Your guide to Heidelberg Gauteng
#83 Merz Street
Heritage Blue Plaque #Nr 53
83 Merz Street
What is the story here?
Father John Pagan was born on April 30, 1844 in Penford, Dumfrieshire, Scotland. He got married to Margaret Wilson. Margaret was born on February 22, 1847. The Pagans were part of the founding members of the Heidelberg Presbyterian Church. John Pagan died while on holiday at Sea Point, Cape Colony. Pagan is buried with Margaret in the Heidelberg Kloof Cemetery.
Article from the 10th August 2022 edition of the Heidelberg/Nigel Herald written by Eugene Viljoen –
On August 5, Tony Burisch of the Heidelberg Heritage Association awarded the latest blue plaque for Heritage at the property at 83 Merz Street, Heidelberg. The blue plaque that is awarded to the house is no. 53 in the series.
The Owner Mr Douw Steyn and family have been staying in the house since 2001. The sponsor of the blue plaque is Mr Theo Muller. According to the Book Geskiedenis van Heidelberg 1836 – 1877 the first owner of the property was Mr. van Staden. Then a Mr Driel took ownership of the property. Mr James Pagan was also one of the owners of the property. James Pagan was the son John Pagan. In 1920 Pagan subdivided the property into two stands.
There was a lane between the two properties to gain access to the stables at the back for the removal of rubble at night. There are still visible signs of the original stables dating back to a time when horses were kept there before houses were built. Pagan was friends with another influential Heidelberger William McLaren. In 1871 they opened and ran a store in Heidelberg in competition to Heinrich Ueckermann.
