Dilworth’s General Store (150-156 King Street)

Central Pukekohe experienced significant architectural change during the early part of the twentieth century as wooden buildings disappeared and were replaced with larger brick and concrete structures. The former Dilworth’s General Store is one of only two surviving wooden buildings in the town centre (the other being the Dell’s Saddlery building).

This building was historically known as the Unity Building. James Dilworth, an Irish migrant who arrived on the Ganges, acquired the property in October 1879 and owned it until 1882. Although it passed through many other hands afterwards, his name remained attached to the structure. Over the years, it has hosted a tea shop, butchery, Farmers, and a men’s clothing store. When it functioned in the latter capacity, a clothing manufactory was established upstairs with clothes tailored to size downstairs.

After selling the property, Dilworth moved to Mauku and farmed for a period of four years before returning to Pukekohe and acquiring another corner shop (later Brosnahan’s pharmacy). After two decades spent in Pukekohe, he lived some twenty years in Te Aroha and moved back to Franklin after the death of his wife. He died in 1929.

Cross King Street at the crossing and enter the Pukekohe Town Centre.