The History of the Macks of Isipingo is rather interesting and goes back to the time when Durban was just beginning to prosper round about 1850 when the Byrne Settlers started arriving. To curtail repetitive entries I am abbreviating Gazley … Read More
I came across this wonderful site which covers the Durban Railway Network from its earliest days. The site is called Soul of a Railway and covers the whole South African Railway saga. I looked at the Natal Durban system and … Read More
Reader Gordon Forrester left a comment on an earlier post about the 1950s but I thought I would give it its own diary entry because it covers quite a bit of ground and may provoke some discussion. He wrote: My … Read More
I was quite surprised to see this one line entry in the Natal Mercury announcing the closure of what must be one of the iconic hotels on Durban’s beachfront. One would have thought that the imminent closure of the Beach … Read More
The “Cuban Hat” and its neighbour “The Nest” were two very popular drive in locales situated on the then Lower Marine Parade in Durban. They were especially popular in the late 50s / early 60s when own car transport became … Read More
Friend of FAD Donald Davies previously contributed a page on his Aunt Shirleen Gilbert who owned a music shop in Plowright Lane together with her husband Llewellyn. Donald recently found some pictures relating to her and wonders if … Read More
Here’s a query from from Craig Johnston via friend of FAD John Austin-Williams who is chairman of the South African Airways Museum Society www.saamuseum.co.za and the de Havilland Aircraft Association of South Africa: Craig wrote: I am trying to document the … Read More
Natalie Nel posted three pictures on FaceBook of the Colonial Mutual Life Building when it was being constructed. They looked like purposely taken photographs. I contacted Natalie and she agreed to send me copies so that I could post them … Read More
I know many Durbanites who now live overseas do visit this site and I suppose it is appropriate to let them know of developments in the once fine city centre. This article appeared in the Sunday Tribune this past Sunday … Read More
Commemorating the Arrival of the Byrne Settlers 1849. 12th May 2019 marked the 170th anniversary of the arrival in Durban of the vessel, Wanderer with the first boat load of Byrne Settlers. In 1849, 15 Byrne Settlers amongst 108 passengers … Read More