Graskop History
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The first records of Graskop history start in 1843, with the arrival of the Voortrekkers in the area. In 1838 Louis Trichard - in search of a port not under British rule - had reached Delagoa Bay via a particularly arduous route through the Olifants River Valley. This journey was completed at a tremendous cost in lives lost to fever, probably malaria. In 1843 Andries Potgieter - who had just founded Potchefstroom and on the advice of Trichard - took a more southerly route, which turned out to be virtually impossible - let alone arduous!! After negotiating what is known as CASPERS NEK Pass (named after Paul Kruger's father who pioneered this oldest existing road in the region still in use), the party reached the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment down which there was no possible descent at that point, or - by line of sight - 50km in any direction. Leaving the women and children and a few men out spanned on the banks of the river just below the top of the escarpment - with strict instructions that the waiting group return to Potchefstroom if the scouting group had not returned by a date two months into the future - the men went in search of a way down to the Lowveld 1000m below. Access to the Lowveld was discovered to be via an animal track on a land under the control of a local chief named Koveni - hence the Afrikaans translation Kowyn - and onto Delagoa Bay where, for various reasons, the men were delayed. The waiting party, after staying a fortnight longer than instructed, left the river on who's banks they have been anxiously waiting, named it "Treurrivier" (River of Sorrow). A few days later the returning men caught up with their womenfolk on the banks of another river, which was promptly named the "Blyderivier" (river of Joy). In the year 1850 the farm GRASKOP - so named because of the vast tracts of grassveld and singular lack of trees in the area - was owned by one Abel Erasmus who in later years was to become "native commissioner and magistrate" for the entire Lowveld and escarpment region. The local, indigenous people gave this redoubtable hunter the name "Dubula Duzi", in recognition of the fact that he waited till the very last moment before firing on his quarry.
Gold was discovered in various places all over the region in the 1870's and the GRASKOP area was no exception. Though not as dramatic or lucrative as elsewhere in the region, the watchful eye may still notice the scars of long (and not so long) past mining operations around GRASKOP and Pilgrims Rest. As recently as 1996, the last of the prospecting "characters" in the area decided to hang up his pan.
"Jock of the Bushveld" belongs to the late 1880's and the early 1890's. Two chapters of this classic African tale - namely "Paradise camp" and "Baboons and Tigers" - took place a stone's throw from GRASKOP.
By the 1890's, the need for a more effective route for necessities at Pilgrims Rest - in particular - allowed Max Carl Gustav Leibnitz to make his own fortune. Almost single-handed this man turned the existing animal track into the first "Kowyns Pass" - the present one is the third and was completed in 1957 at a gradient of one in fourteen. The original pass had a gradient in some places of one in three. At the top of the pass Leibnitz built a tollgate and Inn. Leibnitz's original pass could not by any stretch of the imagination be called a road. The ascent was a 2 to 3 day grind of sweat, hard work and foul language. Going down the pass was no game either because huge branches had to be attached to the wagons to assist with braking. Needless to say the trade in liquor was very brisk indeed - even though Leibnitz did not have a licence. This fact, as such, wasn't a problem; but when the magistrate from Lydenburg passed through every second week on his way to the Lowveld, liquor was hastily hidden and there where many irate, thirsty men mumbling themselves to sleep.
On one auspicious occasion the magistrate - who was aware of the illegal liquor trade and didn't mind the odd tipple himself, pointedly asked Leibnitz why he didn't sell liquor. "Who will look after the toll gate while I'm gone for a week fetching a piece of paper?" came the arch reply. At the truth and logic of this the magistrate relented and handed over the necessary forms, which were duly signed and witnessed.
A railway spur from Nelspruit through the farm Sabie and onto the farm GRASKOP was begun in early 1910. This railway line was completed and ready for the opening ceremony on 18th June 1914. GRASKOP was declared a town later that same year. By 1918 GRASKOP had a primary school, church and a store. Talk of the town becoming a farming community was just that, talk. Because of the high rainfall, vegetable and fruit farming was not a viable enterprise. Although there had been cattle around for some time, the predominantly sour grass nature of the veld - which the cattle preferred not o eat, as well as the permanently wet nature of the veld which caused hoof rot, nipped in the bud any idea of cattle or dairy farming on a large scale. As a result of these factors Graskop remained predominantly a railway town.
