Oranjemund Online

THIS IS ACTUALLY RICK's Topic:

Once upon a time.......1779 actually, a Scottish Dutchman (I kid you not), Robert Jacob Gordon, a commander of the garrison at the Cape, after having visited the area two years earlier, decided to rename what was then called the Gariep (which simply translated means "River"). He named it the Orange River in honour of Prince William V of Orange. This saved thousands of people the indignity of growing up in Gariepmund! (This will probably be the curse of the next generation, as I believe that the river is reverting to its original name)

Fast forward.......In 1920 Ernest Oppenheimer initiated Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM) in which Anglo American, a new organisation of which Sir Ernest was chairman, held the controlling interest.

Fast forward......While there had been much excitement regarding diamonds on the Southern side of the mouth (Alexander Bay), it was approximately 1928 that prospecting got under way north of the river, and in January 1935 operations, on a minor scale, began in "G" area. By 1936 rough buildings had been established and marked the inauspicious beginnings of a settlement called Orange River Mouth (actually references to this name date back to 1930). In 1940 the "River" was dropped and it became affectionately known as "Orange Mouth"
Question: When (month and year, please) did the name Oranjemund become official?

More next week..........

Well, I see my (with thanks to Alison Corbett) attempt to educate ex and present O'munders as to the history of "onse dorpie" has pretty much fallen on deaf ears, what with the "topic" being hijacked by a Celtic catfight and Robert Zimmerman quotes.......However I would like to thank Rhona and Diana most sincerely for at least attempting to answer the first question! The town was, in fact, officially named Oranjemund in April 1951.

Part 2 – Babes and/or booze:

Life for our forebears in the 20s and 30s was seriously harsh in the "oasis" we called home in the 50s and beyond. Living in very basic 'pondoks', with no running water or electricity, and the East wind that still gets angry today (remembering that they had absolutely no trees or other windbreaks), social activities were also non existent. Until the mid 30s no women were allowed south of Bogenfels, but far more alarming was the fact that alcohol was strictly "verboten"! (would you have survived those days Michael?) Every week the men would pack their dirty laundry, clothes to be repaired and other personal items in "wash-boxes" (about the size of large suitcases) and these would be transported to their wives in Elizabeth Bay or Kolmanskop, and later to Pomona. (they had to keep their wives busy you see!). The boxes would be returned full of exciting things and perhaps a well hidden bottle of "booze" to add some cheer!

In 1937 the first "married accommodation/ dwellings were shipped out from Germany and erected on site. The houses were brightly painted, but did this cheer the men up?

By 1942 an "Appie" was earning 2 shillings and sixpence (about 50c) for an 8 hour shift, and after 1 year of uninterrupted employment, was entitled to 5 days annual leave. The employees and their families were given 1 free trip to Luderitz every 3 months, but I quote; "The workmen shall not be entitled to the free conveyance of alcoholic liquor" Legend has it that because of the shortage of women and recreational facilities, alcoholism was obviously a problem the "Company" had to deal with. And they took it seriously! "Any form of drunkenness will give the Company the right to discharge a workman immediately without first giving notice".

You can breathe easier Mike, as soon after the situation normalized, and drinking was allowed "in moderation". Finally a red letter day occurred when, to the satisfaction of most (men that is), the veritable institution of "Caseys Bar" a males only bar, was opened in 1957!!! (A parrot, also named Casey , I believe, was the only "bird" allowed through its portals!)

Question 2: After whom was "Caseys Bar" named?

Next week: The ghost of Hohenfels!

p.s. Apologies for mentioning you in my ramblings Michael, but from your good wife's comments on this august site, it seems that you enjoy a cold one now and then, and then. (sic)

p.s.s. Could you change the name of the topic to "Rick's Oranjemund history lesson"? (Not that I have anything against Bob Dylan, I grew up with his music)!

Enjoyable reading Ricky. Geez I was only wrong by one year exactly. Good guess I thought. I would have thought that the bar was named after the parrot . 1957...parrots can live up to 5oyrs so this could be possible?????????

.... Greta Bowes was the first lady allowed into Casey's...... prior to 1972.....

Hi Diana, I guess it's just you and I playing! As I said, I believe the Parrot's name was Casey, but I'm not sure. The person after whom the bar was named was born in 1875 and died in 1957, the year "Caseys" opened. There are in fact hundreds of Caseys Pubs (and Grills) around the world, but there is no connection. I'm sure Rhona must have encountered a Caseys, as there are apparently many on the Emerald Isle!

I also beleived that Caseys was named after the Parrot of the same name.
However when checking Ali Corbetts rendition, I was amazed to see that its supposedly named after St Casey, patron saint of bootleggers.Checking

I'm waiting.......... msn emoticon (9)

its the bloody internet Up & down like a yo-yo

So its not just mine   3_8_14

Mine like a .. hey !1  wheres the sportscar  smiley with topless insert ? superfast

Well? WHat is the answer? My Dad and I have been discussing the Casey's QUestion over the electric telephone , yes Electric.... for the last 2 days... he was rambling on about some guy called Casey that planed in a war movie from the 40's...... then we found out about a famous priest that died in Michigan in 1957..... man all these questions could drive a man to drink in his bright wooden german shed when the east wind blows..... well whats the answer?

image24

We have a winner! St Clive! According to dispatches the bar was named after St. Casey (patron saint of love and humility) who was very active during the prohibition era (the time that bootlegging became rampant), but who suggested this name for "our" bar is a mystery to me!

The Ghost of Hohenfels!

As mentioned earlier, prior to 1935 it was decreed that no women should be allowed south of Bogenfels. The chronicles of the time tell us "The section Manager and his assistant had obtained permission for their wives to live at Hohenfels which was the nearest point any woman was allowed to Oranjemund. Hohenfels, which was situated some twenty kms up the river, was built by the German military authorities in 1908. It was a stately castle like building with a beautiful garden and lovely trees. However, no-one would live in it!
The Section Manager soon found out why! The wives complained of opening and shutting of doors and weird noises at night. Workmen were sent out to secure the locks and doors but could find nothing wrong. Matters continued to get worse until the men received an ultimatum from their wives; either they provide transport to return them to Luderitz, or the gallant ladies would walk (the tannies were tough in them days)! The house was obviously haunted!

Other stories substantiated the wives fears. The surrounding Namaqualanders (some of whom had tried living in the house) had apparently spotted a headless female apparition flitting about on moonlit nights. Apparently Martha van Zyl, while ironing one day, saw a uniformed rider on his way up to the house. She called to her mother, who had not heard the approaching horse, and on entering the room, the mother found Martha in a faint on the floor. After questioning her daughter the mother heard that Martha had looked up from her ironing and seen the "hideously mutilated face of a coloured woman peering at her through the window" On investigation, no trace or spoor could be found.

The ghost did not appear to be discriminatory in her choice of victims as testified by Petrus Julius, a new recruit, who, huddled by the fire, related that he had seen a headless woman walking on air about the house.
Thirty odd years earlier, as the story goes, after the completion of the building in 1908, a Wachtmeister and a corporal were stationed there to patrol the area between Hohenfels and the "Orange River Mouth". The wife of the Wachtmeister and his seven year old daughter came out to join him. Apart from the monthly camel patrol they saw no other people and it must have been an awfully lonely life for them. The wife was extremely lonely and died in childbirth the year after she arrived. The father sent his daughter to school in Namaqualand and then on to a convent in the Cape.

On her return trip home in 1914, the fifteen year old daughter realized that all was not as it should be at home. The Hottentot housekeeper had 'obviously risen above the call of duty", and was more than a housekeeper to her father! So, while the Wachtmeister was out one day, the housekeeper and the daughter had a difference of opinion. The daughter, not being able to stand the fact that her authority had been usurped, went into her father's study removed his revolver and killed the rival of her father's affection. Although the corpse was buried, the spirit stayed, and was still haunting decades later! Thus it is not surprising that the Company (CDM) hurried to provide married accommodation in Qranjemund!"

Now if somebody would kindly spend a weekend at the site (I would hope it's still there), and report back as to the veracity of this story, it would be much appreciated!

Question: Until 1944, all houses (pondoks) were of the "corrugated iron and wood" varieties. What was the address (no and avenue) of the first brick house built in Oranjemund?

