Hermanus

"This Town is known for many things, not least of all the abundance of whales that skirt past the coast every Year in Spring and Summer! A Seaside Town, South East of Cape Town, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. It's known as a: 'Whale-Watching Destination'. The Old Harbour Museum is a Site encompassing: 'The old Harbour, a Fishermen’s Village and the Whale House Museum.' (The latter has informative displays and a suspended skeleton of a whale!) The Old Harbour was proclaimed a Museum in 1972. The first Curator Mr Guy Clark, had the Area cleaned up, since it had been neglected since the late 1960's. This was after the last fishermen were removed. Cement and stone work, was repaired and old fishing boats were collected and repaired, for outdoor display. Some of the demolished old Fishing Shacks, from the early Days were rebuilt along the Slopes and an indoor Museum was developed in one of these Shacks. -In 1983, the Trustees bought the Historic Area, above the Harbour. The reconstruction was completed in 1987. Today De Wet's Huis Photo Museum houses a collection of very old photographs of Hermanus, going back to 1875. Many of the characters of the formative days of Hermanus are among those photographed, as well as many Buildings. ("That sadly are no longer there!") In 1983, the old Dutch Reform Sunday School was dismantled and moved to the Fisherman’s Village, where it was rebuilt (stone for stone and using the very same timber). This is where it stands today as: "De Wets Huis" (as seen in the photo). The reconstruction project took some four Years to complete. "It holds many treasures in terms of a photographic exhibition of the Town itself, as well as of the people and transport that once characterised it!" Many of the photographs on display at this Photographic Museum, were printed from glass negatives and were taken by the acclaimed: 'Mr.T.D. Ravenscroft' .

However, photography arrived much earlier in Hermanus, mainly thanks to the work of Mr. Ravenscroft. He captured the first clear images of many Towns, Villages and Farms in South Africa. He visited Hermanus and eventually retired there! His photographic studio was located next to his House on the present site of; the Post Office and the Service Station in the Main Road.

Ravenscroft was born in 1852, in Malmesbury and seemed to have known from an early age that he wished to be a professional Photographer. At the age of 17 he apprenticed himself to the best photographer in Cape Town, William Moore, and rapidly became very proficient. He later married Elizabeth Viljoen and she accompanied him as he travelled by cart, in search of subjects to photograph. Eleven of their fourteen children were born under their travelling cart. He was well-known for his Views of Landscapes and Towns, but he also brought his skills to bear on Portraiture and earned most of his income in his early years from being commissioned to photograph; portraits. In the 1890's he returned to live in Cape Town and photographed many 'of the Political and Social elite'. One of these was the very camera-shy, Cecil John Rhodes, who was so impressed by Ravenscroft, that he helped to get him appointed permanently as the official photographer of the Cape Colony. After 1910, Ravenscroft secured access to virtually every site in the Country; as the official photographer to South African Railways. In 1919, he retired to Hermanus, which he was to photograph many times over the next 30 Years. Some of His photographs date back as far as 1875, and include: 'Fashion, Architecture and Lifestyle', of the folk of times past. The people have passed away and many of the Buildings have been destroyed, but: "The photos have immortalised them as precious memories". Ravenscroft continued working all his life, but religious belief came to play an equally significant part in his activities. He preached every Sunday to a congregation in Hawston, and there was a sign on the door of his studio that made it clear that he would photograph ladies, but only if they were conservatively dressed. This notice read: "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: For all that do so are an abomination unto the LORD thy GOD." Ravenscroft died in 1948 at the age of 97, leaving a large number of glass negatives which are now in possession of this Photographic Museum. There are also trophies, mammoth shark jaws, and furniture on display, in the Museum. Each item adds a unique splash of flavour and character! "This gives visitors a peep into the wonders and History of the Region."

The Herb Garden in front of the Museum Cottage is a delight to explore, even for those not particularly inclined towards the outdoors. The Museum has been renovated and maintained by several interest groups over the Years. From about 1880, professional and private photographs of Hermanus and its inhabitants began to accumulate in various places. However, it was not until October 1983 that Prozesky initiated discussions between the Trustees of the Old Harbour Museum (formed in 1970) and the Dutch Reformed Church in Hermanus. 

The focus of the talks was a small cottage owned by the DRC and located on a site now adjacent to the Grobbelaar Hall. Oscar Prozesky had decided that this structure could be utilised better as a photographic Museum than for the Sunday School was held, there once a week. This Cottage that was to be the Museum also has a History. It was built in the 1860s by: 'J P de Wet', a member of the early families in Hermanus and who later farmed at  'Boontjieskraal'. The cottage was bought and sold a couple of times before it came into the possession of Dirk Cornelius Eksteen Wolhuter who used it as a temporary dwelling while building his permanent house alongside. When he no longer required it, he sold it back to the Dutch Reformed Church which used it for Sunday school classes.

