Jimmy Logan 1857 - 1920 - Cape Town - South Africa history   Jimmy Logan was born in 1857 in Berwickshire (Scotland). At the age of 17, the trained accountant decided to become a sailor. In 1877, at the age of 19, he landed in Simon's Bay with the schooner "Rockhampton". Simon’s Bay was the winter harbour of Cape Town.   He had five english Pounds as capital and built a great career for himself in South Africa.   At first, he earned an income by carrying bags at the train station. He rose in the ranks as Station manager due to his capabilities and moved to Touws River which is approximately 50 km from Matjiesfontein. Many rich business people, gold and diamond hunters as well as government officials passed through on this particular route.   Jimmy Logan opened a buffet service at the train station, because the trains did not have a dining carriage. In 1883, he was already a very rich businessman and relocated to Matjiesfontein, where he opened a mineral water factory in 1889.   His wife had a lung infection, and recovered quickly in the dry and warm climate. Jimmy Logan thus had a business idea and wanted to open a health resort in the small town. He opened a post office, a bank and a hotel. Later, a train station was built, and those in high rank spent a luxury holiday in Matjiesfontein. Some of the biggest personalities included:   Edgar Wallace, author Olive Schreiner, author Duke of Hamilton, aristocrat Rudyard Kipling – author and Nobel Prize recipient for Literature Sultan of Zanzibar Lord Randolph Churchill - Conservative british Politician  (father of Winston Churchill) Cecil John Rhodes    10 years later, Jimmy Logan had expanded his influence in South Africa so far that at the age of 36, he joined Parliament.   As quickly as Matjiesfontein acquired fame, so quickly did it lose it, at the beginning of the Boer War against the British. The flourishing hoiday resort became a military town for the British. The Hotel Milner became a military hospital.   At the age of 63 Jimmy Logan died, and the former health resort fell into the past. His son James Douglas Logan and his daughter, Mrs von Oberst H.J. Buist continued the business and stayed in Matjiesfontein.   Even today, the Luxury trains from Rovos Rail and the legendary Blue Train still stop in Matjiesfontein. In this small town, time has stood still, although restored.   The businessman and famous hotelier David Rawdon from Cape Town purchased the dilapidated place in 1968 and restored it to the current small town. Due to the dry heat in this area, the houses are in a good condition.   The Hotel Milner was re-opened 2 years later with the name “Hotel Lord Milner”. The hotel rooms reflect the past, and have been restored to their original condition. Even the old police station has been converted to accommodation for holiday makers. In Jimmy Logan’s former grocer shop, a little cafe has been opened. Old pictures on the wall illustrate a part of South Africa’s history.   The Marie Rawdon Museum a worthwhile visit, and has a private collection of historical objects of past times. There is information about how the locals of the town lived in the past.  In the Transnet Museum the history of the railway is presented. The old signal box, which replaced the hand signals, can also be viewed. In the old post-office, stamps, wine and South African gifts can be purchased. Since 1975 the small town of Matjiesfontein has been recognised as a National Monument. May the spirit of Jimmy Logan live on in the new century!   Further tourist attractions:   Karoo National Park Karoo National Park's Fossil Trail Rock paintings of the San Various private game farms in the area    Our Tip:   In case you decide to visit the Karoo, it is recommended to visit this historical town. From Cape Town, it is approximately 250 km. In about 3 hours, you would arrive in Matjiesfontein.   Roundtrip Garden Route: Cape Town – Matjiesfontein – Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Cape Town   Our recommendation would be that you go by car from Cape Town to Matjiesfontein. There we will arrange an overnight stay in a Hotel, holiday home or guesthouse. Thus you will have enough time to see the town and surroundings. Thereafter we proceed to Oudtshoorn, the “feather capital” of South Africa. Here we will organise an overnight stay on an ostrich farm. From Oudtshoorn, we continue towards the coast via George. We recommend the coastal town of Knysna, where a stay of at least 2 nights is advisable. This area is very pleasant and there is plenty to see. If you want to visit South Africa during the whaling season, we would gladly arrange a whale tour for you. This is relatively pricey, but it is an unforgettable experience.   From Knysna we begin the return journey to Cape Town.  We would recommend another Tour in which you drive along the N 2 via Hermanus to Cape Town. The return journey from Knysna to Cape Town is approximately 5 hours (500 km).