By Bert Behrens.
Portugal's Prince Henry the Navigator, was born on 4 March 1394,Porto, Portugal. He was the fifth eldest child of King John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster England.
Prince Henry, founded his Institute which included, Libraries, Astronomical Observatory, Ship Building Facilities and he also built the Church of the Navigators in the south of Portugal in the small Village of Sagres. Price Henry died in Sagres on the 13 November 1460, aged 66 years and was buried in a tomb in the Batalha Monastery.
Soon after his death King John II assumed the responsibility of discovering the sea-route to India and the thriving and lucrative spice fields of the East.
His fleet then sailed around Cape Point and up the east coast of Africa. In In 1488 after passing the dangerous Tsitsikamma coastline they anchored in a bay which Dias named "Golfo dos Pastores", which is Portuguese for Bay of the Shepherds. This was because of the many Aboriginal herdsman, probably “Strandlopers”, which were seen, on shore driving their cattle and sheep, from his Caravel.
St. Francis Bay stretches from Cape Receife in the east to Cape St. Francis in in the west. The area today know as Jeffreys Bay, with Port Elizabeth and the Gamtoos River lying to the east of it and St. Francis, Cape St. Francis, the Krom River and Tsitsikamma to the west was inhabited many, many years ago by coastal Aboriginals. Proof of this was discovered way back in the early 1900's Mr R W FitzSimons, who at that time was the Director of the Port Elizabeth Museum and Snake Park, (today Bay World), when he excavated a rock cave in the Outeniqua Mountains near the Tzitzikama coast in an area which was once occupied by the early coastal Aboriginals. (possibly Khoikhoi Cave dwellers or Strandlopers).Here he unearthed a number of skeletons, many of which can be seen in a photograph that was taken of him sitting inside the cave with the skulls displayed on the ground around him.
The fact that “Strandlopers” once roamed these shores was once again proved to be true when a valuable archaeological discovery was made between the Kabeljouws and Gamtoos Rivers. In 1997 whilst walking on the beach Kobus Kobus Reichert and Bianca Fenner discovered a partly exposed skeleton lying in the sea sand near a shell midden. They reported their discovery to Dr Johan Binneman of the Albany Museum in Grahamstown who excavated the site. At the time it was thought that the skeleton had lain under the sand for about 600 years.
Manuel de Mesquita Perestrelo, a Portuguese navigator and cartographer, was commissioned to chart the coast of Africa. In 1575 when his fleet anchored in the bay already named “Golfo dos Pastores” by Dias, he renamed the bay “Bahia de St. Francisco”, again Portuguese,in English St. Francis Bay), in honour of the patron saint of sailors. It is also believed that incorrect charts and maps drawn up by Perestrelo, caused many shipwrecks along the Tsitsikama Coast because water was shown where land actually existed. A Monument to Discoverers is situated on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon Portugal.
Although Portuguese navigators discovered the St. Francis Bay area in those early years not much happened until Jan van Riebeeck arrived at the Cape in 1652 and set up trading posts.
The route to the Eastern Cape via the Langkloof opened up and this is when big game hunters, (such as Henry Hartley) and adventurers, discoverers, fortune seekers and later Trek Boers started to venture inland.
Marthinus van Staaden, a Trek Boer, acquired grazing rights on the farm Kabeljouws in 1744 just a few kilometres east of the land on which Jeffreys Bay stands today. He then moved further eastwards across the Gamtoos river and the now famous van Stadens river is named after him.
The van Stadens pass was very dangerous but helped the farmers in the St. Francis Bay area to transport their produce by ox wagon to the market in Port Elizabeth much faster. Later a cement bridge was built across the river which made it even quicker and easier. But! The approach roads were often washed away by floods. Then modern technology took over for it was in 1967 that the final decision was taken to build a new bridge across the van Staadens Gorge and work began in earnest. Today the gorge is crossed by one of the longest concrete cantilever construction arch bridges of its kind in Southern Africa. At the time of its construction it was said to be the sixth longest bridge of its type in the World.
