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Rhodes Village - Eastern Cape A brief history of the village of Rhodes White
farmers settled the more remote areas of the Highlands of the Eastern Cape in the 1880s.
Prior to this, the only inhabitants of this inhospitable region were seasonally migratory
members of the San tribe. They, at least, were sensible enough to follow the exodus of
most game species out of the mountains during the harsh winter months! A land surveyor, Joseph Orpen and his brother Richard laid out farms in the Barkly East district and parts of the Herschel area. They immigrated to South Africa in 1864 and although originally from Dublin, the farms were given Scottish names on account of the surveyor being of Irish origin? Their descendants still conduct farming activities on a property given to Orpen in lieu of cash for the job. Farms thus demarcated became available for purchase from the government on a huurkoop basis.
Ross
was based in Lady Grey and ministered from there to the far-flung outposts in the region,
travelling from farm to farm on horseback. Ross was of Scottish origin and alternated
between English and Afrikaans each Sunday whilst conducting his ministry. The outbreak of
the Anglo-Boer War interrupted his activities. He was perceived to be too closely aligned
with the opposition by the British and was summarily arrested. He spent the duration of
hostilities in the concentration camp in Aliwal North. On cessation of the war, he was
released with the clothes on his back and no shoes. Ross walked from Aliwal North to Lady
Grey barefoot. Thoroughly disenchanted with the British he vowed to never conduct another
church service in English ever again. Credit must be given where it is due. He religiously
stuck to his word.
Another rural legend has it that
Rhodes acknowledged the village being named after him by way of a donation of a wagonload
of pine trees. Early photographs of the village as well as the life span of the species
concerned debunk this charming anecdote. However, records show that 1 pound 17 shillings
and 3 pence was paid to the Barkly East Municipality for pine trees (Pinus insegnus).
Botanically speaking these trees have a lifespan of approximately 70 years. Some can still
be seen in the village which adds weight to the non-C J Rhodes origin of the trees.
The
village has had several phases starting off as a direct result of the agricultural
activities in the area. Agricultural fortunes gradually declined until the village became
almost derelict in the late 70s. It was discovered at this time by a group of
people seeking an alternative lifestyle, Living off the land, man. This period
was referred to as the Hippie era and a multitude of legends surround it, amongst the last
proponents of this way of life was literally burned out of the village. His house burnt
down and in more recent years the owner was compensated for the damage in the course of
the activities of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The
village gradually became better known as a tourist destination and with the advent of the
ruralised yuppies, property prices have soared making it impossible for the average person
who may have wanted to settle in the village to do so. In 1970, houses were
sold for the arrears in rates and taxes or even given away. By 1987 good-sized houses sold for up to R30 000. By the
mid-90's this had doubled. The same properties would now command prices in the region of
R400 000. The nett result of this popularity is that there are now fewer permanent white
residents than there were three years ago. Yuppies and such have made it more difficult
for real people to be able to afford to live in Rhodes on a permanent basis
indeed a world-wide phenomenon! Note from the webmaster: Thanks to Dave Walker, presumably the author, for the above article. 1. For more information on early settlements in this region a number of publications may give varying impressions. eg. " History of the Basuto, Ancient and Modern" by D. Fred. Ellenberger,V.D.M. available from Morija Museum and Archives, Morija, Lesotho Tel +266 233 60 308 - Curator Stephen Gill 2. Peter E. Raper's "New Dictionary of South African Place Names" refers to "Rossville (EC 3027 DD). Former name of Rhodes... " page 327 . Cf. - bibliography pages on this site.
Here are some useful addresses in the Rhodes area:
Wild Trout Association: Information, administration & central beat register http://www.rhodesvillage.co.za/ The Highland Brewery: Producer of fine beer (No contact details supplied) Walkerbouts Inn : AA Quality Assured Accommodation in the "Recommended" category http://www.walkerbouts.co.za/ Thanks to Dave Walker for this information. http://www.rhodesvillage.co.za/
Contact Dave on : Telephone 045 974 92 90 Fax 045 974 93 06
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