Looking Back: An Appreciation of PE in the 1880s.

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

From “Memories” by the Lionel Cripps, C. M. G.

Published in Looking Back Volume IV No. 1

The first sight I had of Africa was when we passed Cape Verde, with its white sands and a quivering heat to match. I felt drawn towards it by an attraction that, up to now has never waned; not a bad start for a youngster who had great longing for adventure in the half empty continent!

Main picture: 1872 Watercolour entitled View of Port Elizabeth from the hill behind the cemetry by Oliver Lester in 1874 in NMM AM

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Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Berry’s – Father and Sons

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

Father, John James or JJ, and sons, Matthew (baptised as Matthys Jacobus) and Richard John, were both peas from the same pod, entrepreneurs to the bone ever willing to take a gamble on a new business venture. In most instances, they were vindicated but when Matthew crossed swords with the Divisional Council over the Seaview Farm, it was an ill-judged move. 

Main picture: The Zwartkops Convict station showing the overseer’s cottage and the convicts’ quarters at the rear

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Port Elizabeth of Yore: McWilliams Father & Son -Duo of Architects

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 3 Comments

Port Elizabeth seems to be blessed with famous McWilliams names. Apart from the McWilliams of Rink Street, there was the father and son duo who were both famous architects: William and Herbert McWilliams. 

Of the two, Herbert, the son, certainly led a full and varied life, worthy of a biography. 

Main picture: Sprogs on the banks of the Swartkops River in 1955 – Herbert McWilliams’ sprog is #15

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