Emmarentia - from farm to suburban sprawl
Sat Oct 7, 09:30 - Sat Oct 7, 11:30
Marks Park Sports Club
ABOUT
It was in 1886 when Lourens Geldenhuys purchased a large portion of the Braamfontein farm for £4 500. Later his sons, Louw and Frans Geldenhuys, would each claim a piece of this land, their stands divided by the present-day Orange Road. While the glitter of gold originally enticed the pair to the dusty landscape of newly established Johannesburg, the area would ultimately be used for farming rather than mining.
This tour traces the development of Emmarentia, named affectionately after Louw’s wife, as well as the creation of West Park Cemetery, the Melville Koppies Reserve, Marks Park Sports Club and the Botanical Gardens. Tour guides David Gurney and Alison Andrew will explore the extraordinary story of the Geldenhuys family - from Louw’s romantic sensibilities to his distaste in liquor - and their collective legacy in South Africa.
Enjoy the delights of Spring and discover such historical sites as the original 1887 farmhouse, the Geldenhuys family cemetery and Marks Park Clubhouse.
Why not pack lunch and enjoy a picnic after - and please wear good walking shoes and suncream and bring a hat and water.