1924. Geo. Parkes & Sones (Pty) Ltd Offices. In 1891 George Parkes, Chairman of A & F Parkes of Birmingham, bought the Knysna Steam Saw-mill and registered the company in 1892 as the Knysna Forest Co. The name of the company was changed to George Parkes and Sons in 1902. Initially the factory offices were in a wooden structure in Rawson Street but in 1924 it was decided to build new offices which were designed by Simpson & Bridgman of Oudtshoorn, complete with art nouveau windows, which became popular with numerous buildings in Knysna. The building was erected by S. Levndhal and the foundations laid in 1924. In 1953 the building in St. George's Street was extended and the main entrance stinkwood door was relocated northwards from the corner of the building. These extensions were built by John Gray-Smith.