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Archiver > SOUTH-AFRICA > 2003-02 > 1044307450


From: "Gerda Pieterse" <>
Subject: Re: [ZA] Cullinan
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 23:24:10 +0200
References: <MBBBKJHKKCCBMLNBLBJIGEKDDPAA.diane.tempest@btopenworld.com>


Dear Dianne,

Daspoort rang a bell. There is an old fort there, on top of the mountain and
very close to a gorge. When we visited it many, many moons ago it was in a
state of disrepair, unlike Klapperkop which was a tourist attraction. One of
the massive gates was precariously perched between rocks over the gorge,
and I believe it dislodged and tumbled down some years later. According to
the guide the gates were blown off in an explosion.

There was quite a lot of ABO action in that area. I don't know about a train
wreck, but part of the railway in that area was blown up by the English to
prevent the Boer cannon, Long Tom, that was mounted on a railway carriage,
from coming within range. This last bit not my own knowledge, but gleaned
from http://hometown.aol.com/reubique/17006.htm

I see the other question was answered already: Paul Kruger's body was indeed
brought back to South Africa and he was buried on 16 December 1904 in the
Church Street Cemetary, Pretoria, so the letter must definitely be dated
after 1904/1905.

Cullinan still has fewer than a hundred houses, as far as I know! The
village used to be mainly a mining commodity, developed around the Premier
mine. The latter is owned by De Beer's Consolidated Mines Limited. Back in
the sixties and seventies it was a dismal little place, but these days it is
becoming quite a tourist attraction.

Browsing the Cullinan website I gleaned the following which may well be the
link you need, or maybe they could help you further:

MC HARDY HOUSE MINI MUSEUM
This house was built for William McHardy, the first General Manager of
Cullinan mine. Dating back to 1904, the oldest house in Cullinan boasts
family photographs, décor and antique furnishings that have been carefully
chosen to reflect living conditions at that time.

.. Address : +27 (0) 11 468 2914
Telephone : +27 (0) 12 734 2170
Fax : +27 (0) 11 408 6557
Cell : +27 (0) 83 311 4768
E-mail :
Hours : (GMT+2) All hours.

The website address is http://www.cullinantourism.co.za/index.php

I hope this helps a bit?

Gerda Pieterse
Richards Bay




----- Original Message -----
From: "Diane Tempest" <>
To: <>
Sent: Sunday, February 02, 2003 9:29 PM
Subject: [ZA] Cullinan


> May I tell you of a letter I have please. It is undated, the address is
> Cullinan Diamond Mine Cullinan Post Office Transvaal S.A.
> My dear Aunty, Cousin Sue and Ted. (These are my great uncle and Aunt. but
I
> do not know who Aunty was)I arrived at Durban three weeks ago.then went to
> Johannesburg for a week staying in a hotel untill my house is ready at
> Cullinan.I was at Pretoria Cemetery and saw the graves of the soldiers and
> Krugers grave it is black polished marble and a white marble bust on top
of
> it looks fine. saw the spot where the train was blown up at Daspoart. I
> arrived at Southampton and made myself at home for aa month. The SAXON is
a
> fine boat. We stayed two days at Cape Town then on to Port Elizabeth had a
> look round on to East London then landed at Durban Mr Maxwell and your
> humble are coming home in a couple of years he is doing very well here in
> the Diamond Mines but it is not a very big place. not more than 100 houses
> and a hotel and store.I have cut this short . I can send a copy if needed
> but has anyone any ideas about this please. Diane a 70 year old in
> Canterbury England.
>
>
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