Avondale Timeline --
1926 - 1989

1926
Appearance of kerbside "Bowsers", the first petrol pumps.

1927
September 1:
Amalgamation with Auckland City.

1928
February 27:

Opening of Salvation Army Hall, Great North Road.

1928
February 27:

Opening of Salvation Army Hall, Great North Road.

1930
Morrison & Crawford garage opens on Great North Road. Avondale Town Hall Cinema now run by Haywards.

1931
Whau Bridge upgraded to concrete structure. Battersby's Funeral Services begins. Avondale Public Library opens in old Public Hall. Many street names altered due to duplication with others in the City area.

1932
February 1:

First tram service to Avondale.
Unity Buildings opened.

1938
August 19:

Opening of first purpose-built Post office.

1939
June 3:

Haywards Picture Theatre fire.
June 7:
Incorporation of The Avondale Businessmen's Association.

1940
Albert Bailey buys old Avondale Hotel building, renames it Avoncourt Hotel.

1945
Avondale Returned Servicemens Association purchase site on Layard Street. Collier's Block built.

1946
Auckland Cinemas Ltd renames Avondale cinema the "Grosvenor".

1947
Battersby's make last move to current Great North Road premises.

1949
Rosebank Residents Association formed.

1951
Greys Buildings constructed. Memorial Park gifted to Avondale by Presbyterian Church.

1953
Charles Funnel and J Broadbent open their businesses in Avondale.

1954
Stuart North opens Avondale Paint & Papers.

1955
Grosvenor Theatre renovated. Old dome removed.

1956
January 15:

Last tram out of Avondale. Trolley buses take over route next day.
North-Western motorway opens.

1958
New telephone exchange opens on St Judes Street.

1960s
First factories built on Rosebank Peninsula. Start of the end of the market garden era.

1963
Lynnmall opens.

1965
Avoncourt put on the market. The old Hotel is demolished in 1967.
Avondale Businessmen's Association goes into recess.

1966
Mr J Grefstad takes over cinema business. Renames Grosvenor theatre the "Hollywood Cinema".

1967
Coopers Supermarket built. Lasts only until mid 1970s, due to coming of 3 Guys Supermarket chain.

1970
Shoprite Supermarket opens. Avondale Primary School celebrates jubillee.

1973
Avondale Community Committee active.
September 18: New Library opens on Rosebank Road site.
November: Inauguration of Avondale Citizens Advice Bureau.

1978
Ash Street by-pass opened.

1979
Rosebank Community House established.

1989
Local government reform, Auckland City Council reorganised, Avondale

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