By Roselyn Fauth
Guests outside the Oxford Building celebrate its 100th birthday - Photo Geoff Cloake
On Wednesday 19th November evening I had the privilege of helping bring together 46 people to celebrate one hundred years of the Oxford Building. It was a special night where the past, present sat together to reminisce and celebrate a stunning piece of South Canterbury's built heritage. The celebration was organised by building owner Shaun Stockman, The Oxford restaurant owners Michael and Clarissa Doran, and myself, representing WuHoo Timaru and the Timaru Civic Trust.
The party was so popular a second event was planned for 3rd of December as a ticketed event.
Descendants had travelled from around the country. Long-time supporters of Timaru’s built heritage joined local heritage advocates, historians, architects, and families whose names have been part of this corner’s story for generations. What really enjoyed hearing on the night was how people found connections with one another. Some had never met before, but within minutes they were swapping stories, recognising names, and realising just how deeply this site has shaped the life of the town and in many ways their own family.
Thank you to Stockman Group who were a major event sponsor.
Guests outside the building celebrate its 100th birthday. Photo Geoff Cloake
A Corner with a Long Memory
Dinner was held inside The Oxford restaurant, established in 2013, where husband and wife team Michael and Clarissa Doran had created a special menu based on historic cookbooks from our district. At each setting was a printed timeline of the corner, which I had spent the past few months researching and pulling together. What was supposed to be a simple overview became quite dense, but the information was key to helping people see how everyone's stories and impact was interconnected.
The corner’s story begins in 1864, when David Clarkson, with business partner Richard Turnbull, built and opened Clarkson and Turnbull, a wooden store on the corner of George Street, and Great North Road, now known as Stafford Street, in Timaru.
Only four years later, in December 1868, a small fire in a carpenter’s workshop turned into the Great Fire of Timaru, fuelled by a hot and fierce nor’west wind. In just under three hours, the flames roared through buildings from Church Street, to near Woollcombe Street, destroying 39 wooden stores, offices, warehouses and homes. by the evening the central business district was reduced to ashes and brick chimney's. Three quarters of the town’s commercial centre had to rebuild, including the Richard and Davic's store on this corner, and the Turnbulls family home.
The council passed a new bi-law requiring the rebuild to be of stone and brick. Making way for the Edwardian and Victorian street scape that we see in Timaru's CBD today.
The store was rebuilt stronger, this time in brick and local bluestone, and the Turnbull family stayed connected in one way or another to the site for decades. Their greatest legacy here arrived in 1925, when DC Turnbull and Co commissioned the striking new Oxford Building, designed by Turnbull and Rule and built by A. Kennedy. It was planned as three storeys but completed as four, making it Timaru’s tallest commercial building at the time.
Shaun Stockman of Stockman Group - property owner - Photo Geoff Cloake
Guests hear from Oxford Building owner, Shaun Stockman. Photo Geoff Cloake
A Building with a Devoted Caretaker
During the dinner, building owner Shaun Stockman spoke about his connection to Timaru. 19 Years ago he took a wrong turn on the way to Queenstown and ended up in Timaru instead. By Monday he had met Bruce Wilson and bought a heritage building. Since then he has become custodian to several of Timaru’s significant buildings, and he told us, again with great sincerity, that the Oxford is his favourite.
Shaun used to own many heritage buildings in Christchurch. All but one were destroyed in the Christchurch earthquake.
Shaun talked about his responsibility to look after the building and keep it strong for the next chapter. I think everyone in the room appreciated the enormous care he has taken, especially following the devastating loss of nearly all his heritage buildings in the Christchurch earthquakes. And his recent rejuvenation of the corners facade repaint.
It was only when they started to prepare the surface for the re-paint that they found the building had been coated in bitumen. this used to be a common practice for building preservation once. But was also incredibly expensive and time consuming to remove.
In 2025 the original cage elevator was renovated and reopened to the public.
I feel a lot of gratitude to Shaun for giving this building the care and investment it needs to stand for another hundred years.
Shaun Stockman of Stockman Group - property owner - Photo Roselyn Fauth
The Blue Plaque Unveiling
The highlight of the night was the unveiling of the new blue heritage plaque. This plaque is part of the national Historic Places Aotearoa initiative founded by former Timaru man Nigel Gilkison. In a statement, Christopher Templeton said the organisation was delighted to see another plaque installed, recognising both the significance of the Oxford Building and the determination of owners like Shaun, who understand the importance of preserving heritage for the next generation.
For those who love built heritage, seeing the plaque affixed to the exterior felt like a landmark moment. It signals that this building matters. That it carries a story worth holding onto.
Together Roselyn and Christopher have championed four blue heritage plaques for 2025. The Oxford building is the first to be unveiled. There is quite a process involved in submitting a nomination, and making sure that the property meets the criteria and is worth of the national status. It is important to take out time to learn the history, and fact check. As the information will help to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and valuing our built heritage. The plaques serve as a visible reminder of the rich layers of history all around us, encouraging pride in our communities and greater appreciation of heritage that has stood the test of time.
