PMB – Old Edendale Road

June 7, 2017, 5:26 am

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Hotel Dusalle on the old Edendale road into PMB

Residence next to old Hotel Dusalle on old Edendale road.

Service station on the old Edendale road near the Hotel Dusalle.

The old Edendale road is now a back road into the city having been replaced by a wider more direct route. Edendale was originally a farming area on the fringes of the city and the old road would have been a busy route into the city, with stopovers for travelers.

Along this route, I discovered the old Hotel Dusalle, its residence and a longstanding Service station. I have not been able to ascertain any information on this old hotel, but the images are attached.

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Nottingham Road – Springrove Dam

June 10, 2017, 2:51 am

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Springrove Dam wall – May 2017

Springrove Dam with Drakensberg mountains in background.

Springrove Dam upper reaches.

Drakensberg mountains behind Springrove Dam – May 2017

If it weren’t for the Springrove Dam, completed in 2013, and which filled very quickly, Durban Metro and Pietermaritzburg would have been in dire straits due to the drought.

Springrove Dam, on the Big Mooi releases water downstream, to the Mearns weir, where it is pumped into the Lions River, which feeds into Midmar Dam.

Without this feed, Midmar would in most likelihood have dried up and not be at 80%, as of June 2017.

This post shows images of Springrove Dam from the air, and images of the  Drakensberg mountains in the background.

Lords of The Manor (formerly Oatesdale) – Hidcote – Mooi River

July 11, 2017, 6:27 am

≫ Next: Korongo Valley Guest Farm – Ixopo

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Lords of the Manor – it was ostensibly on this bar stool that a previous owner was shot. The bullet holes are visible in the door

Lords of the Manor Chapel

Lords of the Manor – Main original building 1887

I have recently added an album of this well known venue in the KZN Midlands, that was built by Edward Oates, stating in 1887 and completed after the Boer war, when it was used as a school. It became known as Lords of the Manor after a refurbishment in 2007.

The property is now run as a boutique hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. The manager informed me that one of the previous owners was assassinated whilst sitting in the bar from a position in the garden. He did not elaborate on the reason!

Go to the Natal Farms Album in the dropdown to access the full array of images.

Korongo Valley Guest Farm – Ixopo

July 17, 2017, 8:11 am

≫ Next: Durban – Sydenham St John & St Raphael Cemetery

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Korongo Valley Log Cabins

Korongo Valley Guest farm pool and main functions area

Korongo’s Crane Cottage (self catering and original home)

Korongo Valley Farm outlook

Korongo Valley Guest Farm may have no pretentions of competing with The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga, but the guest house has all the hospitality that goes with hospitality.

The farm caters for travelers, hikers, bikers, and anyone wanting a getaway in the majestic Ixopo hills.  Alan Paton didn’t wax lyrical about this area for nothing, and this establishment gives you a dose of country medicine at very reasonable prices.

The accommodation is simple but clean, and ranges from self catering , to DB&B, and also offers camping. The al a carte menu offers good wholesome meals, for dinner, and the bar, if so desired, affords one the opportunity to catch up on the days events, or even a chance to meet old friends.

Hosts Sue and Richard however steal the show with their traditional charm and hospitality.

Contacts : 082-8152003 or reservations@korongovalley.co.za

Durban – Sydenham St John & St Raphael Cemetery

July 25, 2017, 7:49 am

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Tombstone of Isabella Monck-Mason

Tombstone of Charles Augustus Oldham 1918

William Randles resting place

There is always a fascination with old graveyards, and this cemetery is no exception, with some of the remains of prominent persons, who made their names and fortunes in Durban’s early development. This post has a few images to reflect this, such as the grave of William Randles.

William Randles lived in the area for generations, founded the commercial business of Randles Bros. and Hudson, was officer commanding the Royal Durban Rifles  (1874 to 1878)and a member of the Town Council in 1878. A Randles Road in Sydenham recognizes , his contribution. (Reference: Origins of Durban Street Names, by John McIntyre – 1956)

A full album of graves in this cemetery can be found on the dropdown under cemeteries.

Centocow Trappist Mission

July 28, 2017, 10:05 am

≫ Next: Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli

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Main church at Centocow

Centocow Main Church

Distant view of Cetocow

I recently was in Creighton at the aloe festival, but couldn’t resist another visit to this mission overlooking the Umzimkulu River, built by Francis Pfanner the founder of Marrianhill Monastry, in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

The beauty of these buildings, needs to be seen by more people in this province. The drive there is also worth the effort.

Chief Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli

August 12, 2017, 5:38 am

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Chief Albert Luthuli Memorial – Groutville – July 2017

Groutville Congregational Church – Luthuli burial place

Graves of Nokukhanya and Chief Albert Luthuli – Groutville

A memorial has recently, in July 2017, been erected in Groutville, to commemorate Albert Luthuli. The memorial has a summary of his life and is a National Heritage site.

Albert Luthuli was born in Rhodesia in 1898, but relocated to Umvoti Mission in 1908. From here he taught at Adams Mission (1922). In 1927 he married Nokukhanya and in 1935 was elected as a Chief at Groutville.

