Middelburg historic buildings
Description
The mill originally belonged to the Dutch Reformed Church and was a Steam Roller Mill. In 1921 it was converted to a more modern mill, powered by an “oil machine” until electricity became available. The mill was taken over by Frikkie Wolfaardt, son of Lt Wolfaardt who was shot during the Anglo Boer War (Chair Monument). After Frikkie Wolfaardt retired due to poor eyesight, a Mr van der Linde operated the mill for a while but farmers started selling wheat to large millers and flour was also bought in bulk from businesses and the mill had to close. The mill was converted into a double-storey house.
The foundation stone was laid on 18th March 1896, and seven months later, on the 28th October 1896, the church was consecrated by Bishop Webb. The sanctuary, chancel and vestry were added in 1940. These handsome additions to the picturesque stone church were erected by Mr W C Turpin, who had been associated with the church from its earliest days. The additions were done as a memorial to those who fell in the First World War, among whom was his brother, Lt C Turpin. The plaque reads: “This chancel and vestry were erected by W Conyngham Turpin, Esq; to the Glory of God and in memory of his brother Lieut. C Turpin, and those who fell in the Great War 1914 – 1918”
In 1880, Mr David Wilcocks started a private school with 10 children. By the end of the year, he had 100 children. His sister, Miemie Wilcocks helped him, and they hired the town hall for R1 per month as their own facilities were too small. They taught English, Dutch, Maths, Geography and European History. Morning lessons were done in English, and the afternoon lessons were done in Afrikaans. It was called the Middelburg School.
In 1882 it became a government school, and a building was provided (where the magisterial buildings are today). This was used until 1908 when it was changed to government offices. In 1886 Mr Willcocks left to study to become a priest, and his post was taken over for a short while by Mr Pretorius.
Karel Theron took over as principal in 1887. Theron worked unbelievably hard and gave extra lessons every afternoon, building the school up. The school became known as “Middelburg Public School” and learners had to pay school fees. He never took time off and only occasionally he would saddle up a horse, call his dog and disappear into the veld for the day.
The number of students kept increasing and the school was too small. It was then they built the Karel Theron School in 1908. By 1920 Karel Theron had 762 students and was the biggest school in the Cape. Theron was the principal for 35 years. The building was declared a national monument in 1992.
1904
