Invercargill Archives

Overview Reid Davidson was born in Gore in 1932. Gives details about his parents. Describes his house on Main Street, Gore, his schooling and reasons for leaving school and going to work in his father's shop. Mentions meeting his wife and their wedding. Discusses his family connection with the grocery business, his father working with McKibbon (McGibbon) and Company and starting his own business. Gives details of the shop's growth, some of the jobs, competition within the business, the mark up,...

Overview Rose Graham was born in 1916. Describes the family home, washday, children's chores, relatives, visitors and clothing including `liberty bodices'. Talks about Baldwin's shop (Premet), her mother's occupation as a tailoress, the Baldwin sisters, the workroom for tailoring and other shops and buildings in Gore. Describes the occupations of her three brothers and sisters. Mentions the water cart and the night cart. Discusses education at Gore Main School including a fire in 1921, being kept in,...

Overview Lillian Kirby was born in Gore in 1906. Describes her home, schooling, leaving school and being employed at H and J Smith's department store. Describes hours, wages, the various departments in the shop, staff social events, balls in Gore, her ball dress, and reasons for leaving the shop. Gives reasons for stopping work when she married. Talks about the main street in Gore and the shops. Recalls her wedding including the service, clothes and attitudes to engagements. Describes changes brought...