If you have an interest in old, eerie buildings, then you had better pay a visit to the old Snowflake building on the corner of Piet Bosman and Kock streets.
This 1920’s mill and warehouse can be seen from the bridge connecting Potchefstroom Central to Potch Industria, and is quite a magnificent sight.
The building was first erected in 1921 by the Horsfall Milling Co. founded by Mr William Hinchliff Horsfall.
This steam-driven mill in Potchefstroom was managed by Mr Sam Mottram and remained active until he died in February 1939, at the age of 75.
At that time, the Horsfall building was the highest building in Potchefstroom (with the exception of the towers), and was also the first major industry in the area – and the precursor of Potch Industria.
With the new owners, The South African Milling Company, milling activities in the building stopped, and is was mainly used as a storage unit since a larger mill was being erected in Klerksdorp.
The South African Milling Company was later taken over by Premier Milling, which brought their flagship brand, Snowflake, from Vereeniging to the “Snowflake” building, with its two large warehouses, for distribution until 1996. In 1997, the building was acquired by its current owner, Albert Bothma, who established an industrial brewery, distillery and a packaging plant, called the Bourbon Street Brewing Company.
Crime, however, put an end to his business after three years. This unlucky brewery had seen 80 hijacks and seven armed robberies in this short while and had to close down.
Bothma, traumatised at losing his business, decided to keep the old building to use for commercial, educational and family recreational purposes. His request to do so has still not been approved after ten years, and the building has, in the meantime, been used for art exhibitions and private functions like weddings and university functions.
The Snowflake building is also now the home of contemporary art during the Aardklop National Arts Festival every year.
Every two months since 2012, the Life Market has also been held in the Snowflake building, where Potchefstroomers can come together and share their love of the arts and crafts.
The Snowflake building, with its rich and interesting history, is definitely worth a visit, so don’t miss the next Life Market, art exhibition or function. You can even book the building for yourself by visiting www.snowflakebuildingpotch.co.za/bookings/ or contact George Bothma at 082 801 5712 or george@globalcs.co.za
