Hermon's History

During the early 1600's this area was populated mainly by the Khoi-San tribe.

In the 1800's, however, portions of the land were claimed by farmers for agricultural purposes. These farmers produced enough to remain self-sufficient, in addition to maintaining a small surplus. They sold hides, soap, butter, wine and other products, whilst having to purchase essentials such as gunpowder, lead (for bullets) and iron. Any remaining funds were spent on luxuries such as tea, coffee and rice.

The only means of transport available to the farmers consisted of ox wagons, which were both cumbersome and unreliable, ultimately causing delays regarding product delivery. It became clear that a new mode of transport was required, if these farmers were to benefit from selling their surplus produce.

In 1873 Thomas Bain (not to be confused with Thomas Baines, the artist) began to explore alternative solutions. He recognized the potential in building a railway line between Wellington and Worcester. As it was not feasible to construct such a railway either over the mountain range or by tunneling, Bain undertook the daunting task of going around the mountains.

Several train stations were erected on the route between Wellington and Worcester - one of these being HERMON.

The town Hermon (meaning "exalted") was given a biblical name, as the missionary station Rondeheuwel had already been established in the area. Hermon station quickly gained popularity, as it constituted a central point in the local transport infrastructure.

The branch line was extended in 1929, spanning from Hermon to Porterville, with stations at Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek-Wes. This line remains in use to this day, providing the company PPC with a means to transport their cement on a regular basis.

The construction of a hotel, equipped with stables, soon followed in Hermon, providing adequate overnight accommodation for both farmer and horse. Daily mail was received via the railway and transported from the Station to the local Post Tree. The blowing of a horn signaled the arrival of new mail, causing locals to gather at the Post Tree to receive their mail.

As time went by, Hermon saw many changes. Mail was no longer delivered to the Post Tree, but directly to Hermon's newly built Post Office. As new technology such as e-mails & facsimiles became more commonplace, the role of the post office became less demanding, eventually leading to its closure when a Postal Agency was opened at the local shop.

The owners of the property have tried to keep the history of the Hermon area alive by converting the Old Post Office Building to a Guesthouse - named /Hom.

/Hom (meaning "the messenger") is a traditional Khoi-San word. As the Khoi-San language consists of only 83 words, no equivalent exists for the English term "post office". Seeing as the Bushmen (who ran from sender to receiver, bearing their message on a stick) were named "messengers" in the olden days, we decided that the name "The Messenger" was more than suitable for our guesthouse. It shares a history with the original building, whilst echoing the goal of a Post Office - to send or receive messages.

/Hom Guest House consists of 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, an entertainment area with sizeable indoor braai facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a fireplace. Each one of the 5 bedrooms in this African/bushman-inspired guest house represents one of Africa's Big Five Animals.

THANKS TO Boetie & Marika Nel ...With Hoggs and Kisses

8 Main Street
Hermon 7308

Tel: +27 22 448 1344
Fax: +27 86 698 1730
Mobile: +27 84 548 2563
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