Monday, May 23rd, 2011
I remember Christchurch when my Mum worked at Vicky’s Cafe in Oxford Terrace and my Dad was working for Kennedys Diamond Rings. We’re going back to before Septmber 1975. Vicky’s was where Coyotes is now. You could walk through from Vicky’s into Emily’s and Streeters (handcraft supplies). Those two shops were located on the corner of Cashel Mall and Oxford Terrace (where the Tap Room is).
I remember buying cane for weaving from Streeters. I made a tray, a scone basket and a wastepaper basket at intermediate school. I may have even made a laundry basket. We also bought other stuff too, though I can’t remember what now. By the time I got into cross stitch embroidery, I think Streeters had closed. We definitely bought plenty of fabric from Emily’s.
These memories linger in my mind, partly evoked because of the Christchurch Earthquakes, but also because of the book I am writing. When you stop to write, and use the words “I remember…” as a prompt, it’s amazing what comes flooding back. Tonight I discovered a thread on the Trade Me Community Forum, and it started with the words “Christchurch, I remember when…”
I Remember Beaths' Santa
There are over 600 comments on there at the moment, and as I read through them, I am struck at how similar our memories are. Each person who has lived, loved and explored the heart of our city in their lifetime definitely remembers. As we share our experiences, we help each other to heal, to recall things we had thought buried and forgotten. The Dainty Inn, The Dog House, Radio Ron, The Bird Man, DIC, Father Christmas at Beaths or Haywrights, Woolworths, The Palladium, Minsons, Millars, Haywrights Roof, Aunt Hilda, De Larno, The Wizard, Wizards, Fails Cafe, Kiddies Corner, Mary Grays, the list goes on and on and on.
I remember walking from the car we’d park beside St Michael’s Church, along the River Avon, past Tiffany’s Restaurant, through Friendship Corner, past The Bridge of Remembrance, to Emily’s. Then we’d go down Cashel Street (not a Mall back then), to Mrs Popes and buy some wool. Then into Whitcoulls, and out into the Whitcoulls Arcade to stop at Mary Grays for some lollies. Usually I picked Hokey Pokey Chocolate, but on the days when I was really good, I may be allowed a truffle covered in chocolate hail.
Then we’d go back into Whitcoulls, and out another internal entrance into the McKenzine and Willis Arcade. We’d emerge onto Colombo Street, and go down to the traffic lights at the High Street/Hereford Street intersection. When the signal went, we could cross in the barn dance, then down High Street to meet my father for lunch at The Dainty Inn.
I remember The Dainty Inn, with its orange formica decor and the pulley wire where the orders would be clipped onto pegs to whirr their way into the kitchen. Reading the Trade Me Forum, everyone else remembers that too. I’d order a toasted sandwich and coke with a scoop of ice cream bobbing in it. Yum.
Then Dad would go back to work, and Mum and I would go shopping. Across to DIC, up to Millers, through Beaths and Ballantynes then back to the car and home to pick up my sisters from school. It’s fun remembering, and even more fun sharing with others who have similar recollections of happy times in the Christchurch CBD.
Want to spend some more time with nostalgia? My book, Cafe Reflections on Christchurch Heritage is due to be released on 29 October 2011. To register your interest, or pre-order, please CLICK HERE.
You can also share your memories below.
