“Ever wondered whether there was a time when Johannesburg’s roads weren’t packed with speeding cars?” This is the question that the James Hall Museum of Transport answers. Right here we stand before a treasure. It is a trove of information that deals with over a hundred years of land transport.
The James Hall Museum of Transport shows our city’s rich history. It is dedicated to preserving the history of land transport in Johannesburg for posterity. The museum was established in February 1964. The late Jimmie Hall founded it together with the City of Johannesburg.
Step inside the James Hall Museum of Transport. Generations of youngsters can see the many ways their grandparents got around. They can see how their great-grandparents travelled the city and country all those years ago. This museum is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in South Africa.
The James Hall Museum of Transport gives visitors a rare glimpse of Johannesburg’s transport history. It dates back more than a century. The museum has thematic displays and exhibits in various halls. The fabulous collection includes animal-drawn vehicles from 1870 to 1910. There are bicycles and motorcycles from 1786 to 1960. You can also see buses and coaches.
Look around and you will see fire engines and equipment from 1877 to 1960. Spot the motor cars from 1900 to 1980. There are even steam-driven vehicles. Do not miss the trams and trolley buses from 1896 to 1986.
There is a fascinating collection of memorabilia at the James Hall Museum of Transport. Artefacts and special interest vehicles are on display. See the extremely rare and exciting steam vehicle collection. Children will be in awe of the museum’s collection. They will love the animal-drawn carts and ox-wagons. Bicycles, coaches and motorbikes await. Steam locomotives and electric cars are here. There are also fire engines and other self-propelled vehicles.
The bicycle display includes penny-farthings. You can also see a tandem and tricycles. Other remarkable items include rickshaws. They were used in Johannesburg until 1967. Horse-drawn trams were still in use at the turn of the last century. The last electric double-decker tram ran through parts of Johannesburg in 1961.
The James Hall Museum of Transport also showcases early motorcycles. These combined the principles of the bicycle and the internal combustion engine. Visitors can see a luxurious private coach from 1905. Fire fighting vehicles like the 1913 Merryweather Steam pump are here. There is also a 1959 Mayoral Rolls Royce.
In conjunction with the City Council, James “Jimmie” Hall founded the museum in 1964. Hall was a car enthusiast. He had a special interest in vintage models. The oldest motorcar on display is a 1900 Clement Panhard. Peter Hall, son of Jimmie, was head of the museum until he retired in 2012. Peter honoured his father’s legacy. He did so by collecting and preserving vintage cars.
The James Hall Museum houses a collection of over 2500 items. It is the largest of its kind in South Africa. The museum appeals to a cross section of society. School children learn about the history of transportation. Enthusiasts come from all over South Africa and overseas.
The entrance to the James Hall Museum of Transport is free. Donations are welcome. A trip here is a must for anyone keen on vehicles or history. It is great for anyone wanting to meander through a sector of South Africa’s past. Take some time to visit. Find out more about the history of land transportation.