Then in the late 1920's and early 1930's came the depression. In an attempt to create as many work opportunities as possible, the government of the day decided to plant trees in the area. Trees were always going to be planted here, but the decision turned a fifty year plan into a five year plan as thousands of white men planted the first trees by hand and received a pittance for their labour. That pittance however kept many thousands of loved ones from starving in those dark days. Since the depression and after the cutting of the first trees (as a matter of interest and rule of thumb, the trees in the region only grow for 15 years before they are felled), GRASKOP became a timber town with a little more prosperity than before.
By the time the Second World War started, GRASKOP had a population of 700 people. The town hall had been built and there was a golf course as well as a horseracing track, both of which there is no trace today. The one thing that never changed was the constant stream of tourists who were entranced by the region. Although it was as rough as it could come on the gravel roads of 30 years ago, many people came and were overwhelmed by the splendour which abounded, despite the fact that the roads were virtually impassable in the rainy season and so dust filled during the dry winter months that one had to keep one's distance from the vehicle in front.
At that time the Bourkes Luck Portholes - already a prominent tourist attraction - was spanned by swing bridges and a trip to the Three Rondavels viewpoint was an overnight affair. Many residents of the region are the offspring of men who found that they could - or would - not exist outside the "encircling comfort of these hills". This "encircling comfort of the hills" attracts many hundreds of thousands of people to the Greater Escarpment Tourist region each year.
The Blyde river Canyon is the third largest canyon system in the world, and is the largest green canyon in the world.
Situated along the Mpumalanga Drakensberg Escarpment, the reserve covers a area of 22 664 hectares extending from the Pinnacle and Gods Window in the south to beyond the mighty Marieps Kop in the north, where the Blyde River Canyon ends at Swadini. The reserve is administered by the Mpumalanga Parks board and is known primarily for the outstanding natural beauty of the canyon as well as the numerous endemic and endangered fauna and flora species present.
Five of the 71 different veld types of South Africa occur on the reserve, these include mixed Bushveld, northeastern mountain sourveld, Lowveld sour Bushveld, and Lowveld mixed Bushveld. The reserve represents a transitional zone for the flora of these five regions including flora, which migrate along the escarpment from as far south as the Cape, plants from Natal, tropical plants from the Lowveld and plants from the central Bushveld that follow the routes of the Ohrigstad and Olifants River valley into the Canyon. The rich and varied plant life is influenced by extremes climate, altitude and soil conditions. Plant communities range from mountain sour grassland on the high summits and plateaus, subtropical rainforest in the upper reaches of deep ravines at the escarpment edge, through mountain forest, dry Bushveld, protea veld dense brushwood and scrub in dongas and dry ravines, to riparian forest on the banks of perennial rivers and streams and arid mixed sour Bushveld at Swadini in the Canyon mouth.
The rich patchwork of diverse plant communities supports an equally rich and varied fauna. The mountain grassland area provides suitable habitat for Grey Rhebuck, the rare Oribi, a variety of seed eating birds, rodents, reptiles and an abundance of insects. Klipspringers and Dassies find food and shelter in rocky areas, while Mountain Reedbuck and Kudu select wooden Bushveld where patches of dense cover also shelters to Common Duiker. Bushbuck and bush pig move amongst the luxuriant growth on the banks of the rivers and streams, with the duiker also occurring sometimes. A variety of aquatic animals including water birds, fish, otters, hippo and crocodile live in and around the dam, rivers, mountain streams and marshlands Birds of grassland, woodland, forest and scrub occur, with all three South African Loerie species present. All five of South African primates are found in the reserve, including the rare Samango Monkey, which live in the lush evergreen forest. The greater and lesser bush babies are nocturnal, while Vervet Monkeys and Chacma Baboons are often seen. An interesting variety of small mammals include the yellow-footed squirrel, honey badger, aardvark, aardwolf, porcupine and mongoose of different kinds. The Leopard is the largest predator. Other carnivores include the Spotted Genet, Civet Cat, Serval and Caracal.
