Collections
Our Cambridge Collection has changing exhibitions about Cambridge. Much of our collection is in storage to ensure its preservation for future generations.
Poems
When Cambridge was founded in 1864 the east bank of the Waikato River was called Cambridge East and the west bank Cambridge West. But in January 1865 a newspaper correspondent recorded, “As some of our huts are finished, headquarters have been shifted over the other side, some few days back, that is Cambridge, the left bank is Oxford, two very learned names, but study of any sort is not much thought about up here, I think.” Later, in 1873 the Armed Constabulary complained about the lack of literary encouragement and HQ in Wellington sent up some books to start a library. It was decided to name all the streets after authors and poets - a practice still continued by Waipa District Council. In 1907 the Cambridge West Town Board was formed and the name changed to Leamington in 1908. Leamington, England, was the birthplace of the chairman, James Keeley.‘Overlord’ – D Day June 6th 1944,
An acrostic poem by Brian Dunstan, 2024 Overhead in the midnight sky, hundreds of bombers were flying high above the landing craft that bore the soldiers to an alien shore. Vital bridges to secure airborne…
MOREWorthy of an Ode
In October of 2006, the Cambridge Historical Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary and a poetry competition was held as part of the celebrations. Entrants’ original poems were to be based on the subject of Cambridge…
MOREI Went to a Town
In October of 2006, the Cambridge Historical Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary and a poetry competition was held as part of the celebrations. Entrants’ original poems were to be based on the subject of Cambridge…
MOREC-A-M-B-R-I-D-G-E
In October of 2006, the Cambridge Historical Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary and a poetry competition was held as part of the celebrations. Entrants’ original poems were to be based on the subject of Cambridge…
MOREA Town United
In October of 2006, the Cambridge Historical Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary and a poetry competition was held as part of the celebrations. Entrants’ original poems were to be based on the subject of Cambridge…
MOREA Tale of Timothy Sullivan
In October of 2006, the Cambridge Historical Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary and a poetry competition was held as part of the celebrations. Entrants’ original poems were to be based on the subject of Cambridge…
MOREWorking Bee
by ‘Backblocker’ – 23 March 1926 Oh, have you seen the workers At the corner of the street – With their picks, and forks, and shovels And their garden tools complete? It’s a sight that…
MOREWaikato River
by C W Clark – 28 September 1926 From Ruapehu’s snowy slopes A turgid torrent flows; But soon in spacious Taupo Lake It seeks a short repose. There fed by fellow streams and rills, Its…
MORERatepayer’s Lament and More Moans
Ratepayer’s Lament by William Street – 20 August 1954 The turf, it was piled by the old village clock. The grimy old clock. Slow-chiming old clock. A burial maybe; muckle gold in a sock? Oh…
MOREOld Buffers’ Match
by ‘Wayback’ – 19 June 1919 (Details of a Rugby match played as a patriotic fund raiser on Victoria Square) The day it was Wednesday the 18th June, The weather was fine at the wane…
MOREOde to the Imitator
by G Kay Waikato Independent 26 April 1954 Of Leamington at last we’ve heard And though the poet is fluent of word, His verses do not rhyme too well This tendency goes to break the…
MOREOde to the Imitations of Immortality
by M.S – 21 April 1954 (Leamington ) This other Leamington, this noble town, Set like a jewel in England’s farthest crown, Honours the many masters of the pen, By naming all her streets from…
MOREKaimai Battle
by ‘Inky Finger’ – 6 November 1942 (Homeguard and Army Manoeuvres) At the finish of this war There’ll be wondrous tales in store For those who like the dinkum stuff Of soldiers who are brave…
MOREHearts and Hearths Aglow
by A Grateful Pensioner – 14 July 1965 Winter is here with frosts that bite For hours, till sunshine drives them off. The winds too, pierce one left and right And raise the nasty, hacking…
MOREFurious Cambridge Flyer
by James Harvey – 6 September 1919 We’re off! Stand aside all ye loonies! Look out! Can’t yer see we’re agoin’? Standin’ there like ‘Gyptian mummies! Can’t yer ‘ear ‘er damn whistle blowin’? Clear the…
MOREFor Sale: Ford Car
For Sale Ford Car 10 February 1923 One Ford Car with a piston ring, Two rear wheels, one front spring, Has no fenders, seat or plank, Burns much gas and hard to crank. Carburettor’s busted…
MORECricket Match at Oakleigh Farm
by C H Hargreaves – 2 December 1919 Just list’ to me, dear reader, I will tell to you in rhyme, Of a match we played at cricket, Where we had a bosker time. The…
MORECows, Cows, Cows
by C H Hargreaves – 14 August 1924 The cows are coming in again; We’re carting out the hay. All through the mud and rain and cold We’re toiling hard all day. The hungry calves…
MOREChristmas Love Rhymes
From Vandyke’s the Jeweller advertisement, 21 December 1905 Vandyke’s Rings engage the mind, And lead you to the altar shrine. Vandyke’s Brooches twine together Hearts that never after sever. Vandyke’s Bangles fain entangle Dainty wrists…
MOREC.H. Treadgold for Seeds! Seeds! Seeds!
This poem appeared as an advertisement in the 25 August 1906 issue of the Waikato Independent FLOWERS I have Adonis Flos, Balsam, Aster Betteridge’s Quilled, Anagallis, Bartonia Aurea, soon your garden will be filled; Canna,…
MOREThe Charms of Cambridge
by G.M. Te Pahu – 13 November 1923 Exquisite and sweet, on an old rustic seat At the Domain, in Cambridge, at nine, Sat a young maid, in beauty arrayed – A picture – simply…
MOREBattle of the Range
by O’Murcadha – 10 August 1912 The New Zealand Mounted Rifles, camped at the Rifle Range, sent in their news item in verse. Staff-Sergeant-Major Coleman, the officer in command, Did rally on his warriors bold…
MOREAn Appreciation of Cambridge
by C R Temperley Cambridge , 12 December 1912. An Appreciation of Cambridge As I wander through your valley, Many beauties rare to see, For dear old Cambridge is to me The prettiest spot I…
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