Everything/Anything and…Chess…"Despite the documented evidence by chess historian HJR Murray, I've always thought that chess was invented by a goddess"–George Koltanowski: from the foreword to:"Women in chess, players of the Modern Age"
A HUGE thank you to Anton Roetz, who visited my blog a little while ago. Anton made me aware of this piece of interesting history. I absolutely love to know that this is what some soldiers did during the Anglo-Boer War to entertain themselves and even more to know what one farmer did. Read this interesting piece of information. Information from the site of Cradock-info.
During the early 1900s, British soldiers created a chessboard or chequers board on the top of Saltpeterskop, a 1514m high koppie (hill) in the Park. While using the peak as a lookout point during the Anglo-Boer War, they played chess or chequers with their fellow soldiers on the next lookout point, the Old Fort in Cradock, transmitting moves by means of a mirror, which had the official purpose of communicating warning signals.
The story goes that a certain farmer – unbeknown to the soldiers – picked up the signals and started a game against the soldiers while sitting on the stoep of his farmhouse.
The chessboard and the names of the soldiers are etched onto a flat slab of rock at the top of Saltpeterskop, which is the first koppie on the right as one drives into the Park.
Names recorded include Corporal Pegram of the 1st Coldstream Guards, Corporal Hutchinson, Private W. Chambers of the 5th Lancaster Fusilliers, and many others with dates in 1901 and 1902. The chessboard is still visible today and can be accessed on a guided hike with a SANParks guide.
Salpeterkop was supposedly named after a cave on the hill which provided a supply of saltpetre (potassium nitrate), a substance used in the manufacture of gunpowder for firearms in the early days. The cave was reported to have collapsed and its location is not known today.
Salpeterkop Graves Image: Cradock-info.co.za Salpeterkop image: Thegreatkaroo.com Twitter – SANParks Mountain Zebra National Park – Chessboard — It is believed that the chessboard was created during the early 1900s by British soldiers. They created the chessboard or draught board on a rock on top of Saltpeterskop, a 1 514m high hill. Names of the British soldiers engraved on the chess board on Salpterkop
Ton Sanders, resident in Chrissiesmeer is an authority on the area and a published author on both Lake Chrissie and the Anglo Boer War which focuses on the Battle of Chrissiesmeer which took place on 6 February 1901.
Make sure you watch the video – there is a little connection to Scotland – a little legend about this town. This is what the article is about from a SA family magazine.
I got more interested in Chrissiesmeer after a post on a FB group. Years ago, a radioprogram, about small villages in South Africa, actually got me interested, but I never got to find out more about this place – it was placed on my memory-list. It was only after this post on FB, that I started asking questions and realised some people do know more about this place and they were willing to share.
After a few references and my old friend Google, I found all of this you can read in this entry! I copied the news articles because previously, I’ve found that some articles ‘disappear’ from sites over time and I end up with broken links to posts. I did though, linked to one or two gorgeous sites for you to read more and to enjoy the actual beauty of this amazing village in South Africa. Do make sure you visit the two links, you will not regret it. One news article below is in Afrikaans, the rest is in English.
Chrissiesmeer is named after the former President Marthinus Pretorius’ daughter, Christina. It was established in 1860 as a trading post. Chrissiesmeer is a delightful gem located in the lake district of South Africa, with more than 270 lakes and pans in a 20km radius.
On the site of airbnb, HERE you can view more pictures of the above historic house, which you can rent for a nice holiday! (The link will not open in a new window).
Read on this next link more about this area called: South Africa’s Lake District. You will find some amazing pictures and an interesting read about this small village. eagerjourneys.com/chrissiesmeer/
Interessante stukkie geskiedenis.
Chrissie en die professor
Bekende skrywer en inwoner van Chrissiesmeer, prof. Ton Sanders, is onlangs deur Mpumalanga Hoëveld Toerisme vereer vir sy bydrae tot die literêre bewaring van Mpumalanga, Chrissiesmeer en omliggende gebiede se geskiedenis.
Prof. Sanders is van Nederlandse afkoms en het in 1963 as 22-jarige in diens van die Nederlandse Bank (vandag bekend as Nedbank) Suid-Afika toe gekom.
In 1968 het hy die akademiese wêreld betree waar hy aan die regsfakulteit van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika (Unisa) verbonde was. Later jare het hy ook hofverslae vir Swaziland gedoen en het gereeld vanaf Pretoria via Carolina na Mbabane gereis. So het hy op ‘n dag op pad terug van Swaziland besluit om sy roete te verander en deur Chrissiesmeer gereis.
Dié dorpie het sy hart gesteel en hy het besluit om daar ‘n blyplek aan te skaf sodat hy naweke uit die stad kon wegbreek. Dis toe dat hy in 1989 die ou tronkie wat slegs uit twee selle bestaan het vir R2 500 van die buitestedelike administrasie gekoop het.
