In the late 1800s / early 1900s, Norwegian prefabricated cottages found their way to South Africa. One of the producers, Strømmen Trevarefabrik, north of Oslo delivered four cottages in the early 1900s and three of them are apparently standing in Crown Crescent, Camps Bay, today.

A few days ago I found a relation between the Norwegian businessman Arndt Leonard Thesen and South Africa. He established his Thesen Company in Knysna, some time after they left Norway in 1869 (click here for details)

I have learned Strømmen delivered many more cottages for South Africa in the period but have only found these three in Camps Bay. Does anyone have any knowledge of old Norwegian cottages in South Africa or the Thesen Company that might bring new knowledge to Norwegian industrial history?

Best Regards

Anders Selboe Bjørlykke - asbjorlykke@gmail.com

Fortidsminneforeningen 

Den trønderske avdeling

National Trust of Norway