Monavale Homestead - 1910 - 2010

Channing and Billie left their comfortable and successful land development business in Vancouver with their son Frank.

Upon arriving in Cambridge, Billie helped in the nursing of her mother-in-law and Channing returned to the law business with his father. Channing and Billie's daughter Elizabeth (Betty) was born in 1910.

In 1911 Elizabeth Jane (Channings mother) succumbed to her illness and passed away.

To Frank and his wife Elizabeth Jane their family was very important, and all were very active in many areas of the community.

Frank and Elizabeth shared a great love for flowers.

‘In 1909 Elizabeth became ill. Frank wrote to his son Charles Channing, in Vancouver, British Colombia, and asked him and his wife Gertrude (Billie) to return to help look after them and the family holdings.’

Under the watch of William Francis Buckland (Frank) Cambridge acquired many important civil developments and assets.

This included the Town Hall, town water supply, saleyards, street paving, the Victoria Bridge, gas works, post office, sewerage system and the Technical and Manual Training School.

William Francis Buckland (Frank) was Mayor of Cambridge between 1898-1903 and from 1905 to 1910.

‘Frank was practical and energetic in the administration of the Cambridge Borough, and strongly pushed his concept of bringing the town into the 20^th Century…..he brought both necessities and amenities to the town of Cambridge.’

 

In 1870 Messrs Walker and Douglas acquired title of all their land known as Moana-tua-tua Estate and it soon became apparent that their drainage program was going to pay off.

During the 1870's as a result of several incidents of hostility shown by the Maoris towards the intrusion of the 'Pakehas' onto their tribal lands, Mr Walker decided to protect the homestead by digging a deep trench and erecting a high wall round the homestead with loopholes for rifles. An underground tunnel was also constructed to connect with the out-buildings.

The management of "Mona Vale" was handed to Thornton Walker (E.B. Walker's eldest son) and his co-owner John Benn in 1880, and in 1896 the estate was subdivided and sold.

Original Burnt

About this itime Charles Channing Buckland obtained 800 acres of Monavale Estate including the original homestead, which he had burnt down. He then built the present kauri home.

His father, William Francis (Frank) Buckland - a former mayor of Cambridge - moved to Monavale after his wife's death. Channing had a  greenhouse built where his father raised prize chrysanthemums and where he perfected the King Alfred Daffodil.

Channing sold the 800 acres about 1919-20 after the flu epidemic had taken a toll on his health. His doctor advised him to make a complete change so he sold up and moved to Canada.

Under the architect A B Herrold, (who also designed the Cambridge Town Hall) William Hogan started building the Monavale Homestead in May 1910.

The owner, Channing Buckland, had just returned from America and wanted his house designed along the lines of President Teddy Roosevelt's 'Sagamore Retreat'.

The house was set on the same site of the original Monavale Homestead, built by E B Walker when he started draining and farming activities in 1866. His love of trees was continued with Canadian oaks added to the English varieties.

The grand opening in December 1910 was the start of many meetings and social gatherings held in this spacious two and a half storey kauri homestead.

Cambridge's very own Monavale Homestead, built by Channing Buckland, will be turning 100yrs old this year!

To celebrate this momentous occasion we will be having an open day that will have a distinct 100 year old feel. There will be stalls, music, rides, historic displays, tours as well as afternoon tea being served on the veranda with food from the Buckland’s own recipe book.

The hunt is also underway for information on any of the previous owners so they can be contacted and invited to this occasion. If you are able to help in this regard please contact Elizabeth Thomas on 07 823 1800, or email elizabetht@capernwray.org.nz  

Keep an eye on this blog for updates regarding the history of the Homestead and the upcoming celebration!

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