Toll house's fate to be decided in January

GEORGE NEWS - The Old Toll House on the Montagu Pass just outside George is still open. For now.

The fate of the historical building's future will only be determined middle January. This was decided at a meeting of the Friends of the Toll House late Monday afternoon, 11 December.

The future of the beleaguered building near the start of the pass hangs in the balance due to financial constraints. At the meeting on Monday a serious decision had to be made: close or stay open.

The toll house is 178 years old and one the most historic buildings in George. Normally a popular tourist destination, especially during the festive season, this past year saw visitor numbers drop by 80%.

Montagu Pass closed

The temporary closure of the Montagu Pass is one of the main contributing factors in the decrease in visitors. It is unclear when the pass, closed on 14 February this year due to rain damage, will be roadworthy again.

In the past many people stopped at the toll house for a coffee and pancake while taking a leisurely drive through the scenic Montagu Pass. This passing traffic ground to a halt in February with dire results for the toll house. Many people also see the "closed" sign at the entrance to the pass and assume they won't be able to reach the toll house, although the gravel road up to the building is perfectly fine.

Ken Gie, acting chairperson of the Friends of the Toll House, says it has been decided to reassess the status quo in January following the holiday season.

The friends are hoping to capitalise on the holiday season when many tourists visit the area.

Gie told George Herald the toll house faces many challenges, most importantly the lack of volunteers and finances.

He stressed that volunteers play an extremely important role in the activities of the toll house.

At the moment three permanent staff members are employed - an individual in charge of maintenance and two employees who bake pancakes and make coffee.

The Friends of the Toll House was formed in 2009 with its main driving force Gerda and Johan Stols. Restoration activities started in 2009 and finished in 2014.

In October 2018 it burned down, but was lovingly and painstakingly restored - volunteers and donors once again playing the most important part.

Gie said tourism in George will be dealt a huge blow should the toll house close down. Closure will also mean that three people will lose their jobs.

As they are in urgent need of funds and volunteers, Gie asked that prospective volunteers and donors contact him on 083 631 9648 or at giekenneth1@gmail.com.

The old toll house in the Montagu Pass. Photo: Eugene Gunning