Parkmore in the 60s

From the dirt roads of Parkmore

One of the longest-standing residents of Parkmore, Anne Jones, has resided in the area since the late 60s after she got married in 1966 and purchased a stand to build her house. “We were dropped off and told we can choose whichever stand we want. We walked around and I chose the stand where the house stands today on 13th Street.”

Jones said some of her memories of the early days were the beautiful views as there was nothing in front of the property. “There were also many peacocks, I remember that, and dirt roads in front of our house and the Field and Study [Recreation Centre] was a farmhouse. We didn’t get tar until much much later.”

She remembers the old tannery which was situated on the spruit and the smell that came from it. “We watched the tannery that used to be here burn down.

“It was just us, no fences, and when it rained we would watch the river rise.”

She remembers how her children used to play in the area. “The couple that built the house opposite us – she became my best friend and we had children of similar ages. The four children used to go and play down on the rocks in the spruit.

“When it was dinner time, my husband would stand in the street and whistle for them to come home. It was so safe then.”

Jones said they used to go to Sandton City. “It was just veld at that time. An outing was to go and sit in the car in the parking lot and eat your food then go window shopping ‘when the stores were closed. Juicy Lucy was in the food court, which was tiny at that time. ”

These days, Jones has noticed that there are more youngsters moving into the area and upgrading the properties. “I have so many happy memories here after all that time. This house swings on a weekend!

“I have a home to enjoy and my grandchildren enjoy the garden. My grandchildren are now the second generation of this family attending Montrose Primary School. I have had a long history with that school!”