UNIONDALE
On the N9. The name refers to the union of two villages to form the town. Founded in 1865 by the amalgamation of two village, Hopedale, laid out on the farm Rietvallei, established in 1856 and Lyon on a neighbouring farm established in 1860. It attained municipal status in 1881.
Dutch Reformed Church
Dutch Reformed Church – cnr Hood and Church St – The cornerstone was laid on 6 April 1883 by Rev JH Neethling and inaugurated on 12 September 1884 by rev WA Joubert. The church was designed by Carl Otto Haage. The old tower was demolished, and a new tower was built in 1908. Declared a National Monument on 15 July 1977.
Communion Houses (Nagmaal huisies)
Communion Houses (Nagmaal huisies), Hood St – these houses were used by the farmers as town houses when they came to town for the Sunday’s communion. Circa 1900. Were in use until the 1950’s.
All Saints Anglican Church
All Saints Anglican Church, 33 Voortrekker Rd – Built in 1869 and completed in 1876. The church was designed by Sophy Gray, wife of Bishop Gray of Cape Town. It was consecrated by Gray’s successor, bishop West Jones on 8 October 1876. (Bishop Gray died 1872), This building was declared a Heritage Site.
The English Cemetery
The English Cemetery – De Waal St (Behind the Anglican church) – Many English people established them in Uniondale, most were businessmen owners. The abundance of English people resulted in the arising of the Anglican congregation in 1876 leading to the English graveyard. Also graves of British soldiers who died in a skirmish with Commandant Gideon Scheepers and his men on Thomas Bain’s wapad on 18 August 1901. Declared a National Heritage site.
Congregational Church (DR Mission Church)
Congregational Church (DR Mission Church) – Cnr Voortrekker & Church St – built circa 1865. Thomas Hood of the London Missionary Society initiated the building of the mission church. The date on the gateposts, 1843, probably refers to the foundation of this mission congregation. The complex was declared a National Monument on 23 September 1988.
Congregational Mission School building,
Congregational Mission School building, Church St – part of the complex declared a National Monument on 23 September 1988
Businesses
Businesses, Voortrekker St- circa 1905
Police Station and Court House
Police Station and Court House, 51 Voortrekker St – built in 1891. Declared a national Heritage site.
House 35 Voortrekker St
House 35 Voortrekker St – now Uniondale Guest Lodge – declared a National Heritage site
Dwelling
Dwelling – gable dated 1930
Standard Bank
Standard Bank, 31 Voortrekker St cnr Aberdeen St – Dated 1906. – declared a National Heritage site
Old Bon Accord Hall
Old Bon Accord Hall – circa 1900 – This was the entertainment hall and were also used to house the cinema.
House 13 Voortrekker St
House 13 Voortrekker St – circa 1890 – the veranda/balcony is of timber
Old DR Church, Voortrekker St
Old DR Church, Voortrekker St – Also known as the Voortrekker hall – This was the first DR Church in Lyon. The building was built and consecrated on 17 November 1862. Declared a National Heritage site
Watermill
Watermill, just off Voortrekker St (R339) eastern end on bend. Gravel rd climbing hill and turning left – Built between 1852 and 1854 by JA van Rooyen. Largest known wheel in SA. Operated until the 1949. Adjoined by a miller’s quarters. In good condition. Declared a National Heritage site.
Uniondale Poort Pass
Uniondale Poort, mountain pass on the R339 between Avontuur on the R62and Uniondale. The road was built through the poort in 1925. A later road was tarred in 1960. The road was reconstructed and reopened in 2010.
ABW Fort
ABW Fort – on the hill – Erected during the ABW 1899-1902 by the British. Four similar structures were built, Declared a National Monument on 10 December 1976
