History Facts about Grabouw / Elgin

History Facts about Grabouw / Elgin

Xplorio Headquarters

Situated just on the other side of Sir Lowry’s Pass, Grabouw and the Elgin Valley has remained a popular spot for both agriculture and leisure throughout the years due to the rich, fertile soils of the beautiful valley. With a past brimming with pioneers and entrepreneurs, Grabouw is truly a unique town of the Overberg.

Here are 5 historical facts about Grabouw:

1. The Elgin Valley became the largest single fruit exporter in the world due to the hard work of the Molteno Family which started in the early 1920s.

2. Grabouw was built on the farm Grietjiesgat obtained by a painter, Wilhelm Langschmidt in 1856 and was later named after the German town he was born in.


Image courtesy of Iona Wines

3. One of the farming pioneers in the area was one Kathleen Murray, a cousin of the Molteno brothers. She was the first successful apiarist (bee farmer) and later expanded her expertise to pig, poultry and fruit farming.


Image courtesy of Almenkerk Wine Estate

4. Sir Antonie Viljoen, known for his role in the Anglo Boer War and political career in the Cape Parliament, established the farm Oak Valley which is recognised as the first commercial producer of deciduous fruit in the region.


Image courtesy of Iona Wines

5. The popular soft drink Appletiser was launched in 1966 on Edward Lombardi’s farm, Applethwaite.

Elgin Valley and the town of Grabouw owes its thriving [agricultural and leisure] industry to those who (quite literally) planted the first seed so many years ago. Be sure to explore more of the History of Grabouw and the Elgin Valley on your next visit to truly appreciate all it has become.

History Facts about Grabouw / Elgin

Xplorio

Xplorio is a marketing company that has created a digital platform to help local communities in the Overberg accurately represent themselves online. The user-friendly Xplorio platform allows towns and businesses to create an online presence that is accurate and true to life. This representation help...

View Profile

Recent Posts

Great Money-Saving Specials in the Overberg!

Great Money-Saving Specials in the Overberg!

By making the most of Xplorio’s special pages you save money and support local businesses in the Overberg!

Have You Heard? Overberg Community News!

Have You Heard? Overberg Community News!

Every day, awesome people who call the Overberg home, share their uplifting stories, business news, municipal announcements and stunning town-friendly photos.

Gold Again! South Africa Shines at RHS Chelsea Flower Show!

Gold Again! South Africa Shines at RHS Chelse...

For the second year running, South Africa has struck gold at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. 

How to Support Local Businesses in the Quiet Season

How to Support Local Businesses in the Quiet ...

It feels like yesterday we were rushed off our feet at work, queuing at packed grocery stores...

On the Coffee Table: Beautiful Betty’s Bay

On the Coffee Table: Beautiful Betty’s Bay

Something special is brewing in Betty’s Bay, and it's not just the coffee.

Local Talent, Big Sound: Dinah’s New Release Is Live!

Local Talent, Big Sound: Dinah’s New Releas...

South African singer-songwriter and former Gansbaai resident Dinah-Lee Jane Visser released her debut single.