Gwen Gibbs with Dance Students
Gwen Gibbs (1898-1983), third from the left, was a significant Palmerston North dance teacher. After performing internationally, she established the Broadway School of dancing about 1929. She knew important ballet figures and travelled overseas for new ideas. She was a life-long student of dance and left a strong teaching legacy, training several long-standing Palmerston North teachers who have gone on to train professional dancers.
Gwen Gibbs was her stage name. Born Gwendolyn Lillian Rogers, she married Gordon Milton McCaskill in 1923. Their only son Donald Gordon McCaskill, a pilot, died on war service World War II.
Ballet Performance by Dance Students of Gwen Gibbs
Gwen Gibbs (1898-1983) was a significant Palmerston North dance teacher. After performing internationally, she established the Broadway School of dancing about 1929. She knew important ballet figures and travelled overseas for new ideas. She was a life-long student of dance and left a strong teaching legacy, training several long-standing Palmerston North teachers who have gone on to train professional dancers.
Gwen Gibbs was her stage name. Born Gwendolyn Lillian Rogers, she married Gordon Milton McCaskill in 1923. Their only son Donald Gordon McCaskill, a pilot, died on war service World War II.
Ballet Performance by Dance Students of Gwen Gibbs
Gwen Gibbs (1898-1983) was a significant Palmerston North dance teacher. After performing internationally, she established the Broadway School of dancing about 1929. She knew important ballet figures and travelled overseas for new ideas. She was a life-long student of dance and left a strong teaching legacy, training several long-standing Palmerston North teachers who have gone on to train professional dancers.
Gwen Gibbs was her stage name. Born Gwendolyn Lillian Rogers, she married Gordon Milton McCaskill in 1923. Their only son Donald Gordon McCaskill, a pilot, died on war service World War II.
Portrait of Gwen Gibbs
Gwen Gibbs (1898-1983) was a significant Palmerston North dance teacher. After performing internationally, she established the Broadway School of dancing about 1929. She knew important ballet figures and travelled overseas for new ideas. She was a life-long student of dance and left a strong teaching legacy, training several long-standing Palmerston North teachers who have gone on to train professional dancers.
Gwen Gibbs was her stage name. Born Gwendolyn Lillian Rogers, she married Gordon Milton McCaskill in 1923. Their only son Donald Gordon McCaskill, a pilot, died on war service World War II.
CM Ross Architectural Plan, Fourth Floor, 1928
Fourth Floor Plan of the CM Ross Building. In 1927-1928, the new department store was built, replacing the three buildings that comprised C M Ross Co. Ltd on The Square, Palmerston North.
L. G. West, Plans for Additions of Library and Billiard Room, Fitzherbert Street
These plans for the addition of a library and billiards room to a residence were designed by L. G. West for Robert McNab. In 1911, McNab stood unsuccessfully as Member of Parliament for Palmerston North. In 1914 he as elected as MP for Hawkes Bay. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West & Son, Plans for Additions and Alterations to Residence, Grey Street
These plans for modifications to the rear of a house were designed by L. G. West & Son for Oscar Monrad (1870-1958), a land agent and valuer. Oscar was the grandson of Ditlev Gothard Monrad, a Danish politician and bishop who settled in Karere with his family from 1867. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with his son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan for Man's Whare at Old People's Home Site, Awapuni
This plan of a two room dwelling, comprising of a livingroom and bedroom, was designed by L. G. West for the Palmerston North Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Planning for the Awapuni Old People's Home commenced in 1911 and the facility was opened in April 1915 by the Minister of Public Health, the Honorable R. Heaton Rhodes. Initially, it provided accommodation for eight women and 24 men. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan for Additions to Totalisator House and Grandstand, Foxton Racecourse
This plan for additions to buildings at the Foxton Racecoure was designed by L. G. West. These included toilet facilities, with the provision of four cubicles and eight urinals for men, but only two cubicles for women. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
Plans of Butter Factory for Rangiwahia-Ruahine Co-operative Dairy Company Ltd
These plans for a butter factory were designed by L. G. West for the Rangiwahia-Ruahine Co-operative Dairy Company Limited, an organisation formed in April 1898. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with his son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West & Son, Plans for Stables and Cottage for the Foxton Racing Club
These plans for stables, feed-boxes and a cottage were designed by L. G. West & Son for the Foxton Racing Club. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with his son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan for a two-storey Residence, corner of College and Fitzherbert Streets
This plan for a four bedroom residence was designed by L. G. West for F. H. Cooke. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan for a New Bar and Fittings, Masonic Hotel, Main Street
This plan for a new bar at the Masonic Hotel was designed by L. G. West for R. Mulrooney. The Masonic Hotel was constructed in 1893 and the building has been modified several times. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan of Additions and Alterations to High School, Grey Street
This plan for modifications to an outbuilding at Palmerston North High School was designed by L. G. West. Palmerston North High School was established in 1902 as a secondary school for both boys and girls. Many of the original school buildings were destroyed by fire in 1910 and needed to be rebuilt. In 1919 it became Palmerston North Boys High School when a separate Girls High School was created.
