The Talkeries (c1880s)

This building on Devon Street East was most probably built in the 1880s or 90s.

In 1896 George Boulton opened his business in these premises, initially it was a general store, tobacconist and "purveyor of fancy goods".

It's clear from reports (TH 20 March 1907) and advertisements in the newspaper that by the early 1900s George had branched out into "phonographs, gramophones and zonophones" as well carrying a sock of some "19,000 records".

George Godfrey Boulton was born in 1848 in Brackenborough, Lincolnshire, England. According to the 1871 census he was a gardener in Louth, Lincolnshire, England at which time he resided with his wife and son Thomas.   

In 1875 he immigrated to New Plymouth on the ship Halcione with his wife Anne and two children – Thomas Clayton (5) and Charles Frederick (3). On the passenger manifests for this trip George was listed as a farm labourer from Lincolnshire, England. Upon arriving in New Plymouth he entered employment as a manager at Mitchinson’s nursery on Lemon street. He was in this position until he opened his store in 1896. He also worked with his son Thomas at Mitchinson’s nursery. Thomas Boulton (son) is also known for his involvement at Brooklands Park – he worked for Newton King as a Head Gardener and was heavily involved in initial plantings at Brooklands Park.

George Boulton drowned in June 1911 and it appears likely his son Percy William Boulton (listed as the occupier in 1926 Stones Directory) took over the business.

In 1931 the business was taken over by Audrey and Ernest Priest. In the following years the shop had a variety of uses – pie shop, bakers & confectioners and drycleaners. In 1956 it appears that the shop amalgamated with the one to the west and operated as a “spare parts” outlet for Phillips Motors.

The shop was situated on the south side of Devon Street East, in the block between Liardet and Gover Streets. It's approximate location was opposite what is now "Crowded House Bar", on the stretch of Devon Street now occupied by the "Warehouse".