Where it began

Interesting to think that Fish Hoek, the town on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula where we are staying, is just 100 years old. And the building I have blipped was there at its beginning. 

Today we left the beach to the many locals who arrived on a sunny day to spend the day by the sea. Instead we went in search of a museum, which we had heard might possibly exist. We walked through the town and eventually, and I have to say to our surprise, we came upon it. Well, there was a sign saying MUSEUM and another saying OPEN, so it looked promising. A lady met us and welcomed us in – I don’t think they get many visitors. A fascinating place, stuffed full of old things – a huge collection of Stone Age flints etc. found at a cave high above the current town, photographs illustrating the growth of the town, and lots more. It was a bit like a 50s museum – lots and lots of stuff, but very little planning logic or explanation. But it is community-run by enthusiasts and they have done very well to hold on to it all.

Fish Hoek began as just a farm, and it wasn’t until the farmland was sold off as building plots in 1918, that the township began. At the museum I bought a book and was shown a photo in the book of the oldest building in Fish Hoek – a barn that was part of the original farm (see Extra). Of course we went in search of this building – well we would, wouldn’t we! 

Now a couple of cottages, we soon found it and, as the doors of the main one were open, we asked about it and were invited in. The owner was delighted to show us round, although it was more the photo outside I wanted. A lovely house, and she showed us the original walls and beams. The building is now surrounded by houses, apartments, hotel etc. In a hundred years an awful lot has happened in Fish Hoek. 
 

Sunny, bright and warm, but windy. And Gordon is watching the Rugby – in fact he has been watching Rugby for most of the day!