A chilly morning did not deter the enthusiastic members of Aberdeen Publicity and Tourism on their monthly walkabout last week. Eleven ladies braved the cold and were most interested to explore the Aberdeen Cemetery, both the Christian and Jewish sections. The majority of the graves have been well maintained, with some very impressive headstones.
The grave of Jan Vorster, the original owner of the farm Brakfontein on which Aberdeen was founded, was the first stopping point for the group. This grave has been lovingly restored by the late Jan van Heerden, and is of great interest to many visitors to the town.
The grave of Jan Vorster, the original owner of the farm Brakfontein on which Aberdeen was founded, was the first stopping point for the group. This grave has been lovingly restored by the late Jan van Heerden, and is of great interest to many visitors to the town.
A large tree had been uprooted in the March storm, but fortunately the trunk fell between two graves, and no damage was caused to the headstones. A few centimetres either side could have destroyed an irreplaceable monument. The wording on this unusual memorial is a touching tribute erected by E. Steinhobel and children to C.M. Steinhobel, who died at age 52 in 1916.
“A darling wife, a dear mother
To know her was to love her
To remember her revives sweet memories”
Interestingly, Steinhobel was the architect who designed many of the grand houses in Aberdeen, including De Denne, now Karoo Moons guest house.
One of the members sparked a treasure hunt of sorts, having seen on a previous visit a headstone commemorating a man who had been born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and died in Aberdeen South Africa. Unfortunately no one was able to find the grave, but the interest of many was piqued, with promises to return to find the headstone concerned!
The walkabout concluded with a very welcome pit stop at the Kamdeboo Padstal, where a beautifully set table awaited the group.
“A darling wife, a dear mother
To know her was to love her
To remember her revives sweet memories”
Interestingly, Steinhobel was the architect who designed many of the grand houses in Aberdeen, including De Denne, now Karoo Moons guest house.
One of the members sparked a treasure hunt of sorts, having seen on a previous visit a headstone commemorating a man who had been born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and died in Aberdeen South Africa. Unfortunately no one was able to find the grave, but the interest of many was piqued, with promises to return to find the headstone concerned!
The walkabout concluded with a very welcome pit stop at the Kamdeboo Padstal, where a beautifully set table awaited the group.
Article By: Peter Shaw
