Alfred John Barry

The next owner of Klippe Rivier was Alfred John Barry, who owned the farm from 1901 until 1914, he was a true Edwardian, who epitomised the Edwardian lifestyle. His parties were legendary, with lavish seven-course meals being served. He had a billiard table in the old wine store (now the Reid Room) and also employed an English governess for his children. Alfred John Barry was the grandson of Joseph Barry, the Uncle of the well known firm "Barry and Nephews" of Swellendam. This successful company of traders ran a mercantile empire in the Overberg for sixty years, and at the height of their success they even issued promisory "bank" notes (see above right) an example of which is framed in the sitting-room at Klippe Rivier, a £5 note. Alfred John Barry was born on the 3rd May 1869, and married his cousin Johanna Martina Barry in 1898. They had three children who were born in 1900, 1902 and 1911. They lived at Klippe Rivier from 1904 to 1914.