Page 76 - Bulletin 21

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It has been with Jill’s family since it was bought in 1946. She was only six at the time, so

never remembers a home without it. Jill visited us at the Old Homestead at the beginning of
this year and saw for herself the homestead in the painting which she has gazed upon since a

girl. It was an emotional visit and as she walked through the front door her eyes filled with
tears. Jill agreed to send us a colour photo in high resolution on a memory stick and we

printed and framed the Tinus de Jongh painting to exact specifications. At a glance you’d
never guess it was not the real thing. What a journey of searching – my family’s desire

fulfilled. (Fig. 2.59.)

Conclusion

Once the renovation was complete, the house was declared a national monument. She
displays her plaque with pride with the reminder to us all of our duty to protect and preserve

our historical treasures. (Figs. 2.60 & 2.61.)

So, one might think that we were entirely satisfied with our renovation. Well we were, until
we found a photograph of the house taken prior to the lightning strike which revealed the true

design of the original gable. (Figs. 2.62 & 2.63.) So one day, when the next generation have
the time, money and desire, perhaps they will give Poespaskraal its truly original look.

Reference

Brommer, B. (ed.) (2009) Grote Atlas van de Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, Vol. V
Afrika, Uitgeverij Asia Maior / Atlas Maior (AM), Voorburg, Netherlands.

Condition

No part of this paper may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or be transmitted in any
form or by any means without prior permission of Trish Wood: oldhomestead@telkomsa.net.