Did you know these facts about Benoni?
Some of Benoni’s rich history was revealed at a talk in Boksburg, recently.
Glynis Millett-Clay, founder of the Benoni – Now and Then Facebook page, addressed an audience at Hecker Nursery, where she was asked to speak on the mining town’s past.
Millett-Clay revealed the following facts about the town’s history.
•The origin of the name Benoni stems from the Bible, Genesis chapter 35, verse 18, and means “Son of my sorrow”.
•Homestead and Kleinfontein dams were built to provide water to mines operating in the area.
•The discovery of gold in Benoni took place in the year 1887.
•Pioneers such as Fraser Alexander, Morris Nestadt, William George Eaton and Harry Mabuya were among the men who played a key role in the municipality.
•The demolition of buildings brought change to the town, such as street names being changed. Ford Street became Voortrekker Street and Bedford Street became Tom Jones Street.
•The Cecil Hotel, the Benoni Hotel and Chimes Tavern (which still exists today) were some of the popular hotels on the East Rand at the time.
•The first school was the Central Government School, built in 1909, located in Howard Avenue.
•In the early years the primary teaching medium in Benoni was English; Dutch was introduced in 1917.
•George Rennie was best known for opening up George Rennie and Co in 1911, an estate agency that still exists today.
•The Benoni City Times was founded by William Hills in 1921.
•Deryck Humphriss and David Thomas were authors of the book “Son of my sorrow”.
•The book “Benoni: The Golden Years”, written by Ken McLuckie, documented the best years of Benoni.
Also read:
Renier was the ‘best man I ever knew’
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 2006
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
