Resolving spelling puzzle about ‘Princess’ Avenue

Resolving the mystery with a look into history

September 26, 2018

Rivelle Govindsamy 2 minutes read

Street signs show the correct spelling as Prince's Avenue. This was at the start of Kimbolton Street in the CBD.

In recent times, the correct spelling of one of the main roads in the Benoni CBD has led to much confusion.

Commonly known by the locals as ‘Princess’ Avenue, the long stretch of road runs across the CBD from as far and wide as bordering Main Reef Road to the old Checkers Hyper building (soon to be Kit Kat Cash and Carry).

However, the spelling on the signboards tells a different tale about “Princess” Avenue.

According to these signs, the name of the avenue is in fact, “Prince’s Avenue” with a variation of the spelling discarding the apostrophe resulting in “Princes Avenue”.

There is a logical explanation behind this as Glynis Cox Millet-Clay, a Benoni historian enthusiast, shared with the City Times.

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On June 22, 1925, the Prince of Wales King Edward VIII (later renounced of the throne) visited Benoni.

The street, formerly known as Market Avenue (to describe the hustle and bustle of the town), was renamed in honour of the prince to “Prince’s Avenue” to make the significance of his visit to the town.

According to Millett-Clay, the prince was driven through a decorated arch at Kleinfontein, bearing the words “welcome and many happy returns”.

The historian stated that after being introduced as a distinguished guest to the crowds gathered, one memory that stands out from the Prince’s address to the crowd was to suggest a holiday from school the next day.

After the visit, some companies resorted to naming their businesses in honour of remembering the historic visit.

“When books, booklets or leaflets were written in the early days on Benoni, the spelling was always Prince’s Avenue,” said Millett-Clay.

“Some have spelt it Princes Avenue or Princess Avenue which is not the correct spelling.

“Even the road signs show Princes Avenue without the apostrophe s.”

According to the historian, the reason for suggesting Broadway was owed to the fact that the road was a mix of amusement and business, and would have the ability to attract and convey the message of a big CBD.

The City Times requested comment from the metro as to why the street signs show variations of the spelling of Prince’s Avenue, but no comment was received at the time of going to print.