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Headstones Wairarapa
formerly known as Hoar & Sons, has operated in the Wairarapa for 100 years. The photo to the right was taken in 1920 and shows the founder Thomas G Hoar (1st left in photo) and employees. The building in the background was finally demolished in October 2002. The business is currently located at 180 Dixon Street, Masterton.
Thomas Hoar (known as TG) started the firm in 1901/02. Initially he would pushbike throughout the district to meet with customers. Headstones were transported by dray pulled by the faithful
Roy. Some country jobs took several days so camping out was the order of the day. Headstones in this era were works of art with the ornate decorations and lettering all being hand carved. Many were
taller than a man and shifting required block and tackle rigs.
TG died in 1926 at the early age of 56 and the firm passed into the care of Frank (seated in the photo above). Assisted by family, in
particular his son Newman, Frank remained at the helm until 1972. Newman was an excellent sportsman playing representative cricket and golf. The modern faces arrived in 1987 with Newman's sons, Roger
and Peter, buying the business. Peter left in 1995 leaving Roger to carry on the family tradition. Traditional methods however have not survived and today's business employs computerised letter
cutting and use of digital imaging allowing photographs to be etched onto stones.
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