Stoep Stories No 6
Tuesday, 6th May 2014
STOEP STORIES - TALES FROM THE KAROO
Published by the Graaff-Reinet Heritage Society
A DULL AND SLEEPY PLACE
In 1860 citizens complained that “Graaff – Reinet was 100 years behind the rest of the world” and that “there were no amusements it was a dull and sleepy place”. Nevertheless Harriet Rabone describes vividly playing Trios with her brother Alfred Essex and Harry Bolus who were both excellent flautist. These two men bought a harmonium which found its way to St James’s church on many a Sunday.
However domestic musical evenings were often disturbed by tiddly revellers attracted by the music to what they thought was a “grog – shop”. Apparently in those days the only amusements were billiards and drinking!