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THE 1920's
In 1924, an aerodrome was built and Karachi became the main airport of entry to India. The British Government also developed an Imperial Airship Communications Scheme in the 1920's, which was a plan to have a fleet of large dirigibles providing mail and passenger service to far-flung portions of the Empire. To this effect, mooring masts were constructed at Cardington in England, St. Hubert in Canada, Ismailia in Egypt, and Karachi, which was chosen to be the main terminal for India. A site was located outside Karachi and construction of an airship mast, hangar and a hydrogen plant was begun in 1927. Although, this program was cancelled after the destruction of the Airship R 101 in 1930 with great loss of life, the shed and the mast remained as impressive relics of the plan till well after Pakistan's independence. They were later dismantled and the steel was used for buildings and bridges along the Pakistan Railways. The site later became the international airport at Karachi.
A view of the Civil and Staff lines c. 1928, the Sindh Club can be seen in the foreground
Airship mooring mast and hangar at Karachi, built in 1927
A view of the intersection of the Bunder and Mc Leod Roads from 1928
The Rustomjee Building can be seen behind the Merewether Tower
A view of Elphinstone Street about this time
Jehangir Kothari Parade and the Lady Lloyd Pier (1920)
Early postcard view of the Jehangir Kothari Parade:
old style cars can be seen parked behind the wall which is lined with benches. The sea can be glimpsed at the back
Local Businesses Spotlight
Cumper's Cafe Grand, operated by Herbert "Bertie" Cumper, one of the best bakers and confectioners in town. Located in Edward House.
A picture of the Lloyds Bank Building from 1928