The bridge, 350 metres long rests on a concrete arch 25 metres wide a main span of 198 meters, which was built from opposite banks (not to be mistaken with the Storms River bridge which
was built from both sides straight up in the air and then lowered to meet in the middle). The four lane road across the bridge is about 127 metres above the floor of the gorge. The engineers who built the new van Stadens bridge were P DIPENTA OF ITALY, it was designed by Liebenberg Stander Western Cape (Pty) Ltd. and the Portland cement used in its construction was supplied by Pretoria Portland Cement, PPC Cement through its Port Elizabeth Plant. The final load of concrete was poured on the 8 September 1970 and the bridge was fully completed on the 12 October 1971 at a cost of R1,5 million with the official opening taking place on the 11 November 1971. Then the unexpected happened 87 people committed suicide by jumping from the time the bridge opened in 1971 up to 2013 when the pedestrian barrier was erected at a cost of R10m. Since then no lives have been lost.
was built from both sides straight up in the air and then lowered to meet in the middle). The four lane road across the bridge is about 127 metres above the floor of the gorge. The engineers who built the new van Stadens bridge were P DIPENTA OF ITALY, it was designed by Liebenberg Stander Western Cape (Pty) Ltd. and the Portland cement used in its construction was supplied by Pretoria Portland Cement, PPC Cement through its Port Elizabeth Plant. The final load of concrete was poured on the 8 September 1970 and the bridge was fully completed on the 12 October 1971 at a cost of R1,5 million with the official opening taking place on the 11 November 1971. Then the unexpected happened 87 people committed suicide by jumping from the time the bridge opened in 1971 up to 2013 when the pedestrian barrier was erected at a cost of R10m. Since then no lives have been lost.
Plettenberg Bay is a long, long way away from the Kabeljouws River, but in 1825 having to undertake the journey on horse back was no problem for Anthonie Michiel Ferreira born on the farm Kabeljouws in August 1802 Anthonie went to Plettenberg Bay to visit his girl friend Maria Johanna Albertina Meeding. It is therefore no wonder that with so much love in his heart they went on to have eleven children after being married in George, by Dominee Ballot on the 4 November 1827. These children were born between 1829 and 1850.
The farm Kabeljouws which was described as “Gelegen aan die andere zyde van de Kromme River” was sub-divided:
1] Kabeljouws River Siding
2] Die Erf
3] Sonop
4] Kabeljouws River
5] Klipheuwel
6] Meulplaas
7] Rina's Rus
8] Akkerboom.
The farm Klipheuwel was of great importance to Jeffreys Bay and it's history very interesting: Built in 1827 - now 190 years old. Nestling in the trees surrounded by crisp green lawns, situated on the western bank of the Kabeljouws River overlooking the Grootwinterhoekberge lies the farm Klipheuwel.
Anthonie Michiel Ferreira built the farmstead Langhuis in 1827, Klipheuwel. Today, 190 years later, it still stands as a monument to his wife Maria Johanna Albertina Ferreira born Meeding.
Martin Beresford left Maidstone Kent England, on a Sailing Ship “Warrior” bound for the Cape. In 1844 he settled in the Eastern Cape and noted that the Gamtoos River had to crossed at the mouth which could only be done at low tide. He realised that a ferry would facilitate the crossing and set up a prefabricated house on the banks of the river and began operating the Gamtoos Ferry.When Martin died the Beresford's son George took over the shop and pont, he married a Miss Maria Helena Kemp and the minister was Rev Francis McClelland. The Ferry House still stands today on Nocton Farm.
Joseph Avent Jeffery, (an immigrant from England), his wife Elizabeth Widow Lee born Kestall, (born in London England in 1812), and Jeffery's partner John Glendinning erected a wood and iron warehouse in 1849 and is recorded as being the first place of business to open on the banks of the Kabeljouws River, near today's Jeffreys Bay.
At that time there were already many coloured fishermen living off the sea in an area known as the Fishery.
M G Human and Co. bought the farm Klein Zeekoe Rivier, the sale was advertised in the Herald in 1845. On the 21 January 1852, they made an historic decision, forty erven situated on the coast on their farm Klein Zeekoe Rivier (now Jeffreys Bay) were put up for sale. The surveyor was Robert Pinchin and the auctioneer W S G Metlerkamp. Thus investment in land became a reality.
