Newspaper Supplement 1976 – Poppelwells 50th Anniversary

10   The Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune, Thursday, September 9, 1976

Poppelwells
OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR
50th Anniversary

Harry Poppelwell’s other job is Hastings

Hastings businessman, Mr Harry Poppelwell, MBE, has always had a secondary profession – promoting Hastings by organising the Blossom Festival, the Highland Games and founding Fantasyland.

Mr Poppelwell, 77, was born in Hastings and educated at St Joseph’s Convent School until the age of 14.

He served his apprenticeship in the drapery trade at Roach Bros and opened his own business in 1926.  He became deeply involved in promoting hockey, swimming and lifesaving in Hawke’s Bay before he turned to organising civic affairs.

WARTIME CONCERTS

The Second World War and a concern for the welfare of the troops and their families led Mr Poppelwell to chair the entertainment committee of the Hastings Patriotic Organisation.

The fundraising committee decided to hold a number of entertainment sessions in the Municipal Theatre.

The first week only 50 people attended the next week 150 attended and the following week the theatre was packed.

In fact, the weekly sessions became so popular the public demanded that they be held for the duration of the war – four years.

MADE MONEY

“The shows made thousands of pounds for the patriotic committee.  They became the venue for the family night out in Hastings and we only charged one shilling per seat, with an extra 6d charge for reserved seats.

“During the four years we tried every stage gimmick.  It developed along the lines of a fun radio show; we had lemonade contests for the children, bed-making. competitions and tyre-changing competitions for men as well as drawing on the tremendous amount of musical talent in the area,” Mr Poppelwell said.

Mr Poppelwell said it was “sad.” but also a tremendous relief when the curtain was drawn on the sessions at the end of the war.

VOID LEFT

“But after the war there was a void of activity in the community and I realised something had to be done to give the public an interest.”

Mr Poppelwell’s realisation brought into being the Greater Hastings organisation – the promotions organisation which organised the Blossom Festival, the Highland Games and the building of Fantasyland.

“In 1950 a group of prominent businessmen in the town met and agreed unanimously about the objectives of the organisation – the only thing they couldn’t agree on was the name of the organisation.

NAMED ORGANISATION

I was chairing the meeting and we had all sorts of suggestions, such as Advance Hastings, I had to call a recess to give then’ time to chew over the name and when the meeting resumed I moved that it be called Greater Hastings.” Mr Poppelwell said.

Mr Poppelwell was the foundation president of Greater Hastings, and retained the position for 17 years until he retired.  During that time the organisation introduced the now traditional Blossom Festival and Highland Games and Mr Poppelwell was the founder of the city’s biggest attraction, Fantasyland.

Mr Poppelwell said it was “a sad day” when the Blossom Festival was dropped but still hopes that one day it will be revived.

WORLD ATTRACTION

“The Blossom Festival was the biggest attraction that Hawke’s Bay has ever seen and over the years attracted attendances of between 70,000 and 80,000 people.

“It put Hastings on the map because we used to have tourists from Canada, America and Australia writing to us asking for the date of the procession every year because they were planning to come to New Zealand and did not want to miss the procession.

“Any type of procession is a fascination at any time, children love it and it is free – but the success of the procession always depends on the enthusiasm of those who are organising it.” Mr Poppelwell said.

BIRTH OF IDEA

Mr Poppelwell’s idea to build Fantasyland at Windsor Park was formulated after he made visits to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen and Disneyland.

“I obtained the services of Mr R. McLoughlan who conjured up the designs and made the model which sold the idea to the council.”

With a committee, Mr Poppelwell organised a queen carnival which raised $30,000 as the nucleus of the development of Windsor Park.  Mr Poppelwell laid the foundation stone of Fantasyland.

I wanted Hastings to have a feature like Napier’s Marine Parade – and I am sure that today Fantasyland compares favourably with the parade.” Mr Poppelwell said.

Mr Poppelwell still has the original design of Fantasyland in his office at the shop in Russell St.  Included in the design is the pirate ship, which on Friday, September 3, the council announced plans to build.

LIFE MEMBER

Mr Poppelwell stood down from his president’s office in 1967, but has always retained his avid interest in the organisation and now is a life member.

In 1971 Mr Poppelwell was awarded the MBE in honour of his community service to Hastings.