In South Canterbury, the project has been coordinated by a combined working group from the Timaru Civic Trust and the South Canterbury Historical Society. This group has overseen site selection, research, funding, permissions, and production to bring the first stage of the project to life.
Each plaque is 450 mm in diameter, cast in aluminium at a foundry in Dunedin, and finished with a durable powder-coated surface. They were designed to last, marking each building as an important part of our local heritage and briefly telling the story of why it matters.
The Blue Plaque tradition began in London in 1866, making it the oldest commemorative plaque scheme in the world. It was originally launched by the Society of Arts to mark the homes and workplaces of notable figures. Over time, the scheme was taken over by the London County Council, then the Greater London Council, and since 1986 has been managed by English Heritage. While the plaques were first limited to London, the idea has since inspired similar programmes across the UK and around the world. Today, Blue Plaques are a familiar way of celebrating significant people, places and events, helping to bring history into public view and encourage heritage awareness in everyday spaces.
If you are a building owner, researcher, donor or community member interested in helping to preserve our region’s rich history, we welcome your involvement. Together, we are making South Canterbury’s heritage more visible and more valued for the future. timarucivictrust.co.nz/blue-plaques.
Grandson of architect Percy W Rule with eldest grandson of James Turnbull, William Turnbull, unveil the blue heritage plaque with building owner Shaun Stockman.
Grandson of James Turnbull cut the ribbon on the building to re-open it for another 100 years. Photo Roselyn Fauth
Words from the Civic Trust
Timaru Civic Trust chairperson and NB Architects director Joshua Newlove spoke about the importance of the occasion.
"The Oxford Buildings’ 100th Anniversary was a wonderful occasion to celebrate our shared built heritage. Shaun Stockman’s commitment to retaining and maintaining heritage buildings in his portfolio is no small undertaking, and he has demonstrated what is possible with vision and care.
Buildings like the Oxford have a rich social history, and hearing from the descendants of the original architects, Turnbull & Rule, along with members of the Gabities family—who were connected to the site for more than 80 years—was a highlight of the evening.
Reflecting on the legacy of those who built Timaru encourages us to think deeply about how we shape our district today and the direction we set for future generations. The Timaru Civic Trust is proud to support and advocate for our heritage places. Our recent grant, which contributed to the exterior refurbishment of the Oxford Buildings and supported the installation of its new blue plaque, is a small but meaningful way we help ensure these important buildings remain in good condition, valued, and relevant." - Joshua Newlove
Michael Norris chats with Christopher Templeton and Roselyn Fauth - Photo Geoff Cloake
Timaru Civic Trust board member, Christopher Templeton who championed the blue plaque for the building with Roselyn Fauth, said The Executive of Historic Places Aotearoa is delighted in the unveiling of another heritage blue plaque which highlights not only the built heritage of the Oxford Building, but also the determination of owners such as Shaun Stockman who recognise the value of preserving heritage for the next generation.
Guests, Kelly Sweerus and Forest Bohrer, who live in a home designed by James and Percy, Turnbull & Rule, said this event demonstrated the significant enthusiasm the community has for the rich heritage that Timaru has to offer. It was such an enjoyable night and we loved learning about the history of the Oxford building".
Their home was designed for the Marriots who used to have a drapery store on the corner in the second building on the site.
How this Building Connects Us
For me, the most powerful part of the evening was realising just how many threads of my own life are woven into this corner. The building and its site connect us in far more ways than people might expect.
I grew up on the same street as Michael Doran, who now co-owns The Oxford restaurant with my good friend Clarissa. He grew up in a house designed by Turnbull and Rule. Years later I designed The Oxford’s branding and logo for them, inspired by the beautiful original ceiling motifs. Our families have stayed close and our children are growing up together. Infact, thanks to the schools being closed for the aspestos investigations, our children were at the restuarant that day, helping the Oxford team set up for the party.
Our close friends Kelly and Forest also live in a Turnbull and Rule home, originally designed for the Marriott family, who traded in the second building on this very site. I went to Waimataitai and Timaru Girls high Schools with a Gabites descendant, Bridget, so some of the people who walked through the door that night were already familiar faces.
And in one of those strange coincidences that heritage tends to produce, I first met the authors of a book in progress about Turnbull and Rule when their hard drive failed. They thought they had lost years of work. My father, Geoff Cloake, managed to rescue it for them. And we are now helping them complete their incredible book.
It is amazing how a single building can find its way into so many parts of your life!
These experiences have taught me the importance of connection. Making time for people. Listening to their stories. Recording them so future generations can understand how a place shaped the lives lived there. While some might focus on the bricks and mortar, I find the real stories are actually the people who have connected with the building. History always comes back to the people.
Guests enjoy a meal together at the Oxford Restaurant. Photo Geoff Cloake
A Night of Warmth, Reflection, and Renewal
We ended the evening with a celebratory cake decorated with a motif from the restaurant’s ceiling. Catheryn Gabites cut the cake that her family baked and gifted as Just Eat Cake and Gabites Appliances.
