Thames (NZ): Checkout the 2019 History Gems

Tourist / History Attractions at The Thames

Before 1900, what did our Thamesites and their visitors consider to be "worth seeing"? While the history of the tangata whenua at 'The Kauaeranga' is another issue, what did our ancestors deem a tourist attraction?

Thamesites of old, loved to visit the Tararu and Spencer's Gardens (Parawai). They ventured up into the bush to admire the Giant Kauri and admire the view over their town. There was always the excitement of travelling on the steam tram or later the steam locomotives. A cruise up the Waihou or across the Firth of Thames to Auckland. Our Thamesites were living the development of Pākehā settler history at The Thames - aspects that we celebrate and remember today.

Present day History Attractions at The Thames

There are groups in the town that aim to preserve and celebrate the history of the goldfield town fondly known as The Thames. A new pamphlet is currently being distributed by the Thames Heritage Network. If you visit our town, or live nearby, I hope you can find time to visit one of fabulous seven attractions. BUT, please remember there are also many more attractions that do not fall under a society: Shortland, Tararu and Totara Cemeteries; WWI Memorials (Rhodes Park, Civic Centre & Waiotahi Hill) and a large group of landmarks that are commemorated by the Lions Club yellow heritage signs.

Thames Heritage Network Pamphlet

Looking for something to do in Thames?

Visit one of the attractions above.

Even better, 

become a volunteer / member of our history groups.

Thames (NZ): Heritage Festival 2019 - Transportation Theme

The Thames Heritage Festival 2019 -  is advertised as running from Friday 15th March to Sunday 17th March 2019, but if you check the website new programmes are being added including for the week leading up to the official heritage weekend.

To follow on from the theme of Transportation on the goldfield the blog will explore travel in the broadest sense, then hopefully tie it back to a new page that will summarise the articles in the series.

TRANSPORTATION at The Thames

Key Points we will be looking at:

• Local iwi (who settled that land hundreds of years ago) travelled by waka and by foot.
• Visits by Captain Cook and other early explorers / missionaries
• The Goldfield invasion and the transport changes they brought
• Industrial transportation 
• Infrastructure - wharves, rails and roads
• Steam to Diesel - the trains should not be forgotten
• Transport for early Thamesite commuters - shipping and horses
• Bikes, cars and buses - key events and businesses

View of Thames. ca 1870. Ref: C-030-002. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22470378

BELOW: Mary Street (Queen to Pollen Street) 1900s to 2019.

While the little girl roamed freely along the streets of Thames c1910, the 'traffic' poses no hazards. While the lowest photo shows that even Thames now has a double-decker bus that graces the old goldfield town on a daily basis! Who would have ever guessed. 

 

HOW DID YOUR ANCESTORS COME TO THE THAMES?

Maybe you can say they came in the Great Fleet c1350AD or more specifically in the Tainui waka that visited Tainui Cove just north of Thames.

Amongst my families who settled on the Thames Goldfield in the opening years, the two that had been in the country the oldest were mother and daughter Susan Timmins (formerly Moran nee McDougal) and Barbarba Cornes (nee Moran) who arrived aboard the Minerva at the end of 1847. This was part of the Fencible scheme. Susan came to the Moanataiari, widowed and destitute when the field opened; while Barbara came with her family and mine manager Clement Cornes.

Ships carried the majority of my early Thamesites to the town. Later in the early 1900s my Grandparents (paternal) travelled from Waihi on a stage coach to settle in the town.

When and how did your Thamesites arrive in the town? Need help answering this question of solving a road block regarding your ancestor's arrival at the Thames - email for suggestions

Showing a coach and horses entering the Main Street at Waihi.

Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 7-A8969

Further Research Tips:

Shipping / Passenger lists - PapersPast (lots of lists for earlier years), Archives NZ suggested sites which includes Family Search.

Thames (NZ): The historic Kopu (Hauraki) Bridge lives on

A very dedicated group have been working away for several years - to save the old Kopu Bridge. While it was not a universal choice for Thamesites, you have to give it to the group for getting on with the process. They are now at the stage where they will be beginning the repair and restoration work necessary to make the bridge safe and open! Volunteers needed.

On the Facebook page for "Save the Kopu Bridge'  - there is news of a special walk to be held during Heritage weekend.

Register your interest, for the event labelled 'Pre-dinner Prominade on Historic Kopu Bridge' Saturday 16 March 2019 5pm to 7pm.

Past Blog articles:
Thames (NZ): Ureia - the Taniwha

Thames (NZ): Kopu Bridge on YouTube

Kopu Bridge (new)

Want to be involved with the restoration of the Bridge?

Contact the Historic Kopu Bridge Society.

Thames (NZ): Thames Heritage Festival 16-18 March 2018

Thames' 150th commemorations started on 1 August 2017, and as a result of events happening over the months a reduced 'Heritage festival' is being held on 16-18 March. BUT!!! There are still many events to look forward to.

A full list of events is available on the Thames Heritage Festival website.

• There will be window displays in shop windows.
• 14th March a special dedication ceremony near the Kopu Bridge - Ngati Maru installing a special carving.
• Heritage movie, Miners' Dinners, Irish Ceilidh, brewing contest, petticoat displays, heritage art, heritage market, auction and much more.
• Need refreshment during the weekend, then pay a visit to the Thames Bridge Club (opposite the School of Mines) - for $5 or less you can choose different options.

