Durban Club

A Brief History of the Durban Club from 1854In May 1854 Durban had a population of 1,204 settlers which meant that it qualified to be elevated to the status of a Borough. On 14 June 1854, 20 prominent Durban residents signed an agreement to form the first D'Urban Club, named after Sir Benjamin D'Urban, Governor of the Cape Colony. The newly formed club was to be used for the playing of billiards, chess and as a reading and newsroom.In February 1855 a piece of land was purchased in Smith Street from the widow Strydom for the princely sum of £15. The clubhouse they built was a wood and thatch structure measuring by. The walls and "bafta" ceilings were covered in Sanderson's wallpaper. The ground was hardened with lime refuse and the property was enclosed with of post and rail fencing.In 1861 the members decided that a new, more permanent clubhouse needed to be built. They bought a piece of land adjoining the first clubhouse for £1,045 and a new double story clubhouse was built. The Natal Mercury of October 2, 1863 described it "The new club, with its handsome pilastered front, is taken altogether, the finest building in town." In 1879 the club was extended by duplicating the frontage of the building westward with a porch and vestibule in between. The new wing replaced the old wood and thatch building which had housed the billiard room and library.In 1898 plans were drawn for a new club to be built on land bought for £8,000 behind the existing clubhouse. The Second Boer War broke out in 1899 and work was delayed until October 1900. The present clubhouse was finally completed and occupied in January 1904. The new clubhouse is of Edwardian, free Renaissance style with capitals, arches, pilasters and mouldings. The hardwood doors in the main foyer had to be carved on the curve and the staircase, with its modern hand joined balustrade was greatly admired. The beautifully carved fireplaces are fully functional.