We also acknowledged the Dorans, because quality tenants are absolutely vital to the viability of heritage buildings. Their care for the space and their support for the project shone throughout the night. The buildings history was brought back to the restaurants fit out, and includes a custom bar, large bespoke mural based on a photo from the South Canterbury Museum. Their menus include historic images of Timaru Districts past.
As everyone drifted out into the evening, I felt grateful. Grateful for the people who came before us, who built and rebuilt this corner. Grateful for the people who care for it today. And grateful for the new connections made around those tables. Heritage is not just about buildings. It is about people, memory, and the stories that remind us where we have come from, who we are and where we belong.
The Oxford Building now begins its next hundred years with pride, purpose, and a community that will continue to share its story and create new chapters.
Oxford Restaurant Co-owner Clarissa Doran - Photo Geoff Cloake
Oxford Restaurant Co owner - Michael Doran. They established the restaurant there in 2013. The award winning restaurant has held the top spot on Trip Advisor for many years.
Guest speaker Michael Norris, shares the history and stories of his granfather Percy W Rule of the archectural firm Turnbull & Rule, who designed the 1924-25 Oxford Building for owner David Clarkson Turnbull. Michael is also chair of the Akaroa Civic Trust. Photo Geoff Cloake
South Canterbury Museum Educator Keely Kroening, speaks about her new childrens book to help teachers share information about the Districts built history. The book is in all of the school libraries and available to purchase from the Museum. Photo Geoff Cloake.
Keely spoke about her new children’s book at the Oxford Building’s one hundredth birthday celebration, sharing with guests the story behind why she created it. She explained that, after two decades of helping South Canterbury students connect with their heritage, she wanted a fresh and engaging way to introduce local children to the past. Inspired by an Australian book that contrasted life then and now, she realised the South Canterbury Museum could make its own version using familiar places, photographs, and themes that young people would recognise. Her book grew from that idea, capturing everyday settings such as homes, schools and shops, and showing how learning about where we come from can give us a sense of tūrangawaewae, belonging and confidence.
It felt especially meaningful to hear Keely share this story at the Oxford Building’s one hundredth birthday. Her book reminds young people to look closely at the places around them and recognise the stories held in familiar walls and streets. The Oxford is one of Timaru’s proud heritage landmarks, shaped by generations of businesses and community life. By encouraging children to understand the past through real buildings, photos and objects, Keely captured exactly why places like the Oxford matter. Its centenary was the perfect moment to celebrate how our built heritage anchors us, fosters belonging and continues to shape our sense of home in South Canterbury.
Photo from Keely Kroenings book launch at the South Canterbury Museum October 2025
The evenings menu was inspired by community cookbooks from 1920s. thank you to Aoraki Heritage Collection who scanned the Timaru District Libraries cookbook archive to make them available online. Photo Roselyn Fauth aorakiheritage.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/166
We enjoyed a stunning menu crafted by chef Michael Doran and his team, who drew inspiration from the women whose recipes once filled Timaru’s community cookbooks. The evening opened with ham croquettes first shared by Mrs J. A. Pearson of Cain Street in the Trinity Jubilee Fancy Fair Cookbook of 1914, followed by Mrs S. Duncan’s asparagus savouries from the Trinity Centennial Recipe Book, and dainty savoury mouthfuls inspired by Mrs G. L. Lochhead’s contributions to the St Paul’s Timaru Cookery Book. For the mains, Doran recreated Miss Little’s elegant Lemon Sole Veronique from the Technical School’s 1914 Jubilee Cookbook, alongside a comforting Coronation Chicken inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 celebration dishes. Dessert was a generous Celebration Cake gifted by the Gabites family, layered with chocolate cake, brandy snap, white chocolate cheesecake, dark chocolate mousse and fresh strawberries. The entire menu honoured the 1925 building’s anniversary, celebrating the flavours local families once cooked at home.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Aoraki Heritage Collection, whose work digitising the Timaru District Libraries’ cookbook archive made it possible to bring these historical recipes back to the table.
Standing Canepes, and one of the main meals. Photo Roselyn Fauth
Standing Canepes. Photo Roselyn Fauth
The 100th birthday celebration cake was gifted by Gabites decendants and business owners - Just Eat Cake, and Gabites Appliance Services. Photo Roselyn Fauth
The cake was cut by family historian Catheryn Gabites. Photo Roselyn Fauth
Catheryn Gabites shares her familys history and corner connection. Photo Geoff Cloake
Tables setting included a placemat with the sites historic timeline threading together the history of the invited guests. Photo Roselyn Fauth
Guests enjoyed a tour of the biulding. John Turnbull reminised about the top floor where his grandfather James Turnbull once had his office. - Photo Geoff Cloake
John Rolleston, representing D.C. Turnbull & Co, chats to Timaru Civic Trust members Leon Browning Dr Andrew Paul Wood at the Oxford unveiling