During the heritage weekend there are lecture series at both the Thames School of Mines and The Treasury. A few things that are on the itinerary for Saturday 17 March at the SOM are:

• 5.00pm - Lecture by Kae Lewis covering the first two years of MINING THE TAPU GOLDFIELD, followed by signings of her popular book "Gold Rush to The Thames". 
• 6.00pm until 7.15pm guided tour of SOM. Gold coin donation. 
• The Rock Shop will be open at this time. 
• 7.30pm Ayrton Hamilton will speak on the Geological History of the Coromandel Peninsula. Ayrton is a PHD Geology. Gold coin entry.

Two other major events are scheduled during the weekend. The first is that the New Zealand History Federation are holding their AGM in the town, based at the Thames School of Mines.

The second is that the Thames Museum are opening a major new display at 11am 17 March 2018.  The A & G Price Story, an iconic early business that only closed in the past year. So much history - the display will tell the story.

So definitely something for everyone at the Thames Heritage Festival.
TOO MANY DETAILS to list here please print the list from the main Thames Heritage website.

Thames (NZ): COMER FAMILY BOOK LAUNCH

Exciting news of a Family history book that is being launched in time for the start of the Thames Goldfield 150th Commemorations.

TITLE: The Comer Family: A family with a Heart of Gold

Authors: Jennifer A Comer & Sharleen M Comer

WHEN: 5 August 10am to 3pm

WHERE: Thames School of Mines

Free Admission

"As part of the Thames 150th Anniversary Celebrations we decided to write a book on our family history. Sharleen and Jennifer are descendants of two brothers Robert and George Comer who came to The Thames & its goldfields for a better life for them and their families. This book and their stories as told by Sharleen and Jennifer."

Source:  https://www.facebook.com/The-New-Zealand-COMER-Family-Page-284085195076095/

Thames (NZ): Heritage Festival 14 - 21 March 2015

Yes its nearly Heritage Festival time!

Saturday 14th March to Saturday 21st March 2015 -

Thames Heritage Festival is a fantastic celebration of our heritage.

Thames has a rich history dating back to the first contact between Pakeha and the Tangata whenua.

During March we celebrate our district's history in this festival of events.

 

Further details at the Festival's website.

 

Events so far include:

Saint George's Traditional Evensong, William Hall Arboretum Guided Tour, Bicycle Excursion to Cheese Barn, Thames Heritage Market, Heritage Church Service, Window Display Competition
Historic Kopu Bridge Walking Tours, The Treasury Lectures, Thames School of Mines, Devonshire Tea, Surf2Firth Marathon, Cars in the Park, Totally Thames Trolley Derby
Waihou Boat Cruise, "High Tea at The Civic" Fashion Extravaganza
Thames Music & Drama, Open Day at Thames Historical Museum, Old Time Fete
Te Radar's Historical Nuggets, Thames High School Class of '55 Gathering

 

Full programme Click Here

 

Thames (NZ): Heritage Festival - Living Museum

A wonderful idea to bring history alive is happening as I write in Grahamstown, it is the 'Living Museum.'

Described as:

Thames, The Living Museum is a concept that incorporates interactive demonstrations of crafts, as well as a chance to meet on the street people who inhabited Grahamstown at the turn of the century. Each week day between 10.00am and 2.00pm you will be transported back to the days when the lure of gold was potent and the town was alive with intrigue. Visit a working metalsmith shaping a piece of fine jewellery at Debrasic, a milliner displaying hats and clothing from early 1900's (at Embellish), watch the making of a traditional Maori feather cloak (at Embellish), see spinners and knitters in action. There will also be street entertainers and the chance to heckle the street corner orators.

Venue: Grahamstown, Thames

 

With one day to go, if you can make a visit between 10am and 2pm today (Thursday) and Friday 21/3/2014, you will not be disappointed.

 

 Mr Severn was busy assembling his telescope when I visited. The Captain of the ps Wakatere was due in from Auckland at any moment. I noted that Miss Lush had signed up to possibly forming an astronomy club at The Thames. Mesdames Macdonald, Mackay and Lush may have been at a Benevolent Society meeting, but were also due to return at any moment.

 

 

 A wonderful idea - special thanks to all who are involved

 

Thames (NZ): Heritage Festival Window displays

From first glance, you don't know there is a festival happening in the town - maybe next year organisers could hang some banners or similar across the main street.

On closer inspection an assortment of shops have got into the spirit of things and transformed their windows, as part of the window display competition.

One of mention is at Unichem Heather Moore Pharmacy in Pollen Street, Thames. So many items to stop and explore. Old dispensing books, bottles and general merchandise items.

Thames (NZ): Heritage Festival 2014 BOOK LAUNCH

One event that is happening as part of the Thames Heritage Festival is the launch of a new book on Friday 21st March 2014.

This is the story about a girl who lived in Thames and was brought up by people that were two generations older, they have never been married or had children. These people were the "Lambs". It traces her life through to adulthood with all the trials and tribulations that go along with her. The story starts in 1870 when both sets of Great Grandparents on her mother's side and father's side came to N.Z. for a new life. It also incorporates Waihi as her mother came from there, and her Grandfather was the founder of Brown and Brown who made Suzy ironing boards, bread slices etc.

The book is:
PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF ME
by Sandy Lautenbach with Kingsley Field

The book will be filled with not only photos of the Lamb family but also of the old township of Thames. After Friday it will be available at Carsons Bookshop in Thames and from The Best Little Bookstore.

If you would like to go to the launch -  for contact details click here