1911 Goedehoop Koshuis receives blue heritage plaque
73 and 75 Fenter Street, or the Funny Farm as it was named by the owners who have been staying there since 1999, received a blue heritage plaque on August 27.
Neil and Michelle Bruton de Lange were not completely aware of the nostalgia and history of the two properties, at 73 and 75 Fenter, where her brother, Mark Bruton, lives.
“The Funny Farm is named after all my dogs and animals,” Michelle said.
The house at number 73 with two huge bedrooms and six bathrooms is joined by a door to 75 Fenter, as these properties were known as the Goedehoop Koshuis in 1911.
The houses became Goedehoop Koshuis of Volkskool to supplement the orphanage and private home boarding. By the end of 1911, there were 32 learners accommodated there. Sixteen girls in the old orphanage and 38 learners in private lodgings.
Mr Cronjem who eventually became the principle of Volkskool, was the first house father. There was still a shortage of accommodation and the Excelsior Hostel was established at the four houses on the corner of Church (HF Verwoerd) and West streets, by JM Jordaan.
“My grandmother, Ruth Smith, would have known a lot of the history about the house as she was in the teacher’s college in Heidelberg. She died at the age of 96 on July 22. Her father was part of the builders who built the Klipkerk,” Michelle said.
Michelle and her husband, Neil, sponsored the blue plaque.