The Old Harbour Museum had come into existence in 1970 and had acquired the site broadly known as 'Lemm's Corner' from a property company owned by Mr Christo Wiese. Oscar Prozesky, then pesonally supervised the deconstruction of the Sunday School building down to the smallest detail, numbering and recording, every component and storing them in a way in which they would be most easily accessible for reconstruction at a later date. Mr. S.J. du Toit quotes, the supervising Architects of the project as follows: "It is not often in this country that a whole building has been dismantled and moved to another site with the original materials replaced almost exactly. We should like to pay tribute to the dedication and skill with which Oscar Prozesky measured and marked out the stones and timber which enabled us to prepare plans; and also to the great enthusiasm and courage shown by curator Guy Clark and builder August Davids during construction".

Working directly from Oscar's records, they resurrected the stored material and meticulously sought out the stones from the great pile lying next to the library to ensure their correct repositioning." The public of Hermanus became enthusiastic about the project to revive the 1860's Cottage. A lengthy article in The Times of Hermanus of 19 October 1983 explained the work in detail and supported the request that all interested persons donate to the Hermanuspietersfontein Trust. "The response was positive!"- A large number of individuals, businesses, trusts and visitors did donate. More than 440 names appear on the list of donors. The sum raised (R93 746) equates roughly to R1,25 Million in today's money. Prozesky called the fundraising campaign "Operation Jericho". (This was a reference to the biblical story in which 'God simply told Joshua to have the people march silently around Jericho for six days, and then, after seven circuits on the seventh day, to shout. The walls would then collapse. 'Though it seemed foolish, Joshua followed God's instructions to the letter. When the people did finally shout, the massive walls collapsed instantly, and Israel won an easy victory.) Prozesky commented to the writer ,of the newspaper article: 'We will have to walk more than seven times around the cottage to make the walls fall down, but we heartily invite anyone interested to join us in the walk. "Prozesky left Hermanus quite soon after this and Guy Clarke, an earlier curator of the Old Harbour, returned to that position. Clarke (1943-2015) was responsible for recreating the cottage and preparing it for the exhibition of photographs. By 1987, the Museum was ready to stage a gala opening. Disclaimer Old Town and a Whale House was built in 1998."

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve has over 40 km of walks, ranging from moderate to strenuous walks in the beautiful Mountains which form an imposing backdrop to the Town. The 14 km of unique cliff walks recently incorporated into the nature Reserve boast a variety of coastal fynbos and birdlife. The pristine stretches of Beach offer "a solitude to the walker and boating activities abound in the Kleinrivier Lagoon, renowned for its birdlife!" and invigorating horse rides along the beach  which appeal to all ages. The Hermanus Golf Course is well known and curious baboons create a diversion as they silently observe the players. The Old Harbour complex in Hermanus offers the visitor an insight into Hermanus' past as a Fisherman's Village and marine life. Hermanus and neighbouring Towns of Onrus and Stanford are the residence of a variety of artists, from watercolours, to writers, potters and crafters. Excellent jewellery is produced and crafts of a high standard can be purchased at the popular Craft Market at Lemm's Corner.

The Hermanus Wine Route, the Southern most in Africa, produces top quality, World renowned wines. Hermanus is firmly established on the Epicurean map- a connoisseur of the arts of life and the refinements of sensual pleasures with its myriad of restaurants, fine wine, fresh vegetables cheese and fish. Today Hermanus remains; a thriving holiday Resort offering residents and holiday makers all modern amenities, yet retaining its fisherman's Village charm. 

This gorgeous seaside Town has a proud History dating back to the early 1800's when a Hermanus Pieters followed a path etched into the ground by a herd of elephants. Hermanus Pieters was a traveling teacher and sheppard who growing tired of his locality, made the decision to pack up and try somewhere new. He wandered South of Caledon along the elephant trail and ended up next to the Sea where he discovered a fresh Spring. Hermanus Pieters then decided to; set up Camps here because of this Spring and the fine grazing the Land provided for his livestock. This beautiful setting became known as: 'Hermanuspietersfontein' (directly translated as: 'Hermanus Pieters Fountain'). Once farmers in neighboring districts begun to hear of his success they too began their journeys to this new and fertile location. Many of the farmers only vacationed in Hermanuspietersfontein, during the warmers Summers Months. They spent their time fishing whilst their wives and children spent many a happy day along the magnificent beachfronts. Once the Winter Months set in the farmers would return to their homes, the fishermen however stayed. The fish was plentiful and the men had great successes in the ocean that lapped the shores of this small Town. By 1886, so many families had moved to Hermanuspietersfontein that a Church and School were built. Today there is a cellar and wine brand which is proud to pay homage to and re-live the origin of this Our cellar and wine brand is proud to pay homage to and re-live the origin of  this Village, Hermanuspietersfontein, as it was first named in 1855. In 1902, after an irate postmaster’s complaint due to the Towns’ exceptionally long name, Hermanuspietersfontein became: 'Hermanus'. (The Town was so beautiful and filled with fresh sea air that it was not uncommon for doctors to recommend a trip to the seaside Town, for their patient’s health!) In the late 1800’s the Harley Street Doctors, of London discovered Hermanus as an excellent place for people with consumption (TB) to recuperate. By the 1920’s there were approximately; 15 Boarding Houses were established in Hermanus. This was mainly to cater for these early (medical) Tourists.

