Port Elizabeth of Yore Archives - Page 65 of 72

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Donkin Lighthouse – The Light on the Hill

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 13 February 2017 3 Comments

Because they are in such close proximity to one another, I have often considered this lighthouse and the adjacent pyramid as being contemporary structures. Nothing could be further from the truth. This blog, largely based on the 1986 thesis by Jon Inggs, provides the historical detail from the conceptualisation to the erection of the Donkin Lighthouse.

The combination of the pyramid and the lighthouse symbolises Port Elizabeth and is so integral to Port Elizabeth that it could be considered as its trademark. The unique combination very nearly never came into existence as the Harbour Master, Mr H.G. Simpson favoured dismantling the pyramid and using its stone to construct the lighthouse.

Main picture: Signal Ball at Donkin Lighthouse in the 1860s

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Swimming Practices and Locations

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 8 February 2017 1 Comment

Swimming in the 19^th century must be understood against the backdrop of the conservative mores of that era. This resulted in a flurry of rules to prevent men and women swimming together. By the end of the century, attitudes towards “mixed swimming” were more relaxed.

This blog chronicles the saga of sea swimming in Port Elizabeth from its first attempt at the breakwater in 1866, the construction of the first swimming pool in Port Elizabeth and finally to swimming at Humewood.

Main picture: Swimming facilities just north of the mouth of the Baakens River

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Opera House

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 5 February 2017 2 Comments

The Opera House is the oldest theatre on the continent of Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. This special piece of World History is right here in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province.

**In its final form, the Opera House might have only been opened in December 1892 but Port Elizabeth was not deprived of entertainment as its predecessor, the “New Theatre” operated from 1862.**

Main picture: Engraving of the Opera house soon after it was built in 1892

Lost Artefacts of Port Elizabeth: Mutual Arcade

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 3 February 2017 3 Comments

More modern does not necessarily equate with better. In this regard, the Mutual Arcade in Main Street, Port Elizabeth comes to mind. From 1900 to 1958, it graced Main Street to be replaced with an insipid rectangular building.

Main picture: The Mutual Arcade circa 1904 showing shops at ground level in Main Street

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Elegant St Augustine’s Cathedral

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 2 February 2017 3 Comments

From the Donkin, one has spectacular views of not only the harbour but all the way from Summerstrand to the shore at Deal Party. Amongst one of the exquisite views of Port Elizabeth, is that of an old gem, St Augustine’s Cathedral.

Reverend Francis McCleland: A Life in Port Elizabeth 1825 – 1853

By Dean McCleland in McClelands, Port Elizabeth of Yore 9 January 2017 3 Comments

At best the Irish 1820 Settlers in Clanwilliam eked out a precarious existence. The settlement could not have been called a resounding success either by the settlers generally or the McCleland household in particular. After a number of unseemly quarrels, Francis was granted a transfer to the newly created hamlet of Port Elizabeth which was meant to have been their original disembarkation point.

It was here that Francis and Elizabeth would spend the rest of their lives. This chronicles the lives of my great-great-grandparents in Port Elizabeth.

Main picture: Castle Hill in 1851 painted by engineer Henry Fancourt White of White’s Road fame. Number 7 Castle Hill is the commodious double storey house on the right on top of the hill

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Market Square Through the Ages

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 23 December 2016 0 Comment

From a position of being the focus point of trade in Port Elizabeth in the first fifty years of Port Elizabeth’s existence to its position where it now occupies the lowly position as a parking space for the members of the Metropolitan Council.

Its name change over the years reflected this change. From Market Square to Mayor’s Garden to Vuyisile Mini Square.

Main picture: Ox Wagens filled Market Square all days of the week except Sundays

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Town Hall-Epitomising a Vision for Greatness

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 23 December 2016 1 Comment

Amongst all the iconic buildings of Port Elizabeth, this must feature in the top five. Yet in 1977 this building which epitomises Port Elizabeth, almost became an ex-icon as a result of a conflagration which destroyed it.

What a momentous loss that would have been?

This blog covers the odyssey of a plan transformed into a Town Hall to finally being acclaimed as the City Hall. Finally it is saved from destruction by the wreckers’ ball of short-sighted Councillors and then from a fiery inferno.

Main picture: The Town Hall under construction from 1858 to 1861

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Ghosts & Apparitions

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 22 December 2016 3 Comments

All towns have their ghost stories. Real or imagined, they form part of the folklore of the town. In Port Elizabeth’s case, it has its fair share. Apart from perhaps one, none are real ogres.

Being a sceptic of the metaphysical world and paranormal phenomena, I do not place much credence on these inexplicable tales. However, given the interest of various people in these alleged phenomena, this blog covers the most important ones.

Main picture: Richly House formerly Langford Lodge. Is it the most haunted house in Port Elizabeth?

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Mad Pyromaniac

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 21 December 2016 2 Comments

Some people gain fame, and possibly fortune, through charity, good deeds and hard work whereas Miss Francis Livingstone Johnston only gained notoriety through setting fire to numerous buildings in Port Elizabeth in the mid- 1890s. The reason for burning down churches was an apparent irrational hatred of altars.

The blog covers the wayward and abnormal career of this atypical female.

Main picture: The Cleghorn, Harris and Stephen’s building, next to where the present Port Elizabeth Public Library was later built, burnt down on Wednesday night 6th May 1896.

The Opinion Pieces are an eclectic bunch on current affairs & history often with a human interest aspect. The Movie/DVDs reviews are mainly on documentaries with a smattering of movie reviews.

Category Archives: Port Elizabeth of Yore