'The Atlantic Sun', 1981
Tags: South Africa Cape Town Mouille Point The Doll's House Drive-in Restaurant
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This 1982 Weekend Argus photograph was reproduced from a PDF file which is of very poor quality. I've just about managed to decipher the accompanying text and have transcribed it as follows:
It was a rendevous for generations of lovers, a spot where parliamentarians grabbed a snack after late sessions, and a haven for hungry seagulls. But now Cape Town's oldest roadhouse has closed and a piece of the city's history has died.
The Doll House will be torn down next week and a seven-storey office block will rise in its place.
But the memory of the double storied white building with its tall red roof and dormer windows will linger in the minds of students who worked there to raise their university fees and the thousands of people who stopped for a hamburger and chips after a late night out, or for a cup of coffee before work.
Among the visitors was Philip Blaiberg, the world's second heart transplant patient, said Darlene St George, herself part of the organisation since her father built the Cape Town Doll House in 1938. "Mr Blaiberg chose us for his non-hospital meal after the operation", said Darlene. "He ordered a chicken sandwich and a cup of Horlicks. It was the one place where he could remain in an enclosed space relatively safe from germs, that could have endangered his life".
The Seafarer disaster was memorable for the staff of the Doll House. Business soared for weeks and they produced 10 times as much food as usual. But running the roadhouse was tough. "My husband Kelvin regularly worked from 10 am to 2 am which meant he never saw the children", said Darlene.
South Africa's Doll House chain was begun in 1935 (?) by two Americans, Evan Wright and Layton Alridge. Darlene's father, Dan Wanberg built the Cape Town Doll House as the seventh branch in the country.
When World War 2 broke out, the Americans went home. Dan Wanberg had a heart attack which crippled him until his death in 1943. This left his wife Teddie with the business to manage and two daughters to rear.
he coped, and in 1957 handed over to her to her daughters and their husbands. But if Cape Town feels nostalgic at the passing of its landmarks, the St Georges don't.
"Frankly we're relieved. We're ready to retire and now our children are busy with other things", said Darlene.
Tags: South Africa Cape Town Mouille Point The Doll's House Drive-in Restaurant
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Tags: South Africa Cape Town Chapmans Peak Drive
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From the Cape Times, 1928
Tags: South Africa Cape Town City Hall Sepia Tone
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The Cape Times Saturday 10th November 1928
Tags: South Africa Cape Town The Grand Parade
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