Michael,
Bernard "Barney" Casey, later Solanus Casey, later Brother Solanus, and finally Father Solanus was indeed an American, and did pass on in 1957. It's possible that with the stringent alcohol "laws" in Oranjemund at the time, bootlegging was thriving in the Sperrgebiet, and St. Casey had been sympathetic to their plight!
The speed of his beatification is also a bit of a mystery.
I hope this keeps you out of the "bright wooden German shed"!

 Not even one attempt or guess?!?

Some of the folks I spoke to believed that the first brick house was that of the General Manager, but apparently.....In 1945 there were 55 houses in "Orange Mouth" and only 12 permanents were employed in town, and in November 1947 three men from Pretoria landed on "an airstrip in Oranjemund", with a contract to build 18 brick houses. Building operations were severely hampered with post war shortages, difficulties in transporting of material and labour problems. Eventually the first brick house was completed at 24/4th Avenue (at the time the houses were not built in avenues, but rather in a rather "find a flat section and build" approach). On arrival in Oranjemund in 1951, my parents occupied a wooden house and only moved into a brick house a few years later!

"What ho Sport!"

Once the mine office moved from Luderitz to Oranjemund in the early 1940's community life started to take shape. The first sports club to be established was the tennis club (one court!) in 1943. A library was opened in 1944 and the cricket club was founded in 1946 with W. Anderson and "Vennie" Venske at the helm. Anderson was known as the father of sport in Oranjemund, and the first "grass" rugby field was named after him. No rugby teams were allowed to visit Oranjemund (and there was no bridge) so all the games were played at Alex Bay. The rugby team would meet at the x-ray and would strip to undergo the necessary security checks. Climbing into a lorry, they headed off to where the pump station is at Swartkops. After offloading all their kit, they clambered onto a donkey wagon which would transport them to the river's edge. They would jump onto the barge (which had been in use for a few years and was the only means of crossing) and would pray for good weather or else they would get soaked! After the game each man had to pay 2/6d (about 50c), which was a day's wages for some, to Pop Anderson, who would provide brandy and beer.

The Cricket club started with borrowed gear and a sandy pitch where the dry cleaning depot now stands. Its chequered history continued in the 1950s, until they moved to the river bank where they had a pitch parallel to the river. The pitch was washed away, and finally moved to its present site, using a matting wicket. Many was the match that had to be called off when the sand and dust got too severe. In the early 70s, the turf pitch was laid (the first in the Namaqualand area I believe)

The first ever all grass nine-hole Golf course was opened in O'mund in 1953, only to be swamped by floods on numerous occasions.

The Soccer and Boxing clubs were started in 1947, and any travelling that was done went via Luderitz. I guess one had to play some sort of sport, as the scribes of the time tell us that in 1942 there were only TWO single girls on the property and they were obviously hugely popular! (Facts and figures from May Barron, Nancy Stocken and Alison Corbett's "History of Oranjemund").

Question: Who was the first "Oranjemunder" to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games?

Coreen Swanepoel?

@ Mike, you correct Koerien Swanepoel used to live across the road from us in 12th avenue. She was a swimmer and had polio. Elsebe, Johan and ? Depola were her step brother and sisters. Johan is now apparantly working for Peninsula Quaries. I met him a number of years ago at Cape Town Airport when I was flying home.

Regards,

Pepe

..... and Coreen still lives and teaches in Oranjemund, Expect to see her at the Reunion in November.....

..... Thats real cool to know, havn't seen her in years. The last time I saw her was in the 1970's. 

Her Boet, Derek left here about 4 years back, but is still with the company in Windhoek.....

If I'm correct Coreen swam to Robben island as well, way back in the 70's.  It was quite an achievement!  She was a superhero to us.  Her boet was in OPS same time as me - he sang quite well, and was quite the clown in class!  Him and his friend William Brindle used to get into trouble all the time with Felix Nieuwoudt at choir practice!

Pepe

The other DePola sister of Johan was Dalene there is a few pics of her in the other forums....

André

Yo Pepe, I believe the "missing" sister is Marianne!

Communication BA (Before Alexander)

In the mid forties, news and reading material of any sort was hard to come by. On a Friday night after work, the employees would make their way, often in howling sand storms, to the building that was used as a "post office". The sight of glowing cigarettes lit up the sky and the weeks happenings were discussed and debated. Gradually a hush came over the men and then a shout, from who ever was on sentry duty, would electrify the air; "I see the lights, can you see them?" (These "lorries" would often take days to travel from Luderitz to the Orange Mouth community.)

It was post night and the lights of the lorry could sometimes be seen when it was still an hour away. An anxious, excited burble would fill the air as the men's anticipation of receiving mail rose. The standing rule was that if the lorry arrived before 10pm, the post would be sorted that night, otherwise they would have to wait until the following day. The inevitable question would be; "who is driving tonight?" If it was Hermann he was sure to be in good time, if it was Fidi he might just make it, but if it was Willi, we might as well go home! Finally, depending on the driver, the mail would be sorted and handed back across the crowds of men. The first post boxes (without locks or keys) were established in 1947.

Huddled in their coats with their hands up to protect themselves from the wind, they hurried back to their "little" homes to immerse themselves in the contentment of contact with the outside world. This was the men's only link with their families and friends and allowed them to hold onto reality!
There was a radio station next to the "camp" which linked them with Luderitz, but it was used solely for the internal interests of the Company. Orders for the mine as well as the hiring and firing of personnel came by radio from the head office in Luderitz. It was only in 1944 that some form of internal telephone was installed. The General Manager had the first phone installed in his residence in 1948.

After the first "bridge" was officially opened, post arrived faster and more often, but newspapers were still delayed somewhat. I recall fetching the post in the early sixties, purely to read the Cape Times! The Monday and Tuesday editions would arrive on a Thursday, Wednesday and Thursday's on a Saturday, and Friday and Saturday's on the following Tuesday! Of course the important headlines would be known on time, as I'm sure many of you that were around at that time would have had to be quiet at certain times so that Dad could listen to the news on some form of wireless! Many was the time that groups gathered in the Single Quarters to "watch" a rugby test match. I say "watch", because it seemed that if one stared at the wireless long enough, one seemed to hear better!

In approximately 1970 Michael Alexander was born............

Question: When was the "original" Ernest Oppenheimer Bridge formally opened, and what was its significant record breaking achievement, relative to the Southern Hemisphere?

Was it not the longest non railway bridge in the southern hemishphere?

I would hazard a guess at it being a private project - we are talking about Oppenheimer here.

1950, and it was the longest single lane bridge in the southern hemisphere.

February 1951, I think the actual date is on the Plaque at the Northern end of the Bridge

I concur with Clive

less than a km in length, single lane road.  Felt very long as a passanger driving over it.......................

1951 the same year Oranjemund took its name being Orange Mouth previously.

The Yanks, dont think the name changed, looken on Google Earth to day and am sure I saw Oranje Mouth

I know I entered my place of birth on an American site and it came back as Orange Mouth.................

they wouldn't accept Oranjemund.

Thanks Rick, now I remember the name LOL. You quite right, attractive woman with blonde hair LOL.

Hi all,
Barb and Clive have it pretty much on the money! It was officially opened in Feb of 1951, and was the longest privately owned (and built) bridge in the Southern hemisphere. Two months later the town's name was formally changed from Orange Mouth to Oranjemund, although it took a while before everybody accepted it. I can recall my parents still referring to Orange Mouth in the late fifties!
As for our place of birth, my birth certificate (02/12/1952) tells me that I was born in Oranjemund - District of Luderitz.
Pepe, you knucklehead, Marianne had dark hair, Elsabe (Elsa) had blonde hair!

@ Rick - thanx for the lesson!
My birth certificate (1965) also says Oranjemund - District Lüderitz.

Camels, Trucks, Barges, Busses and Bicycles built for three........

Until the mid sixties transport was a particular problem for the hardy folk that populated Oranjemund. Until the late forties the DDD (security) had the luxury of riding camels on their patrols, which on occasion could have been up to ten days at a time! To shelter the animals from the heavy mists, and with corrugated iron and timber being very rare, a plan had to be made. Wild tobacco trees growing along the river bank were harvested, and together with baling wire from lucerne bales, frameworks were made. Flattened out cement drums with punched holes were laced on to the frameworks and the shelters were serviceable. Unfortunately by 1949 the camels were no longer considered practical so they were shot and their humps used for soap! (Nothing went to waste in them days).