Ná sy aftrede in 2002 het hy permanent na Chrissiesmeer verhuis, die tronk verkoop en die gewese Barclays Bank sy nuwe tuiste gemaak.
Hy het nog altyd in geskiedenis, argeologie en antropologie belang gestel en het begin om die gebied te verken en die ryk geskiedenis van Chrissiesmeer na te vors. In 2012 is sy eerste boek: “Chrissie is her name. The story of Lake Chrissie/Chrissiesmeer,” gepubliseer.
Dié boek is gevolg deur “Lake Chrissie’s Bushman Past” in 2013. Die volgende jaar het sy boek “Lake Chrissie / Chrissiesmeer and the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902″ die lig gesien.
Verlede jaar het hy twee boeke gepubliseer, die eerste “Carolina’s Ancient Sites. Fiction, Facts and Mysteries” en later “The Village at the Great Lake. Lake Chrissie / Chrissiesmeer / KwaChibikhulu”. Sy liefde vir Chrissiesmeer en omgewing skyn duidelik deur in sy boeke en hoewel hy nog nie ‘n nuwe boek beplan nie, sal nog stories oor die distrik verwelkom word. [Author of article: journalist Erika Nel]
Another article on the site of the highvelder dated 23rd March 2016. This article by: Gerald Young.
Another book, the fourth by Prof Ton Sanders, the adopted son of Chrissiesmeer, has been published.
This time round Ton has captured the history and fascinating stories of the town of Carolina in a book titled “Carolina’s Ancient Sites – Fiction, Fact and Mysteries,” and it promises to be just as popular as his previous books on the history of Chrissiesmeer (Lake Chrissie) and the town’s indelible connection to the Anglo-Boer War.
The book traces the history and unearths a treasure trove of archaeological sites in and around Carolina that yield fascinating stories of the town that have hitherto been left buried or untold.
Supported by a wealth of monochrome photographs which cleverly lend themselves to creating an ancient and historical “feel” to the publication, the reader is transported back in time to the late Stone Age and Iron Age and on through a historical journey of the Indian influence, the Shamanistic era of Bushmen rock paintings and the little known Koni petroglyphs in the Caroliina district.
Along the way, one invariably finds oneself quietly exclaiming: “That’s interesting,” or “I didn’t know that!” Backed by intensive and meticulous research, Ton is not afraid to disagree with theories and speculations of other historians, which makes for more interesting and fascinating reading.
All in all, this is another “must have” for any historian and those interested in the rich history of Carolina and the Southern African region. Copies of the book are available at the Highvelder offices at R120 per copy.
The author of the book, Lake Chrissie and the Anglo Boer War 1899-1903, Ton Sanders.
Prof writes third book on Chrissie
The first of Ton’s three books on Chrissiesmeer documented the history of the town (Chrissie is her name) and the second explored the history of the Bushmen of the area.
Lake Chrissie and the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1903 is new on the shelf and the third book by Prof Ton Sanders on the history of Chrissiesmeer.
A labour of love is the only way one can describe the latest book written by this resident of Chrissiesmeer who unashamedly declares his love for the town also known as Lake Chrissie.
Born in the Netherlands in 1941, Ton came to South Africa in 1963 and followed a career as a law teacher and researcher. After retiring in 2002, he settled in Chrissiesmeer and so began an intense love affair with the town, its people and its history. He has since established himself as a true son of Lake Chrissie, pursuing a passion for documenting the rich and eventful history of this quaint town.
The first of Ton’s three books on Chrissiesmeer documented the history of the town (Chrissie is her name) and the second explored the history of the Bushmen of the area.
Although there are many books and essays describing the Anglo-Boer War, Ton has succeeded in capturing and condensing a plethora of information and anecdotes concerning Chrissiesmeer and the war without neglecting important and relevant facts or diluting the spellbinding charm that the town still holds today. As can be seen in the bibliography section of the book, Ton has waded through piles of references and works in an effort to capture and summarise the events that unfolded all those years ago. The many illustrations that adorn the pages do justice to this fascinating account that is a must-have for any history lover’s book collection.
From before the Great Trek to the Anglo-Boer War when Lake Chrissie was known as the Bothwell Trading Post, through to the effect the war, particularly the Battle of Lake Chrissie, had on the town, on to the rich Scottish history and through to the New South Africa that resulted from aspects of the Anglo-Boer War, this book, originally intended as a coffee table book to be digested in more than one session, has evolved into a can’t-put-it-down goldmine of history, heritage and spellbinding reading.
Copies of the book at R130 each can be obtained from the Highvelder offices in Murray Street, tel. 017 811 2221 or the Matotoland Eco-Tourism Association at tel. 082 640 5650 (email: jean.justcountry@gmail.com)
Prof Ton Sanders and Mr Terry Tsujii show the book “Paradise in the world – Chrissiesmeer in South Africa” written by Terry.
