#loeriesfontein

[theincidentaltourist]

Loeriesfontein, Steel Flowers.

As by now I'm sure you've noticed, I'm rather taken with Loeriesfontein, its' Quiver Tree Forest, Mission Church, Fred Turner Museum and most of all, its Steel Flowers. Home to the largest collection of Wind Pumps in the Southern Hemisphere, I did post some pics a year ago, but wanted to add to them. 

Its wonderful to stand in this remote part of our beautiful country, a warm wind blowing through the yard, with the windmills moved to a rather creaky action. Much value right there. Almost eery this magical Hantom value.

Look at that blue sky!

Find out more about Loeriesfontein and then go and visit.

[theincidentaltourist]

Loeriesfontein, a lesson in Voortrekker Living.

The Fred Turner Museum in Loeriesfontein has an outdoor display depicting the life and times of the Voortrekkers, with a wagon and campsite set up as it would have been a hundred years ago when these early Settlers travelled into the hinterland to make lives for themselves.

Looking around the area, I have renewed respect for the brave men and woman who took wagon to rough terrain in search of what they believed would be a better life. In particular to free themselves of British Rule.

This is of particular interest to me, as my Grandmother on my Father's side, born Dirkie Olwage, was conceived and born on the Martin's trek from Bethlehem to then Rhodesia, as can be read about in the book 'Many Treks Made Rhodesia' by SP Oliver.

I embrace my Afrikaans Voortrekker heritage and the bravery of the men and woman who 'broke' in Africa in this way.

[theincidentaltourist]

Huisgenoot. In History.

Old Huisgenoot Magazines as seen in the Fred Turner Museum in Loeriesfontein. I love this history stood still in time, including Paul Kruger on a 1975 cover.

This one is pretty raunchy for a South African Afrikaans publication.

And then of course, there was the promotion of hunting.

[theincidentaltourist]

Loeriesfontein and the wonderful Fred Turner Museum.

I've mentioned Loeriesfontein before. Its a near forgotten town in the Northern Cape, a hidden treasure that bursts with character and charm.  Actually I want to shout its name from the surrounding hills, calling all with an interest in history, the Namaqualand's early settlers and wind pumps to come and spend time here. This is the Fred Turner Museum in the old Baptist Church.

Love the photo below of the 'first bus from Klawer to Loeriesfontein', taken in 1930.

The Old Baptismal Pool reminiscent of a era where converting the masses was high priority.

Fashion and a rather modest Vanity.

Hunting, nature and pioneering research.

The whole town takes pride in the collection. On arrival at the Museum there is a list of numbers to call, depending on day of the week, and from there your guide will arrive to open up and tell you all about the area and items included. It seems that all families have contributed, and in that there is community and pride.

And one of my favourite items in the Museum, the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria's Inaugural Plate. Dated 16 December 1949.

[theincidentaltourist]

Loeriesfontein, a perfect Morris Minor.

[theearthinimages]

Loeriesfontein, South Africa.

By SnapRJW

[theincidentaltourist]

Top Of The Windmill!

After visiting the largest collection if Steel Flowers in the world, I drove the open road between Loeriesfontein and Niewdoudtville where I was staying at Papkuilsfontein. Along the way I happened across a lone windmill and I decided to climb it, never having done so before ... They are much higher and creakier than they look!

[theincidentaltourist]

Steel Flowers, A Collection!

Late last year I visited Loeriesfontein in the Namaqualand area of the Northern Cape. Surrounded by Mountains, accessed from the N7, this village is home to the largest collection of windmills in the world, fondly referred to as Steel Flowers.

History shows that the late Dr Walton, a British born Capetonian had a great interest in different aspects of conservation, especially the conservation of water-pumping windmills. In an attempt to share this knowledge he invited potentially interested organisations and places to start a windpump museum. The Fred Turner museum in Loeriesfontein was the only respondent, and the Windmill Museum was born. Since then the team and interested persons have sponsored and collected 27 windpumps, now assembled and on display.

Its a magical sight to behold, especially as they turn in the welcome wind ... Our guide was the most charming man one could ever hope to meet, he alone giving life to an often forgotten town.

An old truck with 'wind pomp' working away to move water.