Learning more about Modderfontein
Franz Hoenig Haus was one of the first buildings to be completed in Modderfontein.
Modderfontein is quite the site, connected to the mining rush that hit Johannesburg in the 1800s.
The town was brought to life by AECI, South Africa’s first dynamite factory.
Mining in those days required explosives and AECI became the largest dynamite supplier in the world as a result.
Franz Hoenig Haus was one of the first buildings to be completed in Modderfontein.
The house was home to the first dynamite factory manager, Franz Hoenig, who the house was also named after.
“Franz Hoenig Haus is a jewel in the crown of Modderfontein’s historic precinct and characterises the heritage of the area,” said Modderfontein Conservation Society member Robbie Vermont.
Just under three years after the house was completed, the 1899 South African War began.
Gold production ceased and the function of Modderfontein changed.
Hoenig’s task of building and commissioning a factory was over, so he returned to Germany, leaving his deputy to carry on,” said Vermont.
A new factory manager was sent from Britain to get the factory back on its feet.
William Cullen guided the factory from 1901 to 1915,” said Robbie.
This residence was occupied by seven successive managers up to 1949 when another new manager was appointed.
According to Vermont, the house served as different factory managers’ house up to 1949, when it was converted into staff flats.
“This was an unsuccessful venture as the building fell into a bad state of disrepair,” said Venture.
The town’s jewel narrowly escaped demolition in 1964.
The assistant chief engineer at that time, Dick Dent, assisted the executive director of AECI, Dr Harry North, to restore the house to its former elegance.
“The leader recognised its historical significance and managed to beg and borrow sufficient funds.
“The restoration of the house, after years of neglect, emphasised the importance that was placed on Modderfontein’s heritage at that time,” said the conservationist.
It was not possible to retain the original ornate iron or woodwork found on Victorian patios called “broekie lace”.
Concrete replacements were sensitively handled by architect G Moerdyk in 1932.
“The roof of this building reflects its Germanic origins,” said Vermont.
Today, the house hosts a relaxing farmers market monthly and is available for hire for private functions with up to about 24 people for a sit-down meal.
More historic information can be found at the Dynamite Company Museum, which is conveniently located on the same street as the house.
