This prominent corner villa was constructed for H. M. (Henrietta Matilda) Buckman in 1911. In July 1911, permits for two separate residences on Town Section 356 were granted to Buckman by the Borough Council - the more expensive home - £500 - is thought to relate to 79 Vivian Street; no architect is listed.
H. M Buckman purchased Part Town Section 356 and 357 in 1911 following the death of owner Edward Okey in 1910 - Buckman also owned other property on Dawson Street. It appears the Buckman's later moved to Masterton, renting the property for a period, and later selling it.
Henrietta and her husband John were the parents of the acclaimed New Zealand opera singer, Rosina Buckman. It appears unlikely that Rosina ever lived in this house, but she may have stayed here while visiting her parents.
In 1962 the house became Dr Dennis Allen's medical laboratory. At some stage the villa was elevated, with a lower storey - built in concrete - added, allowing for an extension of pathology services.
In the late 1990s/early 2000s, the villa was renovated and an addition in a style similar to the original added along the south/Dawson Street frontage.
Taranaki Medlab operated from the building for a number of years. It is now occupied by a legal firm.
Related items:
Town Section 356, Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 page 295. (Archives New Zealand)
Town Section 357, Taranaki Land Deed Index I5 page 49. (Archives New Zealand)
Town Sections 356 and 357, Taranaki Land Deed Index I14 page 613. (Archives New Zealand)
Town Section 356 and 357, Taranaki Land Deed Index I14 page 638. (Archives New Zealand)
Town Sections 356 and 357, Taranaki Land Deed Index I14 page 639. (Archives New Zealand)
Taranaki DP5034 Sheet 1 (1928), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki (Lot 1) DP20144 Sheet 1 (1998), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Norman Street (Word on the Street)
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