But my only repayment is that something has been done for the community – and I really loved doing it.” Mr Poppelwell said.

Mr Poppelwell’s son, David, has shared his father’s interest and was this year elected the president of Greater Hastings.

David has also taken over the reins of lifesaving Hawke’s Bay, being a past president of the Hawke’s Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and president of the Waimarama Surf Lifesaving Club.

In his younger days Mr Poppelwell Snr was a keen hockey player for the Hastings United Club and was a Hastings and Hawke’s Bay representative and was a leader in hockey administration.

He was at one time president of the Hastings and Hawke’s Bay Association.

During the summer months, Mr Poppelwell dedicated his time to promoting swimming and lifesaving in Hawke’s Bay.

NOW PATRON

He was a foundation member of the Heretaunga Swimming Club and is now its patron; he was a foundation president of the Waimarama Surf Lifesaving Club and the original president of the Hawke’s Bay association.

For many years he was a member of the Hawke’s Bay Centre of the New Zealand Swimming Association and president for a period.  He was also vice-president of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association.

“I was also a New Zealand diving judge and a water polo referee.

“But my interest has always been based in Hawke’s Bay and Hawke’s Bay organisations have always had first call on my time.” Mr Poppelwell said.

Photo caption – Harry Poppelwell … given so much time to Hastings.

A Time to Rejoice…

HONOURING THE PAST…  SALUTING THE FUTURE…!

Managerial

First thoughts on reaching the 50 years mark in our business are of appreciation to customers, staff and suppliers.

In the very early days our first customers were our friends…then as the years went by many many more became our friends.  It has been a never-ending pleasure to enjoy the continuing custom of so many families and people over the 50 years.

Staff loyalty and the atmosphere developed has been tremendous and we recognise the great value to us of this steadfastness and expertise.

We got to know our suppliers too.  Business is a team effort right through and mighty good friendships have been forged around New Zealand as we search the markets for our customers’ needs.

So it is ‘Thanks you all’ – every one of you – as we pause for a moment to honour the past and salute the future.

Harry Poppelwell

H. B. POPPELWELL
Governing Director and founder of the business.  Over 60 years in the menswear trade.

DAVID POPPELWELL
General Manager.  Son of the founder.  20 years in the business.

R.J. (Dick) CULLINANE
Assistant Manager and Credit Manager. 45 years with the firm.

MICHAEL POPPELWELL
Mercery and Shoe Buyer.  17 Years with the firm.

ALLAN BRADY
Boyswear Buyer and Senior Sales.  26 Years with the firm.

MERV SMITH
Warehouse Stock Manager.  3½ years with the firm.

DAVID McPHEE
Active Sportswear Representative and Industrial Clothing Manager.  3 years with the firm.

JIM McCALL
Jeans Department Buyer.  12 months with the firm.

It’s Our Golden Jubilee Year – 1926 – 1976

50 YEARS OF TRADING IN HASTINGS
… and still suppliers to Young Men of All Ages …!

Poppelwells
OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR

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The Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune, Thursday, September 9, 1976   11

Poppelwells
OF HASTINGS
50th ANNIVERSARY

It’s all in the family

Poppelwell’s the family business.

Mr H. B. Poppelwell has four sons, two of whom are actively involved in the business, and the two older ones who hold a financial interest.

David and Michael Poppelwell joined their father in the shop on leaving school.  Michael is the mercery and shoe buyer, and David is gradually “taking over the reins of the company” from his father.

Mrs Janet Poppelwell is a director of the company and though she is not actively involved in its running she “keeps her finger on the pulse.”

Mr Poppelwell Snr no longer does any of the buying for the shop but “leaves it to the younger ones, now.”

He says he is happy to be on hand to advise and guide if necessary, and although he is not looking forward to retirement yet, he feels his phasing out of the business slowly will make the transition a smooth one.

Photo captions –

The staff of Poppelwell’s from left, Mr Harry Poppelwell, Mr Dick Cullinane, Mr Jim McCall, Mr David Poppelwell Mrs Judy Reiger, Mr David McPhee, Mrs Alyson Wicken, Mr M. Smith, Mr Allan Brady, Mr Michael Poppelwell and Miss Julie Harris.

