Cynics in the 1800s probably referred to Port Elizabeth as the Port without a Harbour as Algoa Bay was devoid of any artefact commonly used by or forming a part of a functioning harbour. But as export volumes rapidly ramped up, the demand for a harbour became crucial. As a bare minimum, a breakwater was essential so that ships could seek refuge inside the breakwater during inclement weather. Finally, a proposal in 1855 gained acceptance. With construction almost complete, at the beginning of 1866, the Harbour Board provided a swimming place for men beneath the shield.

Whereas the Harbour Board was of the belief that the provision of a safe swimming place would receive affirmation and acclamation instead it was the object of criticism. How did such a kind generous offer devolve into its antithesis?  

Main picture: The newly constructed breakwater at the mouth of the Baakens River

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Like many mariners, settlers and visitors before him, JM could not suppress his dismay when Port Elizabeth came into focus. Instead of the anticipated forest of trees and lush vegetation, all that JM could discern was a stony hill without greenery of any sort rising sharply from the shoreline. As he sat down to record his experiences that night, the word uninviting came to his mind.

On the morrow when he would explore the town, any misapprehensions about this town would be dispelled.  Any and all misconceptions would also be cast aside.

This blog is a brief extract of JM’s journal who, for personal reasons, desired anonymity. Hence the use of the initials JM. The period covered was late 1881 up to March 188.

Main picture: Market Square in 1896

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This blog is a verbatim extract from the publication: The Port Elizabeth Directory and Guide to the Eastern Province of the Cape of Good Hope  for 1877

It provides a contemporary view of the town in a sometimes overly honest manner such as the words describing the town as “pleasingly disappointing” and bemoaning the paucity of trees.

Main picture: BIrd Street highligting the paucity of trees

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The rating of the state of the economy is subjective. It is a function of the observer’s personal status and wealth at that moment in time. Even if poverty is visibly evident, many wealthy people cannot internalise or comprehend what impact the state of the economy has on impoverished people. This situation can be likened to the current divide in South Africa.

In this blog, I will utilise a letter written in 1884 by hides and skin merchant, Peter Titheranton who bemoans the ostentatious displays of wealth, to underscore my contention. Titheranton’s views can be juxtaposed with what Harradine emphatically states in her singular book, The Social Chronicle in which she states that ‘this was a period of drought and deep economic recession causing great hardship from retrench­ments, insolvencies and general unemployment’. This will provided balance in the debate but will not justify the wealth and societal imbalances.

Main picture: Sketch of Wesleyan Methodist Church in Russell Road. Commenced erection in 1870, opened in 1872 and closed on 7 Dec 1969 to be demolished in order to widen Russell Road

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The most extensive and productive farm in the Port Elizabeth area over the first two decades of the nineteenth century was that of Frederick’s  Korsten’s Cradock Place. It covered the area from today’s Korsten, taking in swathes of today’s Algoa Park and swept down to the mouth of the Papenkuils River. Like most farms, it also experienced the twin depredations of vagrancy and trespassing.

In early 1833, probably after a spate of incidents, Korsten decided to take action.

Main picture: View of Cradock Place by Walford Arbouin Harries in 1860

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