ALFORD
Alford is the first town encounted
after leaving the ‘copper triangle’ and heading north to Port Pirie.
Alford is only a short distance from Wallaroo. Alford is a very small
town that has limited services and a shadow of a bygone era. There is
plenty of evidence of earlier prosperity. That said Alford still
qualifies for a Bustout synopsis.
The
SA Government first surveyed the township in 1882, naming it after
Henry Alford (1816–1892), pioneer and inaugural member of the South
Australia Police under Henry Inman in 1838. The first blocks were
auctioned in September 1882. Within several years there was a small
township comprising a hotel (Alford Hotel), general store, churches,
school, and blacksmith servicing the surrounding farming community.
The
natural landform is undulating fertile plains, which often feature
limestone and dunes. Founded on the agricultural industry, which
surrounds the township, most of the original mallee scrub vegetation
has been cleared for highly productive broad-acre wheat and barley
farming, plus grazing and mixed farming.
The Alford War Memorial is has a great
profile on the main highway. You can’t miss it. 
The Alford Hotels is one block removed
from the highway. The Alford Hotel is a century plus establishment
with plenty a story to tell.
The Uniting Church is a relatively new
building and is located on the highway.
When passing through the pub visit may
be in order if the timing is right. 
Heritage diary
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