Johannesburg 1912 – suburb by suburb research

"What is fashionable now is despised by the next generation, thought quaint by the following and revered by the one thereafter"

Jeppestown & Belgravia Pt.6 (Belgravia Hotel, general views and odds & ends)

This is the final post on Jeppe and Belgravia before moving a few blocks north up to Fairview (or Fawcus Township as it was originally known) and really a chance to post some mixed and fascinating pictures of various examples of houses, buildings, and general views that didn’t fit into the previous Jeppe & Belgravia posts. Some structures are still standing while others are long gone.

First, I found a book by Carl Jeppe called ‘The Kaleidoscopic Transvaal’ that can be downloaded here in PDF format. It was originally printed and published in 1906 and is now in the public domain. It’s an interesting read, especially on the pre-history of Johannesburg and the people and struggles after the discovery of gold and the events leading up to the Anglo-Boer War. Carl Jeppe (1858-1933) was the older brother of Sir. Julius Jeppe. They originally settled in Pretoria before getting involved in early Johannesburg. Later, Carl had a Herbert Baker designed house in Wynberg called Trovato at 44 Coach Road built in 1899-1902. He presumably used it when he was appointed Consul-General for the Transvaal in Cape Town.

Trovato House in Wynberg Cape Town. A Herber Baker classic
Trovato House in Wynberg Cape Town. A Herbert Baker classic

The house is now a national monument.

Belgravia

In December 2020, I read David Cohen’s book ‘People who have stolen from me’ which centred around a business in Jules Street on the Malvern side. It reminded me that I had not looked at the Belgravia part of Jules Street for this post. The most notable exclusion was the Belgravia Hotel.

Records show that the current Belgravia Hotel building was built in 1904. The owner was listed as S. Davis and the architects were Phipps-Coles and Koskins. Records show the current building was built in 1904. Sharon Caldwell informed that her great-grandfather was the proprietor of the hotel before the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War. He was ejected from the republic by the Boers and the original hotel was demolished. Will share more info as it surfaces.

Belgravia Hotel corner Jules and Kerk Street 2020 (Source: Marc Latilla)
Belgravia Hotel with old sign 2020 (Source: Marc Latilla)
Typical turn of the century house seen in many of the old suburbs
Typical turn of the century house in Belgravia still seen in many old suburbs minus the turrets (Source: Marc Latilla)
Intricate woodwork details on the verandah of this rundown house
Intricate woodwork details on the verandah of this rundown house (Source: Marc Latilla)
More wood detailing
More wood detailing (Source: Marc Latilla)
Example of a double story house. Similar examples can still be seen in Parktown West
Example of a double story house. Similar examples can still be seen in Parktown West (Source: Marc Latilla)

Jeppestown

Original Jeppe Station with Grand Central Hotel in the background
Original Jeppe Station with Grand Central Hotel in the background early 1900s
This vintage building is behind the Grand Central and across the road from Osborn Pharmacy
This vintage building is behind the Grand Central Hotel and across the road from Osborn Pharmacy 2011 (Source: Marc Latilla)
Shop fronts on the corner of Marshall & Macintyre Street 2011
Shop fronts on the corner of Marshall & Macintyre Street 2011 (Source: Marc Latilla)
View up Marshall Street looking East
View up Marshall Street looking East early 1900s same as above (Source: A Johannesburg Album)
View down Commisioner Street early 1900s
View down Commissioner Street early 1900s (Source: A Johannesburg Album)
Flats in Jeppestown with some interesting ironwork
Flats above shops in Jeppestown with some interesting ironwork 2011 (Source: Marc Latilla)
More old shops in Jeppestown
More old shops in Jeppestown 2011 (Source: Marc Latilla)

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4 responses to “Jeppestown & Belgravia Pt.6 (Belgravia Hotel, general views and odds & ends)”

  1. Linda Ellis Avatar
    Linda Ellis

    I grew up at 187 Jules Street Belgravia across the road from the One Day Dry Cleaners, between Princess and McDonald streets, moved to the southern suburbs of Johannesburg towards the end of 1969, Belgravia was an already rundown suburb back then but seeing some of the pictures taken around 2013 it breaks my heart to see such degradation of this once working class neighborhood, unfortunately we never owned a camera else I would have photos of the area, do you know where one can see photos of Belgravia only, of the parks and schools in the area, attended Malvern West Primary School and then Malvern High School, would love to visit the old neighborhood but I don’t drive and I don’t own a car either, at nearly 62 I think I would be a menace on the roads.

    Reply
    1. Marc Latilla Avatar
      Marc Latilla

      Hi Linda, thanks for reading and for your history. When I’m not able to visit an area (or have missed something while there) I often use Google Street View to cruise the streets. The images are between 6 and 2 years old so pretty accurate. Sadly, some of the areas are dangerous to visit or hang around and take pictures in. Google maps has helped enormously with my work.

      Reply
  2. Craig Drysdale Avatar
    Craig Drysdale

    Hi Marc, I grew up in Boom Street (across from the Belgravia Hotel). 1974-1988. My Grandfather and my uncle I was told frequented there many times. Such wonderful memories there of Murray Park swimming pool, block of flats Villa Alto Dora and Juliana Cafe. I went to John Mitchell primary school just up the road. I moved to Durban in 1989. I always wanted to come back and take a walk around there and see the old neighbourhood. I attempted it once by car, but it looked very scary so I did not dare to get out. Do you organise walking tours in that area? Craig

    Reply
    1. Marc Latilla Avatar
      Marc Latilla

      Thanks Craig! I don’t do any tours yet (it’s something I’ve been considering for the future), but that area is not great. I was there a few months ago and it is degrading fast

      Reply

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