Opening Celebration - 1912
At the invitation of Mr. C. B. Hardy, as attorney for Mr. R.F. Ruthven Smith, between 40 and 50 distinguished citizens dined at the “Cafe Rubeo” on Wednesday evening to celebrate the opening of Ruthven Mansions, the fine residential flats which have just been erected in Pulteney Street, near North-terrace. The guests had rare hospitality lavished upon them, and probably a dinner of superior quality had never been served in Adelaide. At the conclusion of the banquet, Mr. Hardy submitted the toast of “The King.” Sir Lancelot Stirling proposed the health of Mr. Smith, and Mr. Hardy responded. The guests repaired to the flat roof, where coffee and cigars were discussed, after which they had an enjoyable tour of the mansions, and were delighted with what the inspection revealed. The “Cafe Rubeo” will be open to the public today. The residential flats have evidently filled a lone-felt want, if one may judge by the large number of suites let and in some instances even occupied before completion. There is in all accommodation for 16 families. The ground floor is devoted to four shops. Two of these, with their respective basements, have been fitted up as the “Cafe Rubeo,” – complete with a fine kitchen containing a range, bain-marie, griller, cool chamber, &c. The walls and floor of the kitchen are tiled, thus enabling the whole place to be easily kept clean. The ladies’ and gentlemen’s cloak rooms are also in the basement, being approached by flights of stairs from the cafe. The latter is a large and particularly handsome room, measuring 80 ft. by 37 ft. One portion is shut off to form a private diving-room for tenants, for whom a separate entrance is provided from the residential portion. The walls of the dining room are tinted a pale green, with a dark green “lincrusta” dado, copper fittings, and leaded lights in quiet tones. Another shop has been fitted up as a hairdressing saloon, with two ladies’ rooms and a large room for gentlemen. Each is complete with the latest ideas in shampooing basins and sprayers, electric vibrators. &c. There is also a separate entrance from the residential portion.
Luxuries & Necessities
The main entrance to the residential portion is through a tiled passage, with a “lincrusta” dado. Access is gained through a handsome pair of cedar and bevelled glass “Sesame” doors, which are the first of their kind in Adelaide. There were originally seen in London by Mr. Guy Hardy, who recommended their introduction. The immediate pressure of the visitor’s foot on the door-mat causes the doors gently and silently to slide open, and they are also self closing. Being worked only by weights, the doors will not be affected by strong winds.
The passage also contains a letter pillar, which will be cleared by the postal authorities four times daily, and a private let ter-box for each tenant. A handsome box near the lift contain; a telephone for the use of tenants, and shelves for parcels. The lift, which is electric and has dual control, is framed in antique copper, and goes to the level of the flat roof. Stairs are provided in case of necessity. The first and third floors each contains four suites, comprising a large entrance hall and six living rooms, with servery, linen closets, and cupboards, large bathroom. and lavatory. The second floor is divided into eight suites of two or three rooms, each suite having its own private bathroom and lavatory and ample cupboard accommodation. The bathrooms are tiled, and have high “opalite” dadoes. The baths and sanitary fittings are of the best. The flat roof, which is floored with Val de Travers asphalt is roomy, and is fitted with chairs, tables, and fixed seats. Iron escape stairs lead to the ground. Separate parts are roofed with trellis and iron. An octagonal summer-house occupies one corner, and will be available for private parties by tenants. The whole of the building is lighted by electricity, handsome copper fittings being used to match the door fasteners, &c. Gas and electricity are laid on to all fireplaces and stoves, as no cooking except by these means will be allowed Provision is also made in all rooms for electric fans. Rooms for the caretaker are provided in the attics, the rest of the roof space being devoted to box rooms, one for each tenant.
Other Desirable Conveniences.
The safety and comfort of the tenants have been considered in every way. Each corridor is provided with a “Berkfeldt” filter and is fitted with an electric fire alarm, which automatically sounds large gongs inside and outside as soon as the glass is broken. Hand grenades are also provided. Each site is fitted with an inter-communication telephone, which enables tenants to ring up each other or to order a meal from the cafe to be sent up by an electric service lift connected with each floor. An electric vacuum cleaner in the basement is connected with each corridor, and by means of light hoses every suite can be swept and dusted expeditiously. An efficient service provides hot water to every sink, bath, and lavatory constantly, a “Windsor” boiler having been erected in the basement. The elevations are effectively carried out in brick with cement dressings, the necessary relief being afforded by bays, and balconies are provided on the east and west frontages The works have been entirely designed by Messrs. Black & Fuller, architects, of Steamship Buildings, and executed under their supervision by Messrs. Maddern and Son. of Rose Park. The lifts and other electric work have been installed by Messrs. Newton McLaren.
