THIS week, we zoom into the history of Hillcrest and the Hillcrest station. Kloof senior resident and the chair of the KZN Railway History Society, Adrian Rowe, shared his research and memories of the Hillcrest station with the Highway Mail.
Starting with a brief background of the founding of Hillcrest, which according to Rowe’s research was originally spelled as ‘Hill Crest’, he mentions that the railway contributed towards the growth of the village.
“Up until 1894, the area had been comprised solely of grass and farming land, owned by Willaim Gillitt, who lived at Emberton. He had also purchased the farm, Albinia, on which Hillcrest was to be established.
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“In January 1895, as a result of an approach made by Ernest Acutt, William Gillitt agreed to lease slightly over 500 acres of the area to the west of the old wagon road, now called Old Main Road. Ernest Acutt immediately began subdividing and letting properties, one of which was let to the Rev John Oxley Oxland, on which he founded the private boarding school, Delamore. Today, Manorfields Country Estate stands on this property,” he wrote.
According to Rowe’s research, the then-Natal Government Railway (NGR) arranged, on request, for trains to stop at the Delamore Halt which was close to the wagon track for children to get to the school. This was situated behind the Hillcrest Shopping Centre.
“The schoolchildren would then walk from the Halt, across the wagon road, up a dusty track, now known as Crooked Lane, to what is now known as Delamore Road. If the school cart was not at the Halt to meet the boys, it would be sent down later to fetch their luggage.
“Remember that motor vehicles only came into existence some years later – in those days, the only indication that this was a stopping place for the train was a large packing case which stood next to the line. It was used by the train guard to leave parcels addressed to members of the local community. A short while later, a small tin shelter was erected to replace the packing case. Delamore School closed shortly after 1905,” he wrote.
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Rowe’s research includes a timeline of the development of the station from inception to where it is now.
In 1898, the NGR started planning for the new station to serve the community and was aware that the location of Dekamore Halt was not suitable for use as a crossing station and future sidings. It was therefore decided to move the location about 500 metres northwest to where the old Gillcrest Station currently stands. In 1898, work commenced on building a platform, shelter and ladies’ waiting room.
By 1899, the platform was extended, and railway sidings were completed. Some station buildings were erected.
In 1901, a goods shed and the station master’s house had been completed, and a water supply from Gillitts had been laid on.
In 1902, the new Brick Hill Crest Station building, as we see it today, was completed. It is situated 44.8km from Durban Station and is at an altitude of 629m above sea level.
Rowe said the baton is with authorities to preserve history and to keep areas beautiful so the landmarks can hold sentimental value for community members. The Hillcrest station today operates as a restaurant and entertainment area.
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