Then and Now – Van Stadens Pass drift

Approaching Port Elizabeth from the west you have to drive over the Van Stadens River Bridge about 40 kilometres outside of town. Looking down into the gorge you can just imagine what an effort it must have been getting through that back in the earlier days. The river was named after one of the area's pioneer farmers … Continue reading Then and Now – Van Stadens Pass drift →

Then and Now – Donkin Reserve

The Donkin Reserve is truly one of Port Elizabeth's iconic attractions. The pyramid (Donkin Memorial) was commissioned by Sir Rufane Donkin in August 1820 as a monument to his wife Lady Elizabeth after whom he named the town. Sit Rufane was the Acting Governor of the Cape Colony and came to Algoa Bay to oversee the landing … Continue reading Then and Now – Donkin Reserve →

Then and now from the Donkin Lighthouse

After my last venture up the Donkin Lighthouse, Sue sent me two old pictures that were taken from the lighthouse in the late 1800's. She asked me if I had any pics taken in the same direction to be able to compare. I didn't, but took Chaos Boy to climb the lighthouse on Saturday and … Continue reading Then and now from the Donkin Lighthouse →

Then and Now- the Willows

We received this old photo of the Willows Resort, taken in 1959, from our friend Gaston. .. and here it is now, not so different, if you look at hese old chalets......... but there are also new chalets and a conference hall, seen here at sunrise,and as a bonus, as we stopped a bit further … Continue reading Then and Now- the Willows →

For Brenda….

This is for regular reader and ex-PE girl Brenda, who lived here a while back. We featured a "Then and Now" of her at the house in 1949 (now now, it isn't gentlemanly to do the maths!) recently and she wanted to see how it looks now, so here you are.

casbah’s again

Since we seem to be on a nostalgic kick at the moment, let's feature another shot of PE in the 90s.... this is the Casbah Carvery that used to be in Cape Road, in the old Kine 500 complex. This was sent by Darren Theologo, who says :"The photo of the Limousine infront of the … Continue reading casbah’s again →

St Philips Street Then and Now

I can't believe our 1st blogiversary slipped by yesterday, we clean forgot about it, but would love to thank all our visitors who have really become friends in the past year.One of our readers, Brenda from UK, grew up in a house which is just across the park from us. She has sent us some … Continue reading St Philips Street Then and Now →

Then and now….

Our friend Gaston from France sent this photo of his son at the Donkin Reserve in 1960. I don't know what the occasion was but it looks interesting, can you just hear the skirling of the pipes?and now, somewhat quieter recently, as the sun rose behind the monument.........

Then and Now, post office and city hall

Another of the wonderful vintage postcards sent to us by John from UK, and the same view taken recently.

then and now, Cape Road

In the past, the main road to Cape Town lead up the hill from the City Centre, through what was a rocky gorge called Hyman's Kloof, until Russell Road was built through it. At this point it turns towards the West, and flattens out to become one of the major arterial routes through to the … Continue reading then and now, Cape Road →