Napier has changed considerably since its central business district was destroyed and rebuilt during the 1930s. Yet throughout the town, the marques retain the names of historic merchants. Here is a glimpse of Hastings Street. On the right was Barry Bros. Ltd. built in 1936. Born in the mid-19th century from Irish immigrants, Patrick and David first operated a delivery business serviced by 60 Clydesdales and then expanded into coal and timber. Next door is Ringlands’. The Ringland Brothers ran a drapery shop here when it opened in 1932. Next door was Harston’s. This Spanish Mission design was a music shop and warehouse when finished in 1932. If you would like learning more about the city’s architecture, pick up the book “The New Napier: Art Deco City in the 1930s” by Robert McGregor.
