A History of Harry Jacks Midlands Meander Restaurant

By: Gary Mortimer
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:59
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The story of Harry Jack is in fact quite simple, not made of legend or fancy, but rather of family ties and respect. Harry was a farmer of scale not much more than subsistence.

His means of livelihood were often superseded by his passion for life, which after having served King and country during World War 2, was abounded. Family came first, and after the days duties were dispensed with, Harry would retire to his barn, to ferment, brew or distill whatever was available; from marigold wines to odious bitters, Harry Jack would cultivate these precious liquids.

Whenever time came for tasting, Harry’s Barn would be open to all. Friends and locals arrived and the old gabled barn soon became a hub of village politics and gossip. Glasses were chinked and platters brought forth from the old farmhouse kitchen. Merriment and spirit abounded during these long lazy days, and Harry’s hospitality earned him respect and recognition.

When Harry Jack sold his farm in 1980 and retired to the nearby coastal town of Seaford, his freinds held one last get together in the old barn.

In memory of Harry Jack and because he was the Great Grandad, we hoped to name our first born… but the name didn’t quite suit a little girl! So in time we named the next best thing.

Welcome to Harry Jack’s where legendary hospitality lives on. Situated in a delightful heritage building at 118 Main Street, Howick, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

The building was built by the late James Buchanan Snr, who came out from Scotland as a young man during the Zulu war years and opened up a blacksmith Shop where the White House Hotel stands today. He employed twenty one hands and turned out a new wagon every week.

Mr Buchanan was a master craftsman of repute and some of the Pietermaritzburg blacksmiths used to send for him to balance their new wagons.

Later on he bought five acres of land higher up on Main Street and had a house built, the bricks being handmade on the property. He then transferred his blacksmith shop. He also built a maize meal mill, where he used to grind meal for the farmers.

The building has been restored, and boasts all of its original features.

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