In 1944 Albert Luthuli joined the A.N.C and became its President in 1951. Luthuli was arrested and banned for his political activities between 1956 and 1959. It was his belief in non violence that won him the Nobel Peace prize in 1961.

Whilst still under house arrest in Groutville he was killed by a train in 1967. In addition to this memorial there is a Museum in the home of Chief Luthuli.

 

Rawdons Hotel – Nottingham Road

August 28, 2017, 8:05 am

≫ Next: Marian Villa – Pietermarizburg

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Rawdons Hotel from the air before the onset of winter

I recently had an inspiring flight with sculptor Owen Llewellyn Davies over the Midlands and shot this image of Rawdons Hotel, built in 1954 by David Rawdon. No matter the time of the year this hotel seems to blend in with the seasons. A bit similar as to how the hotel operates, with warm fires in the cold winters, alfresco activities in summer, and a spring in the step after a visit to the adjacent Brewery.

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Marian Villa – Pietermarizburg

August 28, 2017, 9:33 am

≫ Next: FARMHOUSES IN OLD NATAL – PRE-LAUNCH BOOK SALES – See attached flyer and order form.

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Marian Villa, in Alexander Road, which is now a retirement home, was built in 1914 by Dr Conrad Akerman and named Coneth-Moar. This home represents many of the iconic homes built in this period and has had many names ,as it has been bought and sold over the last century. (Lansdown, Whittingham). The house was acquired by the 3rd Order of St Dominic, and then sold to the present owners who operate the house as a retirement home, Marian Villa

FARMHOUSES IN OLD NATAL – PRE-LAUNCH BOOK SALES – See attached flyer and order form.

September 17, 2017, 11:30 pm

≫ Next: Farmhouses in Old Natal – Benvie – Karkloof

≪ Previous: Marian Villa – Pietermarizburg

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Farmhouses in Old Natal – Authored by Jacqueline Kalley and photographs by Hugh Bland.

Farmhouses in Old Natal – Benvie – Karkloof

September 17, 2017, 11:59 pm

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Benvie has to have one of the most beautiful gardens of any farm in KZN. The old house is surrounded with hundreds soaring old trees, most of which are were planted by the Geekie family, over 130 years ago.

The gardens are open in September and October each year, (see Benvie open Gardens) to coincide with the spring flowering of Rhododendrons, Clivias, and Azaleas.

This farm will feature in Jacqueline Kalley’s upcoming book, “Farmhouses in Old Natal”. See previous post for more information and pre-sale order form

Benvie Homestead dating back to the 1800’s

Some of Benvie’s magnificent forest garden

The abundant Clivias in the landscaped gardens dating back 130 years.

 

 

 

 

PMB – St George’s Garrison Church

October 11, 2017, 3:30 am

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St George’s Garrison Church nave

St Georges Garrison Church’ exterior.

St George’s Church sanctuary Reredos commemorating regiments based at Fort Napier

St George”s Garrison Church Sanctuary

St George’s Garrison Church stain glass windows – The Ascension

Another seldom visited treasure in KZN is the St George’s Garrison Church in Pietermaritzburg.

The church which was built in 1898, was intended mainly for use by the Military based at Fort Napier, but also utilized by the local community, and for a while by Maritzburg College and Wykeham.

The church has much memorabilia relating to the military from 1898 to 1914, along with the school memorabilia.

More images for this church are in the St George’s album under Churches and Monasteries.

Note: The Church is seldom open, and is best visited when services are held.

Boston – Calderwood Hall

October 11, 2017, 4:21 am

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Calderwood Hall Chapel

Calderwood Hall wedding and conference venue

Calderwood Hall Grand Staircase

Calderwood Hall – Joseph and Edith Jardine

Calderwood Hall completed in 1902, represents one of the grand old mansions of the Victorian and Edwardian era. It was built by Joseph Jardine and his wife Edith, and which was to house their large family of 12 children.

Today the renovated Calderwood Hall is a wedding and conference venue, with accommodation for 68 guests.

Since this hall represented the farmhouse, further images can be seen in the Calderwood Hall album under Natal Farms.

My thanks to owner, Wade Coetzee for allowing me to record this majestic building, and incorporating an image of it in our upcoming book, on Old Farms in Natal. (See previous posts.)

Contacts for Calderwood Hall are :+27(0)61 4134906 and www.calderwood.co.za – +27(0)33 9971926 – +27(0)832351027

 

Himeville

October 14, 2017, 8:20 am

≫ Next: Our Natural Heritage – Umgeni Valley

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What is it that we just don’t get about the need for maintenance and preserving historical old buildings? Whilst in Himeville recently I noticed that The Residency, a beautiful sandstone building was being neglected. This to my knowledge was used by the local Magistrate. Surely this building could be put to good use or if not required sold off to a person who would cherish the building.

On a more positive note the local Museum is well kept and maintained. Himeville area, (Seaforth) was for a long time the home of Peter McKenzie, a local farmer,  who also engaged in transport riding with my Grandfather Benjamin Adam Bland. They were busy with loads from Natal to Barberton, Delagoa Bay to Barberton and from Beira to Chimoia and Salibury. This post has an image of Peter (brother of General Duncan McKenzie), and a wagon similar to those used in the 1880’s.

