1950s Matjiesfontein Souvenir Apron, South Africa

This teal half apron is an original 1950s souvenir from Matjiesfontein in South Africa, a period shaped by apartheid and now of high interest to collectors of historical and political era memorabilia. The front features the crest and name of James D. Logan and Co. Ltd.. James Douglas Logan was the founder and principal developer of Matjiesfontein. His company created and promoted the village as a luxury railway stop and Victorian health resort, and souvenirs branded with his company’s crest were sold to travelers who visited the settlement.

Waistband 15 3/4" (add on string lengths for 50"+)
Each tie length is 25"
Width at widest 18 1/2"
Length 17 1/2"

Condition: see images displaying small pin holes on the waistband at the sides, minor stains.

Matjiesfontein itself was established in 1884 by Logan, a Scottish railwayman who transformed the remote settlement into a fashionable spa destination known for its grand hotels, cricket connections, and literary and political history. The village later became a National Heritage Site in 1975 for its well preserved nineteenth century architecture. Its past includes early international cricket tours, the residency of writer Olive Schreiner, use as a fortified base during the Boer War, and involvement in major political events such as the aftermath of the Jamieson Raid and significant wartime tribunal proceedings.

This apron is a rare surviving textile from the mid twentieth century tourist era of Matjiesfontein and offers both decorative charm and notable historical depth. It is ideal for collectors of vintage textiles, South African history, colonial era memorabilia, railway heritage, or apartheid era artifacts.

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