To cross the river, the good people of the village were transported to the river by truck, and then ferried across by barge. Animals, materials and humans were thus able to cross the river while Owambos were stationed at each side to carry the men women and children to and from the barge without them wetting their feet wet!

To go north, after originally using lorries, which could take a couple of days to get to Kolmanskop, a rudimentary road was established and hardy busses would transport the womenfolk, and their young offspring, to the shopping "Mecca" of Luderitz (Barb and Clive might have been on these trips as toddlers). Although the Oranjemund store was established, things like curtain material, tablecloths and the like had to be purchased in Luderitz. This was an absolute mission as meals had to be packed and everything had to pass through the x-ray department. After an afternoon of shopping a night would be spent in a hotel, and the following day they would return home.

Throughout the forties and early fifties the transport system in Oranjemund was extremely basic. High school pupils went on a long overnight bus trip to Bitterfontein where they would board a train to their various destinations. Besides the transportation to the mines and a few Land Rovers, the townsfolk walked to the shops (or sent there "house-boys"). This tended to be an all day affair as there was no self service! Once one had been to the "Store" and sat on a bench until one's name would be called, it would be the same at the Butchery and the Market (self-service was only introduced in 1961).

By the fifties bicycles made a huge difference in the lives of the townsfolk! Legend has it that; "It was not unusual to see a couple arriving at a dance disheveled and sandy, having fallen off their "bike" on the way"! Many of the roads had been tarred so it was not necessary to own a "dikwiel" bike, and the ability to get around was infinitely easier. Most bikes had carriers onto which you could hook your "basket on wheels" and complete the shopping in half the time. Some still carried the normal wicker baskets (These were pre Spar plastic bag days remember)!

Our family had the transport problem waxed! Dad would cycle to the swimming pool at about 5h30am to catch the bus to Uubvley. Abraham would walk from the compound to the pool and cycle to our house, from whence I would cycle to school. After school it was back home, Abraham would cycle back to the swimming pool on his way back, and Dad would pick up the bike and cycle home....A bicycle built for three!

How many of you remember the annual "Bicycle fancy-dress"? Every year, on a specific Saturday (I think) all the pupils would "dress their bicycles up" before cycling through town and then have a competition to find the best dressed or most original "bike costume".

In the mid sixties Vespa scooters were allowed into town and a fleet of 17 cars (Anglias, I believe) for hire were introduced for recreational purposes. The cars could be hired for anything up to thirty days at a time for about R1.00 per day or R20.00 a month! You had to pay for petrol, but considering the lack of long distance routes one could travel, it was not an issue....At least you had "wheels"....Now if there were only enough Babes to impress!

Question: The first ever airlift for high school pupils to Cape Town occurred in which year?
Clue: Bertie wasn't born yet!..Neither was Michael.

I didn't know the answer off the top of my head but I have looked up the answer and can add that I wasn't born yet either.

eerrrr mmmm was I ???????

Interesting reading ..

I believe you were Diana....

Any chance one of you moderator type boffins could put Rick's history lessons in one place for people to read the chapters?

Hi Cherry,
Our meticulous methodical moderator types are indeed on the ball as all the "chapters" are on this very site/topic. The opening chapter was on another site but that became a Celtic playground, so Michael very kindly moved it to this spot!

Quote from: Ricky Barron on August 18, 2008, 08:21:41 AM
I believe you were Diana....

OK then eerr I was born Nov 1956. Sooo .... How does Dec 1956 sound.

Interesting deduction Diana......
My research corroborates that date, however I wonder if the "airlift" actually went to Cape Town in December, as the school term normally started well into January!

Perhaps the first flight brought them home.

Education, Population, and Edification.

As mentioned in a previous "lesson", women were only officially welcomed into Oranjemund in 1937 when suitable accommodation (dwellings that had been shipped out from Germany and erected on site) was supplied. This of course meant the first children moved in as well. A year later a small school, with 12 pupils, was established in a pondok, but because of their differing ages, teaching was a real challenge! Now the townsfolf had a duty to populate the school..........

Breeding became a popular pastime for the previously bored married mine employees, while the single guys had a choice of playing sport or playing with themselves. In fact the first primitive hospital was established in 1943, prior to which all medical problems or births meant another bus or truck trip to Luderitz. The first child known to be born in Oranjemund (Orange Mouth at the time) was to Dr. Behne, the first Doctor in town. One of his first permanent nursing sisters, Hilda Stark, married Fritz Heiser (family of Dieter perhaps?). One recurring situation throughout the development of Oranjemund was the ferocious wind, and with very few windbreaks of any sort, being outside was a genuine hazard to ones health. Many were the perambulators stuck in the sand when a mother innocently went to visit or to shop (tarred roads were still many years hence)! The wind also had another side effect in that the women complained of developing wrinkles way before their time because of the heat and attempts to keep the sand out of their eyes. The above topics remind me of a story of a young Afrikaans child who, when asked to explain the word "plooi" explained to her teacher; "my ma het soveel plooie dat as sy glimlag lyk sy nes n opgevoude pram"!

Further to assist in the "upliftment" of the village, a library was opened in 1944, and with very rudimentary wireless availability (approximately 3 hours per day), this move proved very popular. It also gave the single guys another option as to how to occupy their off duty hours (what would they have given for Oranjemundonline?).

As far as edification of the townsfolk was concerned, a community hall was built and the different church denominations took turns to "book the hall" for their services, while others gathere in private homes. On occasions when visiting priests came to town the mess hall was used. Reverend Wratten became the first resident minister, while Dominee P.A.M. Brink ministered to the Dutch reformed Church (under the Luderitz Diocese), and Mr. Percy Green catered for the Methodist community. A church for the Owambo and Kavango people was established in the town compound.

By 1950 the school had 80 pupils (not bad for the number of permanent employees), with two teachers, Mrs.Revington (I recall one of the contributors in "Mike's e-mails" mentioning her) and Mr. van der Westhuizen and the principal, Mr. Anderson. By 1952 the new school was ready to rock and roll once the clock tower had been  brought down from Kolmanskop. It consisted of eight classrooms, a kindergarten section, a woodwork room, a library and a "hall". (By now there were 90!) The other important happening of that year was, as reported in the area press; "A son was born to the house of Barron"!

Nevertheless, the parents helped in selecting a school song and badge, while the first prize giving was held in 1956 (and a daughter was born to the house of Boehme!).

As we enter the times when some of the present contributors to this site  were starting off (those born in Oranjemund) I clearly remember attending the first "play school" which was started in 6th Avenue, by Mrs. Snow and Mrs. Brinton, and where 25 tots were given an idea of what was to come. The aptness of Mrs. Snows name was evident in her pure white hair!

Oranjemund was on the move..........

Question: In what year was the Oranjemund Newsletter inaugurated?

I do not know.but my first teacher(sab:a)was Mrs Revington she was lovely(1953)

 bravo :emot112_2: Ricky - this makes great reading!

msn emoticon (9)

Great Ricky, I love these lessons!  daman

I think this is an awesome topic and a brilliant idea for the forum, Well done Ricky, Here is the condensed factual version as requested.....

"Once upon a time.......1779 actually, a Scottish Dutchman (I kid you not), Robert Jacob Gordon, a commander of the garrison at the Cape, after having visited the area two years earlier, decided to rename what was then called the Gariep (which simply translated means "River"). He named it the Orange River in honour of Prince William V of Orange. This saved thousands of people the indignity of growing up in Gariepmund! (This will probably be the curse of the next generation, as I believe that the river is reverting to its original name)

Fast forward.......In 1920 Ernest Oppenheimer initiated Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM) in which Anglo American, a new organisation of which Sir Ernest was chairman, held the controlling interest.

Fast forward......While there had been much excitement regarding diamonds on the Southern side of the mouth (Alexander Bay), it was approximately 1928 that prospecting got under way north of the river, and in January 1935 operations, on a minor scale, began in "G" area. By 1936 rough buildings had been established and marked the inauspicious beginnings of a settlement called Orange River Mouth (actually references to this name date back to 1930). In 1940 the "River" was dropped and it became affectionately known as "Orange Mouth"
Question: When (month and year, please) did the name Oranjemund become official?


