| Title | Oral history interview with Walter (Jim) Thomas, 2005. |
| Creator | |
| Date created | 01 May 2005 |
| Description Summary | Jim describes his parents Albert and Ethel Thomas and details the family daffodil farm in Titirangi. He recalls his father as a horticulturalist and carpenter and mentions his work at the Whenuapai aerodrome. Jim details and describes the flowers his father grew including the importation of bulbs from Holland, taking flowers to market, and journalists coming in spring to take photographs. He describes his father's expectation of long hours of work on the property and recalls his parents separation. Jim briefly mentions his overseas army service. |
| Subjects | |
| Other Notes | Born in 1918, in Cambridge, NZ, Jim and his twin brother Martin had four other siblings. Their parents were Albert and Ethel Thomas. Albert, a horticulturalist, purchased 30 acres in rural Titirangi and was renowned for his 'Titirangi Daffodil Farm'. The family attended the Open Brethren Church, New Lynn and often called on church womenfolk to assist with picking daffodils. The marriage dissolved when Jim was in his mid teens - Ethel, Jim and another brother moved to Mt Albert. Jim trained as a builder, served overseas during WWII with the 6th NZ Field Ambulance and later married Lois Shaw, raising three children on Lincoln Road, Henderson. |
| Keywords | Thomas, Ethel (nee Ladbrook); Thomas, Albert; Titirangi; Waitakere; New Zealand Horticulture; |
| Language | English |
| Copyright Holder | Auckland Libraries |
| Access Rights | Contact the West Auckland Research Centre, Waitakere Central Library in Henderson, to listen to recording or view abstract. Not available for loan. |
| Digital access copies | Wav file. |
| Available copies | Local History, Waitakere Central Library; Jim Thomas; |
| Original medium | Audio; analogue, cassette |
| Duration | 1 x C60 |
| Supporting materials | Notes written by Jim Thomas; William Thomas and Family ; of Devon and New Zealand - photocopies of relevant pages from a family history. Newspaper articles on the Titirangi Daffodil Farm (photocopies) |
| Contributor | |
| Oral History ID | WOH-1023 |
