Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Bus Intrudes into the World of Trams

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

It was not that the bus was not available for use by 1913 in Port Elizabeth, but probably that the Tramways were myopically fixated on the tram as the primary mode of transport. The buses that they did possess, were instead used for excursions and not as an extension of their tram business. 

This was about to change. Given the buses flexibility regarding routes, they gave the Tramways a run for their money. Then the inevitable occurred. The Tramways adopted the motto, “If we cannot beat, join them.” 

Main picture: Buses and trams co-existed for numerous years

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Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Early Years of Electric Trams

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 1 Comment

Far be it for me to belittle the contribution made by the horse-drawn tram in the transport of residents within the town of 15,000 people, but they had severe limitations given the topography of the town. It was mere wishful thinking that this conveyance could ever service the hill area.

Progress was swift. In 1881, horse drawn trams were introduced and sixteen years later in 1897, electric trams made their appearance and by 1913 buses had been introduced, albeit initially for excursions. The latter two services progressed in tandem until the flexibility of bus routes without the need for tracks, predetermined that the bus would ultimately prevail.

Main picture: Electric tram in Main Street travelling to Russell Road

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Port Elizabeth of Yore: St. Alban’s Church, Draaifontein

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

Amongst the few things that I know about my grandmother’s upbringing, is that as a Beckley, she was raised in the family house in Draaifontein. Furthermore, Elizabeth Daisy McCleland always claimed that she was the first person to be betrothed in the St Albans Church. Only after recently receiving a photograph of the original iron & timber church from Rosemary MacGeoghan and the excellent notes by Anthony Beckley, have I been able to establish something of substance about this quaint church. 

This is the story of the family church. 

Main picture: Original St. Alban’s Church

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