Unveiling Treasures from the Neighbours' Past

In Timaru, a demolition project at 126-128 Stafford Street and the former Olympia Theatre, now known as the Drill Hall on Barnard Street, has brought to light historical treasures as the area undergoes redevelopment. These buildings, making way for the Theatre and Heritage Hub, concealed secrets from Timaru's 1880s past.

All images are courtesy of the South Canterbury Museum.

Principal Archaeologist Natasha Phillips and Senior Archaeologist Alix Muir unearthed these remnants in September, 2021. Senior Archaeologist Alix Muir expressed, "It never gets old finding archaeological artifacts like these; they provide a tangible link to the past – especially the dolls and buttons that must have been cherished by their owners!" These artifacts offer a window into Timaru's history, revealing insights and stories that may not be fully documented in historical records.

Dating back to the 1880s, these artifacts provide valuable insights into the past. Principal Archaeologist Natasha Phillips and Senior Archaeologist Alix Muir led the excavation efforts in collaboration with hydraulic excavators.

Beneath the Drill Hall, which once housed various businesses including Mr. Budd's confectionery and Scarf and Cookson's butchery, a rubbish deposit was discovered, shedding light on how items were made and used during that era.

One remarkable find was a doll's face and leg found beneath the Drill Hall at 31 Barnard Street. The delicate bow detail on the doll's leg and its estimated origin around 1870 suggest a connection to the time when various businesses, such as Mr. Budd's confectionery and Scarf and Cookson's butchery, operated along Stafford Street.

Another discovery was a comb made of Scottish Vulcanite embossed with the words "SCOTTISH VULCANITE ... Co. LIMITED." This unique artifact bears the mark of the Scottish Vulcanite Company, which operated from 1882 until the late nineteenth century in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Additionally, a bone handle from a toothbrush with the etched maker's mark "G.B. K ... & Co // London" was found, corresponding to G.B. Kents and Sons, a renowned brush maker founded in 1717 that remains in operation today.

The above artifacts, along with several others, are currently on display at the South Canterbury Museum in the "Then, Now, Next" exhibition.

The ongoing demolition project in Timaru holds the promise of unearthing more features associated with the city's rich history. As the excavation continues, there is a high likelihood of finding additional artifacts that will contribute to our understanding of Timaru's past. These discoveries add to a broader narrative, reminding us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage for generations to come.