Commemorating the social and cultural history of Christchurch. New stories added regularly.

Panorama of houses in Christchurch looking towards the hills at the time the Boot family arrived, 1860s, with Liverpool and Manchester House. in foreground, displaying a array of goods outside including what looks like linen and a bed. To the left is Papparill's store. Photographer: Alfred Charles Barker. Source: National Library of New Zealand, ID: 1/2-075411-F.

“Would to God I had never heard the name of New Zealand”

“To tell you is a great task, for I can assure you it is a most awful country,”  wrote James Boot…

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Whticombe & Tombs, Cashel Street, Christchurch c.1900. Photograph taken by the Steffano Webb Photographic Studio, Christchurch, circa 1880s-1920s. Image: Alexander Turnbull Library Ref: 1/1-005652-G.

Book Barons – the Whitcombe & Tomb’s Story

New Zealand’s largest and most iconic booksellers, publishers and printing company was Whitcombe & Tombs of Christchurch. It was established…

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The Children's Library viewed from Hereford Street Bridge, circa 1903. Photographer Ferrier, Image: Private postcard collection.

Human Bones Under the Public Library

A large collection of human bones were uncovered on the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Hereford Street during the 1850′s….

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Looking south west across Cathedral Square from the eastern side of Canterbury Cathedral showing (from left to right) the United Services Hotel, the Strand Theatre, the New Zealand Insurance Company Building, the Chief Post Office (with clock tower) and the Regent Theatre Building, partly obscured by the tram barns in the middle of the Square. Source: Frederick Radcliffe, circa 1910-1919. Image: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 35-R344

1908 Holiday Trip to Christchurch, City of the Plains

Christchurch Described Christchurch, New Zealand, is called the “City of the Plains” for  its streets are as level as a…

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Von Sieravowski's Wireworkers, Corner Colombo & Tuam Streets, 1906. Source: The Weekly Press, 14 Nov. 1906, p. 53. Image: Christchurch City Libraries File Reference 1021 PhotoCD 6, IMG0051

Von Sierakowski & Co, Corner of Colombo and Tuam Streets 1906

Oscar von Sierakowski’s factory and shop was built on the corner of Colombo and Tuam Streets in 1906.  It boasted…

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Children Taking Donkey Rides, Sumner c.1905 Source: Bridge and Hasting Family Records/Marion Hastings Bridge. Image: Christchurch City Libraries File Reference Photo CD 5, IMG0019.

The Edwardian Seaside of Sumner c. 1905

Sumner Beach was the last stop on the Sumner line. In this intriguing photograph, we can see the goings on…

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Regent Cafe, Cathedral Square

The Royal Exchange, Cathedral Square, 1905

The Royal Exchange’s beautiful tower, dome and decorative facade is taking shape as the building nears completion. Fresh to the…

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Cathedral Square on a Tram Excursion Day to Sumner 1900.

Sumner Tram Excursion

On this summer’s day in 1906, the ten o’clock morning tram to Sumner is about to depart from outside the…

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Holly Lea, McLean’s Mansion, Manchester Street

Holly Lea, McLean’s Mansion, Manchester Street

An elderly man, dressed in a plum coloured suit and bow tie, stands gazing at his nearly completed home. It…

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Are Historic Buildings Important?

Are Historic Buildings Important?

Up until February 22nd, 2011, the city of Christchurch was a unique, historic and cultural living and breathing entity.  Inherited…

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