In the article below, Oscar Norwich, Johannesburg historian and collector, explores the life of Johannesburg pioneer, Theodore Reunert. He also unpacks the history of Windybrow, the mansion Reunert built in Doornfontein. The piece first appeared in the 1989 edition of the old Johannesburg Historical Foundation's journal 'Between the Chains'.
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I presented this story at the Valentine's Day Johannesburg Heritage Foundation celebration on the lawns of Northwards and thought Heritage Portal readers would also enjoy this South African story of love, endurance and resilience against the backdrop of the Second World War. It was one of seven presented at this event.
BLUE PLAQUES
Built by Paul Kruger in 1873, this double-storey house with its flat roof is extremely unusual for the Transvaal. It resembles the style found in the Colesberg district of the Cape Colony, where Kruger had lived until the age of ten. However, the construction methods are typical of those used in the Rustenburg district. The timber is Boekenhout (Beechwood), and the house has a traditional cow-dung and blood floor.