L. G. West, Plan of Shop, Engine-room and Freezing Chambers, Palmerston North Fresh Food and Cooling Stores Co. Ltd
This plan depicts a premises with three cooling chambers designed by L. G. West for the Palmerston North Fresh Food and Cooling Stores Co. Ltd. The cooling and storage business was established in 1906. An advertisement in the Manawatū Times announced that "Palmerston North Fresh Food and Cooling Stores Ltd. Princess Streeet, are now open to receive for storage Perishable Goods of every description at moderate charges" (19 November 1906). They appear to have ceased trading in late 1920, when the managing director sought the dissolution of the company. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
Plan for Offices of L. G. West & Son, King Street
This plan for a single-storey, brick building was designed by L. G. West and Son as offices for their architectural practice. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) began working in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with his son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan for Additions and Alterations to a Residence, Sandon
This plan for modification to a house in Sandon was designed by L. G. West for J. A. Bailey. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plans for Extensive Additions to a Residence, Fitzherbert
These plans for substantial additions to a single-storey residence were designed by L. G. West for R. E. Bannister. A further five rooms were added to the existing seven-room house, together with a dairy and meat store. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan of Alterations and Additions to a Residence, Ashhurst
This plan for alterations to 'Waiwiri', a single-storey house, was designed by L. G. West for Arthur Acheson-Gray of Ashhurst. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West & Son, Plan for Cottage at Glen Oroua
This plan for a single-storey cottage with verandah was designed by L. G. West & Son for W. H. Duncan. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with his son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
L. G. West, Plan for Additions and Alterations to a Residence, Fitzherbert
This plan for modifications to a single-storey house was designed by L. G. West for A. Honoré. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
Plan of Palmerston North Airport at time of Queen Mother visit
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, arrived in Palmerston North by aeroplane. The reception was held at the airport, and the plan shows the layout for the official occasion.
Soldiers' Club Building - Plan of Second Floor Steel, 1916
Plan of steel structure used in creation of the second floor of the Soldiers' Club Building, dated 1916. Built on the corner of Cuba and George Streets for the Manawatu Patriotic Society and completed in 1917 to a design from the firm of L G West & Son. The building was used by the Returned and Services Association until 1966 when it was sold to a private owner. Currently it houses Cafe Cuba on the ground floor whose outdoor tables can be seen occupying the footpath along Cuba Street. The building is well preserved and contains many of the original design features including cast iron columns along the verandah.
L. G. West, Plan for Residence at Denbigh Street, Feilding
This plan depicts a single-storey, three bedroom villa, that was designed by L. G. West for W. H. Duncan of Feilding. The Danish-born architect Ludolph Georg West (1846-1919) established an architectural practice in Palmerston North in about 1880. In 1912 he formed a partnership with is son, Ernest Vilhem West, who continued the business after his father's death.
Fitzherbert Bridge - Lamp Brackets, Elevation and Plan
These engineering plans depict the lighting fixtures included as part of the second Fitzherbert Bridge. Since the 1870s, the vehicle across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. During the 1920s the deterioration of the original timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.
Plan for First Church of Christ, Scientist - Front Elevation and Cross Section
A plan of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, located at 409 Church Street.
Plan for Sunday School Building, First Church of Christ, Scientist
This undated plan was prepared by the Palmerston North architect James Walker. The First Church of Christ, Scientist, is located at 409 Church Street and was constructed in 1933.
Plans of Proposed Alterations and Additions to the Palmerston North Post Office
These blueprints, drawn by the Wellington architect W. P. Maule, show proposed modifications to the Palmerston North Chief Post Office building. These changes included the addition of a power house, relocation of doors and fireplaces and installation of steel columns, beams and girders. The plans were prepared in 1914, but it is unclear when the work was completed. A report in the Manawatū Standard stated: "The plans for the proposed additions have been prepared, and the work will be put in hand immediately." However, it was also "anticipated that owing to the war and the consequent difficulty in procuring the necessary materials" there may be delays in realising these developments (1 March 1916, p.5).
The original plans are held by Archives New Zealand as part of the Public Works Department - Maps and plans (Series / 22541).
Fitzherbert Bridge - Plans of Existing (1st) Bridge and Proposed (2nd) Bridge
For more than 140 years, the Fitzherbert Bridge across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. These two engineering plans depict the original Fitzherbert Bridge and the second structure being proposed as a replacement. The first Fitzhebert Bridge was completed in August 1877 and remained in use until 1935. It was constructed from totara wood and was 251 meters in length with a four-meter-wide carriageway.
During the 1920s the deterioration of the timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.