Your guide to Heidelberg Gauteng
#Mr Blyth's Residence
Heritage Blue Plaque #Nr 55
MR BLYTH'S RESIDENCE - 2 Van Der Westhuizen Street
What is the story here?
According to the “Geskiedenis van Heidelberg” the property belonged to George Kinnear Blyth (1863 – 1912). Blyth’s parents were David Henderson and Sophia Catharina Kinnear. George Kinnear Blyth was born June 14, 1863 in Beaufort West and died May 24, 1912 in Heidelberg. He had 10 brothers and sisters. George was the second oldest of the brothers and sisters. George got married to Anna Emily Becker on May 5, 1896 in Ladismith. Anna Emily Becker was born on March 8, 1875 in Ladismith. They had six children together.
Article in the 24th August 2022 edition of the Heidelberg/Nigel Herald by Eugene Viljoen
On August 19, Tony Burisch, Heidelberg Heritage Association awarded the lastest blue plaque for Heritage to Mr Blyth’s Residence. The plaque is no 55.
The sponsors of the blue plaque is Hans and Erika Prigge. The current owners have stayed at the house for five years already. Blyth’s Residence is at 2 Van der Westhuizen street, Heidelberg. It is believed that the house could have been built in the 1890s.
George Blyth was an accountant by trade as well as a legal agent in Heidelberg. It is possible that he came to Heidelberg due to the discovery of gold and made Heidelberg his home.
In the days that Blyth was alive he was considered as one of the wealthy Heidelbergers. He was one of the founding committee members of the Heidelberg Club. Heidelberg Club is the oldest club in Heidelberg. The Heidelberg Club opened in 1897.
Blyth is buried in the Heidelberg Kloof Cemetery together with his son Heinie. Heinie died on March 6, 1912. After George’s death, Anna and her family relocated to Ladysmith. Anna Blyth died on June 7, 1950.
