PE Tramways Building

Another shameful example of urban decay in Port Elizabeth. The old PE Tramways building was once a hive of activity, first as a tram and bus depot and then as an ice rink. It was then used for other businesses and now stands unused and derelict.It was announced with great fanfare that this historic landmark, … Continue reading PE Tramways Building →

Heritage

Last week the National Heritage Symposium was held in Port Elizabeth, in the old Drill Hall. The room was full of people who are passionate about preserving the heritage of the country, and the discussions were really interesting. Although, to be honest, I left with the uncomfortable feeling that much the same gets said year … Continue reading Heritage →

skylines #3 Old Erica and the bay

This old school building is one of PEs landmarks. Whenever you want to give directions in this area, you just have to say "do you know the Old Erica Building" and 90% of the time, the answer will be yes. It was built in 1903, and housed the Erica School for girls. When they outgrew … Continue reading skylines #3 Old Erica and the bay →

Delightful old cottage

This quaint little historic cottage is in Richmond Hill. (In fact it is a couple of houses away from the burnt out one we showed you recently, but this one is fortunately better cared for.)

Moon + tower

The attractive red roof of the old Erica Building has a cute little turret feature, and the moon nestled up to it...

Burnt Out

Such a shame... another historic cottage in Port Elizabeth, neglected by the owner and rented out to Nigerian drug dealers, has burned down. GRRRRRRRR. Another little bit of our heritage needlessly lost. I featured this house in my "Now and Then" series a while ago, you can see how it looked recently and in the … Continue reading Burnt Out →

April Theme Day: Water

Next time you turn on a tap and clean drinking water flows out, spare a thought for those who have to pump theirs out of the ground! This old water pump is in the courtyard at 7 Castle Hill, the oldest residence in Port Elizabeth still in existence, now a fascinating Historical Museum.I am sure … Continue reading April Theme Day: Water →

Trinity House

We'll come back to 7 Castle Hill, but today we wanted to share pictures of another very old house in Central which has been maintained in its original state.This is Trinity House, and it is about 30 years newer than 7 Castle Hill, having been built around 1858. It was recently bought by Amanda and … Continue reading Trinity House →

Courtyard 7 Castle Hill

A peek inside the delightful cobble stoned courtyard of the historic museum at 7 Castle Hill, the oldest home in PE still in existence. It has been beautifully preserved. It was built in the 1820s by Rev Francis McLelland, who was the Minister of the St Marys Church down the hill in market square. The … Continue reading Courtyard 7 Castle Hill →

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria still watches over parts of her former empire, with her "We are not amused look". This Sicilian marble statue of her, is situated at the entrance to the Main Library, on the North-Western corner of Market Square. It was erected and unveiled in 1903 two years after her death.