Thames (NZ): Then & Now Pollen Street - north of Sealey Street Intersect

Introduction

A 'new' photograph in my collection is featured in this post, but lets first look at Pollen Street (north of Sealey Street over the decades. The images in the first collage ranges from 1906 - 1937 - 2017. (From 1930s Thames: The Goldfield Revisited)

• 1906: A military parade proceeds along Pollen Street, heading south to the Shortland Cemetery. The signage of Hetherington's shop (where Farmers is today), can be seen a third in from the left.
• 1937: Many of the old buildings remain, interspersed with new premises such as Galloway's Store (where Noel Leeming is today). Wide gutter drains line the street, and in the 20s a concrete strip had been laid down Pollen Steet. The Depression still raged, while the threat of war was just around the corner - cars were few and far between, at The Thames in the 1930s.

POLLEN STREET - another view 1950s-60s

Thamesites regularly have one complaint about the main street. Lack of parking! Well, take a look at this photo from the late 1950s early 1960s - the street is lined with cars. Some things never change!!! Guess what, parking on the western side was challenge back in those days, just as it is today. The driver fourth from left has not managed to park within the white line - something many readers will sympathise with.

1955 Businesses

     In the 1955 Wises Street Directory for Thames, the businesses located on the right (east side of the street) are as follows:

From Mary Street intersect. Lee, Chuck Yue (Fruiterer); Danby's Shoe Store; Taffe, W; Bond & Bond Ltd; Arbury Ltd; Self Help Co-op; McAllum (Jeweller); Presswood & Presswood (Optician); Hallensteins Bros; A J Brokenshire Bookseller; Judd Ltd; Muir, D J (Chemist); Bulmer (Jeweller); Hetherington's; Harris' Restaurant; Marriotts Store; Maxwell & Sons (Butcher); Galloway's; Modern Stores Ltd; Misses Donnelly (Dressmakers); Charlie Fay (Fruiterer); McPhail & Ganley Shoes; Gwynne's Garden House; Bongard's Chemist; Restaurant; La Fabrique Fabrics; C Hill (Jewellers); and D McL Wallace Ltd. Sealey Street intersect.

 

ABOVE LEFT: Signage includes 'Slaney's Radio Service; Knitting Service; Opticians. Further down the block can be seen the Regent Theatre sign before the Mary Street intersect. There is a barber shop (stripes on street post), tractors for sale (query part of Judd's that are located on the other side of the road) and the Bank of New South Wales and Post Office.

ABOVE RIGHT: McKenzies are centre left in Galloway's old building; and McPhail & Ganley Shoe Store is far right.

MCKENZIES

     The McKenzies department store was stocked a wide range of goods. Who can forget the chocolate & lolly 'pick and mix'? Or the coin operated spaceship / car that kept youngsters occupied while 'mothers' shopped inside. Later the store was taken over by DEKA. 

Further "Then & Now' Photographs CLICK HERE

Thames (NZ): Then & Now Beach Road

Introduction

      Beach Road, at the Grahamstown end of Thames - a quiet spot, with a narrow road, that has metal parking areas. 

     The south side of Victoria Park is on the western side, along with the Petanque area and Croquet Club. Travel further north and there is an access to the walkway that loops around the coast to the old Burke Street Wharf. On the eastern side you start at Albert Street, to Williamson Street, past A & G Price Foundry to the Burke Street intersect - then the road becomes Tararu Road.

 

Then & Now: 1900s & 2018 Corner of Beach Road and Albert Street.

Beach Road History (From Streets of Thames)

     "Named after the location, originally adjacent to the beach before reclamation was carried out.  

     On the 1868 map there is no Beach Road, although there is an unnamed road (where Brown street meets Cochrane Street and along to Pahau Street). 

     The 1910s Cleave’s map records Beach Road extending to Mary Street as well as a portion of road from Albert Street to Coromandel Street intersect. The road length was changed in 1938, today Beach Road only runs from Burke Street (north) to Albert Street (south)."