This attraction stretches from Graskop to just south of Hoedspruit, a town in the Northern Province - a distance of more than 80km
This 30m high quartzite "needle" raises dramatically out of the fern clad ravine, created by the Ngwaritsane River, over countless millennia. To the right, and below, the viewing plateau from which can be seen only the topmost of eight waterfalls which take the river down approximately 450m in a series of alternating falls and cascades.
This attraction is approximately 10km outside the town Graskop.
Moving from south to north, the majesty of this second largest canyon in the world opens up for your delight. Firstly one becomes aware of the natural phenomenon, which gives this viewpoint its name. But, long before written history the indigenous peoples had their own names for these features. The THREE RONDAWELS were known as 'The Chief and his three wives'. The flat-topped peak to the right is named MAPJANENG - the 'Chief' (named in honour of a Mapulana chief named Maripe Mashile who routed invading Swazis at a great battle whose name has lived on as 'Moholoholo' or in translation 'The very great one') whilst the three wives - in descending order from right to left - are named MASEROTO, MOGOLADIKWE, and MAGABOLLE. Behind them all towering in isolated and massive splendour is the 1944m high peak named MARIEPSKOP - also named after Maripe Mashile - which forms the southern portal of the canyon mouth. To the north of MAGABOLLE the magnificent, almost arrogant, jutting profile of the SWADINI BUTTRESS forms the northern portal of the canyon mouth whilst offering a superb example of the powerful effect of wind and water on raw rock interspersed with layers of shale. Pointing roughly northeasterly and virtually surrounded by the waters of the lake formed by the dam wall, is the mountain named THABANENG (the mountain with the shadow that moves) by the indigenous peoples and - surprise, surprise! - THE SUNDIAL by the white peoples. Of interest is the fact that the viewpoints hover around 1380m whilst the level of the dam when full, is 665m.
This attraction is located approximately 30km north of Graskop
This natural feature marks the beginning of the Blyderiver Canyon. Through countless aeons the swirling whirlpools that occur as the Treur River falls into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river. The informative Visitors Centre details some of the interesting natural and socio-historic features and is the starting point of the 700m walk to the potholes.
This national monument is 45m high and came into being when, over many aeons, the softer rock was gradually worn away by the relentless flow of the river. These falls are located just north of Graskop.
At 92m the Lisbon Falls are the highest in the area. The river separates into three streams as it plunges into the pool below. These falls are located just north of Graskop.
The Mpumalanga Escarpment and Lowveld is world known for its splendid beauty, awesome waterfalls and wildlife. Listed below are some of the most popular sights in the region, stretching from Nelspruit in the South, Hoedspruit in the North. From Lydenburg to the Kruger National Park in the East. Distances are given in km from GRASKOP.
GRASKOP - The Home of the Big Swing
Big Swing & High Wire. 65m free fall OR “Foefie-Slide”
· Sudwala Caves, 82km
· Long Tom Pass, 40km
· Rotcher Wineries (Whiteriver), 86km
· Croc River Reptile Park, 97km
· Sabie with sights (waterfalls), 32km
· Forest Falls, 13km
· Mac Mac Falls & Pools, 16km
· Maria Shires Falls, 13km
· Pilgrims Rest, 15km
· Robbers Pass, 19km
· Pinnacle, 5km
· Gods Window & Wonder View, 11km
· Berlin Falls, 11km
· Lisbon Falls, 7km
· Bourkes Luck Potholes, 32km
· Three Rondawels, 52km KRUGER NATIONAL PARK GATES:
· JG Strydom Falls, 86km * Phabeni Gate , 42km
· Moholoholo Rehab Centre, 120km * Paul Kruger Gate, 96km
· Cheetah Project * Orpen Gate, 150km
* Phalaborwa Gate, 190km
WALKS & HIKES IN AND AROUND THE PANORAMA ROUTE
The Loerie Trail is one of the most popular day trails. Approx. 10km. This walk takes you through pine and blue-gum plantations, as well as through indigenous forests and patches of grassland. The trail’s starting points are the Ceylon Forest Station or Merry Pebbles Holiday Resort and returns to both.
3km crescent route. This walk starts at the Mac Mac Pools and works it’s way through the surrounding veld and scattered indigenous trees. There is very little shade on this route and precautions against sunburn are recommended. An entree fee is payable at the gate. Picnic sites are available for the enjoyment of the whole family.
