S1 - Ep 205 - Smithfield - The Third Oldest Town in the Free State!

As we arrived in Smithfield, we could see that this was a well-organised and very neat Free State town. Driving through the streets, the houses ranked among the nicest we have seen in any other town on our travels. It has its fair share of problems like most towns, but the community is clearly working hard to stay ahead so that they don’t end up like many of other little places which are way beyond repair. It was very interesting to find out that it is the third oldest town in the Free State. The old abandoned school hostel was a very interesting place to visit, not to mention the beautiful Town Hall, I can just imagine the dances and functions happening there in the 1930’s and 40’s. Then it was time for us to head to Mud Manna. What a fantastic place to stay for the night! I take my hat off to the host, she truly has vision and serious get-up-and-go! #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #smithfield #freestate
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[@hannahperlotto139]

Wow that school hostel is soooo beautiful. Just sooo SAD that they don't use those old building. They should put it up for sale. Rooms could be rented out to family's that has nothing!! 🤬 And off coz the floorboards were stolen. Who actually own this land and building??? Municipality?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I was also quite saddened by that building. We chatted to the neighbour across the street and she said the building belongs to the Department of Public Works, which is even more worrying. I find it puzzling that in some rooms the floorboards were completely removed, while in others they were completely intact. I agree with you, that building could surely be used for another purpose, especially with its solid structure. 😢🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jph8454]

The good news is that there is a community effort to fund raise and repurpose the building. It is going to become a frail care facility 😀

[@munesumangava9751]

Loving the greenery of Smithfields🥰👌

[@DustBugsTravel]

Smithfield was a revelation to us! Not only was it green, but the town has so much character and very friendly folks. It was a great first visit to this place! 😁🚗

[@kilimanjarobottom_up941]

I could see you avoiding potholes there. Must be hectic driving on those roads 😂. I'm now on the 3rd video - the first one garied dam, then bethulie. So, I'm with you on these trips

[@DustBugsTravel]

We have seen some of the worst potholes we've come across yet on this trip, there's no denying that. 🤷🏼‍♂️ But we had to get from one place to the other and when there's no gravel, we will dodge potholes if we have to! 😏🚗 Glad to hear you're along for the ride!

[@munesumangava9751]

The view from above of Mud Manor……exquisite 👌👌👌👌

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm always so happy when the wind allows me a window to fly the drone! Glad you enjoyed! 🤩🚗

[@deonzar]

Why do I start to get this feeling that we are seeing more interesting things in these small little Freestate towns than in our own Cape Province...🤔

[@DustBugsTravel]

😁 And I'm getting the feeling you're starting to understand why I followed my orange cheetah heart to the Free State this time around! 🧡🐆 I'm so happy you're enjoying these visits to the Southern Free State towns, plenty more to come! 🚗

[@sandragrobler2957]

I agree.

[@Afriqueleblanq]

We all fit onto a memory card so we all can ride in that fiesty little Kwid. Smithfield was a fresh breeze indeed. Kudos to the townsfolk for exemplary governance.

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're always very welcome in the Kwid, there is always room for you! 😁🚗 I love the word 'feisty' for the Kwiddie, that it is indeed! Smithfield was a very pleasant surprise, we didn't expect to find such a pretty town and we had a really good time. We appreciate you exploring with us!

[@munesumangava9751]

I like the tree lined roads, 👌👌👌

[@DustBugsTravel]

Agreed! Trees make such a big positive difference in any town! We just love them too! 🚗🌳

[@marialiebenberg3739]

Love it ☆😍 !

