Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Quintessential Chinese Vices

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

All societies consist of their fair share of ne’er-do-wells, addicts, cheats and liars. Others with no  such character flaws become engulfed in such destructive behaviours due to not overcoming life’s challenges.  The calamities that befall them comprise the kaleidoscope of events such as the loss of a child, serious injury or collapse of one’s business. In all probability the Chinese of Port Elizabeth were no more or less guilty of engaging  in such destructive behaviours. For the most part, the bulk of the Chinese population was law abiding and industrious citizens to boot.

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Port Elizabeth of Yore: Cape Recife Lighthouse-Protection from Thunderbolt Reef

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 5 Comments

The entrance to Algoa Bay from the west was treacherous with Thunderbolt Reef being especially hazardous. In spite of the authorities being cognisant of these dangers, for decades no progress could be made in convincing the Cape Government to erect a lighthouse at Cape Recife.

However, the struggle was finally successful, and that saga is covered by this blog. 

Main picture: Cape Recife Lighthouse

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Port Elizabeth of Yore: Crimes that Gripped the Imagination

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 0 Comment

In an era when leisure activities were sparse to non-existent, gossiping about crime was one of the few pastimes which was available. And it was free. This chapter will briefly cover the establishment of a Court House and then deal with a number of cases which gripped the imagination of the towns’ folks during the nineteenth century.

Main picture: Clockwise from the top left, these buildings have served as the Court House over the years. 1. The building between Evatt’s house on the left and the Post Office on the right from circa 1825 to 1856. 2. Commercial Hall from 1856 to 1884. 3. Magistrates Courts from 1884 to 1934 in South Union Street. 4. North End Law Courts from 1934 onwards

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