A walk of approx. 3 hours starting at the Graskop Municipal Resort’s entrance. Passing through rock, rain forest and walking along the end of the escarpment. Going right to the end looking out over the ‘Pinnacle Gorge’.
Fairy Land is a shorter version of the Jock of the Bushveld trail.
Approx. 500m out of Graskop (enter at the gate of Mogodi Lodge) just before you drive down the Kowynspass, you can either BIG SWING down 64m to the bottom of the waterfall OR you can “foefie-slide” across the Gorge. Alternatively take the staircase down to the waterfall and pool.
FANIE BOTHA TRAIL
Duration of trail = 2-5 days. Total distance: 79km. Overnight huts are available at Ceylon, Maritzbos, Hartbeesvlakte, President Burgers, Mac Mac and Graskop. The hiker starts off at Ceylon Plantation and finished at either circular route within the main trail; make sleeping over for only one or two nights, possible. Details: SAFCOL (013) 764-1058 / 764-1392.
GUINEA-FOWL TRAIL - 5km long - Aventura Blydepoort
It is marked by ‘Guinea-fowl’ symbols on rock surfaces. Starts at the Lower Viewpoint and ends on the road leading up to the Restaurant. 100m from the start, the Loerie Trail branches off to the right.
THE LEOPARD TRAIL - 5.27km long - Aventura Blydepoort It is marked by yellow ‘Leopard paw-prints’ on rock surfaces. It starts at the Upper Viewpoint and, depending on your choice of routes, ends either at the Lower Viewpoint or near the Lower Viewpoint on the road leading up to the Restaurant.
KADISHI-TUFA TRAIL - 2km long - Aventura Blydepoort
This trail starts outside Chalet nr. 64 and ends near the Lower Viewpoint on the road, which takes you directly up to the Resort’s restaurant.
You decent into the valley and pass the dam. Then meander into the ravine and runs alongside the crystal clear Kadishi River with numerous small waterfalls and shade pools.
Look out for Velvet Monkeys foraging in the lush riveting vegetation.
“The Panorama”
The Panorama Region is known for its incessant desire to leave visitors enthralled and mesmerised by its unparalleled natural beauty and splendour.
The soothing and serene ambiance, the abundance of history, cultural heritage and imposing landscapes, make this region the unequivocal draw card into Mpumalanga province.
Comprising of the historical towns of Ohrigstad, Pilgrim's Rest, Sabie, Graskop and Hazyview (with Lydenburg and White River as gateways into the region) , the Panorama is indeed for both the adventurous at heart and those who just want to marvel at its scenic beauty. From white water river rafting, bungee jumping, gold panning, hot air ballooning, trout fishing, hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, bird watching to game viewing; this region has it all.
The Panorama Region has got an abundance of history, cultural heritage, wild life and enchanting landscapes.
Trails left behind by the pioneering Voortrekkers in Ohrigstad, Lydenburg and other areas feature prominently in the form of buildings such as schools, churches and monuments. Rock paintings in caves and artifacts like the Lydenburg Heads, are 'footprints' left by indigenous people eons ago as
testimony to their existence.
The Echo Caves indeed reverberate the existence of tribes like the Pedi, Mapulane and Swazi who once reigned supreme in this area. At present the region is still a cradle of a rich cultural heritage, where one can immerse in the kaleidoscope of existing cultures.
Indelible marks left behind by early prospectors of the glittering and illusive stone (gold) in the museum town of Pilgrim's Rest is also a manifestation to the plethora of attractions in this divinely crafted area.
Majestic waterfalls in Graskop and Sabie, add more colour and splendour to the enthralling landscapes of the region. The Blyde River Canyon nature sanctuary is a haven to various plant and bird species and the spectacular scenic beauty and viewpoints make this canyon one of the most sought after.
In this region wild life can be seen in close proximity roaming in its natural habitat in game reserves dotted throughout the region or in the Kruger National Park which is just a stone throw away.
The Panorama Region truly offers a journey of discovery, that will leave one overwhelmed by the unfamiliarity of the familiar.