Hermanus grew in reputation and these Boarding Houses, slowly changed into Hotels. Before the 2nd World War there was a well established International Tourist Trade, in Hermanus. The Hotels used to send busses to Cape Town to fetch their guests off the Mail Ships, in Cape Town's Harbour. After the war many of these people settled here, buying and building homes for themselves. The social scene in Hermanus during the 50’s and 60’s was amazing, with Hotels providing entertainment and music. (During the late 50’s there were 15 or 16 Hotels and the Town was thriving. "It was the place to go for people in the Western Cape")
The residents of Hermanus fought strongly for their home to remain a sleepy, quaint seaside Village rather than succumb to the modernization that was creeping up all around them. One of the most significant contributors to this “village feeling” was William Hoy, who was a frequent visitor to Hermanus. Hoy was the general manager of the railways and he ensured that the natural beauty of Hermanus would not be marred by the extension of the railway line into the Village. (Hundreds of Years later Hermanus is the only place with a Railway Station in the Country with no trains.) Hermanus is Historically rich with many tales and interesting facts about the people who were responsible for making the Town what it is today: from the anti-railway activist- William Hoy, to the last indigenous beachcomber who lived in a Cape Town. (These people are amongst many others who contributed to both the development and the relaxed feel of Hermanus today. Like many other great South African Settlers!)

William Hoy was borne in Scotland. At the age of 12 he left school and set off to Edinburgh where he found work as a junior clerk on the North British Railway, earning 12 shillings per week. Hoy, who had beautiful copperplate handwriting and started learning pitman’s shorthand, Soon, Mr. Hoy was earning extra pocket money teaching shorthand at night School. In 1890, a recruiting officer of the Cape Government Railways, arrived in Edinburgh. Hoy successfully applied and soon after, arrived in Cape Town. After only two Years in the Country, he became chief clerk to the traffic manager in Kroonstad and within a Year, he was the Transvaal agent for the Railways. During the Anglo- Boer War, Hoy was in charge of Military Railways, coordinating the movement of troops, supplies, horses, and various other tasks. Hoy then married Gertrude Price in 1901. They only had one daughter, Maudie. His father-in-law, Sir Thomas Price, General Manager, appointed him as: 'Chief Traffic Manager'. (This post he had earned by hard work.)               Another milestone came when he bought the first typewriter in the Country and personally typed the first letter. (This possibly made him the first and only railway manager to have risen from ranks of shorthand typist.) In 1910, he became the youngest Railway General Manager ever and had control of the second largest Government owned Railway, in the World. It was during this time that the 'Hoy Family' wanted to get away from Cape Town and they discovered the fishing Village of-Hermanus. (Here he could enjoy his favourite hobby of fishing! ) He became the most enthusiastic patron of the Village and was completely enchanted by its natural charm. The local businessmen and residents alike, were hopeful that the general manager of the Railway would soon help them by building a Branch Line from Botrivier to Hermanus. Their hopes, however, came to nothing, as Hoy wanted Hermanus to remain unspoilt and not be run over by masses that could turn up once there was a Railway Line. Eventually when deputation pressed him for the line to Hermanus , he took them to Sir Lowry’s Pass Station on a New Years Day and when the train arrived, hundreds of people, laden with picnic baskets, blankets and radios poured from the train , laughing and talking excitedly. Hoy introduced the first Road Service of South African Railways from the Railway Station at Botrivier to Hermanus, in 1912. Lorries carried freight, [particularly fish] and a bus to carry passengers was then introduced.

William Hoy was Knighted in 1916. He died in 1930 at the early age of 62. His fishermen friends carried his coffin up a newly made pathway for the burial, 'on the Koppie'. This is a Mountain just behind the Station Building which was very close to his heart. From that day on it was named: 'Hoy’s Koppie'. 

Gearing Point- "The History behind Gearing's Point, is that it was used as a lookout for fishermen who were coming into the Old Harbour (when it was still in use). It also gave a fantastic view for the onlookers as they watched the boats coming in, as well as see what catch the fishermen produced from the long days at sea. After a while the telescope was erected when the fishermen moved to the New Harbour and whales became the more popular option when searching the waves.- Gearing's Point still offers one of the best views for whale spotting and watching. During peak Season, tourists flock to this location to try and catch a glimpse of the stunning creatures, some even braving a soaking by traversing the rocky outcrops into the ocean. Due to its elevated position, viewers are able to pick up movement in the ocean faster than those looking from the Old Harbour. However, the size of Gearing's Point means that not everyone will get a fantastic view of the whales. 

"There are paths along the rocky outcrops, as well as benches and grassy areas that people can go to sit and view the whales, without interruption"