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we're happy that you enjoyed driving through Smithfield with us. 🤩🚗

[@samanthashepheard]

The first thing that came to mind when you walked into the mud house, is if fairies were real I can imagine that this is what their houses would look like. It's nice and different ❤it's special because #1 it's done from scratch with her own hands, time and effort, #2 your very rarely get mud houses these days. That mud house is built with love❤

[@annawitter5161]

Beautiful golden free state! Smithfield is still beautiful. It used to be quite an artist mecca. So lovely to once again see all the places I used to go. Thanks for letting me come with in your car. I have so enjoyed the art! Really this episode has been very special for me. Smithfield always reminds me of Mrs Smith, who was my very special teacher when I was in std 1. Talking of school, the graffiti in the old school building made me laugh...real bum job! I hope you are going to visit Dewetsdorp that is a place we often went to for train spotting and a picnic by the Caledon river just outside of town. Such a beautiful railway bridge, just want to see if its still there. WHAT IS THAT on top of the obelisk at the town hall? It looks like a horrible scary face!!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're so happy that you found the visit to Smithfield one that brought back special memories for you. Our host explained that quite a few artists have sadly left town already, but that young families have started to move in, which was encouraging to hear. 👌🏻 The angry face is actually an urn with a cloth draped over it. 😊🏛️ We did visit Dewetsdorp later on in our trip, but I don't think we saw the places you refer to. That video should be uploaded in the next week or two and you can check it out, hopefully for some more good memories. 😁🚗

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel The picnic place by the caledon rivier is just south of Wepner, there was a really awesome railway bridge there. We would photograph steam trains coming over

[@waynevanrensburg8037]

Love your work

[@zharkleroux387]

Thanks, love the Freestate

[@DustBugsTravel]

So do I, I realised it all over again as we went from town to town. Thank you so much for travelling with us. 😎🚗

[@andrewwilson3054]

This channel just keeps getting better !

[@DustBugsTravel]

That's a big compliment, thank you so much! 👌🏻🚗

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys your tour of Smithfield was amazing Mud Manor so quirky the little car looked like a noddy car from the kids books never get bored with the houses with the stoop at the front for me it is really a South African thing your stay only four minutes from the pub perfect I'm definitely getting the free state vibe lovely little town with bags of character the host who shows you around put the old Georgian window in the house recycling at its best thanks for a eye opening video cheerio till next time

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thanks again to both of you for jumping into the backseat as we travelled through this lovely town. We had a grand old time in Smithfield! From the fantastic houses to the fantastic dinner at the pub to the fantastic accommodation. Did I mention that everything was just fantastic? 😁 Our Noddy car looked just too cute in front of the mud house. So glad you also got the Free State vibe! 🧡🚗

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Beautiful Free State ❤️ wish I inherited a farm there.

[@desreconradie4106]

That old abandoned building, was my old School. It brings back so many memories to see it. Although so sad to see how it looks now.

[@kambrose1549]

Smithfield had very clean streets and well maintained curbs. There were brightly painted litter bins and it was a pleasure to visit. Good to see its still going strong. Loved mud Manor!!!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yes, I must say that Smitfield indeed seems to be going strong, for the most part. It was a pleasure to visit this town that we had hardly heard of before, if ever. Glad that our video brought back some good memories for you. Mud Manna (a very clever play on Manor 😁) is a great place to overnight and unique little nooks and crannies abound on this property. It was the perfect end to an exciting day of exploring. Thank you so much for travelling with us. 👌🏻🚗

[@craigadams2190]

My wife and I spent 2 nights in Springfield. We had 2 delightful suppers at the Lazy Likkewan. The owner (sadly, I can't remember his name) had an amazing collection of jazz vinyls. We kept in touch via Facebook but I haven't seen anything from him for a very long time. We had a great time there. Fond memories.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you for sharing that special recollection of your time in Smithfield. 🦎💿The Lazy Likkewaan was all chained up and looked fairly desolate to us, so we're not sure if it's still operational. I can believe you had some fun times there though, one could just get the vibe of the plaze with the quirky design and bright colours. I wonder if it sadly may have been another hospitality casualty of the pandemic. 😢🤷🏼‍♂️

[@amandafitschen1049]

Greg May was murdered in his home Lazy Likkewaan in April 2021.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@Amanda Fitschen That is terrible, we had absolutely no idea as we sat in front of the Lazy Likkewaan. 😢

[@craigadams2190]

@@amandafitschen1049 oh no. That is terrible. Absolutely terrible. He was such a fabulous character. We stayed at your place and you sent us to the Lazy Likkewan for supper and he sat with us and drank whiskey and listened to fabulous jazz. On our trip back from East London, we were so looking forward to going back. We talk about that place so often. I'm heartbroken. RIP Greg.