1868 map - Beach Road does not exist. The red line marks the location of Beach Road today.

Residents and business along the foreshore gave their address as The Beach.

1910s Map - the 'x's mark the two portions of Beach Road. Coromandel intersect to Albert Street intersect; and Cochrane to Mary Street intersects.

Collage View of Victoria Park south, on Beach Road.

In the 1900s, the view was unobstructed,

 and you could watch the ships arriving at the Burke Street Wharf.

Residents of Beach Road 1870 and 1923

     In the Thames Directory 1870, the road still does not formally exist, however a large group of businesses and residents record their address as "Beach". They included: Joseph Bargrove's Ladies' School, H C Lawlor, Joseph Faltt (carpenter), John McConnell, Charles Toft (store dealer), James Buchanan (stone-cutter), John Taylor (Bay View Timber Yard), William Anderson (architect), John Gwynneth, R N Smith (store dealer), M Rae ( Cornwallis Saw Mills, Miss Shepherd (actress), Richard Dodd's Boarding-house, Henry Phillips (boat builder), Holdship's Timber Yard, Wesleyan Chapel, Thomas Sharp (engineer), S Smale (legal manager), Thomas Keven's Boarding-house, John McColloch, Frederick Smith, Richard Richards, Marine Fmaily Hotel, Native Office (E Puckey), C F Quint, M Browne (coal merchant), Alexander Unthank (coal merchant), B Jones (actor) and George McAnnalley (telegraph linesman).

      In the Cleave's Street Directory 1923 the names recorded in Beach Road are: 

Right side from Haven Street: Thames Railway Station, John Arthur (stationmaster) ... nothing further is recorded until Mary Streets.

     On the left hand side from Haven Street: A & G Price Bulk Store, William Wells (labourer), Charles Fleming (moulder), John Coutts (boilermaker), Arthur Henderson (fitter). 

Burke Street intersect. A & G Price Ltd.  Abraham Street intersect. Rawiri Pearson (carpenter), Wm H Lucas (JP), Mrs Dunbar (Gwendon Boardinghouse), Thomas Dunbar (hairdresser - private residence), John Milner (boilermaker), Thomas McLeay (tailor), 

John Galloway (grocer). 

Williamson Street intersect. John Salmon (SM), Reg Williams (Manager A & G Price), James Parkinson (jeweller), Alf Lomas (carter), Park Hotel (back entrance). 

Albert Street intersects.  Cochrane Street intersects.

Richard Dovell (carrier), Wm Milne (foundry hand), Jas Frogley (store manager), Mrs Margaret Bayldon, Arthur Batchelor (machinist), John Judd (pattern maker). 

Amy Street intersects. Mrs Elizabeth Heard, Miss Alice Wishart, John Wells (labourer), William Skelley (labourer), Duncan McKenzie (bush contractor).

Walters Street intersects.  Mary Streets intersect.

Closing Comments

   Once a thriving street, Beach Road was full of businesses and residents. A popular place to live for those who worked at the foundry as evident in the Cleaves 1923 Street Directory. A busy and noisy place, close to A & G Price, and an area that once boasted a railway track, in the days of the trains being made and refurbished at the nearby foundry.

Take the Challenge

    Wander the streets - stop and imagine how it would have looked one hundred years ago.

CLICK HERE for further Street 'Then & Now" photos.

Thames (NZ): Then & Now Thames High School 1920s-2020

Take another look - Then & Now Thames High School.

What's changed? While Thames High School is still on the same site,  the buildings have been replaced except for the old hall / part of the old Baillie Street School. The site started on just a quarter of the land that the school occupies today. 

Slowly over the decades the school grounds spread to cover most of the land between Sealey to Richmond and Rolleston to Mackay Streets. This was made possible by the closing of a section of Baillie Street.