Pilgrim’s Rest
The history of the Pilgrim's Rest gold fields dates back to ancient times when unknown miners worked the quartz reefs for gold. Evidence of their diggings can still be found throughout northern and eastern South Africa and Zimbabwe. A number of insignificant gold deposits were discovered in the northern parts of South Africa between 1840 and 1870. The first gold rush in South Africa took place in 1873 when payable gold was discovered on the farm Geelhoutboom near the town of Sabie on the Mpumalanga escarpment. President Burgers, who visited the site, named the camp "Mac Mac" and declared the area the New Caledonia Gold Fields. One of the Mac Mac diggers, Alec "Wheelbarrow" Patterson, left the immediate area to prospect further afield. Soon after, he discovered rich gold deposits in Pilgrim's Creek, a tributary of the Blyde River, close to where the village of Pilgrim's Rest now stands. He was able to keep his secret for only a short time before a second prospector, William Trafford, discovered the same deposit of gold. The news of a rich strike triggered the first major gold rush in South Africa. Pilgrim's Rest was declared a gold field on 22 September 1873. The Gold Commissioner moved his office to Pilgrim's Rest and by the end of 1873 there were some 1500 diggers working 4000 claims in and around Pilgrim's Rest. The valley was rich in gold with large finds also being made at Starvation Gully, Peach Tree Creek, Brown's Hill, Poverty Creek, Golden Point and Breakneck Gulley. It is estimated that R2 million worth of gold was mined during the first seven years of mining in the Pilgrim's Rest valley. The scale of this gold field cannot be compared to those of Australia or California but nevertheless caused much excitement in South Africa.
FROM CAMP TO VIILLAGE
By 1874/75 Pilgrim's Rest had become the social and commercial centre for the diggings then comprising the Upper, Middle and Lower Camps. By 1896 many of the tents had been replaced by more permanent buildings. After the First War of Independence (1880 - 1881) the Republican government instituted a policy of granting concessions to individuals and companies in an effort to stimulate economic and industrial growth. In 1881, David Benjamin, a London financier, obtained the mining rights to Pilgrim's Rest and the surrounding area. His first move was to compensate the remaining diggers for their claims which he then consolidated with the formation of the Transvaal Gold Exploration Company. In 1895, this company, along with other smaller companies, amalgamated to form the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates. The resident minister of St. Mary's Anglican Church at the time,wrote, "Soon all will be organised and everyone managed.
PILGRIM'S REST AS A MUSEUM TOWN
The conservation of Pilgrim's Rest as a cultural and historic asset began in 1974 when the provincial government purchased the village. In 1986 the village of Pilgrim's Rest and the farm Ponieskrantz, on which the village is situated, was declared a National Monument. Today a dedicated group of historians and interest groups continue to work towards the further restoration of the village to increasingly provide a better insight into the history of the area. The village is divided into two distinct areas - Up Town and Down Town. The Pilgrim's Rest Information Office and the Ticket Office in the Up Town sector offer tourist information and guided tours to three museums; the Diggings, the Reduction Works and Allanglade House.
DREDZEN SHOP AND HOUSE MUSEUM
The devaluation of the British pound in 1932 caused a sharp rise in the gold price which stimulated the economic growth of the village and the area. Apart from the usual butcheries, bakeries and blacksmiths, in the 1930's there were 16 general dealer stores located in Pilgrim's Rest. In the 1940's mine production dropped sharply which had a serious effect on the village community and many establishments were forced to close. The Dredzen Shop Museum is representative of the typical general dealer of the period 1930 to 1950. The articles displayed are a selection taken from a 20 year period and were not therefore, all available throughout that period. It is, however, interesting to note how little some of the goods and packaging have changed through the years. The home and life style of the post Second World War era has been reconstructed in the store owner's residence, adjoining the shop. Articles and furniture on display represent a typical middle class home of the period in Pilgrim's Rest. The house museums of Pilgrim's Rest portray the development of interiors at other village sites: The House Museum (1900 - 1915), Allanglade (1915 - 1930) and the Dredzen House Museum (1930 - 1950)
THE HOUSE MUSEUM
The House Museum is a fine example of wood and corrugated iron architecture which is typical of Pilgrim's Rest. The house was built in 1913 for a dr. W. Secomb. During the 1930's the house was occupied by mr. Blaine, a lawyer. In 1976 the house was restored and furnished to characterise a middle class home of the early 20th century. The museum emphasises late Victorian styles in the decor and furnishings. In the living room are two upholstered chairs, without arm rests, specifically designed to accommodate ladies with wide Victorian skirts. The use of linoleum on the floors and the numerous pictures and embroidered verses on the walls are typical of this period. Flagged stone pathways and rectangular flower beds are prominent elements found in a Victorian garden. The Dutch oven at the back of the house was used daily for baking bread. The characteristic ornateness of this era is moderately expressed in the house and garden, bearing in mind the rural nature of the surroundings.
