Rural museum recalls a robust pioneering past

Press, 24 May 1985, Page 14

Rural museum recalls a robust pioneering past

A private museum near Rangiora will be officially opened on Sunday afternoon. The Northbrook Museum, named because of its location next to the North Brook, on the Rossburn Friesian Stud property of Spark brothers, owes its origin to the enthusiasm of one of them, Mr Richard Spark. Although Mr Spark had collected items earlier, it is only in the last three years that he has accumulated most of the thousands of items that are displayed in the 250 sq m museum that he has erected.

The corrugated ironsheathed building could pass for just another farm building, except that its entrance is marked by two white concrete gate posts, each signwritten in black with “Northbrook Museum," and a white wrought iron gate. A few steps from the gateway takes one to the entrance porch and the red arched door, salvaged from the former Methodist Church, Blenheim. The large open-space building is supported on former telegraph poles. The walls have been lined and

the concrete floor, with a damp course, was laid with the help of family members. Although Mr Spark began his museum project only three years ago, the building is already well filled, with some displays dating back more than 100 years. It was a big task to shift everything from a tightly packed, smaller shed to the present museum. Mr Spark’s museum project started modestly. His dairy farming background led to collecting milk bottles and milk bottle caps and related material, many marked with the names of the individual milk suppliers. Items associated with the milk industry have an important place in the collection.

Mr Spark, in his early 40s, expanded his collecting hobby so that he could sustain it through his retirement.

This began with his first visit to the former Friday auction market run by one of Rangiora’s senior citizens, Mr Larry Devlin, now aged 93. That day he bought a vintage pre-1910 bicycle, in working order. Although it is on display in the museum, the bicycle is not just an ornament: it is kept in good condition and earns its keep by being ridden occasionally by Mr Spark. Since then Mr Devlin has encouraged Mr Spark and has become one of his most enthusiastic supporters. Mr Spark’s work prevented him

from being a regular attender at the auctions, but he made visits to the auction rooms and arranged with Mr Devlin to buy items on his behalf.

Because of his help and encouragement, Mr Devlin has been invited to officially open the museum. After the opening, the public will be able to see the museum displays before afternoon tea.

Mr Spark appreciates the help given by many people, including his brothers, Bob and John, and those who have lent or donated items.

Mr Spark has also spent considerable time restorating and where needed freshening items with paint. In this work, he has had a willing helper in Mr Fred Brown, who works in the farm workshop. Mr Brown has a knack for getting reluctant pieces to go again. It is impossible to give a comprehensive coverage of the display. Sections of the building are in bays to represent mini shop displays, featuring grocery, chemist, tobacconist, veterinary supplies. Other bays feature a variety of old solid fuel cast

iron stoves, early hand model washing machines, photographic equipment, an early model commercial hairdrier, dentistry equipment that many Rangiora residents will be familiar with, harness, an early model of church organ, health books, and early newspapers and weekly magazines. You name it and there is a fair chance that it will be among Mr Spark’s collection.

The opening of the museum is only a step in Mr Spark’s project; the collecting will continue and no doubt the time will come when the storage room needs to be expanded. Before then he faces a daunting task of cataloguing every item for easier reference.

Mr Spark takes a wider interest in the district history, as a member of the Rangiora and Districts Early Records Society.

Mr Spark’s interest in preserving a record of the past is shared by his brothers, Bob and John. The Spark brothers, while operating an efficient farm, have found time in a project headed by John to establish a vintage tractor collection that would be the envy of anay transport or farm museum. They have a collection of about 50 tractors, about half in working order, with the others being restored.

‘You name it and there’s a fair chance it will be among Mr Spark’s collection.’