Stoep Stories No 19

THE STREETKEEPER

STOEP STORIES - TALES FROM THE KAROO
Published by the Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society 

It is not known when the first “Street keeper” or dustman was employed but in 1858 his dress consisted of a fantail hat a shovel and a bell. Many inhabitants were quite content that this poorly paid official should be a general factotum and expected him to possess the knowledge of a civil engineer. Only a few cases were reported where he conflicted with the interests of the community for example in 1881 he was ordered not to water his horses in front of the Methodist Chapel on Sundays while the service was in progress!