Mon, Feb 5, 2024 7:00 AM
Photo sparks search for Wilkinson family
A 1935 photo of the Wilkinson family from Stanley Brook, held by Myra Upson outside the same house in the photo, is trying to be reunited with its family - the Wilkinsons. Photo: Supplied.
Eloise Martyn
Handwritten in pencil on the back of a beautifully framed photo are the names of people from the Wilkinson family in 1935. The photo is trying to be relocated with its family, do you know the Wilkinsons?
A stranger from Wellington reached out to Tim and Myra Upson through a Facebook page they run called ‘Stanley Brook Events’ after they found the photograph.
“Someone had found the photo in an Op shop in Lower Hutt,” Myra says.
“They noticed that the location written on the back was Stanley Brook, so they reached out to see if we knew who the Wilkinsons were, or their family, in the photo.”
The photo was sent down to Myra. Unfortunately, she didn’t know the family, but she did think she recognised the house in the photo which was confirmed via Facebook communication with other residents in Stanley Brook.
“The house is just down the road from where we live. I have checked in with the current owners, but they didn’t know the Wilkinsons either.
“But they have given me some history on the house from other previous owners.”
Images of the front and back – with the handwritten names – of the photo have been posted on Facebook receiving almost 50 comments and suggestions.
“I have had people get in contact and have been through the comments and suggestions, but no one has said ‘yes that’s our family’, or ‘yes, I know that family and can pass it along’, so we are still looking,” Myra says.
“I’d love this photo to go back to the Wilkinson family, however, if no one comes forward it will be put on the wall in the Stanley Brook Hall and who knows, maybe one day someone will recognise it and be able to find its home.”
The information on the back of the photo reads: John Arthur Wilkinson. Toby. Grandfather farmed at Stanley Brook Nelson.
