Old Buildings

One of the oldest buildings in Stoke, certainly the oldest wooden structure, is the house now occupied by Mr. Edward Saxton, and known as "Oaklands". This was originally built in England by Mr. Saxton's grandfather of Baltic pine, pulled down brought to N.Z. on the Clifford, and rebuilt on its present site in its original form. This took place in 1842, so that house is (1949) 107 years old—surely one of the oldest buildings left in the entire district.

Other buildings which are just on or over their century mark by mid-20th Century are:—

• Langbein's, originally built by Mr. Buxton, Nayland Road.
• Stead's, originally built by Mr. Holland, Nayland Road.
• Reddick's, builder not known, Nayland Road.
• Roil's, originally built by Mr. Roil, Saxton's Road.
• Bradley's hop kiln, in Mr. Manson's paddock, Nayland Road.
• Stephen's, originally built by Mr. Nicholson, Main Road.
• Lusty's, originally built by Mr. Bradley, Nayland Road.
• ?., originally built by Mr. Harley and onetime residence of William Songer, Nayland Road.

These buildings are all different from "Oaklands" in that they are partly of Cobb construction, i.e., a mixture of clay and straw.