Joseph Avent Jeffery, (Jeffreys Bay was named after him), bought the
first four erven, numbers 1, 2, 9 & 10, for £79. He built the first house, which later became known as "The White House", on plot no. 10. |
| The White House Photo: Bert Behrens |
Another trader, innkeeper and artisan George Pell (also an English immigrant) was making a name for himself. He arrived in Jeffreys Bay in the 1860s. In 1865 he won the tender for £1 500 to repair the roof and build other extensions to the jail and other government buildings in Humansdorp, 15km away. Pellsrus is so named as he and his family and C A Brereton are buried there.
The first farm School in the St. Francis Bay area was built by Jacobus Johannes Meeding Ferreira, on the farm Kabeljouws in 1877, the first teacher was a missionary, Hendrik Pieter Meeding Ferreira.
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| Photo Bert Behrens |
Some of the pupils were Ria, Hester Marx's Mother, Antonie, George
Meeding Ferreira's brother, Jackie, Meeding, and Big Mike Ferreira.
In 1896 100 plots were surveyed and laid out in Ferreiratown which commenced at the gate to the commonage where the Methodist Church is today - this separated the two villages. Ferreiratown amalgamated with Jeffreys Bay in 1942.
1902 Charles Papenfus built the Beach Hotel in the little village of Ferreirastown. Over the years the hotel underwent many changes. Most of the old Hotel has been demolished except for the old bar and disco area. It has been replaced by a three storey building - Sea Shells Accommodation.
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| Beach Hotel Photo Bert Behrens |
From 1958 onwards, the owners of the Beach Hotel were: Piet Potgieter; Bert Myburgh; Stef Kruger; * Mario van Eeden; Tjart Broodryk; and a Mr van Rensberg. (* Mario van Eeden was elected Mayor from 1984 to 1986, and for a second term from 1988 to 1990.)
The first rail road linking Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth came into effect in 1905. But this ended on the eastern bank of the Kabeljouws River.
Sancroft Damant built a double storey boarding house there which did very well as visitors could board a train in P E and in no time they were
The postal service in the St. Francis Bay area improved with post being transported by train and Damant was also the Post Master.
The Jeffreys Bay Hotel (now Savoy Hotel) was built by John William and Sarah Elizabeth Regnart (born Martin) in 1906. Note the Hotels Tennis court. Over the years the Savoy Hotel has undergone many changes. The first major rebuilding of the hotel took place in 1928 when it was enlarged and the name changed.
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| Photo Bert Behrens |
A wood and Iron Post Office was used in Jeffreys Bay and the Postmaste was Tannie Poppy Kombrink. The first telephone service between Jeffreys Bay and Humansdorp came into effect in 1912. Remember the old phones - “nommer asseblief!!!”
The primary school which was housed in temporary premises closed but after a short closure, re-opened in the village of Jeffreys Bay in 1918 and was housed in the "White House".
A new school building was opened in 1925 at a cost of ₤165, Miss Johanna Elizabeth Christine Buys was appointed as the Headmistress and was the only teacher. This building has been preserved and still stands today. The School continued to grow and the number of pupils at the Jeffreys Bay Primary School by the year 1935 had grown to such an extent that a second building had to be erected, at a cost of £500.0.0.
Amongst the children is Ken Rielly. Miss Colling lady taught at the school for many years.
Eric Ungerer who was educated at this school is the only pupil who went on to become Mayor of Jeffreys Bay. Quite an achievement!!!
Jeffreys Bay achieved the status of Local Management in 1919, but still had to have everything approved by the Trustees. It made sense to appoint the Trustees onto the Local Management board.
Fishing was very popular and by 1920 the coloured fishermen of Jeffreys Bay were superb fishermen and seamen. It is thanks to them that the spotlight was put on Jeffreys Bay. Today the fishing industry plays a huge part in Jeffreys Bay's survival and development.
On the 6th November 1925 Jeffreys Bay was run by a Village Management Board which was spearheaded by a chairman.
