ONE OF A KIND ITEM! A 1000-page volume in good condition for its age. 1928/1929! The historical information is priceless! Last remaining volumes listed this week.
"Letter Books" (Copy books) was used by the legal profession etc. during the 1800's and the first part of the 1900's. Some of these volumes contains up to 1000 pages and provide historians with a gold mine of information with regard to "what went on" in those days. Copies of typewritten correspondence were meticulously kept up to date in these volumes. The paper inside these books is usually of a high-quality type and it survived the decades brilliantly. Tears are few and far between. Age related imperfections should be expected.
Of note is correspondence concerning Mr AA Bassil of the Good Hope Cafe who claimed 14/3 from a Mr Burger in Prieska. Dated 14 November 1928. This proves that Mr Bassil was in Victoria West before the generally believed date of 1929. His naturalisation and oath of allegiance was processed 1n January 1929. Mr Aristides Bassil was originally from Samos, a Greek island. He took over the Good Hope Cafe, added a "bioscope" and opened the Apollo theatre in 1957. A first in the Great Karoo! "Cinemascope" films could be shown! The theatre opened with a screening of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". Part of the original Apollo still exist. Mr Bassil was without doubt on of the most successful businessmen in town. He passed away in 1973.
Page 946 contains interesting information concerning a Mr Dayalji Galal and his difficulties in receiving permission to return to South Africa from Bombay. Victoria West had a thriving Indian community in those days - all families long gone. Some graves, notably that of a Mr Manga can still be found here. He was a much-loved shopkeeper in the main street. On 7 March 1929 Mr Galal was informed that his application to return to South Africa was denied.
Page 151 - Correspondence dated 27 November 1928 and addressed to the Director of Air Forces at Roberts Heights, Pretoria. The Major of Victoria West was unimpressed that the Royal Air Force chose Beaufort West for landing and not the Victoria West Aerodrome.
Page 113 - Reference to Mr M Jocum. He was the president of the Hebrew Congregation at Victoria West. The congregation was housed in the former public library at the time. The local Jewish community are long gone and only graves remain.
Page 614 - Correspondence to Mrs AH Morake at Wilberforce University in Ohio, USA. An interesting subject for further study.
The volume contains an insight into the history of Victoria West and surrounding areas from the perspective of an attorney's office and should be of great value to historians, especially those interested in the Great Karoo. Preservation of these volumes are of the greatest importance. If not preserved a part of Karoo history will be lost forever. There is unfortunately no interest whatsoever locally.
Successful bidders are requested to please complete checkout procedures and make payment within 48 hours of sale.
Please note that Victoria West is situated in a remote area of the Northern Cape (Great Karoo). Couriers call here twice per week. This will have an effect on delivery times.
