Watchmaker, of Dinsdale, Hamilton. Served in World War II; historian for Divisional Signals, Italy. Married Enid Rae (née Speedy; b 1930).
Lewis, Thornley Alston, 1922-
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Audio
Interview with Enid and Thornley Lewis
Date: 13 Dec 1991 - 12 Dec 1991
From: Dinsdale Community Oral History Project, Part II.
By: Lewis, Enid Rae, 1930-; Lewis, Thornley Alston, 1922-
Reference: OHInt-0090/2
Description: A joint interview with Enid and Thornley Lewis. Enid born Auckland, brought up in Te Awamutu, moving back to Auckland after war and attending Teachers' Training College Auckland. Recalls: teaching experience at Huntly (3 years); marriage and move to Auckland; Hamilton Civic Orchestra where they both played; changes in teaching especially for women. Thornley talks about his watchmaking trade in New Plymouth after the war, training with F W Huthnance, New Plymouth, managing shops in Cambridge for two years - working for Jean Challiner for 5 years before starting own business in Frankton. Recalls his experience, while in the Army, as historian for Divisional Signals, in Italy and after war barracked in Florence, spending 6 months of afternoons working for Italian watchmaker. Describes house built by Cliff Potts, at Whatawhata Road. Refers to Rehabilitaton (REHAB) loan from State Advances at 3%. Mentions Javelin car used by family. Talks about Gibson Road Ratepayers Association which began 1965 and gives details of issues undertaken. Mentions R G Young who was Chairman - Enid Secretary. Describes Dinsdale in the late 1950s with mention of Templeview (Mormon College). Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Hamilton Abstracted by - Evelyn Wright and Vick Jones Interviewer(s) - Llorien Johnson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006007-006008 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.20 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1334.