Monday 2^nd July

A “down day” today – just being a tourist in town for the day and exploring all this place can expose to two curious travelers. The tourist information office is located within an old train carriage and while the wind outside was biting, the warm heater inside was very welcoming.

We noticed immediately the architecture of the town, the lovely little sandstone cottages with bull nose verandahs – one of my very favourite designs.

One of the first sights visible in town is a statue of “Bob the railway dog”.  The story of this railway mascot began in 1893 when he was rounded up in Adelaide with many other stray dogs to be sent north to help control the rabbit plague. He was adopted by a railway guard William Terry and began travelling firstly on the trains with William and then later on his own. He jumped on and off the train as the mood took him making interstate journeys and short suburban trips on trams as well as trams.  He also made river trips on the Murray steamers. A wonderful way to pay tribute to man’s best friend.

Next stop was the railway memorial.  This was built to acknowledge the residents of Peterborough who lost their lives whilst at work in the railways. The monument sits in front of the Garratt locomotive, a Peterborough icon from the late 1950’s . This particular train was chosen because it was a steam locomotive fuelled by fuel oil but was easily converted to a coal fired locomotive if required. The railways were in Peterborough for well over 100 years and was the main employer in the town.  It was common for over 100 trains to pass through each day.

The Peterborough Patchworker's Federation Wall hanging took in excess of 1,700 hours to complete and was constructed during 2001 to commemorate the Federation of Australia. There was a commentary given by pushing a button, so we were able to appreciate the workmanship as well as the meaning behind the panels.

The Catholic Church was found as we completed a history walk around town.  It is nothing short of HUGE.  I do hope the current congregation fits inside!!! 

We do enjoy a good mural and I wonder if you can spot the imposter within this one.