This building was constructed for the New Plymouth branch of the Old Folks' Association. It was officially opened by the Hon W. Parry (Minister of Internal Affairs) on 31 May 1947.
Tenders were called in February 1946 for the removal of the house on the section. The property had been purchased from a Miss Smith for £1,500. In May 1946 it was announced that the firm "Smith and Reesby" were to construct new clubrooms at a cost of £3,420. Work commenced on 10 June 1946. A building permit was issued to "N.P. Old Folks' Association" on 28 May 1946.
The new building was described in the Taranaki Herald (15 April 1946) as a "one storey, all concrete building and will include a ladies' room, a men's room, a storeroom and kitchen".
On 30 November 1965 a blaze swept through the building causing an estimated £15,000 worth of damage. The band "Trends" had all their equipment stored in the building and this was lost in the fire. T
The Association was established in 1941 and occupied premises in Currie Street. In 1946 they had a roll of 550, including honorary and ordinary members.
It is now known as the New Plymouth Senior Citizens Association.
Related items:
Town Section (895), Taranaki Land Deed Index I1 Page 37, I3 page 88 and I4 page 291. (Archives New Zealand)
Taranaki DP130 Sheet 1 (1888), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki DP616 Sheet 1 (1893), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Taranaki DP3824 Sheet 1 (1919), ICS Pre 300,000 Cadastral Plan Index (Imaged by LINZ)
Old Folks Hall Left in Embers (Daily News 1 Dec 1965)
Loss Of Old Friend (City Express 5 December 1965)
Old Folks' Hall Gutted by Fire (New Plymouth Photo News #117 18 Dec 1965)
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