The old maternity hospital has been awarded blue-plaque status.
Tony Burisch from the Heidelberg Heritage Association awarded the latest blue plaque to Tom and Magda van Dyk at 22 Marais Street, Heidelberg.
The first owner of the property was Mr Goetz. The house was built around 1894.
It is believed there was a farrier business on the property, as a lot of horseshoes were found when digging the foundations on the sub-divided property next door to 22 Marais street.
In 1938, the house was used as a maternity hospital under the care of Sr Hutton.
Edmond de la Harpe (84) was born in one room on September 1, 1938, fitting in a shoebox. A warm water bottle was placed inside to keep him warm. His father was at one stage the only vet in Heidelberg.
De la Harpe completed his primary school at Laer Volkskool and continued to Hoër Volkskool, from where he matriculated.
He attended the Heidelberg Teachers’ Training College and was immediately employed after completing his studies at Hoër Volkskool as an English teacher.
De la Harpe was a teacher at Volkskool for over 35 years.
In 1972, de la Harpe has crowned the Heidelberg squash champion, and in 1983, he received the State President’s Award for sports coaching.
De la Harpe served for over 40 years on the Klipkerk Church Council.
In addition to his teaching qualification, he also holds a degree in journalism.
At present, de la Harpe lives at Suikerbos Aftree-oord in Heidelberg.
