Ouma - Granny's House

“I decided to collect the stuff and save it, not for myself or my children, but for posterity.”

Ouma-Granny’s House, situated in Fountain Street, Wellington, is an old Victorian house that was turned into a Museum on 30th May 1990 and which showcases historic antiques, paintings and art etc. 

The museum is a must-see for everyone especially history lovers, where a wealth of Wellington’s history can be retraced. Included in this collection are personal items that once belonged to Joyce Hoogenhout, the lady responsible for this venture. 

History

Joyce Hoogenhout, a Free Stater, came to Wellington as a bride back in 1939-1943. She and her husband, Imker, settled on her father-in-law’s farm Optenhorst in Bovlei just after their marriage. 

She was an expert in aloes, and started to grew her own aloe garden that became an attraction for visitors from all over the world.

Joyce and her husband were both collectors and had a love for art. They had their own range of paintings that they collected. As time went by she started collecting other people’s junk as they threw it out of their houses to make space for new fashion households. She saved these collector items for years on their farm. “I decided to collect the stuff and save it, not for myself or my children, but for posterity.”

This lady left her mark in Wellington from the day she arrived over 70 years ago. She was on the school board, she served as secretary for the Women’s Agricultural Association, she also played first-team tennis for the local club……….her never ending love for the community and its past made her one of a kind. 

Ouma-Granny’s House

After her husband passed away she moved to town and some time later she found the ideal place for her collection; a beautiful Victorian house belonging to the Municipality. She named it Ouma–Granny’s House and moved all her belongings into their new home. 

The ceremony

Joyce Hoogenhout, Guest of Honour, arrived in a horse drawn buggy. She was awaited by her four granddaughters, each with a valuable antique Bible in their hand which they carried into the building in honour of the opening of Ouma-Granny’s House and the 150th anniversary of the Dutch Reformed Church in Wellington. 

Dr. Johan Mouton, the Mayor, officially declared Ouma-Granny’s House open on 30th May 1990 with all visitors to the ceremony given the chance to tour the house and quell their curiosity.

Thank you Joyce Hoogenhout for giving Wellington something so extraordinary!

Admission

This small “Museum” is open on Fridays but may be viewed on other days by special appointment.


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