[@nceronio1]

The owner of the Lazy Likkewaan was murdered

[@sowyoung4559]

Wow I love that mud house. The scenery!! I haven't seen SA so green before. Lovely lil town. Thank you for taking us with you guys. I took a break from all these dead lines and due dates😫. They prick out all the nerves...🤣🤣🤣 'Hate them. Sending love all the way...be safe. ❤❤❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

How fantastic that we got to fill a break from deadlines and due dates. Ughh, travelling sounds so much better! 😁🚗 The mudhouse was awesome, we've never stayed in anything similar before, so it was great fun. The landscape after the recent rains in the area, was spectacularly beautiful with the green trees and the bright blue sky. Breathtaking. Thank you so much for exploring Smithfield with us. 😊

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Thank you for this history and artsy trip. How beautiful can those Free State flatlands be. Another town with tree lined streets - beautiful! The Smithfielders clearly took the time since they became the third oldest town in the Free State to spend on upkeep and decoration. I'm sure you were quite happy to replace your cuppa with a beer due to the load shedding? Looking forward to the next trip. Keep safe!

[@DustBugsTravel]

The Free State is indeed very beautiful and my heart is orange all over again after this trip! 🧡 We were super impressed with Smithfield and never expected it to be this beautiful a town. There are some very pretty properties amongst those gorgeous green trees, what a pretty sight that was. I replace my cuppa every evening with a cold one or three as I enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of each new place we visit. Loadshedding was a constant companion on this last trip and we had to wake up extra early some mornings to make sure we actually have hot water for a cuppa. That is not negotiable, you'll be happy to hear! 😁☕

[@frederikbrits9559]

Third oldest town in OFS after Philippolis and Windburg. In front of the magistrate building is the old navy canon "Grietjie", used for the last time in 1868 in the Basotho War......probably the abandoned building....? What happened to Grietjie? First president of the Free State, JP Hoffman died there in 1879......not sure where the grave is. General Christiaan de Wet was born on farm Leeukop, to the north of town

[@DustBugsTravel]

We have no idea what happened to Grietjie. 🤷🏼‍♂️ We drove around the morning we departed, looking for her at the Magistrate's Office, but she was nowhere to be found. The empty building we believe was a school hotel in its heyday. Another viewer's family member owns the farm Leeuwkop and we would love to arrange to pay the farm a visit when we travel in the area again. Thank you for the info, as always! 👌🏻🚗

[@Therusticrelic]

Last I heard old Grietjie was at the Museum

[@Therusticrelic]

Thank you for the great video on our town. However, I would just like to clarify that Buckley's is NOT the only place that offers meals during loadshedding. There are 3 other places in town that offer meals during load shedding: Nick's Place, The Greens Pub & Flip se Krip.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We're so glad to hear you enjoyed our video, thank you. 😊 We appreciate the clarification regarding the restaurants too. Just so you know, we stopped at Flip se Krip first, but was told by both a lady and a gentleman that they're NOT able to serve food during loadshedding, so since Buckley's was literally in the same road, we decided not to look further. The food was great and overall we had a fantastic visit to Smithfield. 😁🚗

[@Therusticrelic]

@@DustBugsTravel Thank you, now I know as well! Nick's Place & The Greens Pub both have generators

[@flodillon991]

Just enjoyed the Inn with the car that was partly made with stone great. Beautiful town with all the green trees its gorgeous. That hostel was really stripped bear. That accommodation was amazing something so different.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That hostel was actually very sad, I can only imagine what a grand building it was in its day. I could almost hear voices in the passages as I walked through. Smithfield is clearly a town with a lot of influence from artists and it was a joy to stay over in the mud house, certainly a first for us. The streets lined with trees we just loved, as we usually do! 🌳💚 We appreciate you watching!

