[Originally published in July 2015] A week ago Doug and Janet Drysdale reported that the old farmhouse, outbuildings and cemetery at Hougham Park, Coega were in danger. They brought the matter to the attention of the Coega Development Corporation (CDC) and we are very happy to report that action is being taken. The CDC Project Manager: Operations has arranged for the cemetery to be cleaned and has proposed various security measures to protect the site while plans for a new use are considered. This certainly is good news. For those unfamiliar with the significance of the site, Janet Drysdale has compiled the fascinating article below.
The farm was originally called Samson's Kraal and was owned by T.I. Ferreira. The U shaped core of the homestead has been dated back to 1817. Hougham Hudson bought it from the Ferreiras in the 1830's and renamed it Hougham Park. It appears from records and the graves in the graveyard, that there have been only three families owning the farm since that date - the Hudsons for 60 - 70 years, the Denfords and the Crews family from 1945 - 2007. Evidence has been found of Stone Age peoples on the farm in the form of stone implements. Shell middens are occasionally visible along the beachfront when the wind moves the dunes.
Hougham Park...
