Plans are already underway at George in the Southern Cape to rebuild a provincial heritage site that was destroyed in the devastating Garden Route fires.
The Old Toll House, on the Montague Pass, was gutted in the blaze last month. The nearly 200-year-old building was beautifully restored in the past few years. One of several fund raising events for the rebuild was held at the George Museum recently.
The historical landmark was built together with the Montague Pass between 1844 and 1847. The Montague Pass was a gateway into George from the Little Karoo and the Kangkloof for weary wagon travelers. The toll house was built for the toll master and his family.
He is said to have charged a penny for the use of the pass. Until recently, the Old Toll House was a popular tourist attraction. It now lies in ruins after the fires. A rebuild initiative has been launched to return it to its former glory.
Chairperson of the NPO Friends of the Toll House, Gerda Stols, says that they already have the rebuilding material, but they are struggling with funds.
The Friends of the old Toll House have appealed for funding and donations to get the project off the ground.
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