Cullinan
Laid out on the farm Elandsfontein in 1902. It was named after Sir Thomas Major Cullinan, founder of the Premier Diamond Mine. The world’s biggest diamond, the Cullinan, weighing 3106 ct, was discovered here in January 1905.Now part of the British Crown Jewels. The town was used as a military training centre and a transit camp during WW II.
St George’s Anglican Church
St George’s Anglican Church – Designed by Sir Herbert Baker – The foundation stone was laid by Lady Cullinan on 8 March 1908.
Zonderwater Cemetery
Zonderwater Cemetery – The farm Zonderwater was used as a military training centre during WW II. It was later used to house WWII prisoners of War – mostly Italians. They were captured in Abyssinia in North Africa. 94 000 were interred. Close to 300 died here. Many returned to South Africa after the war.
Battle of Diamond Hill
Battle of Diamond Hill – also known as Battle of Donkerhoek – the battle took place on 11-12 June 1900. (2nd Anglo Boer War 1899-1902) The Boers moved their capitol from Pretoria to Machadodorp. To prevent the British army from moving east along the railway line General Louis Botha establish a line of defence in the ridges. The British advanced on the 11th. The Boers withdraw on the night of the 12th. This would be impossible to hold the position and left with a sese of victory. A Boer monument overlooks the British cemetery. Stone shelters used by the Boers can still be seen.
Semi-detach stone houses
Semi-detach stone houses – Oak Avenue – circa 1903/4 – built of dressed stone, the personnel of the mine accommodated these houses. Now used for commercial enterprises.
Wood and corrugated iron houses
Wood and corrugated iron houses - Oak Ave – this building was used as the first Nedbank branch in the town in 1904.
McHardy House
McHardy House – 101 Oak Ave - 1903 – this Edwardian house was occupied by William McHardy, the first general manager at the mine. Two of his daughters stayed here until their deaths in 1984. Now used as a museum.
Oak House
Oak House - Oak Ave – this house was built in 1904 to house dignitaries visiting Cullinan.
Mining machinery
Mining machinery – these were used on the mine. It includes the small locos, cocopans, mechanical loader, corrugated iron roller as well as a vehicle used underground.
Nedbank
Nedbank – Oak Avenue – the bank moved from the house to this building circa 1908.
Harry's pancakes
Harry's pancakes, Oak Ave
Premier Dairy
Premier Dairy Oak Ave
Dentist
Dentist in Oak Ave
Premier Diamond Lodge (Masonic Hall)
Premier Diamond Lodge (Masonic Hall) – This Freemasons hall was completed in September 1909.
Recreation Hall
Recreation Hall – Build in 1905, it burned down in 1910 and was rebuild in 1912. This building has served many purposes, i.e. as a school, church to name a few. Murals appear on the inside walls, painted by the Italian POW.
Premier Hotel
Premier Hotel – circa 1909
Railway Station
Railway Station – the railway line from Rayton to Cullinan was opened in 1905. The railway buildings were all wood and corrugated iron structures.
Cullinan Military Cemetery
Cullinan Military Cemetery – This cemetery was used for those who died during the 2nd World War 1939-1945.
Onverwacht Dutch Reformed Church
Onverwacht Dutch Reformed Church – about 10 km outside Cullinan – Onverwacht is said to be an area given to the black Afrikaners by the ZAR. This church is an Afrikaans church serving the black Afrikaners of Onverwacht.
Stone house ruins
Stone house ruins - Onverwacht
