Dean McCleland, Author at The Casual Observer

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Initial Impressions of Port Elizabeth on Arrival during the Early 1800s

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 10 April 2022 2 Comments

During the first 50 years of its existence, Port Elizabeth did not impress the new arrival. It was dusty and treeless with a barren and bleak hillside being rather uninviting and unwelcoming. Unfailingly these arrivees to Port Elizabeth would describe the town in rather negative insalubrious terms. It was only with the planting of trees on the Hill and St. George’s Park that the town discarded its inhospitable mien. Interestingly after finally leaving the town, they were extremely complimentary of the town and its people especially praising its enterprising zeal.

A number of such recollections have been gathered into this blog.

Main picture: The Landing Area

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Ructions with Uitenhage over Water

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 7 April 2022 0 Comment

By the 1860s the public’s demand for a reliable and adequate supply of water was vocal and persistent. In 1866 the Council mandated a Committee to investigate whether the flow rate from the van Stadens River would suffice for the town’s water need. In spite of clearing all the hurdles, the Council prevaricated. In 1874 it announced a new ploy: purloin Uitenhage’s supply. What’s not to like about that suggestion?

Main picture: Aerial photograph of the Nine Eyes of the Uitenhage Springs [Bob Binnell]

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Mystery House at the S-Bend

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 7 April 2022 3 Comments

The large dwelling at the S-Bend on the road to Humewood was erected in 1894/5 for the Harbour Manager, RH Hammersley-Heenen, resident engineer and general manager of the South African Railways. When first built, the house had a beautiful position next to rocks and sand and close to the sea. It was only with the construction of the breakwater in the 1920s, that the beach expanded as sand accumulated against the obstacle.

Main picture: House given the Welsh name Lanherne

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Lovemore’s Residence at Bushy Park

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 3 April 2022 0 Comment

This farmhouse must be one of the oldest houses in the Port Elizabeth area being constructed shortly after the arrival of the 1820 Settlers. Moreover, it is still in use by descendants of Henry Lovemore after 200 years, thus garnering the record of the longest occupation by the same family. That said, the original house with a thatch roof was burnt down in May 1822 possibly taking its replacement – the current house – out of contention as the oldest house.

The bulk of this blog on this house is a verbatim extract from a lengthy article entitled Memoirs by Jessie Allen nee Lovemore who was raised in this house during the 1860s. This is indicated by the use of italicised text to indicate that it is derived from this article.

Main picture: Painting of the Bushy Park Residence in 1884 by Hannah Margaret Dicks

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Memoirs of Jessie Allen (Nee Lovemore)

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 2 April 2022 0 Comment

Jessie Lovemore was born and raised on the Lovemore’s Farm at Bushy Park. Her father, Charles Lovemore, was the son of Henry Lovemore, the original Lovemore owner of this farm. In writing her memoires, Jessie has left an invaluable depiction of life of one of the prominent families in the nascent Port Elizabeth. Most of her reminiscences cover her life in Port Elizabeth which she was forced to leave when her husband took up sheep farming in the Middleburg district.

Main picture: Children of Charles & Margery Lovemore circa 1879, L-R Back: Charles, Walter, Alfred & Harry, L-R Middle Hector, Florine, Jessie, Mary & William L-R Front Ian & Sinclair

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Camping at Bushy Park Beach in the 1930s

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 30 March 2022 0 Comment

In the era prior to World War Two, coastal towns such as Port Elizabeth were inundated with holiday makers. Their accommodation was not a luxury five star hotel with three hot meals per day. At best it would be accommodation in the house of relatives in the city. This is what my maternal grandparents experienced every Christmas vacation not for one week but for four weeks. Many indigent farmers from upcountry would arrive by ox-wagon. Even so, most would camp somewhere along the coast. This blog takes a surreptitious peak at family and friends camping at Bushy Park beach in the 1930s.

Main picture: Charlie, Billy & Ivan Clark at Bushy Park beach

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Colchester – A Promise never Realised

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 27 March 2022 0 Comment

In 1854 an enthusiastic scheme was started to build a rival port to Port Elizabeth. The Eastern Province Herald of the 6^th June 1854 carried details of a prospectus issued by a Port Elizabeth firm offering sites for sale at Colchester located at the mouth of the Sunday’s River.

Main picture: Colchester

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Story of the Buffelsfontein Farmhouse

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 27 March 2022 9 Comments

Officially this homestead is not accorded such a nomenclature. Nor is it recognised as one of the houses which existed prior to the arrival of the 1820 Settlers. The reasons why such houses still exist – Draaifontein House is another exemplar – is due to the location outside the town environs itself but this house is unlikely to survive the tender mercies of the property developers ad infinitum as civilisation encroaches upon it.

Main picture: Buffelsfontein by EC Moore

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

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 26 March 2022 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

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The German Community