The Modderfontein Conservation Society is organizing an “Urban Amble” on International Museum Day, Saturday 18 May, designed to introduce folk from the village and surrounding communities to some of the facts and fables concerning Modderfontein.
There are probably not many who know that the large Italian community in the Orange Grove area originated at Modderfontein or that the first electric lights on the Witwatersrand were to be seen there. These are just two interesting facts among the myriad that abound in this highpoint of Gauteng history.
The easy walk will be guided by heritage guru, Keith Martin and includes a view of many of the historic old buildings in the village dating back to the late 1890s. The distance is two kilometres and the tour lasts about 2.5 hours.
The talk covers a potted history of the business and social activities that have taken place on the property over the years. It also touches on some of the characters who have lived there, including Major-General Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout movement.
The walk starts at 09:00 at the Dynamite Company Museum, No 2 Main Street in Modderfontein which is one of the first two domestic houses built there back in 1895. The museum will be open from 08:30 to 12:00.
Bring a hat, sun block, comfortable shoes and something to drink along the way.
Cost is R50.00 per head and booking is essential as numbers are limited. Contact Keith Martin at 011 608 2864 or 082 450 4003 or Robbie Vermont on 011 608 2693 or 082 800 3704.
Franz Hoenig Haus – home of Modderfontein’s first manager. Built in 1895, it is one of the features of the Fact and Fable walk.
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