Boosted by a wave of European immigrants as well as overseas literature and film, 'café culture' was on the rise in 1950s Aotearoa. It started in the big cities where they overtook the pre war 'milk bars' but there ascendancy was scuttled by the arrival of television and the abolition of six o' clock closing for bars. Today cafes have had a resurgence.

Thanks to 'Snow Whites De Luxe Cafe' there was no reason for Levin to miss out on the big city excitement! They probably didn't really have seven dwarfs but this slide was shown in the cinema- a magical place where reality was suspended for a while, and many advertisers were liberal with their claims on their slides! 

While you don't normally associate wooden footwear with dining, 'The Wooden Shoe' on Levin's Oxford Street was in business for many years.

A jubilee publication in 1981 shows that 'The Wooden Shoe' was till located on Oxford Street and appears to have occupied it's building since 1964. Saturday shopping became fully legal in 1980 (beforehand it was for essentials only) and many cafes opened during the weekend to satisfy this trade. Maybe this was when the slide was made?

The shoe itself seems to be a Dutch clog- complete with a windmill on the front. With nearby Foxton fast becoming a hub for the Dutch community this might have been some clever branding or it may have been owned by Dutch immigrants.

This slide was kept in a hot projector for too long- there is a crack going through it!

View of the inside of the former Methodist Church.

Located on State Highway 1, opposite Manakau Village.

The former Methodist Church is now a cafe and craft shop. Located on State Highway 1, opposite Manakau Village.

View of the entrance Gate

The former Methodist Church is now a cafe and craft shop. Located on State Highway 1, opposite Manakau Village.

Long established and popular cafe on Oxford Street, Levin.

Eastern side of the road, north of the lights.