Sim’s Hardware
Cuba Street
Sim's Hardware, Cuba Street, Wellington. Hardyment, Zoe, 1887-1975 : Photographs. Ref: PAColl-4934-02. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23115956
In 1905, Roberts & Sim opened a store at 38 Cuba Street selling Ironmongery, Tools and General Hardware. The store was located in the present day section of Cuba Mall between Dixon and Ghuznee Streets, on the same side as the former Royal Oak Hotel. The partnership between Roberts & Sim lasted until about 1909, when Sim’s Hardware Co. began advertising without Roberts:
‘WANTED, Ladies to assist the Maids in keeping the kitchen clean. Get a set of Aluminium Ware at Sim’s Hardware Co., Cuba Street’
(Evening Post, 4 January 1909, p1.)
Followed with:
‘WANTED, Ladies to buy Dirty Linen Baskets, right here and right cheap, 8s 6d; exceptional value’
(Evening Post, 8 May 1909, p1.)
This photo shows off goods in the windows and the staff members standing outside. The window has been filled to the brim to attract shoppers. It even appears to have electric lights to illuminate the goods at night.
On the left, a man is perusing the mason jars, preserving pans and enamelled bakeware (not unlike what is fashionable today). Over the store entrance hang chairs, strollers, bellows, candle holders, sun chairs and expandable coat hook racks. Gardening tools and flower pots also mark the entrance.
On the right hand side is an expansive display of cleaning clothes and the display is formed in a V-shape to maximise the window display area. Next to this is an impressive display of silverware (or silver plate?) including toast racks, tea pots, milk jugs and bon-bon dishes. At the base of the window are displayed canteens of cutlery. Dotted among this appears to be Wedgewood pots and urns. Above the silverware, a storage area is visible.
The company were still advertising in 1945 but have been unable to ascertain when they ceased trading or who the owners were.
This photo was taken by Nellie ‘Zoe’ Coppins. In the centre of the photo is William ‘Will’ Hardyment (wearing the cord cuffs). Zoe and Will married in 1914.
The building and shop appear to still exist, currently occupied by Aroy’s restaurant.
Sim’s Hardware store in 1927 to the right hand side of the view. Note the Hannah’s store two doors further along.
Cuba Street, Wellington. Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972: Photographs of New Zealand. Ref: 1/2-048942-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22786344
Google Streetview. Sim’s Hardware now occupied by a restaurant (behind the park bench). The former Hannah’s store is visible next to the building with the brown parapet.