Orange Grove

Afrikaans name: Orange Grove

Orange Grove

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Orange Grove is one of the oldest suburbs of Johannesburg. It was originally known as "Lemoen Plaas" which is Afrikaans for "Orange Farm". The name originates from orange trees that were planted in the area by J.C. Esterhuizen. You may be surprised to hear that Mohandas Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi, stayed in Grove Road during his early years as a lawyer.

Orange Grove is served by a number of schools and is considered a good environment for a family. Unfortunately Patterson Park, which used to serve as a recreational area, has all but disappeared. All that remains is the bowls club building which is derelict.

Orange Grove has had an Italian influence since the 1960's when it was known as "Little Italy" because of the high number of Italian immigrants that set up home in the area.

On the corner of Louis Botha Avenue and 9th Street is the Radium Beerhall which is believed to be one of the oldest pubs in the Johannesburg area. It started out as a tea room but was run as a beerhall since the 1940's.

Share your thoughts about Orange Grove.

Above - Busy street in Orange Grove

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

For more info: Gauteng Tourism Authority

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