Part 2 – Babes and/or booze:

Life for our forebears in the 20s and 30s was seriously harsh in the "oasis" we called home in the 50s and beyond. Living in very basic 'pondoks', with no running water or electricity, and the East wind that still gets angry today (remembering that they had absolutely no trees or other windbreaks), social activities were also non existent. Until the mid 30s no women were allowed south of Bogenfels, but far more alarming was the fact that alcohol was strictly "verboten"! (would you have survived those days Michael?) Every week the men would pack their dirty laundry, clothes to be repaired and other personal items in "wash-boxes" (about the size of large suitcases) and these would be transported to their wives in Elizabeth Bay or Kolmanskop, and later to Pomona. (they had to keep their wives busy you see!). The boxes would be returned full of exciting things and perhaps a well hidden bottle of "booze" to add some cheer!

In 1937 the first "married accommodation/ dwellings were shipped out from Germany and erected on site. The houses were brightly painted, but did this cheer the men up?

By 1942 an "Appie" was earning 2 shillings and sixpence (about 50c) for an 8 hour shift, and after 1 year of uninterrupted employment, was entitled to 5 days annual leave. The employees and their families were given 1 free trip to Luderitz every 3 months, but I quote; "The workmen shall not be entitled to the free conveyance of alcoholic liquor" Legend has it that because of the shortage of women and recreational facilities, alcoholism was obviously a problem the "Company" had to deal with. And they took it seriously! "Any form of drunkenness will give the Company the right to discharge a workman immediately without first giving notice".

You can breathe easier Mike, as soon after the situation normalized, and drinking was allowed "in moderation". Finally a red letter day occurred when, to the satisfaction of most (men that is), the veritable institution of "Caseys Bar" a males only bar, was opened in 1957!!! (A parrot, also named Casey , I believe, was the only "bird" allowed through its portals!)

Question 2: After whom was "Caseys Bar" named?

The Ghost of Hohenfels!

As mentioned earlier, prior to 1935 it was decreed that no women should be allowed south of Bogenfels. The chronicles of the time tell us "The section Manager and his assistant had obtained permission for their wives to live at Hohenfels which was the nearest point any woman was allowed to Oranjemund. Hohenfels, which was situated some twenty kms up the river, was built by the German military authorities in 1908. It was a stately castle like building with a beautiful garden and lovely trees. However, no-one would live in it!
The Section Manager soon found out why! The wives complained of opening and shutting of doors and weird noises at night. Workmen were sent out to secure the locks and doors but could find nothing wrong. Matters continued to get worse until the men received an ultimatum from their wives; either they provide transport to return them to Luderitz, or the gallant ladies would walk (the tannies were tough in them days)! The house was obviously haunted!

Other stories substantiated the wives fears. The surrounding Namaqualanders (some of whom had tried living in the house) had apparently spotted a headless female apparition flitting about on moonlit nights. Apparently Martha van Zyl, while ironing one day, saw a uniformed rider on his way up to the house. She called to her mother, who had not heard the approaching horse, and on entering the room, the mother found Martha in a faint on the floor. After questioning her daughter the mother heard that Martha had looked up from her ironing and seen the "hideously mutilated face of a coloured woman peering at her through the window" On investigation, no trace or spoor could be found.

The ghost did not appear to be discriminatory in her choice of victims as testified by Petrus Julius, a new recruit, who, huddled by the fire, related that he had seen a headless woman walking on air about the house.
Thirty odd years earlier, as the story goes, after the completion of the building in 1908, a Wachtmeister and a corporal were stationed there to patrol the area between Hohenfels and the "Orange River Mouth". The wife of the Wachtmeister and his seven year old daughter came out to join him. Apart from the monthly camel patrol they saw no other people and it must have been an awfully lonely life for them. The wife was extremely lonely and died in childbirth the year after she arrived. The father sent his daughter to school in Namaqualand and then on to a convent in the Cape.

On her return trip home in 1914, the fifteen year old daughter realized that all was not as it should be at home. The Hottentot housekeeper had 'obviously risen above the call of duty", and was more than a housekeeper to her father! So, while the Wachtmeister was out one day, the housekeeper and the daughter had a difference of opinion. The daughter, not being able to stand the fact that her authority had been usurped, went into her father's study removed his revolver and killed the rival of her father's affection. Although the corpse was buried, the spirit stayed, and was still haunting decades later! Thus it is not surprising that the Company (CDM) hurried to provide married accommodation in Qranjemund!"

Now if somebody would kindly spend a weekend at the site (I would hope it's still there), and report back as to the veracity of this story, it would be much appreciated!

Question: Until 1944, all houses (pondoks) were of the "corrugated iron and wood" varieties. What was the address (no and avenue) of the first brick house built in Oranjemund?

Some of the folks I spoke to believed that the first brick house was that of the General Manager, but apparently.....In 1945 there were 55 houses in "Orange Mouth" and only 12 permanents were employed in town, and in November 1947 three men from Pretoria landed on "an airstrip in Oranjemund", with a contract to build 18 brick houses. Building operations were severely hampered with post war shortages, difficulties in transporting of material and labour problems. Eventually the first brick house was completed at 24/4th Avenue (at the time the houses were not built in avenues, but rather in a rather "find a flat section and build" approach). On arrival in Oranjemund in 1951, my parents occupied a wooden house and only moved into a brick house a few years later!

"What ho Sport!"

Once the mine office moved from Luderitz to Oranjemund in the early 1940's community life started to take shape. The first sports club to be established was the tennis club (one court!) in 1943. A library was opened in 1944 and the cricket club was founded in 1946 with W. Anderson and "Vennie" Venske at the helm. Anderson was known as the father of sport in Oranjemund, and the first "grass" rugby field was named after him. No rugby teams were allowed to visit Oranjemund (and there was no bridge) so all the games were played at Alex Bay. The rugby team would meet at the x-ray and would strip to undergo the necessary security checks. Climbing into a lorry, they headed off to where the pump station is at Swartkops. After offloading all their kit, they clambered onto a donkey wagon which would transport them to the river's edge. They would jump onto the barge (which had been in use for a few years and was the only means of crossing) and would pray for good weather or else they would get soaked! After the game each man had to pay 2/6d (about 50c), which was a day's wages for some, to Pop Anderson, who would provide brandy and beer.

The Cricket club started with borrowed gear and a sandy pitch where the dry cleaning depot now stands. Its chequered history continued in the 1950s, until they moved to the river bank where they had a pitch parallel to the river. The pitch was washed away, and finally moved to its present site, using a matting wicket. Many was the match that had to be called off when the sand and dust got too severe. In the early 70s, the turf pitch was laid (the first in the Namaqualand area I believe)

The first ever all grass nine-hole Golf course was opened in O'mund in 1953, only to be swamped by floods on numerous occasions.

The Soccer and Boxing clubs were started in 1947, and any travelling that was done went via Luderitz. I guess one had to play some sort of sport, as the scribes of the time tell us that in 1942 there were only TWO single girls on the property and they were obviously hugely popular! (Facts and figures from May Barron, Nancy Stocken and Alison Corbett's "History of Oranjemund").

Question: Who was the first "Oranjemunder" to represent South Africa at the Olympic Games?


Communication BA (Before Alexander)

In the mid forties, news and reading material of any sort was hard to come by. On a Friday night after work, the employees would make their way, often in howling sand storms, to the building that was used as a "post office". The sight of glowing cigarettes lit up the sky and the weeks happenings were discussed and debated. Gradually a hush came over the men and then a shout, from who ever was on sentry duty, would electrify the air; "I see the lights, can you see them?" (These "lorries" would often take days to travel from Luderitz to the Orange Mouth community.)

It was post night and the lights of the lorry could sometimes be seen when it was still an hour away. An anxious, excited burble would fill the air as the men's anticipation of receiving mail rose. The standing rule was that if the lorry arrived before 10pm, the post would be sorted that night, otherwise they would have to wait until the following day. The inevitable question would be; "who is driving tonight?" If it was Hermann he was sure to be in good time, if it was Fidi he might just make it, but if it was Willi, we might as well go home! Finally, depending on the driver, the mail would be sorted and handed back across the crowds of men. The first post boxes (without locks or keys) were established in 1947.

