History of Elgin

• Province: Western Cape
• Overberg
• Coordinates:–34.1486111 S- 19.0427778E
• Municipality; Theewaterskloof

Originally called Koffee Kraal, this settlement was named after Elgine Herold who sadly died from a snake bite when she was bitten somewhere near the Palmiet River. The farm Glen Elgin was bought in 1903 by the Italian/South African Molteno brothers who grew vegetables in the area. They later began growing deciduous fruit, this became a huge enterprise that dominated the fruit industry. In the 1950s they left their enormous network of farms in trust for the benefit of the workers.   James Molteno was rather forward-thinking, he also launched a movement to give the vote to women of all races.
Elgin was an outspan on the Kaapse Wapad to Caledon. The railway line was extended to this area when a suitable piece of land was found on which to build the station. For many years, this railway line was the main way used for produce from Elgin to reach consumers. There are 3 apple picking/packing co-operatives here. The picking season is from January to May.   Appletizer, the first apple juice free of additives and preservatives was launched in 1966. This area produces 60% of the national apple crop! The Elgin Valley is also known for pears, greenhouse-cut flowers and rose growing.

The postal code in Elgin is 7180 (boxes only)

WEATHER IN ELGIN TODAY

see all listings in Elgin

Things to see and do in Elgin:

• Elgin Apple Museum in a house along the Palmiet River was built in 1972.
• Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
• The Cool Wine And Country Food Festival is held annually in April
• Chardonay colloquium in October
• Along Viljoenshoop Road, Appletiser Road, Highlands Road, and Elgin Valley Road you can see roses blooming in profusion along the fences during October and November.
• Elgin valley road
• Every year, during the first two weekends of November, our colourful gardens are open for viewing as part of the Elgin Open Gardens. 082 740 359 / 0021 844 0154 / 078 021 2101
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Useful Numbers

• Police: Grabouw, 021 859 7700
• Municipality; Grabouw-021 859 2507
• Traffic department: Helderberg Traffic Department, Strand-021 865 4521
• Fire: Grabouw Fire Station-021 859 5525
• Water: 021 859 2507
• Electricity: 021 859 2507
• Ambulance: Grabouw Ambulance Services-028 212 9111
• Post office; Grabouw-021 859 7700
• Post agency; 0218593354
• Library: Pineview Public Library; Grabouw-021 859 2507
• Closest hospital; Medical Centre-021 859 2850
• Pharmacy; Grabouw C H C Pharmacy-021 859 1301
• SPCA: Grabouw Animal Welfare Society-076 549 6601
• Museum; 021 859 2042
• Ratepayers association 0827839267
• Schools; Closest schools are in Grabouw