Mr Dick Cullinane has been a familiar figure behind the counter at Poppelwell’s for the past 46 years.

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Poppelwells
OF HASTINGS
1926-1976
GOLDEN YEAR

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12   The Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune, Thursday, September 9, 1976

Seen many trends

Mr Harry Poppelwell has seen plus fours, boxed suits and many more men’s fashion trends come and go in his 62 years in the softgoods trade.

He started out at the age of 14 working at Roach Bros, and gained experience in softgoods, drapery and menswear till he opened his own business in 1926.

He looks back on the changes in fashion, manufacturing and retail favourably, and feels his trade has only improved over the years.

In the early days of business the majority of his goods were imported from England, but he has not found it necessary to hold an import licence for some years now as New Zealand products have improved.

“I have no occasion to think of the overseas market or products now.”

Looking back on fashion trends he remembers how once there was no such thing as a two-piece suit, they were all three.  “But now three-piece suits are coming back and people think they are something new.”

Mr Poppelwell recalls his first suit with long trousers, and how he paid six guineas for it, tailor made.

“You could buy a few boxed suits then, ready made up, but if you wanted a suit you went to a tailor and had it made.”

There was a little worsted cloth being made here, in those days, but most of it was imported, he said.

Mr Poppelwell has suffered some setbacks over his years of trading.  One was the 1931 earthquake, which did not structurally damage his building, but it was two weeks before he was able to reopen the shop.

The recession followed in 1933, then the Second World War.

“We had a variety of problems, but we have weathered them all without serious setbacks,” he said.

Photo captions –

Michael Poppelwell, left and David Poppelwell, right, displaying merchandise in the shop.  David is moving into his father’s place at the head of the business, and Michael is a buyer and a senior salesman.

The smiling girls in the office at Poppelwell’s are from left, Mrs Alyson Wicken, Mrs Judy Reiger, and Miss Julie Harris.

Poppelwells
OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR
50th
ANNIVERSARY

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OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR
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OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR

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OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR
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The Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune, September 9, 1976   13

Decked out

It is not every day there is something as important as a 50th anniversary to celebrate, and Poppelwell’s, one and all, have really got the festive spirit.  The Russell Street shop is decked out for the occasion, and the Poppelwells hope the customers will enjoy this special time with them.

Poppelwells
OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR
50th ANNIVERSARY

Poppelwells proud of association with staff

Mr Dick Cullinane has been on the staff of Poppelwells since 1930.

He is one of several staff members who can claim a long association with Poppelwells, and is now a director on the company, clothing buying and credit manager.

The first staff member to join the business at its inception was Mr Don McKee, who stayed at Poppelwells for more than ten years.

Mr Bernie Kirschberg also joined the staff many years ago.  He and Mr Cullinane left to serve in the Second World War, but rejoined the firm afterwards.  Mr Kirschberg stayed for some years before going into business on his own.  He has since retired.

Another “old hand” as Mr Poppelwell describes them, is Mr Alan Brady who has been in charge of the boys’ department for many years.

“I have been particularly fortunate to have such long-serving staff, and feel this does help in our association with our customers,” says Mr Poppelwell.

He recounts how some years ago he was advised by his accountant to take a holiday but did not want to leave the shop.  Having been almost forced into it he went to Australia for a month feeling apprehensive all the while, and with “certain misgivings.”

“When I returned I found the business had increased and the shop was smart and clean and everything was just as I would have liked it to have been,” he said “I learnt an important lesson then, that no one is indispensable.”

Mr Poppelwell now finds he is serving the third generation of families who patronised the shop in its early years … although some of the originals are coming in too, he adds.

Poppelwells
OF HASTINGS
1926 – 1976
GOLDEN YEAR

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Mr David Poppelwell
H. B. Poppelwell & Co. Ltd.,
Hastings.
Dear Mr. Poppelwell,
On behalf of our Directors and staff I write to congratulate you on your Company’s 50 years of service to our industry and to our Community.
We wish you well on this milestone in your history and look forward to continuing the happy relationship which has spanned so many memorable years.
Sincere greetings to you and to all at Poppelwells.
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Yours sincerely,
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Managing Director
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CONGRATULATIONS
Poppelwells
of HASTINGS
ON 50 YEARS OF SERVICE FROM
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