Tag Archives: History
Abandoned. Devastated. Heartbreaking (Part 2)
Last week I featured the former teachers’ training college hostel (in my hometown Pretoria) that has fallen into a state of disrepair. Today, in part two of the series, I’m … Continue reading
Abandoned. Devastated. Heartbreaking
I enjoy the idea of a ghost-town. I imagine walking down its abandoned streets, looking through dirty windows, seeing in my mind’s eye the lives of its former inhabitants; the … Continue reading
Christ Church Arcadia
Yesterday I featured a monumental, bold, brand new mosque, which I passed on my way to Johannesburg from Pretoria on Tuesday. Today it’s the turn of a humble little Anglican … Continue reading
Oom Paul – standing the test of time and politicians
Paul Kruger (Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger), affectionately known as Oom Paul (Uncle Paul), was State President of the South African Republic (Transvaal) from 1883 – 1900. He gained hero status … Continue reading
The grand old theatre that became a parking garage
I was in the city centre (of Pretoria, South Africa) yesterday afternoon for a meeting, after which I thought I would explore a bit. I had heard a rumour a … Continue reading
Exploring the ghost house
Back in March I did a piece on the Spookhuis (The Ghost House), the beloved old Victorian-style house (also known as Erasmus Castle) that has overlooked our city for more … Continue reading
Debunking the myth of the haunted house
Growing up in Pretoria we knew this house on a koppie on the edge of town as die spookhuis (the ghost house). I remember my excitement at seeing it sitting … Continue reading