ABOVE: A colourised version of a postcard view taken by Mr Dunnage of Thames.

BELOW: A google maps view from Edward Street over Thames High School.

Key to Numbers:

• 1. Rolleston Street
• 2. Thames Technical School
• 3. Thames High School
• 4. Baillie Street
• 5. Sealey Street
• 6. Richmond Street

Thames (NZ): Then & Now views of Jacob's Ladder

View looking west down Jacob's Ladder c1910s.

Where is Jacob's Ladder?
Located between Grey Street and Mount Pleasant Road (previously known as Upper Grey Street). Jacob’s Ladder has been a vital link for Mount Pleasant residents for decades. 

Before the steps

One of the earliest photos of Grey Street was taken c1868, and allows us to view the ‘street’ that is now Jacob’s Ladder. It is evident that people, animals and carts had been negotiating the track, winding back and forth to try and make the journey easier. When the streets of Thames were laid out in 1867, it was envisaged that Grey Street would extend from the flat to the hills in the east. 

 

The 1868 section of Grey Street that lead to Mount Pleasant on the left. 

On the right, the area where the concrete steps are located, surrounded by trees (aka Jacob's Ladder).

Why was the track /steps called Jacob's Ladder?

Jacob’s Ladder is a term that is often used for steep steps in other parts of New Zealand. Even at Thames another reference is found to steps at Tararu. A report on the Tararu Gardens in 1878 mentions, “The zig-zags, Jacob’s Ladder, the pagoda, and the swings, besides the walks by the fountains, were the favourite resorts of pleasure seekers in this cool retreat.”

When was Jacob's Ladder constructed?

By 1884 the residents of Mount Pleasant had made a series of steps on three sides of the hill. 

In 1907 the County Council ruled that horses and cattle could no longer go up or down “Jacob’s Ladder.” This was due to the state of the road “It is over your boot-tops in mud.” Cattle-stops were installed at the steps around the town to prevent this continuing. Also Jacob’s Ladder was re-pegged and re-gravelled.

Over the years the structure of the steps proved a problem against the elements, with dirt and gravel constantly being washed away. An advancement came when Jacobs Ladder and the Edward Street steps were concreted - along with other steps around the town. More on those in another blog!!

When were they painted?
In 2014-15 the steps were given a new lease of life by the pupils of nearby Thames South School. The school has long used the steps as part of their sports programme and a new initiative saw pupils undertake a project in conjunction with TCDC to paint the steps. Today they stand impressively leading to Mount Pleasant and are safer due to the painting and handrail.

Then & Now: 1868 & 2015 View of Jacob's Ladder, Grey Street, Thames

Background: Streets of Thames by A Barker

Thames (NZ): Then & Now Albert Street to Upper Albert Street

Albert Street, looking east 1906 & 2016

I always find views of Albert Street captivating. Why? You drive there today, and its relatively quiet and free of traffic (vehicular and pedestrian) and one can't help think what it was like up to the 1920s at least. From that time on Grahamstown truly ceased as a shopping district and the remaining businesses moved to Pollen Street.

1906 Albert Street - Whats happening?

The description given for the photo at the Auckland Libraries site is:

THE MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THAMES: THE PROCESSION MARCHING THROUGH ALBERT STREET.

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19060628-17-2

Premier Hon R J Seddon

The photo (above) appeared in the Auckland Weekly News 28 JUNE 1906 p017.

The Memorial service was one of many that were held around the country following the death of the Hon. R J Seddon (22 Jun 1845–10 Jun 1906). Seddon was New Zealand Premier 1 May 1893–10 Jun 1906.

"Richard Seddon’s nickname, ‘King Dick’, says it all. Our longest-serving and most famous leader not only led the government, many argued he was the government. For 13 years he completely dominated politics." NZ History

The Thames planned a large memorial procession for their beloved Premier. As there was no venue large enough to accommodate the crowds expected, it was decided to hold the event at Victoria Park.

