Case W6 - A.H. Reed Cultural Icon

Notification from Raetihi Post Office of A.H. Reed passing through via the ‘Hobnail Express’, 29 November 1960.

Notification from Raetihi Post Office of A.H. Reed passing through via the ‘Hobnail Express’, 29 November 1960.

This case contains a sample of the many quirky or humorous messages sent to A.H. Reed from his numerous admirers and supporters. As A.W. Reed notes in Young kauri, “he was richly blessed in his friends, and they in him”. By means of printed cards and personal messages, Reed endeavoured to acknowledge every letter and card he received – a formidable task undertaken cheerfully.

Notification from Raetihi Post Office of A.H. Reed passing through via the ‘Hobnail Express’, 29 November 1960.

Notification from Raetihi Post Office of A.H. Reed passing through via the ‘Hobnail Express’, 29 November 1960.
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Letter, Alex Attewell, Dunedin to A.H. Reed, 5 June 1962 re: young correspondent considers Reed a more worthy hero than Elvis.

Letter, Alex Attewell, Dunedin to A.H. Reed, 5 June 1962 re: young correspondent considers Reed a more worthy hero than Elvis.

Letter, Alex Attewell, Dunedin to A.H. Reed, 5 June 1962 re: young correspondent considers Reed a more worthy hero than Elvis.

Letter, Alex Attewell, Dunedin to A.H. Reed, 5 June 1962 re: young correspondent considers Reed a more worthy hero than Elvis.
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Typed panegyric in verse written to A.H. Reed by J.D.S. Roberts, Cromwell, 24 February 1962.

Typed panegyric in verse written to A.H. Reed by J.D.S. Roberts, Cromwell, 24 February 1962.

Typed panegyric in verse written to A.H. Reed by J.D.S. Roberts, Cromwell, 24 February 1962.

Typed panegyric in verse written to A.H. Reed by J.D.S. Roberts, Cromwell, 24 February 1962.
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Telegram addressed to ‘Superman’ congratulating A.H. Reed for completing his From North Cape to Bluff walk, 21 April 1961.

Telegram addressed to ‘Superman’ congratulating A.H. Reed for completing his From North Cape to Bluff walk, 21 April 1961.

Telegram addressed to ‘Superman’ congratulating A.H. Reed for completing his From North Cape to Bluff walk, 21 April 1961.

Telegram addressed to ‘Superman’ congratulating A.H. Reed for completing his From North Cape to Bluff walk, 21 April 1961.
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Photograph of dummy of A.H. Reed displayed in window of Presbyterian Bookroom, Octagon, Dunedin as a promotional display for From North Cape to Bluff, ca. 1961. Photograph by Hurst and Palmer Ltd, George Street.

Photograph of dummy of A.H. Reed displayed in window of Presbyterian Bookroom, Octagon, Dunedin as a promotional display for From North Cape to Bluff, ca. 1961. Photograph by Hurst and Palmer Ltd, George Street.

Photograph of dummy of A.H. Reed displayed in window of Presbyterian Bookroom, Octagon, Dunedin as a promotional display for From North Cape to Bluff, ca. 1961. Photograph by Hurst and Palmer Ltd, George Street.

Photograph of dummy of A.H. Reed displayed in window of Presbyterian Bookroom, Octagon, Dunedin as a promotional display for From North Cape to Bluff, ca. 1961. Photograph by Hurst and Palmer Ltd, George Street.
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Composition about A.H. Reed written by Linda Mills, Christchurch South Intermediate School, March 1961.

Composition about A.H. Reed written by Linda Mills, Christchurch South Intermediate School, March 1961.

Composition about A.H. Reed written by Linda Mills, Christchurch South Intermediate School, March 1961.

Composition about A.H. Reed written by Linda Mills, Christchurch South Intermediate School, March 1961.
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Letter, Claude Hopping, New Plymouth, to A.H. Reed, 10 June 1962, with illustration of Reed at head of letter.

Letter, Claude Hopping, New Plymouth, to A.H. Reed, 10 June 1962, with illustration of Reed at head of letter.

Letter, Claude Hopping, New Plymouth, to A.H. Reed, 10 June 1962, with illustration of Reed at head of letter.

Letter, Claude Hopping, New Plymouth, to A.H. Reed, 10 June 1962, with illustration of Reed at head of letter.
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