Huddled in their coats with their hands up to protect themselves from the wind, they hurried back to their "little" homes to immerse themselves in the contentment of contact with the outside world. This was the men's only link with their families and friends and allowed them to hold onto reality!
There was a radio station next to the "camp" which linked them with Luderitz, but it was used solely for the internal interests of the Company. Orders for the mine as well as the hiring and firing of personnel came by radio from the head office in Luderitz. It was only in 1944 that some form of internal telephone was installed. The General Manager had the first phone installed in his residence in 1948.

After the first "bridge" was officially opened, post arrived faster and more often, but newspapers were still delayed somewhat. I recall fetching the post in the early sixties, purely to read the Cape Times! The Monday and Tuesday editions would arrive on a Thursday, Wednesday and Thursday's on a Saturday, and Friday and Saturday's on the following Tuesday! Of course the important headlines would be known on time, as I'm sure many of you that were around at that time would have had to be quiet at certain times so that Dad could listen to the news on some form of wireless! Many was the time that groups gathered in the Single Quarters to "watch" a rugby test match. I say "watch", because it seemed that if one stared at the wireless long enough, one seemed to hear better!

In approximately 1970 Michael Alexander was born............

Question: When was the "original" Ernest Oppenheimer Bridge formally opened, and what was its significant record breaking achievement, relative to the Southern Hemisphere?


Camels, Trucks, Barges, Busses and Bicycles built for three........

Until the mid sixties transport was a particular problem for the hardy folk that populated Oranjemund. Until the late forties the DDD (security) had the luxury of riding camels on their patrols, which on occasion could have been up to ten days at a time! To shelter the animals from the heavy mists, and with corrugated iron and timber being very rare, a plan had to be made. Wild tobacco trees growing along the river bank were harvested, and together with baling wire from lucerne bales, frameworks were made. Flattened out cement drums with punched holes were laced on to the frameworks and the shelters were serviceable. Unfortunately by 1949 the camels were no longer considered practical so they were shot and their humps used for soap! (Nothing went to waste in them days).

To cross the river, the good people of the village were transported to the river by truck, and then ferried across by barge. Animals, materials and humans were thus able to cross the river while Owambos were stationed at each side to carry the men women and children to and from the barge without them wetting their feet wet!

To go north, after originally using lorries, which could take a couple of days to get to Kolmanskop, a rudimentary road was established and hardy busses would transport the womenfolk, and their young offspring, to the shopping "Mecca" of Luderitz (Barb and Clive might have been on these trips as toddlers). Although the Oranjemund store was established, things like curtain material, tablecloths and the like had to be purchased in Luderitz. This was an absolute mission as meals had to be packed and everything had to pass through the x-ray department. After an afternoon of shopping a night would be spent in a hotel, and the following day they would return home.

Throughout the forties and early fifties the transport system in Oranjemund was extremely basic. High school pupils went on a long overnight bus trip to Bitterfontein where they would board a train to their various destinations. Besides the transportation to the mines and a few Land Rovers, the townsfolk walked to the shops (or sent there "house-boys"). This tended to be an all day affair as there was no self service! Once one had been to the "Store" and sat on a bench until one's name would be called, it would be the same at the Butchery and the Market (self-service was only introduced in 1961).

By the fifties bicycles made a huge difference in the lives of the townsfolk! Legend has it that; "It was not unusual to see a couple arriving at a dance disheveled and sandy, having fallen off their "bike" on the way"! Many of the roads had been tarred so it was not necessary to own a "dikwiel" bike, and the ability to get around was infinitely easier. Most bikes had carriers onto which you could hook your "basket on wheels" and complete the shopping in half the time. Some still carried the normal wicker baskets (These were pre Spar plastic bag days remember)!

Our family had the transport problem waxed! Dad would cycle to the swimming pool at about 5h30am to catch the bus to Uubvley. Abraham would walk from the compound to the pool and cycle to our house, from whence I would cycle to school. After school it was back home, Abraham would cycle back to the swimming pool on his way back, and Dad would pick up the bike and cycle home....A bicycle built for three!

How many of you remember the annual "Bicycle fancy-dress"? Every year, on a specific Saturday (I think) all the pupils would "dress their bicycles up" before cycling through town and then have a competition to find the best dressed or most original "bike costume".

In the mid sixties Vespa scooters were allowed into town and a fleet of 17 cars (Anglias, I believe) for hire were introduced for recreational purposes. The cars could be hired for anything up to thirty days at a time for about R1.00 per day or R20.00 a month! You had to pay for petrol, but considering the lack of long distance routes one could travel, it was not an issue....At least you had "wheels"....Now if there were only enough Babes to impress!

Question: The first ever airlift for high school pupils to Cape Town occurred in which year?
Clue: Bertie wasn't born yet!..Neither was Michael.


Education, Population, and Edification.

As mentioned in a previous "lesson", women were only officially welcomed into Oranjemund in 1937 when suitable accommodation (dwellings that had been shipped out from Germany and erected on site) was supplied. This of course meant the first children moved in as well. A year later a small school, with 12 pupils, was established in a pondok, but because of their differing ages, teaching was a real challenge! Now the townsfolf had a duty to populate the school..........

Breeding became a popular pastime for the previously bored married mine employees, while the single guys had a choice of playing sport or playing with themselves. In fact the first primitive hospital was established in 1943, prior to which all medical problems or births meant another bus or truck trip to Luderitz. The first child known to be born in Oranjemund (Orange Mouth at the time) was to Dr. Behne, the first Doctor in town. One of his first permanent nursing sisters, Hilda Stark, married Fritz Heiser (family of Dieter perhaps?). One recurring situation throughout the development of Oranjemund was the ferocious wind, and with very few windbreaks of any sort, being outside was a genuine hazard to ones health. Many were the perambulators stuck in the sand when a mother innocently went to visit or to shop (tarred roads were still many years hence)! The wind also had another side effect in that the women complained of developing wrinkles way before their time because of the heat and attempts to keep the sand out of their eyes. The above topics remind me of a story of a young Afrikaans child who, when asked to explain the word "plooi" explained to her teacher; "my ma het soveel plooie dat as sy glimlag lyk sy nes n opgevoude pram"!

Further to assist in the "upliftment" of the village, a library was opened in 1944, and with very rudimentary wireless availability (approximately 3 hours per day), this move proved very popular. It also gave the single guys another option as to how to occupy their off duty hours (what would they have given for Oranjemundonline?).

As far as edification of the townsfolk was concerned, a community hall was built and the different church denominations took turns to "book the hall" for their services, while others gathere in private homes. On occasions when visiting priests came to town the mess hall was used. Reverend Wratten became the first resident minister, while Dominee P.A.M. Brink ministered to the Dutch reformed Church (under the Luderitz Diocese), and Mr. Percy Green catered for the Methodist community. A church for the Owambo and Kavango people was established in the town compound.

By 1950 the school had 80 pupils (not bad for the number of permanent employees), with two teachers, Mrs.Revington (I recall one of the contributors in "Mike's e-mails" mentioning her) and Mr. van der Westhuizen and the principal, Mr. Anderson. By 1952 the new school was ready to rock and roll once the clock tower had been  brought down from Kolmanskop. It consisted of eight classrooms, a kindergarten section, a woodwork room, a library and a "hall". (By now there were 90!) The other important happening of that year was, as reported in the area press; "A son was born to the house of Barron"!

Nevertheless, the parents helped in selecting a school song and badge, while the first prize giving was held in 1956 (and a daughter was born to the house of Boehme!).

As we enter the times when some of the present contributors to this site  were starting off (those born in Oranjemund) I clearly remember attending the first "play school" which was started in 6th Avenue, by Mrs. Snow and Mrs. Brinton, and where 25 tots were given an idea of what was to come. The aptness of Mrs. Snows name was evident in her pure white hair!

Oranjemund was on the move..........

Question: In what year was the Oranjemund Newsletter inaugurated?"

Call  back  the past >>.

The first edition of the Oranjemund Newsletter was published in 1956 (I'm disappointed that you couldn't get that one Diana), and it presented a forum which lit the "fuse" to a time bomb that had been ticking for some years! More of that later, so sit down, no, sit up, and take note!

Rewind to 1950.....Them and us! (The natives were restless...)

