Sydenham, Frank, 1909-1973 (Person)

SummaryFrank Sydenham was one of the earliest students of Massey Agricultural College (founded 1927), graduating Master of Agricultural Science in 1933. After serving in World War II he bought Mr Miller’s property in Ōtūmoetai and established a commercial horticulture operation at Millers Road in 1946.

There he grew a wide variety of flowers and foliage plants and supplied florists in all the main centres. He also sent fruit to market, mostly citrus and ‘Chinese gooseberries’ (kiwifruit).

The gardens were attractively planted with ornamental trees and were opened to the public one weekend a year, the small entrance fee going to St John Ambulance.

In 1970 he made an arrangement to donate the property to Massey University as a subtropical horticulture centre. The centre did not eventuate. In recent years a botanic garden has been proposed for the site.

Frank passed away in 1973 at the age of 63 years.SourcesReeves, D. W. (1980). 'Sydenham Scholarship Trust', in Journal of the Tauranga Historical Society, 64 (August). Pp. 5-6.'Frank Sydenham'. (1973). Certified copy of death certificate for Frank Sydenham, 16 February 1973. Reference number 1973/42539. Retrieved from BDM Online.

Photographs

Frank Sydenham 1970

Visit by garden lovers: Frank Sydenham of Millers Road

Archive Collections

Card index record of plantings by Frank Sydenham in Millers Road, Ōtūmoetai,

Photo 05-195, Bay of Plenty Times

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Personal Information

First Name(s)FrankSurnameSydenhamGenderMaleDate of Birth24 July 1909Place of BirthOpotikiDate of Death16 February 1973Place of DeathTauranga

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AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authority

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Sydenham, Frank, 1909-1973 (Person)