Category: Queen Street

JK Rowling’s world reflected in Dunedin’s student flat naming culture

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Hogwarts on Hyde Street (2009)

The Harry Potter series has hit a number of records in literary and film-making history. One record that is sure to be unique in the world is the influence of the series on house naming. Here in Dunedin, New Zealand there have been a number of flats that have been bestowed names with a Potteresque flavour.

Something I’ve noticed about the naming of student flats over the years is that popular culture plays a huge part in the naming, and there are examples of films and literature being a source of inspiration over the decades that flat naming has been a thing. Earlier examples are Smerch HQ (1960s), Hobbit (1970s), The Bordello (1990s) and, more recently Zeta.

The first Potter inspired flat is the Chamber of Secrets (2007) from 150 Frederick Street. All Potter fans, the sign depicting the Hogwarts crest was painted by Will. The flat won the Te Roopu Maori “Best Name or Sign” in OUSA’s 2007 House & Garden awards. The judges thought the sign on this flat was “Fucking awesome!”.  When the tenants of 2008 didn’t want the (frankly amazing) sign, the Chamber Boys took it with them.  When I met up with them the sign was hanging on their lounge room wall.

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In the Harry Potter series, the Shrieking Shack was commonly known as the most haunted house in England. In Dunedin the Shrieking Shack on Great King Street received its name in 2010 from Scott Honeyfield, a Potter fan, and his flatmates. Scott told me the age and character of the house suited the name. Interestingly the house is also well known for it’s toilet under the stairs that can not accommodate persons of height. The toilet under the stairs may allude to the shitty living conditions Harry Potter experienced while living with the Dursley’s on Privet Drive. I acknowledge this may be a bit of a reach on my part.

Since 2010 the Shrieking Shack has maintained its name with periods of absence of signage. The current iteration of the sign is the third in 5 years and resembles a white on black version of the Queen Street sign seen below which utilises the Harry Potter style lightening bolt font.

Shrieking Shack, Great King Street

Shrieking Shack, Great King Street

Here’s a photo of the same flat from late in 2015. This sign replaced one which was stolen earlier in the year.

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Shrieking Shack on Great King Street (2015)

The Shrieking Shack on Queen Street had a short life, this rendition offers a black on white interpretation of the current sign that can be seen on the Great King Street flat (above).

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Shrieking Shack, Queen Street

In 2014 I was approached by a property developer, Tim Calder, who wanted to name a few of his flats on St David Street. After some discussion around potential ideas, he and his property manager Megan, decided on Harry Potter themed names. I visited the flats on Friday 27th November but only found one sign still in situ, Godric’s Hollow.

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Godric’s Hollow, 114a St David Street

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A shout out to the Online Casino Real Money NZ community on Facebook has connected me with people who have helped fill in some gaps in information (thank you!) and also revealed a further Potter inspired flat, the Three Broomsticks, sometimes also known as Three Broomsticks Racing. This flat is apparently on Great King Street but I’ve not yet seen the sign.

 

I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has lived in or is living in a flat with a name inspired by the Harry Potter…

Posted by Online Casino Real Money NZ on Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Hernando’s Hideaway

Hernando’s Hideaway, 25 Queens Street, has a terrific sign.

It owes it’s name to the club about which the song Hernando’s Hideaway was written by Adler and Ross for the musical The Pajama Game in 1953. The clip above shows Carol Haney (Gladys Hotchkiss) and John Raitt (Sid Sorokin) in 1957 film version of The Pajama Game (1957).

Lyrics to Hernando’s Hideaway

I know a dark secluded place.
A place where no one knows your face.
A glass of wine a fast embrace.
It’s called Hernando’s Hideaway ole!
All you see are silhouettes.
And all you hear are castanets.
And no one cares how late it gets.
Not at Hernando’s Hideaway ole!
:::Instrumental:::
At the golden fingerbowl or any place you go.
:::Instrumental:::
You’ll meet your uncle Max and everyone you know.
:::Instrumental:::
But if we go to the spot that I am thinking of
You will be free, to gaze at me, and talk of love.
Just knock three times and whisper low, that you and I were sent by Joe.
Then Strike a match and you will know your in Hernando’s Hideaway OLE!
:::Instrumental:::
I know a dark secluded place.
A place where no one knows your face.
A glass of wine a fast embrace.
It’s called Hernando’s Hideaway ole!
:::Instrumental:::
At the golden finger bowl or any place you go.
:::Instrumental:::
You’ll meet your Uncle Max and everyone you know.
:::Instrumental:::
But if we go to the spot that I am thinking of
You will be free, to gaze at me, and talk of love.
Just knock three times and whisper low, that you and I were sent by Joe.
Then Strike a match and you will know your in Hernando’s Hideaway OLE!
:::Instrumental:::