Cullingford Farm and Shop

Before subdivision took place, there were pockets of bush and farmland as far as the eye could see. Beyond the houses on this stretch was the Cullingford Farm. Some lucky schoolchildren had money to spend at Annie Cullingford’s shop that she ran out of her front room. Everything cost a penny—a cup of hot cocoa, homemade cakes, and pastries.

The Cullingfords bought five acres and an established house in 1911. They kept two cows, a pig, and some hens. Charles Cullingford worked at the sugar refinery, walking there and back every day. Ann Cullingford was an enterprising woman and sold butter and eggs to her neighbours. It is believed she bought the first privately-owned motorcar in Glenfield, a Model T Ford worth two hundred pounds. Her son and grandson were still living in Glenfield in 2002. Her grandson, Don, recalls with regret:

When the area was subdivided, the house was bulldozed into a heap and set alight. All that beautiful kauri wood! It burnt for days.

Continue north to Neal Avenue.