The article below tells the remarkable story of Constance Wood's experiences living in early Johannesburg. It was compiled by G. Le Roy and appeared in a leading newspaper in the 1950s. Thank you to Pam Marais, granddaughter of Connie, for sending it through.
"Connie Madcap" was what they called little Miss Williams when she arrived in Johannesburg, age seven, by mule wagon from Kimberley in 1889. She was always dancing and skipping, for she was a strong and lively little girl.
Connie on her 90th Birthday in 1970! (Pam Marais)
She needed her childish strength, according to the story told to me by her older self, Mrs Connie Wood, recently. Mrs Wood is a neat old lady of well over 70. "I've quitened down with the years" she said. But there is still a twinkle in her eye as she recalls the time when she was Connie Madcap and led a life of work so hard that it would horrify the modern generation in Johannesburg.
"Young people these days? They expect everything to be done for them." We shook our heads over the present day Young Idea.
Connie went shopping in the early morning, matching buttons and material for her mother, the leading dressmaker in early Johannesburg. Then came lessons at the school run by the...
