Kruger Museum

KRUGER MEMORABILIA

 

Home     Activities     Contacts     Exhibitions

The House     Paul Kruger     Tributes      NFI Home

 
Since the house has been furnished as it was when the Kruger's lived in it, it is not possible to exhibit other artefacts of interest in the house. Most of the outbuildings had been destroyed. Two halls, an ofice and a store were thus built behind the house to accommodate other items. 
West hall
Stinkwood Trek wagon This was donated to the President by Mrs Abel van Wyk. It was taken as plunder by the British troops during the Anglo-Boer War . Lord Kitchener presented it to the City of London, where it remained until it was returned to South Africa in 1926. 
State coach This was the President's personal property and was used for his fourth and last inauguration as President in 1898. It was built by Turril and Sons of London and was presented to the Museum in 1919.
Hearse This hearse was used for Gezina's funeral, July 1901
Model of Dunvegan Castle The model of the Royal Mail Steamer, Dunvegan Castle was presented to the President by Sir Donald Currie, owner of the shipping line which operated between South Africa and England. It was first exhibited at the entrance of the State Museum of the South African Republic. 

Since 1875, Donald Currie, the owner and builder of the Castle Packets Company, had been involved in business affairs with Presidents J H Brand, T F Burgers and S J P Kruger. During the stay of the First and Second Deputations in 1877 and 1878 in London before the First Anglo-Boer War (1880-1881), Donald Currie simplified their mission by organising interviews and introducing Paul Kruger and the delegates to the Minister of Colonies, Lord Carnarvon. 

At the time of Sir Donald Currie's death in 1909, his company owned 47 steamships named after castles in England (eg. Dunvegan Castle and Dunrobbin Castle). The Currie Cups awarded for rugby and cricket were presentations made by him
 
East Hall
Memorabilia from various stages of President's life
Saddle, rifle and pocket knife. As a young man, Kruger was a fearless and intrepid hunter. While hunting rhino, his gun exploded and shot off part of his left thumb, so Kruger had to amputate it with his pocket knife.
A series of photographs depicting the events in the President's life.
Trowels used at the laying of various foundation stones.
Spanners used to tighten the last bolts at the completion of the Delagoa Bay railway line.
The last letter from Switzerland written to General Louis Botha.
A statuette by sculptor Anton van Wouw - The Exile.
A replica of the bedroom in Villas des Pierriers, Clarens in which the President passed away. Objects on table include a Bible on a stand, a hearing aid, and a cup for use by a person with a moustache