In the suburb or Humewood is a park called John Shelton Park with a stone pillar with marble plaque on it and everything. Problem is that the plaque only says “John Shelton Park” and doesn’t say who John Shelton was. I’m curious but haven’t found anything on the internet yet. The search continues.
Edited on 08/04/2013 – And Grant Slater comes to the rescue – “John Shelton, Director of Parks for Port Elizabeth, who had earlier helped with the planning and construction of Maynardville, to design and build the Mannville Open Air Theatre in St. George’s Park.” – Shakespeare in Southern Africa: Journal of the Shakespeare Society of Southern Africa, Volume 13
Google Books search reveals:”John Shelton, Director of Parks for Port Elizabeth, who had earlier helped with the planning and construction of Maynardville, to design and build the Mannville Open Air Theatre in St. George's Park.” – Shakespeare in Southern Africa: Journal of the Shakespeare Society of Southern Africa, Volume 13
Our local newspaper has started a column for finding out the history behind the names of streets, parks, etc. There are so many places named for people whose story has died with them. it has become quite an interesting read and makes me more connected to my city.