The photos have the date incorporated as part of the photo.
Written on back with blue ballpoint pen - K. McAloon 45.231
Shannon’s Townscape 1983 {Display Sheet 2} 8 colour photo prints – mounted (with typed notes) on large red cardboard sheet
Photo # 8 – Post Office. ” # 9 – Post Office, side view. ” #10 – Post Office, detail above main entrance. ” #11 – Shannon Drapery (originally Gunning’s). ” #12 – 2 two-storey brick buildings, Sinclair’s Superette occupies the right-hand building. ” #13 – Bank of New Zealand. ” #13 – Bank of New Zealand, another view. ” #14 – Bookshop – Dairy – pedestrian crossing.
Typed notes [complete with errors] - Photos 8, 9 & 10: The Post Office is an example of a blatant piece of face lifting, providing an impressive yet unique type of building for Shannon. A good example of scenic display in wallscape. The detail includes sculptured fruit and arches borrowed from ancient times. The date it was build is marked on the front together with its name and function. On a side view the corrigated iron roof and weather board construction is revealed, almost universal in small north island New Zealand towns. The flagpole and flag give the impression of importance. Unlike the shops the grand buildings have no street verandah.
Photo 11: Probably one of the original shops ‘Shannon Drapery’ almost looks like something out of a Ghost Town in an American western. The previous user had his name on the front of the shop which has faded and the bold plain lettering of ‘Shannon Drapery’ has replaced it. Still the old fashioned street verandahs remain supported by white painted poles.
Photo 12: Two brick buildings situated together, both are large and of similair period. These differ in their design but their material and sizes tie them together. The left-hand building shows the use of vertical lines and peaks making it look taller than its partner which displays horizontal lines. The problem of alternative use is displayed by the empty building whereas ‘Sinclairs Superette’ maintains a personal service forthe community. These brick buildings add variety to the townscape as Shannon contains mainly wooden buildings.
Photo 13: The BNZ building is a grand solid building perhaps to give a sence of security for their money. Rising straight off the street its grandness is not obscured by any verandahs. Again this building was probably built at a time when greater things were hoped for Shannon now the bank is open only two days a week. The stature of the building greatly exceeds its usefullness. Detail on the building includes arched windows, gold lettering (to give a sence of wealth) and a flagpole is situated on top NEXTDOOR . . . . . .The marriage of opposites large against small, grand against insignificant. The small green shop next to the grand bank is an example of diverse disigns and materials . . . VARIETY!
Photo 14: Some more modern shops much younger than the old Drapery these shops have retained the street verandahs similair to their older counterparts. Black and white paint is used to make the pedestrian crossing stand out.
Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”
