Anyone know in what year the school clocktower was put up?

Michael Alexander · April 17, 2009, 09:25:35 PM

I was at the school today to collect Cameron's glowing report card.... Glancing up, in the hot afternoon sun, I could'nt help but notice the clocktower, it's four clocks broadcasting the time to the four corners of the schoolgrounds..... Wondering to myself.... that the clocktower should be about 50 years old by now, or fast approaching...... kinda thought an evening event of sorts by candlelight could be held around it's base on the 50th anniversary.....

So does anyone out there, remember or know when exactly the clocktower at OPS came into operation?

SandyB · April 17, 2009, 09:33:57 PM

Good one yes ,, the history of the clock ... it was there when i started . 62 .... so yes its a part of history .. the story of it coming from Kolmanskop ???

Michael Alexander · April 17, 2009, 09:40:38 PM

Perhaps it's time to drop old Zandy an email again?

Diana Rudd (Boehme) · April 17, 2009, 09:42:13 PM

Me thinks Ricky would know....

Michael Alexander · April 17, 2009, 09:46:19 PM

...or Leila Creedy?

JOHN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ricky Barron (RIP) · April 20, 2009, 08:11:51 AM

An excerpt from One of the history lessons: 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!).

SandyB · April 20, 2009, 10:15:45 AM

And a son to the house of Buchanan

Michael Alexander · April 20, 2009, 12:22:45 PM

Thanks Ricky, I was kinda hoping it was only going to be 50 this year....could have organised a function in honour...... the town needs a few community events at the moment....all 34 of us are getting bored.....

Ricky Barron (RIP) · April 20, 2009, 12:25:08 PM

Apologies Sandy, I should have checked up on ALL of the important historic events of the time!

Ricky Barron (RIP) · April 20, 2009, 12:30:39 PM

@ Mike, I started my schooling at the august institution of the OPS in 1959 if that helps........?

John Creedy · April 20, 2009, 02:18:28 PM

Leila may know this - who wrote and composed the OPS school song then? Mrs Revington was our teacher in sub A when I went to school ther in 1954.

mavis(smith) · April 20, 2009, 02:43:31 PM

Mrs Revington was my teacher in 1953

Diana Rudd (Boehme) · April 27, 2009, 10:33:42 AM

I've just visited your "The Other Oranjemund Site" and there its said that the clock tower was moved in1938.

Bev Coates (Now Walker) · May 07, 2009, 03:25:52 AM

the tower was there in 1964

John Haycox · May 19, 2009, 07:03:07 PM

I noted in the other web site that the tower was moved from Kolmans in the 30's, but I think that should have been 50's.

Whe I started school there was no clock tower, I don't know where it was. Our School was an old metal hall (that was later moved further North to the old pigsty and became the MOTH hall) and a small brick building with one classroom and an office.

As far as I recall, the new school was built in 1953/54 and the tower was erected at the same time.