This cache is a Bonus to my Retha's Trail Lab Cache which holds the coordinates for this one.
RETHA'S TRAIL
Schoenmakerskop resident Retha Taylor created and developed the path with a chain saw and a few helpers in 2001. A path was cut behind houses 24 to 40 in Marine Drive and can be accessed between numbers 22 and 24. It was then filled with eclectic findings to create a lovely distraction for walkers. The path is always open to the public and you are welcome to leave a comment in the visitor’s book. The trail starts by the labyrinth on the eastern side and is more about what you’ll find along the way than the trail itself as it's not really a hiking trail in the sense of the word due to its "shortness". Along the way there are literally hundreds of items that act as conversation pieces, some representing something significant in people’s lives such as residents or resident pets that passed on. Every little corner is filled with memories and exquisite pieces from times past. Find a motivational quote that will mean something to you on the exact moment you need it or just enjoy the little sayings along the way.
SCHOENMAKERSKOP
The exact date of the construction of the first buildings in Schoenmakerskop cannot be ascertained with certainty nor are they still standing but what they were has been recorded for posterity. These buildings were three structures representing the Main Convict Station with two houses, one for the Officer in Charge of Works and the other for the Superintendent of Convicts, while the third set of buildings comprised rough stone huts for accommodating the convicts. In addition an outstation had been established at Governor's Kop.
The Convict Station were probably the only buildings erected for several years.
The closest approximation of the date of their construction is sometime after October 1872 when the Harbour Board initiated a project to stabilise the sand dunes around the southern portion of Port Elizabeth.
William Stephen Webber was appointed to oversee this project. To assist him in the execution of his duties, he was allocated up to 300 convicts. It was for these prisoners, that this Conviction Station was constructed.
The convicts took part in the work of halting the driftsands that were menacing the town and harbour of Port Elizabeth. They erected a barricade at Gultchways, just west of Schoenmeakerskop. This channel acted like a funnel. It had been the main source of sand being blown inland for years, perhaps centuries. The threat was ended by Joseph Storr Lister who had a railway line built to carry the town’s refuse, which was spread over this area. Windbreaks were erected and Port Jackson willow, eucalyptus trees and Hottentot figs were planted.
The date on which this station was "abandoned" being 1893 is only known due to the fact that the Reverend P.R. Moffet of St. Phillips church had his services of ministering to these prisoners terminated during this year as the convicts had been relocated to the Lazaretto next to Shark River in Humewood.
The only other building relating to this period, is a wool washery which lay to the east of the village. Apparently some of the walls are still visible.
However the area became a popular place for day drippers.