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| Cover Design and Layout by Stella Stofberg |
In 1915
Hermanus, on the south-western coast of South Africa, was an insignificant
fishing village. By 1947 it was one of the pre-eminent sea-side holiday resorts
in the country, and well-known abroad. There were several reasons for this: a
healthy climate; unequalled sea-angling; beautiful natural countryside and
steadily improving road access.
The town was also blessed with entrepreneurial
citizens, who saw the value of ‘eco-tourism’ long before this became a catch
phrase. At one stage in the 1930s Hermanus boasted 13 hotels and a large number
of guest houses.
Pre-eminent among the hoteliers were P John Luyt and
his wife, Joey van Rhyn Luyt. Joey left a written memoir, detailing, but by no
means limited to, her role at the Marine Hotel. She also describes P John’s
energetic publicising of Hermanus and his key role in local affairs.
Joey’s memoir contains fascinating detail of her life
before coming to Hermanus in 1915, as a schoolteacher; and her marriage to a
widower 18 years her senior, with four children. The book is also a record of
the guests at the Marine. In all, 270 guests are mentioned by name and dozens
are brought to life through her sharp but compassionate eye.
These memoirs of a remarkable woman will appeal to all
visitors to and residents of Hermanus and to any reader who loves a story of
personal endeavour and achievement.
TO ORDER PLEASE CONTACT:
Robin Lee
robinlee@hermanus.co.za
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