THAMES STAR,  20 JUNE 1906

On 21 June 1906, an impressive crowd gathered at the park, and eulogies were presented for the late Premier. There was high praise for achievements of 'King Dick' including the work he had done for Maori and Europeans throughout New Zealand.

Collage Views:

Below are a couple of 'collage mixes' that hopefully show you the changes to Albert Street over one hundred years.

While the Lady Bowen (aka Wharf / Park) Hotel building remains on the left, all the other two storey buildings that lined the street are gone. In particular the Bank of New Zealand (N-E intersection Albert and Brown Streets) and the Stock Exchange / Scrip Corner (S-E intersection Albert and Brown Streets).

Above & Below: Collage / combined views of Albert Street 1906 & 2016

 So, the next time you take a wander down Albert Street, stop and listen to the crowds of yesteryear that daily walked along the now quiet street.

Looking for more 'Then & Now' Views - Check out the Summary Page

Thames (NZ): The Treasury's Research Centre celebrates their 10th Birthday

Source: Hauraki Herald, 17 April 2009

2009 was a big year for Thames, research and the collection of archives pertaining to the Coromandel Peninsula / greater Thames Valley region.

In April 2009, the building that had started in 1905, as the Thames Carnegie Free Library, was restored and opened ready to become 'The Treasury' operated by The Coromandel Heritage Trust.

The official duties were carried out by TCDC Mayor Philippa Barriball and United States Consul General John Desrocher. (photo right)

"Ms Barriball said the library was not just about the books inside but about the people of Thames and their stories and the new project would ensure their history would be preserved."
"Mr Desrocher said. "I would like to thank those who made this happen...I think it would make Mr Carnegie very happy." Hauraki Herald, 17 April 2009

The official public opening of the Treasury, took place a few months later on 12 September 2009. Today (12 September 2019) marks the 10th Anniversary of the Treasury being open for 'business'.

Manager Rhonda Merrie and volunteers, open the doors at 11am, 12 September 2019.

The rooms and adjacent archive building, full of resources for researchers.

 

Ninety years apart, from Library (1929) to Research & Archive Centre (2019).

The Coromandel Heritage Trust - The History
There are two articles in The Treasury Journal that will give the reader a complete overview of what was entailed to get The Treasury doors open!

The Restoration of the Old Carnegie Library at Thames, by Anne Stewart Ball & Kae Lewis.

The Treasury Project – My Journey, by Geraldine Dunwoodie.

Slideshow The Treasury Journey - which shows the building of  TCHT Archives building adjoining The Treasury.

Do you want to Research / Support The Treasury Research & Archive Centre?

• Coming to Thames? Drop in and see whats on offer.
• Check out The Treasury website.
• Want to know more about membership categories? Check out the application brochure. A great option that I took out today is the Research Membership ($100), full access for a year - no hourly charges. A great option for all members, drop in on open days, explore the resources at leisure, no need to watch the clock! Other options for students ($10), Single ($45) and Joint ($80) - Research hourly fees additional. Check out the brochure for specific details.

The Treasury building in the early 1900s.

Thames (NZ): The chemist's bottle - Bongard's at the Thames

Old Thamesites will remember the miracle cure's that our chemists dispensed. Many knew that concoctions such as Bongard's Cough Mixture were tried and true remedies for the winter flu. Today a multitude of prepared mixtures fill the chemists shelves, whereas the old time pharmacist would mix up their special remedies.

On the Trademe auction site today is a bottle from one of Thames' best known old chemist shops - Bongard's. The bottle is for the product "Boss-Tone", a tonic prepared by Bongard's Pharmacies of Thames. For four shillings and sixpence, the prospective buyer was advised they would be fit in a couple of doses. The tonic could remedy a wide range of ailments: Depression, Exhaustion, Hysteria, Loss of Appetite, Nervousness, Muscular Weakness and Sleeplessness.