THE PRINTING MUSEUM
The first locally printed newspaper circulated on the Pilgrim's Rest gold fields was the GOLD NEWS of 24 January 1874. Shortly thereafter it was published by an Irishman, W. J. Phelan who became the new editor. Phelan changed the newspaper's name to GOLDFIELDS MERCURY. In 1910 the first PILGRIM'S REST AND SABIE NEWS was published with T. W. S. Craig as the editor. It was published every Saturday at a cost of sixpence, or one pound for a one year subscription. In 1911 Craig suspended publication of the newspaper until later in the same year when the new editor, A.W. Frost, revived the newspaper. The original premises of the PILGRIM'S AND SABIE NEWS, situated between the present building and the Pilgrim's Hotel, was totally destroyed by fire at some stage between 1916 and 1919. The new building and printing works was erected at the present site.
DIGGINGS SITE MUSEUM
It is appropriate that Pilgrim's Rest should have a diggings museum to record the first gold rush in South Africa. Soon after alluvial gold was discovered in the Pilgrim's Creek, diggers from many parts of the world rushed to this valley to peg their claims and to seek their fortunes. Life on the diggings was hard and unsympathetic. The diggers worked long hours and often received little or no reward. Many of them spent their meagre gains in nearby canteens, of which there were 11 at the time when the mining boom was at its peak. There were no proper medical or sanitary facilities and the hospital was located in a large tent where diggers did voluntary service. Many diggers arrived at the gold fields suffering badly from malaria, dysentery and exposure after their arduous journey through the lowveld. Although this was a typical community as found at gold fields elsewhere in the world, the customary lawlessness and violence was absent. Criminals were tried by a diggers committee and punished according to the seriousness of the transgression, of which claim robbing was considered the most serious. The first jail was a tent in which the convicted was placed in stocks. The tent however was soon replaced by a wattle and daub hut. For the more serious crimes, banishment from the diggings was ordered, with certain death should the convicted criminal return. By 1874 successful diggers had replaced their tents with more durable wattle and daub shanties. Prosperous storekeepers and canteen owners were able to erect structures of timber and corrugated iron. Buildings were usually no more than one large room with elementary furnishings. Beds were made of poles with canvas sheets tacked to the frames. Layers of dried grass served for mattresses. Tables and chairs were made from wooden boxes and crates in which provisions had been transported to the diggings.
THE REDUCTION WORKS MUSEUM
In 1896 the increasing production of ore necessitated the rapid establishment of a central reduction works at Pilgrim's Rest. In 1897 the first buildings were erected consisting of a stamp mill, a smelting house and office buildings. To serve the scattered mines in the area, an electric tramline was laid to convey ore from outlying mines to the central reduction works. The size of the reduction works and the tramline was something of a technical feat at a time when South Africa was technically still in its infancy. In 1902, when the war ended, mining was resumed and the reduction works reopened. This was a testing period as the recruitment of labour and difficulties with transport slowed production. However these problems were overcome and by 1910 mining in Pilgrim's Rest entered a boom period. The reduction works was expanded as gold production rose to record levels during the period of 1913 and 1914. The reduction works continued to function through to 1959 when the machinery was adapted to produce fertiliser as a by product. The reduction works closed in 1972 when the last mine at Pilgrim's Rest ceased production. In 1974 the run down corrugated iron structures were restored and opened to the public as a museum soon after. The increasing demand for electricity created by the reduction works was one of the main reasons for the construction of the Belvedere Hydroelectric power station near Bourkes Luck in 1911. At the time it was the largest power station of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Pilgrim's Rest was the second town in South Africa to be electrified, at a time when London was still making use of gas.
