It is with interest that I read in the News about the history and future of Kilmarnock House on the corner of De Wet and Begin Streets in Krugersdorp North.
I was born and bred in this town, which was once the greatest town in the country. Which other town can boast the following? The Paardekraal Monument, a game park, an airfield, five industrial areas (Chamdor, Factoria, Delporton, Boltonia and Luipaardsvlei), The Krugersdorp Hillclimb, Die Blougat Spruit, provincial and private hospitals, major townships, small-holdings and farms all around that supply their veggies, fruit, flowers and much more internationally.
We are part of the Cradle of Humankind with rhinos, lions, crocs and much more than can be mentioned in a letter. Many famous people lived or spent time here. World-famous factories started in our town and many are still here. To come back to the house, there are quite a few dwellings that were occupied by armed forces and personnel.
The story is told that my first house, at 86 Viljoen Street, was occupied by General McArthur during the Anglo Boer War.
I have heard of a few more but my memory is not what it used to be. My uncle, Jack van Wyk, lived in the house in your paper for many decades. He was a well-known and loved businessman and owned and ran among other things a big part of the bottom of Krugersdorp West. Van Wyk’s Motor Engineering and Scrapyard was among his businesses.
I still live and work in our town and know countless people that will not move out until their dying day.
Greetings to all. God bless.
