WA 00012 Chris Smit
Dates: 1890 – 1970
Brief historical background:
Chris Smit was hugely active in Wakkerstroom from about 1955. He was served on the town council for 27 years during which he was mayor for some years.
His passion for the history of the area, both cultural and natural, led him to compile extensive documentation in the form of newspaper articles, publications, photographs and thesis, much of which is found here. He was particularly passionate about the Anglo-Boer War and was instrumental in a number of reinactments that were performed in the village and surrounding areas over time. His passion and knowledge of the war and the history of the village also led him to present a number of talks in his old age. These were recorded and can be found in this collection.
Collection summary: this collection comprises of administrative documentation generated while Chris Smit was mayor of Wakkerstroom and also that were collected by him prior to his office as mayor. Some documents date back to the late twentieth century with a few even earlier. Personal collections of articles, photographs and miscellaneous items of interest that were compiled over the years by Chris Smit are also housed here. Maps and ground plans form Section B and need to be sorted. Section D are the recordings of his talks that he gave to residents while he was still alive
The collection was donated by Chris Smit’s daughter Marlene Smit after he passed in 2020. The recordings were compiled by Rita Wiesemann and Carol Preston. Collection sorted by Carol Preston, Chris Voets, Frances Kendall and Pieter Nel.