ALANGLADE - PERIOD HOUSE MUSEUM
Alanglade was built in 1915 by the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates to serve as the official mine manager's residence at Pilgrim's Rest. It is situated a few kilometres to the north of this historic village, on the Mpumalanga escarpment. The residence is surrounded by mountains and shady forests that , to this day, provide an atmosphere of quiet opulence and serenity. The home was occupied by several mine managers until 1972 when mining activities at Pilgrim's Rest were ceased. Alanglade is furnished with objects from the period 1900 to 1930, using its first occupants, the Barry family and the Pilgrim's Rest milieu as point of departure. The furnishings used, reflect a modern Edwardian approach and are mostly of Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco stylistic origins. Architecturally, Alanglade conforms to the design essentials of early twentieth century buildings; i.e. simplicity, harmonious proportions between roof, walls and wall openings, effective use of materials and the integration of the building in its surroundings. Alanglade houses an extensive collection and is a worthwhile destination for visitors.
HISTORIC CEMETERY AND ROBBER'S GRAVE
The origin of the old cemetery is closely connected to the legend of the Robber's Grave; that of an unknown man who was caught and convicted of tent robbing on the diggings and subsequently banished. A few days after his trial, the thief was spotted on a hill, now known as Cemetery Hill, where he was shot, killed and buried. His grave was orientated north - south to brand him a thief forever. The different nationalities of those who lie buried in the cemetery reflect the cosmopolitan character of the Pilgrim's Rest gold fields. Life on the diggings was rough, with accidents and disease as the main causes of death. The unlucky Saul Sampson died of starvation and a number of out of luck diggers committed suicide. Health services on the gold fields were practically non existent. There was however a Dr. John Ashton who advertised his skills as "Surgeon, Barber and Tentmaker". This cemetery stands as a testament to those remarkable pioneers who lost their lives at the outset of the great South African gold saga. Here, on Cemetery Hill, they lie overlooking the beautiful Pilgrim's Rest valley.
THE JOUBERT BRIDGE
The Joubert Bridge was built in 1896 by an Italian engineer, Galetti. The bridge was officially opened to traffic on 5 May 1897 by the mine commissioner, Mr. J. S. Joubert, after whom it was named. In 1909 a section of the bridge was swept away by floods. A member of the local Italian community, G. Beretta, restored the structure, which has served Pilgrim's Rest to the present day.
COACH ROBBERIES
The first coach robbery took place at the top of Pilgrim's Hill, now known as Robber's Pass, in 1899. Two masked highwaymen stopped the coach, threatened to shoot the driver and passengers, unhitched the mules and made their escape with gold to the value of 10 000 pounds. In 1912, the second coach robbery took place. Tommy Dennison, a well known character in Pilgrim's Rest, was badly in debt. His attempt at robbing the Mail Coach, a few metres from the spot where the first robbery took place, was however not so successful. Instead of gold sovereigns, Dennison found only a case of silver coins. He was arrested while trying to pay his debts with the stolen money. After a five year jail term, Tommy returned to Pilgrim's Rest where he opened The Highwayman's Garage.
SABIE
The founding of the town Sabie can be taken back to 1880 when the Glynn family came to live here. When they built the first permanent homes, they changed the status of Grootfontein from camping site to that of residential area. Their son, Henry Thomas (generically known as HT) is quite correctly considered to be the founder of the town.
For many years he took a leading role in the management and improvement of the town - he was the person who named it Sabie in an article by 'A Seryngeour' titled 'Founding and Early History of Sabie' he writes '...very seldom has any township owed so much to its founder'.
It was the discovery of a new gold bearing reef in 1909 which stimulated the growth of Sabie after the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902. Glynns Lydenburg Ltd Mining Company managed the running of the town but long before the granting of a Health Committee to Sabie HT had already asked the mine's surveyor to survey the farm with a view to establishing a town. According to the Administrator's Proclamation No 38 on 28 September 1915, a Health Committee was established. Their first meeting was held on 24 September 1915 and on 1 January 1916, Sabie was officially declared a town.
