Gentlemen meet at the club for legends
This iconic club has been around for over a century and is a pillar of the community.
Pressed ceilings, wooden floors and the historical ambiance enchant members every time they enter the iconic Gentleman’s Club in Ockerse Street.
With a rich history and strict club rules and regulations, it is not hard to see how and why the members have managed to keep the club in good nick.
Many moons ago, a Dr van der Merwe, a dentist who practiced in Magaliesburg, used to have a nightcap near the British army camp, close to where the club is now located. One dreary day, the soldiers asked him where he would have his beloved nightcap after they’d gone. Once they’d packed up and left, Van der Merwe started brain-storming, and soon after, in 1897, he established the Gentleman’s Club – under a tree opposite the spot where the original club building is situated. Today, 119 years later, that beautiful tree still stands proud. Urban legend has it that President Paul Kruger once sat under this very same tree to sign some historical documents.
There is a book in the club’s dining-room, dating back to the early 1900s, in which there are records of members paying just a shilling to ‘park’ their horses or dogs in front of the club for the night.
The club, which originally spanned two properties, was reduced to one after a drinking spree by the members put the club under some financial strain, resulting in a section of the property having to be sold to pay off the tab.
Back in the day, the members of the club participated in annual darts, cards and snooker tournaments against another club, based in Mafikeng.
Today the club has a total of 180 paying members and 32 honorary members.
The club is only open to men over the age of 18, but women are welcome as guests – as long as they’re accompanied by a member.
Local legend Toy Dannhauser has been the chairperson six times and took the News on an exclusive tour through the club. On the wall in the bar, there is a board recording the names of all the chairpersons dating back to 1897.
“We are the oldest club in the former Transvaal that is still in the same building – something which we are very proud of,” Toy boasted.
One of the newer traditions in the club is the weekly potjiekos lunch which is served on a Thursday afternoon (free of charge, naturally!). Nothing goes to waste at the club, as the members donate the leftovers from the potjie to less fortunate old age homes in the community.
It is quite easy to understand why Toy said,”This is not just another hangout place, it’s a club”.
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