Glow of electricity....

Captured early this morning when it was wet and wild on High Street. The warm golden glow of the lights and the autumn leaves still falling caught my eye as cafe staff prepare for a wet and windy day. The thought of electricty came to mind, seemed to be appropriate for this winter's morn.

The Johnston's Building housed the first shop in Rangiora to be lit by electricity. Built by local builders Boyd and Keir, using "only the best procurable materials". The shop was built for its first tenant, G F Smith the draper while Johnston's engineering business was located at the rear of the premises. John Johnston was a blacksmith and the second Mayor of Rangiora.

Over the years the building has had a wide variety of businesses operating from it, for example, Self Help grocers, The Public Trust and the Victoria Street Café. It is currently tenanted by Rangiora Coffee Culture. The building is still owned by Johnston's descendants, who, with the cooperation of the Historic Places Trust and the Rangiora and Districts Early Records Society, have restored the building.

The Johnston's building was given Landmarks status at a ceremony held on 29 November 2002. It has a Historic Places Trust Category II registration,
AND survived the earthquakes :)

Backblip - A Lost Dream

Keep warm local blippers, the talk of the town today - 'Is snow on its way'?.

Happy Monday everyone :)