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The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Exploring Krugersdorp's historic post office
Before the internet, people relied on post offices, and in the fifth edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, the focus is on uncovering the stories and letters from Krugersdorp's historic post office, or the Central General Post Office as it was known when it was completed in 1938. Recently, the Krugersdorp News partnered up with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA) to revisit some of the past events and remarkable buildings that hold deep historical significance in our town. Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, explains that the post office on the corner of Ockerse and Kruger Street is a more recent addition to the town, at least in comparison to the buildings previously featured in this series. ALSO READ: Echoes of Krugersdorp: Town Hall and its rich history 'Originally, this site formed part of a block of stands reserved by the ZAR government for official use. An exception was made for the corner of Commissioner and Kruger Street, which was allocated to Abner Cohen for his Monument Hotel, later known as the Majestic Hotel. Before the construction of the post office, the precise site served as the Pass Office under the ZAR administration,' he explained. Jaco continued to say to maximise the potential of the plot, the architects opted for an L-shaped layout, with the southern wing that housed public spaces and circulation offices, while the western wing contained staff facilities and, above, a switch-room. He added that the main entrance, originally from the private box and posting lobby facing Kruger Street, is of generous proportions. Sadly, this entrance is no longer in use, and the once grand main façade is now neglected. 'The principal public hall reserved at the time for Europeans measured 20 by six metres and had a secondary entrance on Ockerse Street, which serves today as the building's main access point.' He said that adjacent to it was a smaller, nearly square room of 5.5m x 6m, designated for non-Europeans. This section was accessed through an atrium off Ockerse Street. 'Today, the two spaces have been combined into a single large hall. Both public halls were acoustically treated and originally paved with wooden blocks. 'The Kruger Street wing included rooms for the Postmaster, accounts and general offices, male and female staff rooms, a records room, a cable vault and duct, and a staff entrance and stairwell leading from the postal yard,' he said. ALSO READ: Watch: World's most powerful rocket makes history with epic catch Jaco said the first floor was entirely dedicated to the engineering section, lit from the west by double bull's-eye windows and from the east by glass bricks. Architecturally, the building is clad in face brick, with white-painted concrete cornices and fins at window-head height. On the Kruger Street elevation, fins at sill level help square the building against the steeply sloping street. 'The main entrance is framed by four semi-circular-ended brick pylons. The two central pylons are topped with bronze effigies of a winged springbok, symbolising the building's communication function. This entrance is recessed slightly from the main wall and further distinguished by glass brick panes on the first floor and a variegated brick frieze. 'The frieze depicts an ox-wagon, representing the Great Trek and the discovery of the Reef, with mine dumps, headgear, and buildings of Krugersdorp's past and present in the background,' he revealed. Jaco continued that the building has served the Krugersdorp community for almost 90 years. 'It made national headlines on a rainy day in January 1992, when Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging members Petrus Jacobus Judeel and Andries Stefanus Kriel bombed the post office, scattering glass and debris across Ockerse Street. These two men were also involved in the bombings of Hillview High School in July 1991 and Cosatu House in Pretoria in December 1991. ALSO READ: Krugersdorp Bowling Club makes history They were granted amnesty on 12 June 1998 for these acts, including the theft of explosives from the Rustenburg Platinum Mine in 1991. 'This outstanding example of 1930s Art Deco architecture has withstood the trials and tribulations of nearly a century and remains a symbol of Krugersdorp's past, present and future,' he concluded. TEASER: Step back in time with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association as they explore the nearly century-old post office building. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Going back in time – 131 years of gentlemen socialising
In the third edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, which the Krugersdorp News partnered with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), we will journey down memory lane to explore the history of Krugersdorp's oldest pub, The Krugersdorp Club. • Also read: Echoes of Krugersdorp: The old magistrate's court Background Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, said before we explore the history of The Krugersdorp Club, it's important to understand the broader concept of gentlemen's clubs as they existed in the late Victorian period. 'This type of establishment was by no means unique to Krugersdorp – it was a crucial amenity found in any self-respecting town, city, or metropolis throughout the English-speaking world. In the 19th century, family was considered one of the cornerstones of a man's life. While a man's home was his castle, often it wasn't the refuge of comfort and privacy one might expect, especially for the elite. Their homes frequently hosted dinners, formal teas, and social events, making private life a public affair. Social obligations and the scrutiny of local newspapers kept many upper-class lives on constant display. For many men, gentlemen's clubs offered an escape from these pressures,' he explained. Jaco added that another factor was the way many men were raised in all-male environments such as schools and sports clubs, which made sharing personal space with women in adulthood unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. The club thus became a space for men to socialise freely, surrounded by peers. 