Terry honours a promise
Last year, the Highvelder reported on Terry’s visit to Chrissiesmeer and Ermelo and at the time he promised to bring a copy of his book on his next visit. This week he made good on his promise.
The Highvelder was privileged this week to receive a visit from Mr Teruyuki Tsujii, a 65-year-old retired teacher from Tokyo, Japan.
He kept a promise he made during a visit last year to bring a copy of a book he wrote in Japanese, reflecting the history and people of Chrissiesmeer.
His book, Paradise in the world – Chrissiesmeer in South Africa, was born of his desire to share the rich history of the town and the role it played in the Anglo-Boer War with his fellow countrymen, who, he says, generally do not know much else about South Africa other than Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Terry, as he is known by his “Western” name, has become a firm friend of Chrissiesmeer since befriending Prof Anton (Ton) Sanders, a resident of Chrissie who has written three books on this quaint town, steeped in history.
The two gentlemen who have been friends for more than 30 years, met while Ton was a lecturer at the University of South Africa (Unisa) and Terry was studying through correspondence. 15 years ago, Ton, who had since retired, invited Terry to visit him at Chrissiesmeer and his fascination with the town’s history was spawned.
Regular visits soon followed and were reciprocated by Ton who visited Terry in his home country.
Last year, the Highvelder reported on Terry’s visit to Chrissiesmeer and Ermelo and at the time he promised to bring a copy of his book on his next visit. This week he made good on his promise.
He has also made copies of the Highvelder’s report on his visit and these are displayed in shops of his friends in Tokyo. “Now, Ermelo and the Highvelder are also my friends,” he said.
In this photo: Ton Sanders and Terry met in 2014. Image: the highvelder
A book about Chrissiesmeer, its people and history, written in Japanese – why?
This is the obvious question one asks when meeting the sprightly 64-year-old, ever-smiling Teruyuki Tsujii, a resident of Tokyo, Japan.
Terry, his “Western” name, started a love affair with Chrissiesmeer as a result of a 30-year-old friendship with Prof Ton Sanders , a resident of Chrissiesmeer.
The two first met through correspondence, when Terry, a high school teacher, was studying through correspondence at the University of South Africa where Prof Ton was a lecturer at the time.
Ton retired to Chrissiesmeer after becoming fascinated by the town and has since written three books about its history. Over the years, the friendship continued and when Ton invited Terry to Chrissiesmeer for a visit 14 years ago, the fascination rubbed off on Terry and the proverbial writing was on the wall.
Terry became so interested in the rich history of Lake Chrissie and the role the town played in the Anglo-Boer War that he felt compelled to share the story with his fellow Japanese.
“The Japanese people generally don’t know anything more about South Africa than Johannesburg and Cape Town. There is so much more to South Africa and Chrissiesmeer with its quietness and slow pace of life is just one example. Unlike South Africa, especially the smaller towns, life in Japan life is extremely fast paced. In Chrissie one can relax and find oneself again and recover from the rat race,” Terry explained.
5 000 copies of Terry’s book, titled “Paradise in the World – Chrissiesmeer in South Africa” have been printed and the book is selling extremely well in Japan.
“It has been accepted very well by the Japanese people and their knowledge of South Africa, especially with regard to Chrissiesmeer, has been expanded,” he said.
Another book by Terry, “How to live”, is in the offing and was inspired by life in the quaint town of Chrissiesmeer.
“I want to teach people how to live a more relaxed life. Still work hard and be productive, but learn to relax as well.”
Terry is a man that lives by this philosophy, a fact that became evident during his interview with the Highvelder.
Still smiling, he related how an amount of R20 000 was stolen from his baggage at the OR Tambo Airport shortly after his arrival.
“I had just exchanged Japanese Yen for SA Rand and waited inside the terminal building where I thought it would be safer. When I checked again, the money was gone. This will, however, not make me negative. The smiles and hospitality that I receive and experience from South Africans more than makes up for the loss of the money,” he said.
He will be going back to Japan on Monday. “But I will be back again soon,” he said.
In the early 1990s, Terry expressed his feelings for Chrissiesmeer on a sandstone pillar at the entrance gate to the Old Jail. The intriguing Japanese characters mean: “To Chrissie, with love.” Chrissiesmeer and South Africa is indeed honoured to have a friend like Terry.
Spoken by great men:"Give me 20 divisions of American soldiers and I will breach Europe. Give me 15 consisting of Englishmen and I will advance to the borders of Berlin. Give me two divisions of those marvellous fighting Boers and I will remove Germany from the face of the earth." - Field Marshal Bernard L. Montgomery, Commander of the Allied Forces during WW2.
"The Americans fight for a free world, the English mostly for honour, glory and medals, the French and Canadians decide too late that they have to participate. The Italians are too scared to fight, the Russians have no choice. The Germans for their Fatherland. The Boers? Those sons of Bitches fight for the hell of it." American General, George 'Guts and Glory' Patton.
Chessalee 