Tracing transport in Joburg through the times

08 October 2015

 

The horse-drawn carriage has given way for spanking new dual-fuel Metrobuses and the clanging bells of the bright red electric trams were replaced by the more muted sounds of the Rea Vaya fleet… but Johannesburg remains a city on the move.

 

Nestled close to Wemmer Pan, and within walking distance of the Rand Stadium and the Turffontein Race Track, the James Hall Museum of Transport is one of Johannesburg’s rare heritage treasures.

 

When walking through the doors of this well-maintained facility visitors enter a veritable time-capsule where the recent history of Johannesburg is reflected in a staggering range of vintage cars, buses, trams, bicycles and fire engines. The Curator of Public Programmes at the Museum, Philemon Maeko, is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Within the space of 90 minutes he transports you back to a time when heavily laden ox wagons brought supplies to the mining pioneers or when the men-about-town balanced themselves on penny-farthing bicycles to visit the various watering holes in the evenings.

 

The first car arrived on the streets of the City in 1897 and visitors flocked to the Wanderers Stadium to get their first sight of the “noiseless carriage.” Since then, Johannesburg’s rise as the economic powerhouse of Africa has largely been built on its ability to move people, goods and services effectively across the City.

 

The splendid collection of fire engines and ambulances is supplemented with rare photographs and a display of protective clothing, helmets and emergency equipment used by intrepid fire fighters and rescue workers through the decades. Veteran and Vintage car enthusiasts can enjoy the sights of some classic cars that were common sights on the streets of the City through the decades… the legendary Model-T Ford, a Ford Valiant, a Volkswagen Beetle, a Cadillac and the stately Rolls Royce that carried the then Mayors of Johannesburg to official functions.

 

Despite their age, the vehicles are maintained in an immaculate condition, thanks to the careful attention of the staff and the enthusiasm of a volunteer group called The Friends of the James Hall Museum of Transport.

 

A quick turn of a crank-handle or the turn of a switch can help many of these stately vehicles to sputter into life. On special occasions, such as Heritage Day, the familiar bright red double-decker bus is given an extra spit-and-polish before being wheeled out of the Museum to give visitors an unforgettable ride through the streets of Turffontein and Rosettenville.

 

The Museum of Transport is the largest and most comprehensive collection of land vehicles in the country. The original collection was donated to the City by a former councillor, Mr Jimmie Hall, in 1964 and since then it is funded and maintained by the City and supported by a group of dedicated enthusiasts.

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Tips to visitors to the Transport Museum:

• The Museum is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 09h00 to 17h00 and on most Saturday mornings.

• Booking is essential for groups such as schools or institutions that require a guided tour.

• Entrance is free – but there are opportunities to make a donation in support of this great facility.

• Set aside at least an hour to visit the various exhibition halls.

• Information about the exhibition, directions and contact details can be found onhttp://www.jhmt.org.za/index.html or by phoning 011 435-9485/6/7