Tag Archives: Knysna Historical Society

Self-Drive Tour: Knysna Forests & History

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Knysna forests managed by the South African National Parks as part of its Garden Route National Park (GRNP) make up around 42,000 hectares of land across the coastal stretch from George to Tsitsikamma in the East. The forests which were formerly managed by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry include Farleigh, Diepwalle and Tsitsikamma are now managed under the GRNP for conservation. The forests were exploited prior to 1939 when the Government decided to close them to the woodcutters’ system. Between 1940 and 1964 the Government focused largely … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Hear the History of Karatara

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The next Knysna Historical Society activity will be an illustrated talk by Philip Caveney about the history of the village of Karatara in Knysna. The talk will cover the development of the village during the period 1923 to 1965, from its initial intended role as a settlement for Forestry plantation labourers to a comprehensive settlement built by the Department of Social Welfare to address the extensive poverty prevalent in the Knysna region. It will be held at the Cearn Hall on Leisure Island on Tuesday 23 June 2015 at 17h30. … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna’s Red Bridge Re-opened

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Knysna’s Red Bridge is once again open to the public. The bridge was closed in April 2014 for essential maintenance and refurbishment work undertaken by the Knysna Municipality at a cost of R3,2 million (including VAT). While the public regained access to the bridge in January 2015, the Red Bridge was officially reopened on Tuesday 12 May 2015 as Knysna Deputy Mayor Esmé Edge unveiled a commemorative plaque at the bridge. “The Red Bridge carried the road traffic to and from the west of Knysna,” explained Edge. “When the concrete … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Visit the 'Italian Church Museum' in Knysna Forest

Mike Hampton Posted on by

This is an outing for those of you who haven’t been into the Gouna Forest recently! Visit the old San Ambrosa Church on the ‘Gouna Commonage’ – it contains a very interesting display of the history of the Italian silk-grower families who came out to Knysna in 1881. Some of the descendents of these families are still in Knysna today and we have asked Rayno Sciocatti, a descendent, to talk to us about the history of these Italian immigrants and of the little Catholic Church, in which he has been … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

William Burchell Bicentenary Commemoration

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Burchell Bicentenary Commemoration takes the form of a series of talks by two long serving and erudite Burchell enthusiasts, followed by the unveiling of a memorial in recognition of his contribution to our understanding of the natural beauty and the topography of this region. The Knysna Historical Society, Outeniqua Historical Society, Simon van der Stel Foundation, George Heritage Trust and the Garden Route Botanical Garden Trust, have united to commemorate the bicentenary of Burchell’s visit to this area during the months of September and October 1814. He set up … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna ANC Takes Posters Down

Mike Hampton Posted on by

‘Together We Move South Africa Forward’ declared the ANC poster. I wondered if it was a joke. Yesterday, i posted a fourth blog criticising the ANC in support of our campaign to have them remove the 20, illegal election posters attached to the heritage building in Main Street called Oaks on Main. I also emailed another request for them to do so, pointing out that they were losing doubly: not only were they getting an anti-blog, it was sucking up the time it would take me to compose a blog … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Heritage Portal Acknowledges Knysna’s Historians

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Heritage Portal is a premium discussion, education and marketing platform for the history of South Africa. They recently acknowledged the caring work of the Knysna Historical Society. “This week we salute the Knysna Historical Society for ensuring that Knysna is one of the most plaqued places in South Africa. The plaques are a powerful orange and can be seen on over 55 sites of significance throughout the town. Many of the plaques are tightly clustered creating the perfect foundation for a number of exciting heritage trails. The Society must … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!