A book telling the struggles and triumphs of Gordonton residents from 100 years ago is almost complete. The project, part of the celebration of the centenary of Oaks Church, is coming together very well, says coordinator Valerie Morgan. “Our history at Gordonton is actually very short. The contrasts between the lifestyles of those living
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IT WAS A dark and not terrible stormy night, but thick fog was blanketing Gordonton Rd when these two vehicles collided head-on back in the 1940s. Number 8 Network loves old photos, especially if they’re from around here. So we’re launching a new series, The Old Photo Album, where we will share some
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Local history enthusiast Mike Taylor shares the story of a pioneering family of the Gordonton District and one of the many soldiers who never came back from the First World War. “A WEEK OR SO ago you ran an article on sports activities at Woodlands in 1885 which mentioned my great grandfather, John McNicol [the
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With Woodland’s Pioneer Fundays fast approaching, N8N looks back at how the pioneers entertained themselves way back when. A community sports day was held at the estate in Gordonton 133 years ago. Headlined in block capitals THE WOODLANDS ANNUAL SPORTS, the article ran on Saturday April 4 1885 in the Waikato Times. And a
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FROM THE VAULTS: Gordonton artist Chris Smith painted his eye-catching, colourful Wall of Fame depicting life and the locals of Gordonton in 1999. It created much comment and appreciation for at least 10 years, but was painted over when new tenants moved into the building. Annette Taylor talked with him in 2014. IT
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Inspired by Perry Rice’s N8N article on the origins of Hamilton’s libraries, local historian Alan Sharp looks into the earliest days of libraries around the region. He uncovers a history that includes local rivalries, bureaucratic bungling, a fire, and more than a touch of scandal. WHILE ON HOLIDAY I received a request for information
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