Voting took place on the 27th February 1926. Councilors sworn into office were: Richard Chandos Thomas (Chairman); Ella Francis Hartley (born Garland); and Florence Francisca Newton (born Parkin). Mr Charles Alfred Brereton (an immigrant from Dublin, Ireland) and owner of the Savoy Hotel was appointed Secretary at a salary of £ 10 sterling per month.
Dr A D Keet bought the farm Noorsekloof from Jan, Piet and Abaraham Ferreira in 1926 for £ 6000.0.0. And sells to Trust Bank in 1970 for R2M.
John and Idah Rielly (born Kennedy) and their three children Thomas,Ken (who was four years old) and Joan arrived by train at the Jeffreys Bay railway siding in 1928. They were taken to their new home, the “White House”.
The S S Panaghia, a Greek cargo vessel, was wrecked one kilometre east of Tsitsikamma Point in 1938.
Also in 1938 the S S Lyngenfjord, a Norwegian cargo steamer of 5 627 tons, was wrecked at Tsitsikamma River Mouth carrying a mixed cargo which included liquor.
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| Main Beach Jeffreys Bay Photo Bert Behrens |
Over the years Jeffreys Bay has been home to many wonderful and likeable people. In 1948, Emma Susana Wait (born Maritz)(Tant Engeltjie) arrived in the village. Emma's early life was steeped in history. Her father, General Manie Maritz, was born in Kimberley in July 1876. and her mother, Emma Francis born Nell. Her parents had four children - the eldest Emma Susana was born in Piet Retief on the 26 April 1911. She married Jan Wait 10 days after they had met for the first time, and had one child - Francis who lives in J Bay today. Emma owned three fishing boats, one of them was named “Nina”. Tant Engeltjie turned 96 on 26 April 2007 and passed away in January 2009.
The first Doctor to live in Jeffreys Bay was, Dr Michiel Herholdt, he settled in Jeffreys Bay in 1955 with his wife Wilhelmina Godart born van Barneveld of Reitz and their two children, Dina Johanna (Joan) and Mattie. Mrs Herholdt Passed away at Jeffreysrus on 14May 2010. Joan married Manie du Toit of the farm “Osbosch” on which Piet Uys the famous Voortrekker's farm house was built at a place called Brakfontein.
On 7 May 1960 Jeffreys Bay obtained electricity for the first time.
The outside world began to hear about Jeffreys Bay when the surfers arrived in 1960. Point Break, Supertubes and Kitchen Windows were some of the names given to popular surfing spots.
Old Jeffreys Bay
Photo Bert Behrens
In order to eke out a living the surfing community made sandals, jewellery and clothing on a small scale. Many of them came and went, but a handful stayed. What resulted was a flourishing craft industry.
Over the years the V M B played a vital role in the development of Jeffreys Bay in which Alfie Ungerer, many times as chairperson, made a major contribution. The last V M B meeting took place at the end of 1968 when Jeffreys Bay achieved the status of becoming a Municipality.
The first Mayor was Councilor C J Greef. Many projects were taking place in Jeffreys Bay. Of note was a new school for Coloured people built in Pellsrus during March 1968 at a cost of R57 200,00.
The V L V elected a new President Miss Mercia du Plessis in 1970.
Trust Bank began developing the new suburb of Wavecrest in 1973, move which the locals described as “very ambitious”. Streets and other infrastructure were laid out and upon completion plots were sold and building began.
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| Photo Bert Behrens |
The Squid industry was destined to produce foreign currency for the region and was described as “white gold”. In 1983 export markets opened up, especially in Italy, creating much needed employment for the people of the region. The building industry had a major boom – by 1987 a vast number of houses had been built on the land which was once Noorsekloof farm owned by the Ferreira family (now Wavecrest).
With all this news and development to report Jeffreys Bay needed regular newspaper. In March 1987 Our Times (then 12 pages every second week) was founded by Anthony Kat
Two members of the Jeffreys Bay community were honoured for their contribution to the town when the title of Alderman was bestowed upon them. In 1991 The Honourable Mayor Alderman Bennie Keet and in 1993 the Honourable Mayor Alderman Eric Ungerer.
