Category Archives: History

She was a Pyromaniac

Posted on 16 November 2011 by Amanda

While doing research on St Mary’s Church I came across the interesting history regarding a Miss Frances Livingstone Johnson, a Pyromaniac who set fire to some our local churches during 1897 and managed to burn St Mary’s to the ground.  … Continue reading →

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St Mary’s Church Port Elizabeth

Posted on 7 November 2011 by Amanda

En-Route to Paarl we spent the night at Attakwas in Oudshoorn, friend Ilse’s bed and breakfast.  She is also a history nutcase and being in good company we talked some when Ilse said that Stellenbosch is the second oldest town … Continue reading →

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Jewish Pioneer Memorial Museum

Posted on 25 March 2010 by Amanda

Richmond Hill Port Elizabeth is rich in history with many interesting buildings such as the Jewish Synagogue in Raleigh Street, today The Jewish Pioneer Memorial Museum.  Designed by architect Orlando Middleton, an exponent of the Art Nouveau style, built by … Continue reading →

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Everyday life of the 1820 Settlers

Posted on 3 March 2010 by Amanda

An extract from “Thus came the English” by D.E. Rivett  Jeremiah Goldswain, and Eliza Debenhan whom he wished to marry, had to appear before the landdrost so they walked thirty miles through the thick bus to Graham’s Town where the Martimonial … Continue reading →

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Port Elizabeth 1846

Posted on 3 March 2010 by Amanda

11th April 1846 a census was taken to determine the population of Port Elizabeth, back then called “Little Bess’. Males 727, Females 662, Children 1006 and Servants 10, a total of 2405 including Fingoes, Hottentots and Bechuanas. J.J. Redgrave writes … Continue reading →

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Willow Cottage History

Posted on 16 October 2009 by Amanda

The house at 27 Campbell Street was built in 1874 and named Willow Cottage by a Mr. McGregor, back then the local undertaker.  With his untimely death in 1876 the business and house was bought by his brother in law … Continue reading →

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