Yesterday is in the past and today will become history by tomorrow. But what one does today, influences the future which is tomorrow. It is also true though that one can, without it being a conscious focus, create history right here and now. This is why the universe teaches us to focus on the present - this moment - now!
And then - sometimes, life dictates a return to one's roots. This certainly holds true for the owner of Dusty Tracks Off-Road Adventures in town, Wynand Engelbrecht.
Wynand is opening a museum - a hub that will incorporate various enterprises - not necessarily all commercial in nature, but all brought together, in one way or another by his love and dedication to the vibrant history of Barberton. "It is part of an initiative to restore and revive the tourism value and attraction of the town and its unique surrounds," he said.
In time this initiative may well bring back authentic storytelling, the excitement and vibrancy of the cancan (you can dream, can't you), and the use of back-to-basics natural medicine like in the days of old.
"Barberton is, from a historical perspective, probably one of the richest towns in the country and with it receiving World Heritage status, many geologists and historians suggested that I expand my tours (Dusty Tracks) to include the latter.
With the geo trail being such a wonderful entrance into the rock formations and so forth, I got stuck into the history and today a rock is just not a rock or any rock any longer, it has a name and I know them all," said Wynand.
"I also crossed paths with Clive Morrow, owner of the BP Garage in town, and this rekindled my interest in cars and bikes and some of Clive's collection will become part of this museum also.
But yes, long and the short, this building lends itself to combining a number of businesses into one to bring back the tourism business, which has largely been diverted by the bypass road that was built. This building is part of, and on the Heritage Walk route, and was part of the old market square which played a huge role in days of old when traders pulled up their ox wagons to sell and trade their wares and products."
"Through my tours into the mountains, we have opened routes last used in the 1800s and we found old mines with its retired and rusted equipment and this ignited my love of history.
Then, of course, people visit the museum - ask questions and I am happy to oblige with all the answers. I have done the work. I know the history and if you don't stop me, I'll bombard you with all the details - some boring and others totally fascinating, like the first two Gold Stock Exchanges in South Africa were established in Barberton.
This town hosted the first horse races up near Eureka City. We have one of the oldest golf courses in South Africa." Wynand continued, "Until late into the '70s, the people of Nelspruit drove to Barberton to do their shopping.
Farming, tobacco, cotton, and vegetables, was an integral part of the economic community but alas, it is no more. Mining became a prominent economic activity, but this has also declined significantly over the years.
Being part of the local heritage group allows one access and permission to explore the local history and environment like no other."
Wynand moved to Barberton in 2005. He grew up in Kruger Park - in fact, his family boasts four generations in the park. He studied nature conservation, worked in tourism, and was later transferred to the finance department.
He eventually decided to take a shot left and moved into the commercial retail environment. This became just too busy and they decided to sell the business. To stay out of mischief, he started Dusty Tracks.
Which part of the Barberton history do you find the most intriguing? "There are so many," he responded. "Barmaids (kroegmeisies)." And he went quiet for a moment. "There were many bars and hotels along the main street (Crown Street) of Barberton. In fact, it is suggested that there was a bar for every 10 men at any one time in Barberton. This created much competition so one owner decided to put a voluptuous lady behind the bar counter and boom - he attracted the most customers." So everyone started doing this.
It was the start of many an illustrious barmaids' careers. One of the most famous barmaids was Cockney Liz. One night she was dared to dance on the counter and men could bid on her - the highest bidder obviously won her attention for the rest of the night. There were others - Trixie who used a wheelbarrow to transport drunken men (after cleaning their pockets) and the six-foot-plus tall golden Danish blonde. There were more - each creating their own legacies and escapades - stories that will keep one entertained for many hours if told around a campfire.
The other part of this history is just the daily living and survival of the miners. They worked and played hard with little in terms of worldly possessions and would pick up in a flash from where they were, to move to a new discovery.
"This museum is a work in progress and hopefully in time we may have a stream running through the premises where people can try their hand at pan mining." So the intention is to develop it to a destination where people can experience various historic activities, tours, traditional food and then return home both enriched with knowledge and a new appreciation for the days of old.
"My upbringing made me who I am - I love nature and the outdoors. Retail is a prison with open doors and well, I had to return to my roots and this is where I am - again and happy to be. The museum is a passion. We want to refurbish Eureka City as a digger’s camp offering a real-life back-to-nature experience. And lockdown has confirmed a new appreciation for authentic experiences, natural products, and people are reaching out to support each other. This is what this museum and everything it will offer, intents to bring back into everyday life.
The tours we offer can be from three hours to seven days and longer. Our full-day back-in-time route is extremely popular and is for many, even for the locals who have participated, a historic eye-opener."
Wynands favorite get-away-from-the-world spot is under a tree high up the mountain on a route that is not for sissies either - and, he becomes emotional trying to share the beauty of this. And the most important thing he has learned through all his experiences is “to never limit yourself - because you can - grab the opportunities because it makes for a richer and more fulfilling life and it teaches gratitude”.
But this is where this journalist has to conclude - the stories are aplenty and should really be told around the campfire with a traditional potjie, Witblits or gin (the preferred drink of the time) and music. In time this may well be part and parcel of Wynand's new historic experience and one you will not want to miss. So watch this space.
First published in the Lowvelder.
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