As has been mentioned in previous lessons, the period between 1948 and 1957 saw a huge amount of development and "upliftment" in the lives of the "modern pioneers", while the mining side was still to be developed to a large degree (new plants were still to be established until the late sixties, and even later). With post boxes and telephones being made available, ( until well into the sixties the only way one could phone "out" was via a switchboard linked to Port Nolloth) and clubs, a school, a dramatic society, sports fields and many other 'socially interactive' activities blossoming, things looked good............... to an outsider!

On arrival in Oranjemund, "Daily-paid" families occupied German prefabricated wooden houses, while "senior" staff employees were accommodated in brick houses (mainly 5th Avenue at that stage). From about 1953 brick houses were available to all, so from the outside all things looked hunky dory, however, on entering a house, any housewife could tell whether the occupants of said dwelling were staff or monthly-paid.......And the word "Apartheid" had yet to be coined!

The most obvious giveaway was a fridge....Staff members had one......Daily-paid, no such luck. As far as the rest of the furnishings were concerned, daily-paid employees had cane furniture and a lounge carpet, while Staff would have a Chesterfield suite and carpets in every room. Mother Barron tells of times when because of the wind and heat, a cold drink would be a godsend, so Abraham would be sent to Georgie and Arthur Waite's house, to obtain a jug of ice. To put this in perspective, Mr. Waite, an engineer, resided in 4th Avenue, while 'Villa Barron' was in 12th Avenue!

My mother's prayers were answered a few years later when the owner of a personal fridge left town, and because of the fact that any fridges brought into town, stayed in town, she was able to procure this luxury, and as she succinctly puts it; "I was in heaven!" An interesting oddity about the new houses was that, while all the houses were built in neat rows (avenues), fences were only erected once the houses became occupied!

A non Oranjemunder who has been visiting Oranjemundonline recently asked me why, on the death or retirement of an employee, the family had to leave town. Well, De beers had decreed that each individual house was designated to a specific position, or job description on the mine, so 17/12th Avenue (my home) was designated to the Electrical department. At the time of my father's untimely death in 1972, after 21 years service, my mother, who worked in the admin department, knew her time was up. So after packing up her personal belongings, sans furniture of course, and with my 11 year old sister in tow, she moved to Kimberley, and my father's replacement moved in. No emotion, "rules is rules".

The strange anomaly of the situation was that while staff members could not work "overtime" they received an annual bonus (and more leave), while the daily paid employees could work overtime, and often ended up earning more than the "white collars". This, in effect, could entitle him to the Chesterfield suite and fridge.......go figger!

Sadly certain Staff employees (a minority) felt that they were indeed superior, and there were often prickly moments when the two "classes" frequented the same social events. The Dramatic Society actually put on SIX different shows in a single year, which attracted the entire town, and if one did not book early it was a case of "sorry Bob, try next time". A meal at the "Mess" before the show was an absolute treat for the daily-paids, and this would be one of the awkward moments referred to earlier.......

Fast forward.......The sh*t hits the fan!!

As mentioned at the top of this "lesson", the Newsletter was introduced in 1956 at the behest of Stan Devlin, the General Manager of the day. The townsfolk were encouraged to write in with queries and complaints, as well as poetry or generally "newsy" articles. A particular column, known as "The Management Angle" in which the residents could air their grievances or gripes, which the management would then respond to, was initiated. (Management reserved their right to complain as well!)

To quote Alison Corbett; "There was much debate over social hierarchies, and in one of the first issues Vic Cummings wrote an article called "The Centre Path". This was met with indignation from most directions as Cummings was criticizing social class! Apparently there was quite a lot of snobbery among some groups but generally speaking there was a happy atmosphere."

Bob Molloy, an erudite Irishman, was a regular contributor, with thought provoking comments regarding this farce/fiasco. (How's that, erudite, Irishman, and thought provoking, all in one sentence!) Bob, an artisan, was a skilled and accomplished wordsmith who spoke for many of the people, and by getting to the crux of the matter ruffled quite a few feathers. On leaving Oranjemund Mr. Molloy penned many articles which were carried by the finest publications and newspapers in the land, before returning to his beloved Ireland.

A few years later Mr. Des Borchers, who followed Mr. Devlin as General Manager, said; "tot hier toe en nie verder nie" (my quotes, as I'm not sure if he spoke Afrikaans, but the message was clear), and let it be known that everybody in the town was to be treated equally! Chesterfield suites and fridges for all (to be replaced after a certain service period)!

A victory for democracy and equality...The natives were vindicated...and peace returned to the village!

Question: As we all know, crime was illegal in Oranjemund, and should one upset the powers that be, one would be ejected within forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Legal matters, however, did crop up in the community, but had to be dealt with in Luderitz, or on the odd occasion that a visiting magistrate would visit. In what year was the new Magistrate's Court opened in O'mund, and what was unique about the arrival of Mr. Nel, the first magistrate?

Sorry Ricky I was  164.  Must think on this one......not 1956 PERHAPS????

Ricky,
A apprentices, Koos JAcobs and I both worked in the old telephone exchange, I think we were paid R 3.00 to R5.00 a night ( from 20.00 to 06.00) and then still went and put in a full days work on the mine.
The exchange was linked to both Luderitz and Alexanderbay exchanges from where we could access every where else (albeit through obscure exchanges like Goggas) In those days (early 1970's) we all worked as a team helping each other to place calls all over the place. International calls were placed either through the CapeTown or JHB international exchanges.

Over the weekends for the period that the exchange was closed, we used to use a patc cord to link Alexanderbay and Luderitz exchanges with security and the Local Oranjemund police station

Clive...does anyone have any pics of the inside of the old exchange?

I dont think we were allowed to photograph strategic installations like post offices  & police stations etc.

Mike I did see a similar exchange at a science fare a few years back, it was on various telephone installations through the ages and brought back some memories

@ Mike .. remember the questions about " class " in  bar fights ?/ well you can see part of the history ..
On to the subject of  widows  having to leave  .. my  mum  was  one of the  few anomalies  in the whole   equation ..  i recall a few " single mothers '  The Chemaly family , she was a dental nurse ..  Lionel  Dicksons mom .. Sister Collard  ( Colleen Collards mother )  had one of the small houses  opposite the bakery  .. also some of the anomalies to " policy ' after my Da passed my Mom was asked to stay only condition  she give up the house ( explains the ' allocation ' )  and move into a duplex ..  when her  retirement time came at the  then 55 for Women .. she was asked to  stay .. and if  she  felt she wanted to  expand her horizons she could  move to Jo'burg head office  procurement  section ..   that she declined  for  reasons ..   more  on that one  day .. I'm assembling an article  ..  what Mrs B did after  she  left O'mund .. not  many know .. but  I  owe her the honour of her courageous moves and to those  friends that stood loyal by her side honouring her decisions...

A science fair..... 202  Oh yes I do remember you guys working at the exchange.

What Mrs. B did after she left O'mund, yes very interesting memoirs for all be you young or old.   drinking-41  Mrs B

JA Diana,
I think we sometimes fell asleep with people still hooked up and chatting to girlfriends or boyfriends in SA


Sandy,  looking forward to Memoirs of Mrs B as narrated by Sandy B

Hi Sandy,
You're quite correct in your comment about certain widows being allowed to stay on, although  that was only if alternative accommodation was available. Nigel Boraine's family also fell into this category. I believe that at the time of my dad's demise, there was no such accommodation, so she had to leave!

Greetings Clive,
If it's the same guy, I remember Kosie Jacobs (brother of Dawid) well, as they lived just down the road from us in 12th Avenue! You're probably the best person to ask about the exchange system....I recall that because of the availability of lines, it was often quicker to send a telegram, or "wire" when someone had to be contacted "post haste". My question is: When, if ever, were the inhabitants able to phone out directly? I don't think we could by the time I left in 1974.
Regards, Ricky.

Question: As we all know, crime was illegal in Oranjemund, and should one upset the powers that be, one would be ejected within forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Legal matters, however, did crop up in the community, but had to be dealt with in Luderitz, or on the odd occasion that a visiting magistrate would visit. In what year was the new Magistrate's Court opened in O'mund, and what was unique about the arrival of Mr. Nel, the first magistrate?