[@munesumangava9751]

I’m also now in the habit of, if I see an old building, I want to know what it was used for/as😂😂😂😂 Thank you for these gems! They now fully occupy all my free time as I learn about these forgotten little places that are coming to life👍👌👌

[@DustBugsTravel]

At first we were only going to explore the backroads to places and then we started coming across all these abandoned buildings and it sort of evolved from there. Now we love exploring those too! They all must have such rich stories to tell, which are all but forgotten now. Happy to hear that you also find them intriguing! 🤩🏛️

[@desh7120]

Another truly delightful adventure! Thank you so much 🙏🏻😊

[@DustBugsTravel]

We had a fantastic time in Smithfield! Thank you for coming along! 🚗😁

[@aginn9506]

Hi guys a great little town, such a interesting history. I know that style of building as cobb housing. Done well is almost indistinguishable from normal housing but usually an earthy rustic look, still very nice though, and cheap. Was there no station? Or did I miss it

[@DustBugsTravel]

Funny you should ask about a station, we love it. 😁 I'm sure there must've been a station, but we didn't happen to drive past it and it didn't come up in any of the chats we had with our host or the locals, so really not sure where the station is / was in Smithfield. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Thank you for the info about cobb housing, we just thought it was so unique and makes for a very interesting, almost hobbit-like house. Glad you also thought Smitfield was a great town, we had a wonderful time! 🤩🚗

[@aginn9506]

@@DustBugsTravel have you ever been to Hogsback EC inspiration for Tolkien,s Lord Of the rings. There are some amaizing backpackers that used cobb in their structures, we also have a neighbor down the road with a good example of one(cobb house). But thats the extent of my knowledge. Safe travels thankyou for your reply

[@DustBugsTravel]

I've been to Hogsback several times, yes. I love that area of the Eastern Cape. I actually hitchhiked (Sonia calls it 'ran away') to Hogsback when I was a teenager and told that little story in Episode 203 if you missed it. 😁 I also hiked the Hogsback Mountain when I did part of the Amatola Trail. I can't recall seeing cobb houses there though, but will certainly keep my eyes peeled when I take Sonia there for the first time. 😁🛖

[@aginn9506]

@@DustBugsTravel yes I recall that story but back then cobb wasnt in fashion only more recently has that become more popular

[@vkaitakirwa]

I hate to see abandoned neglected beautiful old buildings.Should be repaired and repurposed

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're so right, I always think of what they must've looked like in their glory days. 🏛️😢

[@jph8454]

There is actually a community driven project starting to fix up the property. It is going to be a frail care facility.

[@DustBugsTravel]

@@jph8454 Fantastic news!

[@Therusticrelic]

Unfortunately it is not privately owned so it has been left to fall apart.

[@lettieolivier8127]

I am sure somewhere out there somebody can rescue this old building. Would it not be possible to purchase it privately? That town was my late dad's birth town. He was born in 1928.....

[@vaughangarrick]

An unexpected lovely town

[@mariusroos4146]

Very nice rown. Must be nice to live there. Thank you

[@DustBugsTravel]

Very pretty town indeed, it was such a joy to visit Smithfield. Our host said several young families have moved in to town, so I'm sure it's a great town to live in too. 🤩🚗

[@maureenwells7609]

A very interesting visit. Totally enjoyed the trip.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, we're so happy to have had you visit Smithfield with us! 😁🚗

[@kilmore44]

Really enjoy your adventures . My dad was born in Springfontein , therefore the interest. I love your choice of background music , very special . Well done folks

