🌟 History Friday: Remembering John Formby 🌟
Today, we honor John Formby, a significant figure in the history of Port Adelaide. This beautiful drinking fountain, located at the corner of St Vincent and Lipson Streets, commemorates his dedicated service as Mayor of Port Adelaide between 1869 and 1871.
The plaque in front of the fountain reads:
"John Formby served as Mayor of Port Adelaide between 1869 and 1873.
As a mark of appreciation, a public subscription raised money to order a handsome fountain from Scotland. The original fountain was unveiled on Saturday, 27 May 1876, by Mayor John Mitchell Sinclair. John Formby was well-regarded for his service as Mayor, "his business acumen and his contribution to the local community.
Born on August 18, 1819, in Liverpool, UK, John Formby immigrated to Port Adelaide in 1840 at just 21 years old, arriving on a ship he owned. In 1848, he married Mary Ann Hollow, and together they had 13 children. A prominent businessman, he founded the company "John Formby and Son, Customs and Shipping Agents." He served as Chairman of the Port Adelaide Football Club from 1880 to 1892 and as Chairman of the Marine Board from 1886 to 1889. He took a leading role in public matters, founding the Port Adelaide Institute and the Sailors Home."
This replica fountain is a lasting tribute to the original, which now resides in the Port Adelaide Historical Society Museum. John Formby passed away in his home on October 1, 1906, at the age of 87 and was buried at the nearby Alberton Cemetery (now Pioneer Park).
If you love history and enjoy exploring unique attractions, visit South Australia! Book your stay in one of our 4.5-star self-contained homes, where you can live like a local, feel safe, and experience the convenience and confidence of being well looked after throughout your stay.
Join us in celebrating our local history and the community that continues to thrive in Port Adelaide! 💧🏛️
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