Port Elizabeth of Yore: The First-Recorded Shark Attack

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

Perhaps the reason why so few shark attacks occurred during the 1800s was due to the fact that most people were unable to swim. Hence when they attempted to swim, it was in the shallow water. On the other hand drownings were commonplace as they were unaware of dangerous conditions such as rip tides and life savers were unknown.

This blog covers the shark attack on the 28th January 1886 off the South Jetty in which young William Rodwell lost his leg.

Main picture: Bathing House at the mouth of the Baakens River

Continue reading

Port Elizabeth of Yore:  Joys and tragedies of sea swimming of the 1880s

By Dean McCleland in Jokes 0 Comment

Having already dealt with the bathing rules, regulations and customs such as non-mixed bathing i.e. males and females swimming together – how immodest – and the areas allocated for swimming in another blog, I will now deal with the bathing events and tragic incidents in the 1880s as recalled by a Mr N. Cripps who would later be appointed as the first Speaker in the Rhodesian Parliament.

Main picture:  1894 Bathing House at the mouth of the Baakens River

Continue reading