands - a Guide for 21st century novices” (2024)
“Pastures of Plenty” (2024)
These two digital (PDF) books, by North Adelaide journalist John Bridgland, are meticulously researched - providing insights into the political and bureaucratic maneuverings that result in slices frequently being cut from your Park Lands to serve purposes other than ‘Open, Green, Public’.
John Bridgland and his two books, published in 2024.
These two books are both available to download as PDF files, from John’s website: https://adelaideparklandssecrets.com/
The Adelaide Park Lands - a Social History (2011, Wakefield Press) by Patricia Sumerling.
Patricia Sumerling and the cover of her book: The Adelaide Park Lands - a social history
This lavishly illustrated, 283-page book is out of print, but is found in many libraries and can be obtained through second-hand booksellers.
Decisions and Disasters - Alienation of the Adelaide Parklands (1987, Bland house) by Jim Daly.
Jim Daly and the cover of his book “Decisions and Disasters”
This, the first book about your Adelaide Park Lands, is long out of print, although copies are held in several SA libraries.
Jim Daly’s work provided the spark for the founding, in 1987, of what was then known as the Adelaide Parklands Preservation Association. Jim Daly was part of the steering committee, in 1987 that led to the founding of the Association.
A digital copy of Jim Daly’s book has been made available, through John Bridgland’s website: https://adelaideparklandssecrets.com/ This is the download link: (PDF, 222 pages, 132 Mb).
