Frederick Potter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Seymour Potter
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 November 1857 London, England |
| Died | 29 March 1941 (aged 83) |
| Nationality |  New Zealand |
| Relations | William Potter (father) Eliza Potter (mother) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Frederick Seymour Potter (born November 3, 1857 – died March 29, 1941) was an important person in Auckland, New Zealand. He was born in Britain and became a successful businessman. He is best known for being a very generous person who gave a lot to his community.
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Moving to New Zealand
Frederick Seymour Potter was born in London, England. When he was very young, less than a year old, his family moved to New Zealand. They traveled by steamship, arriving in Auckland on October 14, 1858. Frederick had an older brother named William and other siblings.
A Kind Businessman
Frederick Potter worked as a "coachbuilder" in Auckland. This meant he built and repaired carriages and wagons. In the 1920s, he owned a company called "Gee and Potter." Their workshop was on Rutland Street in Auckland.
Frederick married Ellen Barnes in 1909. Sadly, Ellen passed away in 1912. They had a son named Frederick who also died shortly after birth.
In 1919, Frederick married Mary Elizabeth Briddock. He lived in his home in Balmoral for many years.
Giving Back to the Community
Frederick Potter was known for his kindness. He gave away much of the land around his home in Balmoral. This land was used to create a public space called Potter Park. The park officially opened in 1921. Even after giving the land, he continued to live in the house that was on the park site.
Frederick was also a member of a group called the Freemasons. He even started a special fund called the Potter Masonic Trust. This trust helps support the work of the Freemasons.
Potters Parks
Frederick Potter was so generous that he gave land for two parks in Auckland. Both of these parks are named "Potters Park" in his honor.
- The first park is in Balmoral. It is located at the corner of Balmoral and Dominion Roads. He gave this land to the local council in 1916. It opened as a park in 1921.
- The second park is in Takapuna. You can find it at the corner of Anzac Street and Lake Road.
His Final Years
Frederick Potter passed away on March 29, 1941, in Auckland Hospital. His funeral was held a few days later at St Matthias Anglican Church. Many Freemasons attended his burial. People remembered him as a "generous benefactor" who gave a lot to the city of Auckland. He was survived by his wife, Mary.
