Who remembers this fella? Nothing symbolises the Canterbury Museum during my childhood more than this exhibit – that and the old Cobb & Co coach! On the 17th February 1908, Canterbury Museum’s curator, Edgar R. Waite couldn’t quite believe the goss circulating around Christchurch that day. A dead whale had washed up on a beach …
“I ventured into the great speculation of buying four cows from Crawford for £60, but not till after great deliberation and timorousness. Calculating on selling the milk as we did not want ourselves…concluded the bargain with Crawford for the four cows, which being milked this evening produced seven quarts, which sold in the yard for …
Thomas Smith Duncan (1821 – 1884) Died of old age Place of Death: Christchurch Behind the naming of the suburb of Strowan. Was the founder of the law firm of Duncan Cotterill. Buried at St Paul’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Papanui, Christchurch The story of Thomas Smith Duncan: http://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/strowan-thomas-smith-duncan-1821-1884/ Photo taken by Annette Bulovic.
Thomas Smith Duncan was a bit of a rascal who fled his homeland with a young charge of the family. Together they fled Perth, Scotland and headed south to the village of Gretna Green and got married. In what could be regarded as Scotland’s “Las Vegas”, the township is still known for its runaway/quickie weddings! …
Just like Lake Tekapo’s acknowledgement to the working sheep dog – who has been at the Mackenzie Country farmer’s side for well over a 150 years – Christchurch has chosen to honour the horse as the animal that helped tame the Canterbury Plains and who worked tirelessly along side our pioneers. “One of God’s Greatest …
Burwood (Bottle Lake and Waitikiri) was once a food and resource gathering area for the Ngai Tahu. Eels and fish were gathered from the lake and native plants were collected for medicines and clothing. The first Europeans to develop the area were the McLean Brothers (now remembered in the naming of McLeans Island) in 1860, …
Ever wondered what its looks like when two avenues fight? Well, it looks like this 😉 James Edward Fitzgerald (left) and William Rolleston (right) play it up for Dr. A.C. Barker’s camera sometime in the early 1860’s. This photo was most likely taken in Dr. A.C. Barker’s garden on the corner of Worcester Street and …
“….having spread the mortar, the stone was lowered to its place, and striking it with the mallet his Excellency said, “I declare this stone to be well and truly laid, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” ~ Lyttelton Times 1873 What a proud moment for …
Harry Ell will always be remembered as a great lover of the Port Hills. Harry was born in Christchurch in 1862. He grew up on his parents’ farm in Halswell. From an early age, he became passionate about Christchurch’s natural heritage and its endangered species. It’s not hard to understand why his first job was …
Morice Bing was born in Hungary in 1830. He served in the army before emigrating to Australia in 1852. For eight years he made his way in New South Wales before arriving in Christchurch in 1860. He made a living farming sheep and classing wool. He became a well known face around the Addington Saleyards. …