Back to the topic - it had to do with the method of transport he used to get into town !

Ricky .. I think a variety  of factors came into the equation .. one of them was was  the widows job of some  benefit of the company  ?? .. vis Mrs Chemaly a qualified dental nurse , Sister Collard .. highly qualified .. My Mum senoir buyer  and part of shopping center management with a good track  record , as said they even offered her a job at HQ when her  retirement came at 55 ..  and of course as time moved on policy  also  seemed to move on with the times ..  indeed a complex issue ..

Ricky,
Thats a good question, when were we first able to dial out directly.

I must admit that I don't have a definitive answer, but think it was around 1975 /76 or so when the New Exchange was introduced.

May be someone elce recollects.

I think  about 77 or later  . cos Louise still worked at the exchange till 77 +

I agree with Sandy.  My guess is also 1977.  I remember we still stayed in E10/11 then, and I was sad because our old number (338) was about to change.

Dec 1976.......My Mandy was born in Jan 1977...I don't REMEMBER  going through the exchange to tell the family in Cape Town.....

Arthur Snow was senior mine foreman in 'G' Area when I arrived on the mine in 1968. He also had snow white hair.A wonderful man to work for. Gunther Salshow took over the reins when Arthur retired in 1970?

@ Gordon, My Mom seems to think that there were two Snow families spanning those years, so I'm not sure whether they were in fact related or not.

Thanks for trying to keep things on track, Barb, but as we all know if there is a side road to be taken on these topics, it will be followed!

Last week's question: As we all know, crime was illegal in Oranjemund, and should one upset the powers that be, one would be ejected within forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Legal matters, however, did crop up in the community, but had to be dealt with in Luderitz, or on the odd occasion that a visiting magistrate would visit. In what year was the new Magistrate's Court opened in O'mund, and what was unique about the arrival of Mr. Nel, the first magistrate?

Answer: As chronicled by Alison; "A new Magistrate's Court was opened on the 6th of September 1957 (close Diana), and it was another stepping stone towards a developing and sophisticated society. Eyes were agog when the magistrate, accompanied by his wife, was allowed to drive his own car into Oranjemund to offload his belongings - it was a beautiful Chev and was the envy of many".

Unfortunately, due to a technical glitch, this week's lesson will have to be held over! For this I humbly apologise, but I will post it as soon as possible.

Forever "migrants": (Part 1)

With reference to the "separate development/class structure" discussed in the previous "lesson", and the stringent policies instituted by the powers that be, I believe it would be interesting for the present generation to know a bit about the unique "Apartheid" that was practiced in the village from its inception in the mid thirties. It was only when I was in high school that I realized how complete and controlled the different lifestyles of the "European" and the Owambo (migrant) workers were.

How and why it was the Owambo (and Kavango) migrants were the workforce of choice I am not sure, however, they were known to be hard workers and were prepared to endure harsh working conditions (as anybody who has lived there will confirm, the wind and sand could, and often did, addle, or fry the brain) and spend long periods away from home. During the early days, "Owambo wagon transport had to walk 135 miles from Pomona to the Orange Mouth, taking up to seven days"!

Until 1953 the migrant workers would travel by train and bus to get to the mine, but because of the numbers at that time (360 odd permanent (white) employees, and approximately 2,500 migrants), an airlift, between Grootfontein and Alexander Bay, was instituted to minimize travelling time.

Until the advent of brick homes, the Owambos were employed to work on the mines doing any and all labour intensive and time consuming tasks. They were housed in pondoks (as were the "whites" of the time), and soon "Compounds" were developed, first on the mine, and finally in the town itself. From the early fifties the migrants started working in the homes of the permanent employees, but first numerous aptitude/psychometric tests had to be completed to ascertain the suitability/education levels of each. (At the time, white General Workers, Operators and the like had no such tests to perform) The ability to read and write, as well as to communicate (mainly in Afrikaans) was necessary to enable the Owambos to work in homes, and this was considered by them to be a "plum" job. Others that scored well in the tests were initially trained to drive many of the earth moving vehicles on the mine, as besides the wind and sand, the tedium of spending up to 12 hours "in the saddle" was not a job that the "Europeans" were eager to do. Later the top scoring men would be employed in the Administration offices, Computer dept (as punch card operators) and various other "office" jobs.

Initially two year contracts were signed, but when it was apparent and appreciated that such a length of time away from home was not conducive to a healthy work environment for all concerned, the contract time was halved, and finally six month contracts could also be signed. Most of the men however, selected contracts of between ten months and a year. It must be emphasized that working at CDM meant far higher wages than similar employment anywhere else. One must understand (and this is purely for "guests" or any folk that did not grow up in O'mund) that there were no Owambo women or children on the mine, so that up to six thousand men, in the different compounds, had only themselves to communicate with, and/or entertain.

This they did in many ingenious and interesting ways. While they had a bioscope (outdoors) and a skittles alley, they also played "that game with stones and cup shaped indentations, that few white people seemed to understand, and I would appreciate it if anybody to tell me what it is called". A prized possession was a sewing machine, of which there were quite a few, and on any given "off day/weekend" one would find them outside on the lawn sewing dresses and other items of clothing to take back when they went home. As a child I would always find it rather amusing to observe the process – the person sewing would find another chap (more or less the same shape of the soon to be recipient of the dress) who would have to stand on a chair while the pleats and hems would be inserted and pinned! There green fingers were also vividly apparent to those that had the good fortune to see the beautiful gardens in the place which they called "home" for, in some cases, a large portion of their lives!

They also had their own soccer league and athletics championships at the compound as well as the eagerly anticipated and well attended inter-area 'First aid competition" on the cricket field (one of the few things that they did in town). A church (Lutheran) and hospital satisfied their edification and health needs to a large degree.

Their meals were extremely well catered and many were the times that Abraham, our "house boy" from 1953 until the death of my father in 1972, would arrive in the morning with a 2lb (1 kilo) tin of jam, or redskin "monkey" nuts, or those wonderful mini raisin loaves that only they got!

While the "Owambos" were away from their families, many became part of the family they worked for, and treated the children as they would their own. Abraham, because of the fact that my Dad was hardly ever at home during daylight hours, would teach me how to fix a puncture and other similar tasks that he felt it necessary for me to know. His cooking prowess was such that when my mom was spending her time keeping her brood from maiming each other, he would simply step into the breach and would produce meals of the highest order, and then "press" our school blazers so that we did not embarrass him, such was his attachment to us. At the birth of my sister Les, he was as proud as punch, and watched over her right up to the time of the passing of my father. On hearing the news of my father's demise in Cape Town (and unbeknown to me), he slept on the floor in our pondok, as he did not want to leave me 'home alone'. He was so totally shattered and distraught when he realized that my Mom had to leave, that he asked to be assigned to another job, as after 18 years he could not imagine working for another family. (He and my mom stayed in touch until his death a while ago).

However, I digress!

Oops, I've run out of ink again, so until next week when we deal with "Part 2 – A day in the life)", feel free to participate!

Question: How did Lamb's Park get its name, and what was its original function?

Lambs park was the lounge area off Kateys bar  where  children coould sit with their parents if they  wanted to  go out for a drink ... of  course the lawns outside to play on .. there was originally a fishpond  on the lawn as well ..
yes  and i always get a lump in my throat when i hear  folk  recounting what good and  gentle and caring  folk our  house servants were ... we were their extended family  in many ways ...

Ricky, I dont believe it,
The game you are refering to is called "Osholo",spelling may not be correct. It was played in the hostels on big concrete tables with indented cups, truth be told I used to think they made up the rules as they went along.
That was until I came accross a similar game played on a wooden board, unfortunatly I didnt buy it otherwise I could of explained it better. The object was, if memory serves, to get all one's cattle from starting Cup (kraal) into the finishing Cup.

It made sence when the moves were explained .

One of the pics i took when i used to go into town hostel and take pics ..

Ricky/Clive

here is a link to a picture on forum previously http://www.oranjemundonline.com/Forum/index.php?topic=449.0
I posted a link to a site with history of game on this that thread - am adding

another link for your interest  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mancala

Fantastic game Barb. My daughter of five loves playing this. Sometimes for hours.

