Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga

13/10/2025

TALK at MUSEUM tomorrow Tuesday 14 at 11am

13/10/2025

REMINDER, talk tomorrow at 11am at the museum.

We look forward to having Maree from DOC at the Museum Next Tuesday 14 October at 11am to tell us more about the creatures of the bush. A great chance to come and see the Pekapeka (bats) and also see how Virtual Reality Goggles can enhance our learning about the bush.

12/10/2025

GOLDFIELDS MALL - any one got photos of the shops inside, we were particularly look for Rei Hamon's Gallery shop. I'm sure you will enjoy these ones, and maybe spot yourself or someone you know.
Thames Goldfields Shopping Centre opened on Wednesday 7 November 1990. The shopping centre cost $25 million dollars and initially had room for 40 retail shops. It was part of a Foodstuff's project that had seen the opening of the Pak 'N Save supermarket the previous year. The reclaimed land on which the mall was built had been purchased from Thames developer Mr Graham Harris. (Thames Star 6 November 1990)

10/10/2025

Questions we are asked! Anything on Sid Ensor? Perfect timing as we await the results of our local elections. Sid Ensor was a long-standing mayor. Served 1931–1959 and was awarded an MBE 1953.

09/10/2025

When you drive across the Hauraki Plains, take a moment to remember the amazing pioneers who made this possible. The Book Hauraki Plains Story by Rufus Tye is full of photos and information on the settlement and development of the Plains.
Photo: Lands and Survey Department Headquarters at Kerepehi 1923. Showing some of the Department’s launches, dredges and buildings, with some members of the permanent staff of Boatbuilders, Engineers, Blacksmiths and Maintenance Men. At left standing: Jock Sibbel, P Newdick, Bill Shilton, B Price, K McGlyn, A Burt, A Middleton, W Thompson, Billy Green, Jock Hastie, J Craig, C Callender, A McMillan, A Strong, R Carr, A McIntosh, Tommy Ohineroa, Tiny Morrison, S Collinson, G Barnbrook, J Murdock, B Ludwick, W Kidd, M Newdick. At rear in doorway, Tom Castles.

09/10/2025

Just some old books? "Old" treasures with a story. Published in the 1950s these books were used at South School until the 1970s. The last library card has the names of the pupils who were issued with the book on the left: R Parkyn, M Austin, K Burdus, C Mills, T James, M Crawford, K Kitson, G Graham, B Baid?, D White, N Miller, J Chan, A Welsh, D Leopold, ?R Griffin, J Manson, G Mills, M Hayward, S Samuels, and D Taipari.
Do you remember some of your early school textbooks: Spelling, atlas or times table?

Maker

08/10/2025

We look forward to having Maree from DOC at the Museum Next Tuesday 14 October at 11am to tell us more about the creatures of the bush. A great chance to come and see the Pekapeka (bats) and also see how Virtual Reality Goggles can enhance our learning about the bush.

06/10/2025

Thanks to Judith for the old Post Office Flag, now hanging proudly over the postal display. On the right views of the Pollen Street Post Office building.
Hands up everyone who worked at the Post Office: Mailroom, Telegraph Department, Lines Department or Savings Bank?

06/10/2025

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCHERS! I dont know how many 'free sites' you have found, but we know heaps and can help with your Thames area research. Did you know you can see INTENTION TO MARRY records and even the actual pages. I was searching Maria Bach and John Barker and the lower half of photo shows the legal document, plus all the people in Thames married in Thames in that period.
Maria and John Bach were married by Rev Lush in the St George's Church 6th June 1871 (PS that would have been the old church premises then located in Rolleston St (now the church hall).
See who you can find from your ancestors at https://itm.howison.co.nz/search

05/10/2025

Latest Donation thanks to David. Full of well known Thamesites back in 1963, legends of the Thames Volunteer Fire Brigade
Thames Volunteer Fire Brigade 1963
Back row: Firemen M D Murphy, J W Barnes, C A Shortt, R B Christie, G A Davis, L D Fleming, G A Manning.
Middle row: Firemen R H Dovell (Station Keeper), C J Marshall, R C Wilson, R A Lomas, J Strange, L Houghton, L N Moody, T J Kenny.
Front row: Fireman S M Jones, Secretary R N Turner, Deputy Chief Officer J A Hays, Chief Officer A M Cameron, 3rd Officer L C Hays, 4th Officer R L Callaghan, Fireman A G Ross.
Inset: Hon Surgeon Dr J K Michelle.
Who are your rellies?
Source: D Ross Collection

04/10/2025

THEN & NOW. Cruising along Pollen Street in the 1970s and you could still stop in at the Warwick Arms on the corner of Grey Street. Hands=up everyone who has memories of having a drink or two on these premises?
Source: A & S Frost Collection

03/10/2025

Checkout Coromind Issue No 34 and Museum volunteer Robyn's story about Fred Sawyer. https://coromind.nz/the-story-of-fred-sawyer/ Ps. We have Fred's uniform on display at the museum.

Most towns have their ‘good sorts’, local men and women who quietly and unassumingly contribute to their community, their dedication and involvement leaving a lasting and much-valued legacy.