 

Photos of 'Boss Tone' bottle on Trademe (accessed 9 Sept 2019).

The product was advertised in the Thames Star newspaper, a simple advert for a tonic claiming great remedies.

THAMES STAR, 6 MARCH 1933
Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0

Bongard's Pharmacies was owned by William Bongard, who qualified in April 1903 and moved to Thames in July 1905, when he purchased the business of Mr Nicholson (the shop located at the Grahamstown end of Pollen Street.

THAMES STAR, 27 JULY 1905.

This shop was  in the building north of Chas Palmers Sweet shop (the one with the green tiles still outside to this day). Later the shop was run by Chemists Bob Taylor and James Francis.

At the end of 1923, Mr Bongard opened a second shop in the central shopping block, Pollen Street (north of the Sealey Street intersect).

In the 1950s, Bongard and Don Flatt went into partnership. Flatt operated the central Pollen Street shop, which was later taken over by Warren Kidd.

ABOVE: Views of Bongard's Pharmacies (left the north shop, and right the south shop).

Source: 1927 Diamond Jubilee Book

 Then & Now: Bongard's building (signage top right) 1973 & 2019, Pollen St,Thames.

Mr William Bongard

William was born 31 October 1881 at Kohimarama, the son of Master Mariner James Bongard and Emily. He served his apprenticeship at Devonport with chemist Robert Jones.

Bongard came to Thames in 1905, and soon became involved with community activities - playing sports such as representative hockey, and rowing at the local club. He found time to serve as as a councillor on the Thames Borough Council, which led to his election as Mayor 1927-31. He was President of the Thames Jockey and the Thames Bowling Club, member of the Sir Walter Scott Lodge, and a long-serving Justice of the Peace. He also enjoyed being a member of the Thames Amateur Dramatic Society. A highly respected member of the Thames community. Another community post held was that of Thames Coroner 1932 to 1948. What a list of achievements and service to the town of Thames!

A family man, William had married Aimee Whaites in 1913, they had two children. Mr William Bongard retired at Thames, and passed away 24 September 1969.

  

Left: Mr William Bongard. Right: News of Bongard's election win 1927 

(THAMES STAR, 28 APRIL 1927).

Background Reading:
Frost, Murray R. Behind the Dispensing Screen, Early New Zealand Pharmacists. Published by author.
Thames Star 5 July 1966, Retired Thames Chemist, celebrates Sixty-one years in Thames. (A Barker Collection)

The story started with a bottle, The man behind the bottle was Thamesite William Bongard; 

photo taken during an interview in 1966.

Thames (NZ): Then & Now "The Thames Police Station"

Source top photo:  Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 35-R1451

The Thames Goldfield towns of Shortland and Grahamstown had police based in both towns. During the early 1900s  the decision was made to build a new building north of the Government buildings in Queen Street.

Building & Opening of the Thames Police Station
1908: Land was purchased north of the Courthouse (Queen Street). Work started on the construction of a new Police Station. The decision was made that this building should be brick, rather a novelty at The Thames.

1909 May: The new brick Police Station was completed including the interior fittings. There are several bedrooms upstairs for staff. On 16th August 1909 the police moved out of their quarters next-door in the 1870 Government building and shifted into their new brick Police Station.

******************

Plans for the building available from Archives New Zealand

Thames (NZ): The Kauaeranga from Parawai - Then & Now

Its always nice to see a 'new' postcard not seen before (by me at least!). The usual views out over the Kauaeranga River and Parawai are taken from Mount Sea Road, but this one is south near where Herewaka Street is today.

 ]

ABOVE: Left, the view from the intersection of Herewaka Street and Parawai Road.

 Right, further north along Parawai Road.

BELOW: This old postcard below, looks back towards Parawai Road and where the old two-storey house was located (centre right).

The Kauaeranga River from the bridge:

View from The Kauaeranga Bridge looking east.

Source: Then & Now 150 Years by A Barker