Te Awamutu’s Family tree Group members Sandra Metcalfe and Alan Corridor (proper) meet with Ann and Tony Edmondson – appropriately in Storyteller Bar & Eatery – who’re serving to edit, proofread and design the ebook on the historical past of iconic Te Awamutu CBD buildings. Photograph / Dean Taylor
After six years of analysis and numerous hours of writing, the publication is in sight for a ebook about 32 of Te Awamutu’s business buildings.
The concept was sparked in 2016 when Te Awamutu’s family tree group heard concerning the analysis undertaking on Dargaville’s mainstreet buildings. The group knew Te Awamutu’s streetscape, with its eclectic mixture of early twentieth century, Artwork Deco and modernist buildings, could be an interesting undertaking, and so work started.
Family tree group member, Sandra Metcalfe, mentioned “In our naivety, we thought it could merely be a matter of choosing a couple of buildings with names and dates on their facades and the remainder could be straightforward.
“However because it seems, it’s been a a lot larger undertaking that has spanned seven years.”
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The buildings, all constructed between 1890 and 1957, have been chosen due to their age and structure – and within the case of the 86-year-old Hodgson Motors constructing, as a result of it confronted demolition.
Details about every constructing was gathered from Waipā District Council’s archives, outdated newspapers, public consultations, and interviews, and pictures have been sourced from photographic collections at Te Awamutu Museum.
Family tree group members assume the various hours of analysis have been value it as a result of they’re now capable of present the city with a complete document of the business buildings and their historical past.
Te Awamutu Enterprise Chamber chief govt Shane Walsh is thrilled with what’s been gathered, and the Chamber has lent its help to getting the ebook revealed.
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“The analysis has given us nice perception into the business growth of our city, and the contribution the companies made to the native and nationwide financial system – it’s info that must be preserved and shared.”
As a part of that help, the Chamber hosted an occasion for its members to study extra concerning the buildings and the companies which have tenanted them.
“We had such a terrific response from our members that we’re internet hosting the occasion once more and alluring the broader group to come back alongside.”
This public occasion is a chance to listen to from Sandra and the ebook’s writer, Alan Corridor. They’ll share particulars about a few of the buildings, together with the design, particular options and development supplies, in addition to the companies and other people related to the buildings.
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For many who are long-time Te Awamutu locals, the discuss will likely be a stroll down reminiscence lane with recollections like Santa’s Grotto being under McKenzies (the constructing now occupied by Heathcotes), the earthy odor of the Mason Nurseries store within the Spinley Constructing, and the overheard wire cash-carrying system utilized in Armstrong’s Material & Furnishing retailer (the place the Bakehouse is now) being evoked.
The family tree group are massively appreciative of Corridor’s vital contribution because the writer, the help of the Enterprise Chamber and Ann and Tony Edmondson’s work enhancing, proofreading and designing the ebook.
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Be taught extra about Te Awamutu’s business buildings and the ebook on the free public occasion being held at Regent Cinema on Wednesday, December 6 at 5pm. To register, go to teawamutuchamber.org.nz/occasions
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