The first chairman of the Committee was H T Glynn. The greatest problem they had to face right from the start was the lack of funds to repair the roads and to provide for the needs of the fast growing population, but with the growth of the mines matters also started looking up for the town. The railway line from Nelspruit was declared opened on 10 November 1913 and the first post office with telephone and telegraph facilities was granted in 1916. It had only one switchboard and trunk calls could only be made between 8:30 am and 5 pm on one main line. On post days the little corrugated iron building serving as post office was crowded to capacity where news and gossip was exchanged. It is said that Oom Fanie Vosloo kept the crowd amused with his jokes. Mr Cunliff owned the first radio to which only one person at a time could listen. When the Voortrekkers reached the SABIE area in 1846 they called it "Grootfontijn” (Dutch: Large Fountain), for the region boasts numerous springs, fountains, rock pools and waterfalls. For fearing the river's strong current as well as crocodiles, it was named the “Ulusaba” (river of fear) which SABIE was later named after. After a picnic at the river in 1895, HT Glynn and friends decided on an impromptu target shooting match. Bullets chipped the rock and revealed indications of gold. The guests immediately became eager prospectors and Capt. J. C. Ingle, who knew something of mining, proved over the next few days the existence of a substantial gold reef. The Glynn’s Lydenburg Gold Mining Co. was formed to work the discovery. By the time the mine closed in July 1950 they had recovered 1 240 846 ounces of gold worth in excess of R125 million. In the process of mining gold many indigenous forests were chopped down to meet the demand for mine props and firewood.
Joseph Shires planted the first commercial trees in 1876 and today Sabie is surrounded by the largest manmade forestry area in the world. After the depression in the 1930’s, the government created forestry jobs for the poor whites, and “Ceylon House” near Bridal Veil falls is the last remaining Pioneer House of the settlement. Looking north down Main Street towards Graskop from Market Street, visitors can still see where local farmers parked their wagons and sold fresh produce. A “Jock of the Bushveld” way-mark indicates the position of the old transport road used by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his famous dog, Jock, during the wagon transport era. The Coach house in Main Street was where the pharmacy is located today. The hitching rail for the horses, now placed at the entrance to the First National Bank, originally stood in front of the National Bank (1911), on the site where the Wimpy is today.
Huntington was the home of HT Glynn, which he commenced building in 1896. The same year HT and his brother Arthur travelled by ship to England in search of a mistress for the new house. On board HT met Miss Gertrude Gilberson Dales of Crawood Castle - York. Gertrude, at the tender age of 19, married the 40 year old HT and after an extended honeymoon tour through Europe, the couple returned to Sabie and moved into Huntington Hall, named after Gertrude's childhood home. The broad veranda often hosted dinner for the fifty or more guests and the annual Christmas tree was attended by every man, woman and child in Sabie. HT Glynn and his wife financed the building of the St Peters Anglican Church in 1920, designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built of locally quarried stone. The beautifully carved altar, designed by Mrs Batisse, was presented by Gertrude and family in memory of the late HT Glynn. The pews in the church were also designed by Sir Herbert Baker.
Lord Milner was a distinguished guest at Huntington Hall in 1906. He asked Mrs Glynn to advise him on the most urgent requirements for assisting in the development of the area. She immediately replied that 3 bridges were necessary - one over the Crocodile River, one over the Nels River and one over the Sabie River. In that order they where built. The Milner Bridge is now a footbridge and can be reached through the Williams Memorial Garden. In the Glynn Cemetery there are more than 18 graves, including that of HT Glynn. An unknown American who drowned in the river was also buried here and Ht advertised in an American journal to trace his family. After a year, a reply was received, thanking Mr Glynn for his burial.
HAZYVIEW
Mpumalanga, which means “Place where the sun rises”, is located on the North Eastern border of South Africa, bordering Mocambique and Swaziland. Highveld grasslands dominate the western border with Gauteng. Bushveld is found to the east including the greater Drakensberg Escarpment. The fauna and flora is typical of Africa. The views are majestic and endless. Here you will experience the true Africa with silence honouring the sunrise and the sound of the wildlife at sunset easing you into blissful sleep. The people of Mpumalanga await your arrival so as to welcome you.
Hazyview derives its name from the romantic haze, which is seen particularly in the early mornings. Hazyview Town is situated between tropical fruit farms and proudly boasts some of the best hotels and lodges in Mpumalanga. With all the natural scenery and sub-tropical climate, Hazyview is the ideal vacation destination in Africa. Not only is Hazyview a stones