This document provides a retrospective on the history of Elizabeth, South Australia from its beginnings in the 1950s through archive photographs from 1959 to 1984. It shows the transformation from undeveloped land and early homesteads to the construction of the planned suburb of Elizabeth including shops, civic buildings, and housing developments. Key events highlighted include the official naming of Elizabeth in 1955, the opening of the town center in 1960, and growth through the decades.

1. A Retrospective
Road sign on Main Road, 1959
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

2. Judd Homestead
is one of two original homesteads left in Elizabeth and
was the home of the Judd family who were among the
principle hay farmers in the district in the 1920s.
During construction of Elizabeth the house was
used by the Housing Trust as their engineer’s site
work office.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
The Pinnegar Family, 1955
Mr Thomas Playford The first tenants of the South Australian Housing Trust
(later Sir) former Premier of South Australia named the town of at number 10 Bubner Street.
Elizabeth at the Playford Gardens Site on 16 November 1955.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

3. Elizabeth Town Centre 1959,
work underway for the first 21 shops at the centre.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Philip Highway,
Elizabeth—looking South, 1956. Note the water tower on
the horizon and the distant early homes in Elizabeth South.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
First Miss Elizabeth,
Patricia Robinson, 1957.
Courtesy of The Advertiser.

4. Sign at the junction
of Main North/Judd Road, 1958.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
General Motors Holden June, 1959
Courtesy of Pat Quigley,Windsor Studios.
Sir Thomas Playford
Opens the first stage of Elizabeth Town Centre, 17 November 1960.
Courtesy of The Advertiser.

5. The first stage of construction
at Elizabeth Town Centre, in July 1960.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Elizabeth Town Centre,
Looking east along Prince Charles Walk,August 1962.
Official Opening Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
of the first stage of the Elizabeth Town Centre by the Premier,
Sir Thomas Playford, 17 November 1960.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

6. The Aquadome
opened in 1960, and was originally known as Bethbury
Pool combining the names of Elizabeth and Salisbury.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Miss Elizabeth Finalists, 1960
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
The first Mayor of Elizabeth
E.F. O’Sullivan and the Town Clerk, S.J.Lewis,
wearing their robes of office at the first
meeting of the new council. 1964.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

7. Main North Road, 1965
Overhead lighting soon to be installed..
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Opening of John Martins Store,
Elizabeth Town Centre, October 1964.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Central Districts First league game, 1964
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

8. Main North Road, 1965
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Royal visit, 21 March 1977
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Aerial shot of Elizabeth Town Centre
and Surrounds, 1975
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

9. Flooding
Elizabeth Way and Ifould Road, 1983
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Fremont Park, 1980
Originally known as the Town Common, it was renamed
Fremont Park in honour of Elizabeth sister city of Elizabeth Town Centre
Fremont in California, USA.. sidewalk sale, 30 June 1982.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

10. Raleigh Walk
South end, 7 February 1984.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Construction of a tenancy
Elizabeth City Centre, at Elizabeth City Centre 29 February 1984.
during redevelopment, 1984.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

11. Elizabeth City Centre,
during redevelopment, 1984.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
The new Target site, 29 February 1984
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Premier John Bannon
at the official opening of the Elizabeth City Centre
redevelopment, 14 November 1984.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

12. Elizabeth cinemas, 1984
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Christmas at Elizabeth City Centre, 1994
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Municiple building, Elizabeth library, clock tower
and dancing figures
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.

13. Elizabeth’s 40th Birthday Celebrations, 1995
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Convoy for kids
was hosted by Elizabeth City Centre from 1993-1998.
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.
Aerial shot of Elizabeth City Centre and Surrounds, 1998
Courtesy of The City of Playford Local & Family History Centre.