Hi Clive, I actually had a pretty good working knowledge of the game (could never remember the name though) as during quiet times at the computer dept, while the computer was processing a particular programme, the punch card operators would show me the intricacies thereof. Traces of chess, (in that one had to think ahead), backgammon, (Get all the "cattle" to the end), and draughts (move all of the opponents stones onto your side of the "board") came into play, and the speed at which they played left me floundering more often than not! I have also seen it in a board format, but that paled into insignificance compared to the sheer size of the concrete tables, which is what made it so intimidating and truly awesome! By the way, what did you mean by ; "I don't believe it"?

Hi Ricky,
What I meant was that, how could you forget the Ovambo name of the game, we all tried it at some time or other, and that is one of my early memories of OMD, being able to ask the Ovambos what the called this and how they did that. Nice to know that you played it as well, and your right about the speed at which they played it.
Two other things that I remember fondly, one was being taught how to carve wooden arrow heads and the Ovambo Knives ( the metal work for the blades wweres done in the fire and hammered out on my dads vise)
The other was getting peanuts from the storeroom at the back of the "Owambo Hospital', rock salt from the pink pan for a brown paper packet of peanuts.

Question: How did Lamb's Park get its name, and what was its original function?

As Sandy said  "Lambs park was the lounge area off Kateys bar  where  children coould sit with their parents if they  wanted to  go out for a drink .."

So it was an open air area with seating (for socializing) - where the "lambs" the children.......and the "park" the grassed area with the fish pond.

On behalf of Rick:

"Last week's question: How did Lamb's Park get its name, and what was its original function?



Pretty much on the money Sandy and Barb!



Answer: The chronicles tell us; "An area outside the Recreation club was opened and George Lovett called it Lamb's Park, after a nursery school. It was an open air café where mothers could bring their "lambs", and The Silver Band, started in 1954 and conducted by Jack Hockney played at the opening. It was a very popular area and was frequently used on a Sunday morning. This was the only eating place open at this time (I believe Cora's place opened soon afterwards). Families would gather and genial conversation (read gossip) flowed in equal proportion to the drinks, and at times it was hard to imagine that it was all happening in such a remote desert environment".



Forever "migrants": (Part 2) A day in the life....



After an early breakfast at the compound, the Owambo "house boys" would set off to the various homes for another day's work (this would start at 7am at Villa Barron), the fortunate ones by bicycles, but for most it was a case of "shank's pony" (foot slogging) in whatever elements that particular day would produce. Once again, without belabouring the point, the wind and sand were just part of another day in the life of anybody (permanents or migrants) in the pre-windbreak days of O'mund. With the compound being at the end of 11th/12th Avenues, the poor fellows that worked in 1st/2nd/3rd etc must have had it much tougher than those working closer to the compound.



On arrival for a new contract each Owambo would receive a coloured wrist-band on which his particular employee number would be punched. I was under the impression that the different colours would denote the length of service (number of contracts), but be that as it may, there is a more detailed topic dealing with that as well as the wage structure elsewhere on this site. This band was not to be removed until the end of his contracted period and with his "pass card" was to be in his possession at all times! The card would be signed on his arrival at his place of work, and signed off at the end of his shift (overtime hours would also be entered on this card). As for the curfew imposition, while it was in place, oftentimes overtime (babysitting etc) would be worked, but as long as he arrived at the compound within a certain period of time after the card was signed off, no problems arose.



After seeing to breakfast for the children and pets many had to accompany the children to school, before returning "home". Shopping would be the next item on the agenda, and after getting the shopping lists from the lady of the house (without which, their presence in the town would be regarded as suspicious) they would walk or cycle to the shops, often with a push-chair (with infant), wheelie-basket and/or family dog/s in tow. As mentioned previously, they were very proud of the young children in their "family" and would brag about their charges to anyone who would listen. Each specific "shop", the Store, the butchery, the market, the post office etc. would have an Ovambo entrance, and they dared not set foot in the main buildings, and loitering was 'verboten'! Back home the daily chores would be taken care of before it was back to school to fetch "their children".



Oftentimes while on their shopping trips, or on their way back to the compound at the end of a shift, they would study the clothing (hats and shoes being very popular) in the display windows of the store. Then they would find a willing "accomplice" who would  enter the store to procure said item for them, although fitting or changing was not on, so if they ordered a particular style of shoes, size 8, that is what they got! If the shoes did not fit, their only recourse was to sell the shoes to a fellow Ovambo at the compound. The same thing would happen, albeit much more surreptitiously, where alcohol was concerned. The authorities were extremely strict regarding alcohol yet a number of "shebeens" did a steady business in the hostels.



While the Ovambos did have their own "store" at the compound, mail-order companies flourished (non prescription spectacles were a favourite). In fact many "permanents", with permission and accompanied by a hostel official, would shop at this store, as while it might have lacked in the fashion stakes, its clothing items were recognised for their quality and durability. My father swore by the shirts bought at the Ovambo store, and always had a few in stock.



Between about 5pm and 8pm when the breadwinners of the family would arrive home, a steady stream of "house boys" would wend their weary way back to the compound, to the hostels and their friends.



What was absolutely amazing about the "apartheid" that existed in O'mund was the lack of personal crime attributed to these fellows. My mom, who was not really one for gossip, recalls only ONE incident of alleged "indecent assault" in twenty-one years! (It must be said that although the man in question was relieved of his duties, most of the townsfolk believed that a particular bored (staff) housewife had instigated the incident in question.)



So while many families curled up in their beds at night in a place we called home, our Owambo friends would, until an unanticipated new dispensation in the distant future, remain ...................forever "migrants".



As a post script, and relative to the fact that the "migrants" were not allowed into the shop, my Mom tells me of a time when my father finally remembered their wedding anniversary after about twenty years.  My father would never enter the 'Store' in his work clothes, but only realised the quandary he was in on arrival at the front door. While standing sheepishly at the entrance and trying not to look too embarrassed, he finally saw a lady friend that he knew and asked her to buy a card and a box of chocolates for my Mom. He filled in the card (very romantically I am told, changing all the "I"s to "We"s) and proudly presented them to my Mom. It was only a few months later that she heard the full story, and was able to thank the kind lady who had helped father out of the pickle in which he had found himself, it was none other than ................................ .Eleanore Buchanan!



P.P.S.  Did you receive my mail Barbs?"

Thanks for that one Mike ... warm and mushy again ..  fantasy-18

To add  to the  Lambs park and Domestic  topic ... and old pic of the lambs park area .. my Mum and dad  must have been pretty young then ...maybe was born yet or not .. no idea ??   and then  Mom in the old shop ...also of interest .. the old bowling green ... cant  remember if I  posted it before ..
and yes i love the quip on our domestics  with their adopted children  comparing and complimenting .. 

Wow Sandy, that picture of your Mom and Dad at the pond with the water lilies is just beautiful.  Don't know why, but to me it is just an amazing picture that gives me a peaceful, calming feeling. 23_11_61

Yes Bertie ,, i get the same feeling at the energy that picture  emanates ... its like  i remember  when we used to go on our  holidays .. we  always  used to  stay at the  old  highstead Manor Hotel  corner of  St Johns Rd and High  level road sea Point ...  the  beach was about  a  500 m walk away .. we  would  be  swimming  in  milton Tidal pool  and I  would  see my  Mum and dad  walking  along  sea point   promenade , hand in  hand ,, tender to each other  freed of the  daily  worries  of work and life  and now with time to  really give  some  quality attention to each other ..  and I  used to  feel  proud ,  good  and reassured  inside ...  its  the  rigours of life that  cause drift  but  each holiday i suppose was like  mini  honeymoon  that kept it all nicely  cemented together ..   Magic   fantasy-18

You hit it on the nail - simply MAGIC!

On that  subject of love ..  a nice pic of my Mum and dad  still in scotland .. after the war ..  my dad holding Peter my oldest boet .. looking and  smiling at my Mum .. they made a  handsome couple , young and with a bright future ahead of them ...

Sandy, another great "good feeling" photo that speaks to you!  Wonderful.

Great Pics Sandy, especially the top one..... I never remembered Lambs PArk, I always thought that was the area between the main Rec club hall and the single quarters.........

Wow I'd forgotten about that fishpond......thanx Sandy B bunches of memories

yes Ricky Thank you

Why did this awesome topic go quiet? Ricky ! You on leave or what?

:nono1: