The Casual Observer

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

Our Unusual World

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 13 February 2017 1 Comment

Our world is wondrous yet weird, surprising yet monotonous, always ready to amaze. This gallery of photographs reinforces my view that one can never stop being enchanted with the wonders of the world until one’s dying days.

Main picture: A village in Yemen

The Story of an African Car

By Blaine McCleland in Current Affairs 12 February 2017 0 Comment

**Written by my brother, Blaine, this story is a metaphor of the new South Africa. In the mould of Animal Farm by George Orwell, it showcases a very real South African conundrum and fear.**

WW2’s Unusual, Amazing and Sometimes Ironic Statistics

By Dean McCleland in Military History 10 February 2017 0 Comment

In all respects, WW2 was a war of superlatives. From the number of people killed to the quantum of destruction of civilian property, it easily outranks all previous wars combined. Of all other wars, it was truly waged on an industrial scale.

This blog presents those statistics that will amaze, astonish and often make one reflect on why in the mid 20^th century, man’s primal instinct was still to murder, annihilate and plunder.

Main picture: Only 20% of the males born in the Soviet Union in 1923 survived the war

A Haunting Reminder of the Horrors of WW1

By Dean McCleland in Military History 10 February 2017 0 Comment

The horrors of WW1 are unspeakable. Knowing that their chances of survival were minuscule once “going over the top”, unhinged many a Tommy. Even those who were terror stricken, had to face another enemy apart from their warped minds, a tribunal for desertion or failing to obey an order if they failed to display an appropriate martial ardour.

Such were the terrors of an inhumane war. To commemorate this suffering, Martin Galbavy has created a “tin” statue as a tribute to the soldier’s bravery, their torment & the suppression of their demons.

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