Himeville is also special for its natural beauty with a backdrop of the Drakensburg and close to Sani Pass.

 

The Residency in state of neglect

 

Himeville Fort and local history Museum

Peter McKenzie, local farmer and transport rider in the 1880’s and 1890’s

A transport riders wagon at the local history museum

Himeville – famous for its natural beauty in the mountain foothills

 

Our Natural Heritage – Umgeni Valley

October 14, 2017, 10:08 pm

≫ Next: St Mary’s Anglican Church – Middelrus

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Most of my site focuses on heritage relating to the built environment, or historical structures. This post is a little reminder of our natural heritage, in this instance images of Howick Falls and the Umgeni Valley below the falls. The images were taken from the air thanks to a micro-lite flight over the area , with Owen Llewellyn Davies.

 

Howick Falls on the Umgeni River

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve below Howick Falls

Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve below Howick Falls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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St Mary’s Anglican Church – Middelrus

October 14, 2017, 10:47 pm

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A while ago I photographed the remains of this old church and wondered about its origins. Whilst visiting the Garrison Church in PMB, I met Earle Larson, who enlightened me and sent the old image of the church. (See  below). Alongside are images I took and some of the few remaining graves.

This church was built on the farm Mount Pleasant at a cost of 800 pounds, and consecrated on October 1903 by the Bishop of Natal, the Right  Revered Samuel Baines. The locals had until that time worshiped at the Mooi River ,St Johns church, but wanted their own church closer to their own  community. This small church of 90 square metres was nearly destroyed in a snow blizzard in in May 1905, bur rebuilt by August of the same year.

St Mary’s was used until 1940, when it was closed down due to a diminishing congregation, and sold to a private farmer. Parts of the church were salvaged and used to build St Mary’s in Bruntville, and the font given to a church in Greytown. Ref: Earle Larson

A few graves remain on the site and are shown here. The site was overgrown and more graves may exist.

St Mary’s Church Middelrus in its heyday – Image supplied by Earle Larson

St Mary’s Church as it looks now (2017)

St Mary’s Church Middelrus – the grave of John Henry Wallace

St Mary’s Church – grave of Mary Elizabeth Button

St Mary’s Church Middelrus – grave of C.F.J. & M. Cope – died 1903

St Mary’s Church Middelrus – grave of Sydney Little aged 4 days – 1912

 

Cedara College

October 27, 2017, 6:22 am

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The  1542 ha of land for Cedara College was bought in 1902 by the Natal Government and was part of the farm Driefontein and Rietspuit, that originally had been granted to Frans Maritz in 1851 and Theodore Menne in 1849, respectively. Ref: Cedara College.

The foundation stone of the School of Agriculture and Forestry was laid on 28 April 1905 and is an Historical Monument.

This post shows the original Edwardian building from the air. (Compliments of my pilot for the day:Owen Llewellyn Davies)

 

Cedara College – original building 1905

Cedara Agriculture College from the air – main building 1905

 

Tembe Elephant Park

November 24, 2017, 8:15 pm

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One of the leopards “spotted” on a drive

The current Chief of the Tembe tribe.

One of the many elephant reveling in a pan

The rustic but well appointed lounge

Its taken a long time for me to get to Tembe Elephant Park, but I can now see the reasons why visitors have repeat visits. The reserve is run by Ezemvelo Wildlife, and the Lodge and game drives managed by members of the  Tembe community. Heading up the team at Tembe is Tom, who aside from having a wry sense of humour, has an amazing staff who are naturally hospitable, and passionate about their profession. Yes profession, because that’s what they are, professionals in hospitality. The lodge accommodation is understated luxury and comfort, and each unit is cleverly concealed in the camp surrounds.

The reserve is dominated by gentle giants, also has  diverse game, birds, and tree species, and we were lucky to  see the elusive leopards twice. This reserve is top-notch.

Durban Jewish Club

November 24, 2017, 8:50 pm

≫ Next: Aerial Images of Midmar and Howick Falls

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The Durban Jewish Club is the gathering place of members of the Jewish Community. The Club has always provided a venue for the wider Durban Community and used by many organisations, for meetings, conferences etc, and as an examination venue as depicted here. Our Photographic Club is no exception, and it is thanks to the Club and member, Selwyn Levitan that we can use this great venue.

The Club is also the home of the Holocaust Centre, whose aim it is to promote peace  and tolerance among the people of the world.

More Images are available under Gallery – Clubs.

Durban Jewish Club interior – main foyer

Durban Jewish Club – Main Hall used as an exam venue

Durban Jewish Club commemorating WWII use by servicemen.

Durban Jewish Club exterior

 

Aerial Images of Midmar and Howick Falls

November 24, 2017, 9:07 pm

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Aerial images always give a different perspective as these two images illustrate. Thanks to micro pilot, Owen Llewellyn-Davies for the ride.

Howick Falls from above

Midmar Dam Wall from above