'Men's clubs were also hubs of information and gossip. These spaces encouraged communication and the sharing of news, which served not only to build social bonds but to establish one's identity and reinforce class and gender roles. Gossip wasn't just idle chatter – it was a tool for social climbing and networking, a means of showing discretion and influence. The clubs had their own unspoken [and sometimes formal] rules to regulate how such information was shared, ensuring privacy and trust among members,' he continued. 'A typical gentlemen's club of the time would feature a formal dining room, a bar, a library, a billiards room, and various parlours for reading, gaming, or quiet conversation. Some clubs, such as the famed Rand Club, even included guest rooms and fitness facilities. Many hosted regular events like formal dinners or sporting activities,' Jaco further explained. The founding of The Krugersdorp Club Jaco explained that The Krugersdorp Club was founded in 1894 by two of the town's most prominent doctors at the time: Dr Wouter van der Merwe and Dr Percy Stewart. Van der Merwe lived on the corner of Ockerse Street (then the town's main thoroughfare) and Kruger Street. In his back garden, he planted a jacaranda tree, whose leafy shade became a favourite gathering spot for visitors, including none other than President Paul Kruger, a personal friend. That same tree still stands today behind the gates of the current club building. Legend has it that one day, late in 1894, the two doctors decided to create a space where the town's rising gentlemen could socialise and unwind – perhaps inspired by their daily ritual of enjoying sundowners after work,' he said. He noted that the current wood-and-iron building, dating from 1897, features many beautiful elements typical of late Victorian colonial architecture – pressed steel ceilings, wooden floors, fireplaces, and other original details. A secret role in the South African War Jaco said that during the Second South African War (1899–1902), the club became a favoured haunt of British officers stationed in the area. Despite the occupation, Van der Merwe maintained his daily visits to the club and became known to the soldiers. Unbeknownst to them, he gathered useful information, such as troop movements, and passed it along to local Boer contacts like 'Vaal Martiens' Pretorius, Gerrit van Blommenstein, and Mr Te Water. 'These men would then write coded messages, attach them to dogs' collars, and send the animals out of town, where Boer commandos would intercept them. It's a remarkable example of quiet resistance,' he stated. A social hub through the ages Jaco continued that following the war, The Krugersdorp Club flourished, and by 1910, it boasted over 400 members, with just as many names recorded in its visitor books. This figure far exceeded the likely size of the town's middle class, suggesting that many working-class individuals, particularly miners, were also regulars. 'For instance, miners Hallowes and Thomas are listed among club visitors. While the club's presidents and office bearers were typically middle-class professionals [notably local doctors such as Van der Merwe, Stewart, and Caldwell], many guests likely came from the respectable working class. Unfortunately, determining their occupations is difficult, as Krugersdorp's church registers did not record such details as were common in Johannesburg. These insights were pieced together through comparisons between The Krugersdorp Club Visitors' Book [1902–1912] and the Register of European Burials in Krugersdorp Cemetery [1904–1929],' he said. He continued that browsing through these books today, one can't help but feel a sense of awe at the well-known names and families who graced the club over the decades. On the sidewalk outside, one can still see the pole to tie your horse to before entering the club. Still standing strong 'Though changing lifestyles and modern habits have led to a decline in membership, The Krugersdorp Club still operates today. Visitors are welcome to enjoy its historic atmosphere, hearty pub-style meals, and cold refreshments – just as they have for the past 131 years,' Jaco concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-04-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Echoes of Krugersdorp: The old magistrate's court
In the second edition of Echoes of Krugersdorp, the Krugersdorp News, which partnered with the Krugersdorp Heritage Association (KHA), will explore the history of the old Magistrate's Court. Co-founder of the KHA, Jaco Mattheyse, states that no other building in Krugersdorp is as closely related to the early history of our town as the one located on Commissioner Street in the CBD. This building houses the newly refurbished Mogale City Museum and is situated across the street from Town Hall, as discussed in the previous article. • Also read: Echoes of Krugersdorp: Town Hall and its rich history 'Krugersdorp was laid out in a manner typical of Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) in Transvaal towns throughout the old Boer Republic. The Transvaal government aligned itself more closely with continental Europe, where towns are arranged around a central square [as seen in Pretoria, where Church Square forms the center of the capital]. Krugersdorp's square was bordered by Kommisaris, Markt, President, and Kruger streets and primarily served as the main center of commerce,' he said. Read the full story in this week's edition of the News dated April 25. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
