“I remember holding on to the gate and crying”. That’s what some former students say about Campbell Free Kindergarten. Today, we’re standing before a piece of Auckland’s history. This is the Campbell Free Kindergarten. It has stood here since 1910.
Let’s dive into the story of Campbell Free Kindergarten. Early 20th-century Auckland was a tough place. Freemans Bay was one of the poorest areas. Many children lived in terrible conditions. Sir John Logan Campbell recognized this need. He gifted this kindergarten to the city.
The Campbell Free Kindergarten aimed to help what they called “the slum population”. These were children of the “idle and thriftless”. They were the offspring of the “degraded and wasters”. The Auckland Kindergarten Association saw the dire need. They convinced Campbell to fund the building.
Within months, 60 children were enrolled. The Campbell Free Kindergarten provided free preschool education. It continued until the 1950s. Imagine the laughter and games that filled these rooms. Think about the stories shared and friendships formed.
But the Campbell Free Kindergarten’s story doesn’t end there. After years of service, the building fell into neglect. It became an eyesore on the edge of Victoria Park. It suffered vandalism and a fire in the 1980s ravaged it. The brickwork was covered in black paint. It was worn down and unsafe.
Fortunately, the New Zealand Transport Agency stepped in. As part of the Victoria Park Tunnel project, they restored the building. Heritage architects worked hard to stay true to the original design. They used old photos as guides. They stripped paint to match the original colors. They replicated grills, banisters, and windows.
A nice detail remains inside. A small patch of original wall has been left untouched. It reflects the history of this heritage building. The restoration included using lathe and plaster. This matched how the walls were originally constructed. Some original roof tiles were saved. They were used on the lower half of the roof.
Today, a third of the building houses electrical and communications systems for the tunnel. Auckland Council owns the rest. The council seeks public input on its future use. The space is just over 100 square meters. It’s a unique and lovely space. A café or ice cream kiosk could be perfect here. That’s what some people think. It would connect to the park.
Threna McDermott attended the Campbell Free Kindergarten in the 1940s. She remembers dressing up as Little Bo Peep. The kindy she knew was different from the one opened in 1910. But its purpose remained the same. It offered hope and education to children in need.
So, as we stand here, remember the Campbell Free Kindergarten’s legacy. Think of Sir John Logan Campbell’s generosity. Consider the countless children who passed through its doors. This building represents a commitment to community. It is a dedication to providing opportunities for all. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of hope and resilience.