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much, we're so happy to hear that you enjoy watching our videos. The Southern Free State is a fascinating area and it was great fun to visit and explore. Glad you like the tunes too! I'm not sure if you've seen the video of our visit to Springfontein. If not, please check out Episode 203. We hope you enjoy that one too! 🚗😁

[@bonganimiya1310]

1st time I was in a farm around this town and last time I was in this area was November 2012.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It must've been a fantastic experience. We saw some pretty cool farms along the way as we were approaching and leaving town. 😁🚗

[@chrisjensen751]

Sonja when will we have the opportunity to see the face with the that beautiful voice 😂

[@DustBugsTravel]

My darling wife just doesn't want to appear in front of the camera with me. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I shall continue trying though. For now, her voice will just have to do. 😍

[@kosievandenberg2145]

Just love love love Smithfield

[@DustBugsTravel]

Ditto! 🤩🚗

[@elrico8806]

Hello Hello Hello.....greetings thank you for this awesome video.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Hello to you! 😎 Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed our visit to Smithfield, we appreciate you joining us on the road again! 🚗😁

[@jph8454]

Thank you for taking us on the journey with you ❤️

[@DustBugsTravel]

You're so very welcome, we love it that you came along! 😁🚗

[@landibredenhann3264]

Kosbaar! Pragtige video! Wonderlik om my ou grootworddorp deur die oë van vreemdelinge te sien. Ek wens so dat iemand wat die geskiedenis van Smithfield ken, kon saamry en agtergrond gee. Soveel pragtige plekke gemis! Baie dankie

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching our video. 😊 This may sound strange to you, but we prefer exploring through fresh eyes. It is never our goal to include every single place of interest in a specific town or place we visit, it is simply not possible. The moment we know too much and know exactly what and where everything is, the wonder is taken away if that makes any sense. We're tourists in our own country and just too grateful if we happen a few amazing things on our own and rely on our viewers to fill in the blanks. We hope our video brought back some good memories of your old hometown. 😁🚗

[@frederikbrits9559]

Karen ........ Grietjie the canon is not the same one as used at the Battle of Blood River......is not the same one in Voortrekker monument. Probably this one is in Bloemfontein War museum......hopefully

[@DustBugsTravel]

The info that Ou Grietjie is currently in the museum, is correct. Our research while in town indicated that Ou Grietjie was at the Magistrate's Offices and we went looking for her before we left town, but we couldn't find her. It turns out there is conflicting information online as far as the location of Ou Grietjie is concerned. I did a little more digging today and our host in Smithfield and eensgesind.com/die-smithfield-caledon-museum/ confirm that the cannon is currently housed in the first exhibit room of the Caledon River Museum in Smithfield. It is the original cannon that was used in the Basotho wars. It was restored about 35 years ago and mounted on a new timber base. The original base is also still exhibited. We will make a point of going to see Ou Grietjie when we're in Smithfield again. 💣 Thank you for always looking to provide the background info on our videos, it's so important and we really appreciate it. 👌🏻

[@phillipstothard]

Very nice and interesting video. It looks a lovely place. Do people use solar panels there for power?

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed our video of Smithfield. 😁 There were no solar panels at the time of our visit to the mudhouse, loadshedding affected us full-on. 🔦 We didn't specifically notice any solar panels either while driving through the town, but we weren't looking for them, so could easily have missed them. 🤷🏼‍♂️🚗

[@hannahperlotto139]

Oooooo julle daardie Huis!!!! The one you stayed in. Mud house!!!! I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Sonia eks ook kat mens😻😻😻I will HAVE to go visit Smithfield and let that lady teach me how to do that!!!! Your dinner looked so romantic.

