Kolmanskuppe Tree and Church!

[Michael Alexander]

What';s the story behind the skulls then?

[henniek]

As in the pic , it must have been mid 1930's The days when camel patrol was the only way to protect the area. It is clear that who ever took te picture was the leader , and the ather holding the skulls was the assistant security officer .looking at the background , it looks similar to the hummocks of plants on the plains in the area inland from E Bay
The skeletons were found close to each other -
It might be that these two died of hunger and thirst . Who will ever know the circumstances of their death .  Like the epitaph that I remember on a Pomona headstone
"Died of hunger and thirst "

[henniek]

remember that Marianne mentioned that mules pulled a rail wagon , - she called one of those "The Violet Wagon " used for passengers , and that water came from Garub in rail tankers . Well Thanks to Diana - we have pictures of that - I post her pics here for interest sake 

[henniek]

Looking at Kolmans and the other towns , after the desert has taken over , it is difficult to believe that these places were alive with people , and that some of them had beautifull indoor gardens . Like in Pomona , we had a indoor garden and a small lawn - big enough for a small table and two chairs . Farther said living in a desert does not mean your place must look like a desert - therefor just as in Pomona , where we had four trees ,and red geraniums  , in Kolmans  my farther planted four eucalyptus trees , a small lawn , a rosebush and geraniums . Every morning and evening farther measured on cup of water for each geranium and the rose bush . a little for the lawn and about two liters for each tree . Of all those , only the stumps of the trees remains . Mothers  potted plants were her pride an joy . her handpainted designs on the the potplant holders were very elegand Bauern Malerei  [Duitse  boere verf kuns ] a Art that she learned from the painter who came from Germany to pain the houses and later on also the club . her favourite potted plant that she kept in their bedroom was a " lilly of the valey " with its racemes of white bell shaped fragrant flowers -
[I add a picture - notice the dead tree next to the building . ]

[Mike Voden (RIP)]

Next time we speak to Anita Reschke, I'll ask her if she remembers much about Kolmanskop as she was born there in the mid twenties. On her next visit (later on in the year), I'll get her to read through these stories and get her comments

[Leon Sumter]

Hennie
Can you identify these buildings. Is the right end of this row of buildings not the Kolmans primary school.

[Leon Sumter]

Hi Hennie
When next you speak to Helga please mention that there is a whole bunch of us that would dearly love to hear some Gunther's memories of Kolmanskop. Pehaps Ingo can record his dad's reminiscences on tape recorder.

[Leon Sumter]

Mike writes "Next time we speak to Anita Reschke, I'll ask her if she remembers much about Kolmanskop as she was born there in the mid twenties. On her next visit (later on in the year), I'll get her to read through these stories and get her comments."

Yes Pleeeeeeeeeeeeez Mike,.... try and get Aunt Anita's comments and stories on Kolmans. This is such a valuable and interesting topic. can you imagine...Kolmans in the mid twenties,...fascinating.

[Leon Sumter]

Marianne writes "therefore just as in Pomona , where we had four trees , and red geraniums....."

Here we have proof now that the Pomona 'house on the hill' with the indoor stoep pot plant garden and the 4 eucalyptus trees (see attached pic) is definitely Marianne's house.

[henniek]

Mike , talking to old Kolmans folk will be just great. please add all comments to this great topic started by Michael
. Leon about the pic of the dead tree - I really do not know if the building is the Kolmans school .
Clint please advise ? and it seems to be a problem making contact with Ingo Machts

[Alfred Boehme]

Looking at Kolmans and the other towns , after the desert has taken over , it is difficult to believe that these places were alive with people , and that some of them had beautifull indoor gardens . Like in Pomona , we had a indoor garden and a small lawn - big enough for a small table and two chairs . Farther said living in a desert does not mean your place must look like a desert - therefor just as in Pomona , where we had four trees ,and red geraniums  , in Kolmans  my farther planted four eucalyptus trees , a small lawn , a rosebush and geraniums . Every morning and evening farther measured on cup of water for each geranium and the rose bush . a little for the lawn and about two liters for each tree . Of all those , only the stumps of the trees remains . Mothers  potted plants were her pride an joy . her handpainted designs on the the potplant holders were very elegand Bauern Malerei  [Duitse  boere verf kuns ] a Art that she learned from the painter who came from Germany to pain the houses and later on also the club . her favourite potted plant that she kept in their bedroom was a " lilly of the valey " with its racemes of white bell shaped fragrant flowers -
[I add a picture - notice the dead tree next to the building . ]

Hennie, the building in this photo is still in good way today, I don't think it's open to the tour groups I've seen it many times as we drive past Kolmans on our way to E-Bay I will get a updated photo next trip out.

[Alfred Boehme]

I cropped and edited photo posted earlier

[Leon Sumter]

great job Alf.
Wonder what the number on the gable is,.... 2312?
Lady in white must be Marianne's mother ?
Lady in white seems to be holding a small dog (or a baby?)
Two african (Owambo) gents.
Two hens as well.
Double symbol above front door opening.

[henniek]

Thanks Alred for the Photo ! -

Marianne : " One of the town's people was a real jolly fellow , and on his door he had a little notice that read - In Diesen Pondok Wohnen Jacob und Elizabeth mit kindern und thomas der kater. Unser Dach . Mitte Strasse "  as there were no street names , He chose his own name , and decided that they live in middle street !

interesting . Notice the word PONDOK . And it is sometimes difficult to know if she is refering to Kolmans or Pomona.  H 

[henniek]

Marianne mentioned that she wore a Dirndl dress to school . My wife told me what a DIRNDL dress is , and showed me a picture of such a peasant outfit as well . Im proud of her - she knows evrything !