When Mrs. Maria Sophia Pope opened her shop on Colombo Street in 1862, the street that ran along the front of her door was nothing more than a muddy runty track that would fill with water every time it rained. But I’m sure on those fine Christchurch days; Maria would take a breather on her …
When Mrs. Maria Sophia Popes opened her shop on Colombo Street (opposite Victoria Square) in 1862, she was in a great position retail-wise. Her little newspaper/stationary shop proved to be so popular that by 1866, she had increased her wares to sell smoking caps, slippers, wool, beads and needlework, all imported from Europe. Beside her …