[@DustBugsTravel]

That loadshedding dinner was actually very nice! It was so dark all around and quite a cool experience! We loved the mud house too! Such a quirky and unique place, we just had to check it out. The owner will be just too happy to tell you all about it, so do stay over when you're in the area in the future. Don't get Sonia started with cats. 😍 Our nest is empty now and that's why we can travel as often as we do, but she will adopt four more if I give her half a chance! 😻 Thank you for visiting Smithfield with us! 🚗

[@christaelindsay]

Was so happy to see your Smithfield visit and thought maybe you will visit Rouxville en Alawal North too. That is were my Father's family originated from in the district of Rouxville. My greatgrandfather was a Stormberg Rebel in the Boerwar and he died of food poisening in the field. His name is on a memorial at the NG Church in Alawal North. Christiaan Johannes van Wyk. I am keeping my eyes on your travels in that area of the Free State. Like my Dad used to say from what part of the Free State are you? You were raised in Bloemfontein, but where did your family came from?

[@DustBugsTravel]

We did indeed visit Rouxville on this trip, but didn't make it to Aliwal North this time. We'll include it and the church on a future visit back to the area. You can look forward to our Rouxville video very, very soon and I hope you enjoy that one just as much! 😁 I wasn't born in the Free State, but in Alice in the Eastern Cape. I will always think of myself as a Free Stater though because I lived there for 15 years as a young lad. My heart is still very much that of a cheetah and will always be! 🧡🐆 My father and both my siblings were all born in Bloemfontein. We so appreciate you travelling along with us as we explore this part of the Free State, I can hear that it's very close to your heart too.

[@lenhunter2719]

The Lazy Likkewaan was owned by a lifelong friend of mine - Gregory May. He moved there from Northdene, Queeensburg, KZN in 2009 after his wife passed. Greg was murdered on the evening of 14 April 2021 in the Lazy Likkewaan for his cell phone, a few days before his 70th birthday.

[@monicasteyn9399]

The building you asked about at 11:16 was a girls hostel.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much for letting us know. 👌🏻 What a magnificent building that must've been back in the day. 😍

[@fwdadventuresza254]

Another very interesting episode! Quite a beautiful town with a bit of urbex thrown in for good measure 😆 sad to see buildings in that state but it is, I feel, South Africa's new landscape, unfortunately 😥.

[@DustBugsTravel]

'South Africa's new landscape' is a very good way to describe what we see in almost every small town we visit. The decline of what must've been very beautiful buildings in the past, is tough to see sometimes. I found the school hostel particularly sad, mainly because of what the building must've meant to its inhabitants at some point in the past and, as importantly, what it could be in today's day and time, if there were just a will and the necessary funds I suppose. 😏 Despite the sadness I felt with this particular building, it was still a great visit to a great little town and there are some beautiful streets with well looked-after properties, which was extremely encouraging to see. Thank you for jumping in the back seat! 😁🚗

[@fwdadventuresza254]

@@DustBugsTravel absolutely! Not everything is negative, fortunately, we still live in an amazing country despite the challenges 👍🏻🤝🏼

[@bernardbotha5274]

Ek wag in geanimeerde suspensie dat julle die N6 noord vir ongeveer 70 km volg en dan by Reddersburg uitkom. Ons spog met met twee sandsteen kerke, albei in Boshoff straat, die een is die NG kerk en dan die Gereformeerde kerk met sy twee torings

[@DustBugsTravel]

😁 This trip was a few weeks ago already and we're back home, working during the day and editing our videos in the evenings. We indeed visited Reddersburg, you don't have too long to wait until we upload that video in the next week or two. I hope you enjoy our travels and seeing your town through our eyes. 🤩🚗

[@AndrewJohnClive]

❤👍🏽

[@DustBugsTravel]

👌🚗

[@funkdunk]

Congratulations 👏 on reaching (and now surpassing) the 1 million views milestone...you're shooting for the stars 🌟 just like Elon se Rockets 🚀

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you so much! 😁 We're blown away by all the views, it's fantastic! So happy that you're on this journey with us, whether in a rocket or in a Kwid! 🚀🚗

[@carolgoergens9275]

I live in Maryland and it’s called the free state

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

I don't have a bank card.