1953 HA 014a Leake lays Foundation Stone
Sans titre1953BC_0016: BC Address by Rev Dr Webb at the laying of the Foundation Stone of the Chapel.
legend:
Seated to the left are Mr and Mrs Mears and Rev Ambrose Reeves; to the righ: Mr Gilbert Tucker, Mr Leake, and Rev Arnold J Walker.
1953BC_00019: Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Chapel - Charles H Leake lays the foundation stone (wide view)
Sans titreDeed setting out the founding of the College: cover page
Sans titreThe Collection consists of 2 albums, a box of correspondence and a few loose printed items and photographs. These include:
1) Printed items, particularly those relating to the Rand Aid Association of which Leake was a longstanding chairman and Methodist Churches in Johannesburg. Some brochures refer to Mountcollins House, which was named after Leake's association with the founding benefactors of the College;
2) Monochrome photographs including formal portraits, family photographs and incidental photographs;
3) Newspaper cuttings mostly related to the contribution that Leake made over his many years of involvement in the College, in the Rand Aid Association and the Methodist Church as well as a few social occasions;
4) Artefacts include Leake's passport and cards used to promote his candidacy in a Transvaal provincial election.
5) Correspondence acknowledging Leake's contribution to the development of Johannesburg and the Rand Aid Association.
6) Original certificates and licences issued to Leake and dating back to 1896.
7) Documents of the Wesleyan Church Trust.
Brief extract which includes biographical details of his origins and involvement in civic life in Johannesburg up to 1926. The latest date mentioned in the extract has been used to estimate its date. It's format indicates that it is likely to have been cut from a Who's Who volume. The biography includes the address at which he resided in Westcliff.
Sans titreFormal portrait photograph of Leake. It is estimated to have been taken prior to the opening of the College in 1953 and relative to later photographs, possibly in the early 1940s.
Sans titrePamphlet issued by Leake in support of his candidacy in the 1920 provincial election.
The pamphlet ends with the words "I have the honour to be, Gentleman, Yours truly, Chas. H. Leake" indicating that it was only men that were entitled to vote at that time.
Laying the Foundation Stone of the Young People's Department. [NC] The Star 25th March,1935.
Adhered onto exercise book paper.
Banquet and Dance in Celebration of the Marriage of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Princess Ingrid of Sweden [programme cover]
Leake served as the Norwegian Consul at the time
Retirement of Mr. C. H. Leake: Norwegian Consul for 10 years. [NC] The Star, 5/8/1938.
The image of the page to which the article has been adhered also includes a newspaper photograph of cycling in Norway and 3 seals embedded in sealing wax.
Valuable work of the Rand Aid Association [NC] 1944. The photograph identifies Leake and the Minister of Welfare and Demobilisation. at Wedge Farm, part of the Rand Aid Association's properties supported by the Chamber of Mines.
Valuable work of the Rand Aid Association [NC] 1944, part 1. The photograph identifies Leake and the Minister of Welfare and Demobilisation. at Wedge Farm, part of the Rand Aid Association's properties supported by the Chamber of Mines.
Tourist Passport 25719. Union of South Africa. Charles H. Leake. Issued on 21st May, 1941. The passport includes Leake's date of birth (17/7/1867) and stamps that indicate a trip to Southern Rhodesia in July, 1941.
Sans titreTourist Passport 25719. Union of South Africa. Charles H. Leake. Issued on 21st May, 1941. The passport includes Leake's date of birth (17/7/1867) and stamps that indicate a trip to Southern Rhodesia in July, 1941 [content 002]
Sans titreRand Provident Building Society. 56th Annual Report, 1946, page 2
Sans titreBerea Methodist Church. Fifty Golden Years 1904 - 1954: content
Sans titreThere's another side to the Golden City [NC] The Outspan 18 Nov 1949, part 2
Article written by Leake for the publication on the social welfare situation in Johannesburg in the post-war years and the work of the Rand Aid Association.
Churchman's 30 years at the head of city's greatest social welfare organisation [NC] Christian Recorder 25th July 1952
Sans titreChurchman's 30 years at the head of city's greatest social welfare organisation [NC] Christian Recorder 25th July 1952, part 1
Sans titre1898 - 1948 Clifton Methodist Church. Jubilee celebrations, 7th - 8th March, 1948
Sans titreClifton Methodist Church. Jubilee 1898 - 1948
Sans titreClifton Methodist Church. Jubilee 1898 - 1948: cover
Sans titre1951 Leake's granddaughter's wedding [NC] The Star 5th November 1951
Sans titreRand Aid Association Annual Report 1955: pages 2-3
Sans titre1954c. Leake at unidentified function
Sans titreJohannesburg Publicity Association Thirty Second Annual Report, 1957. Includes obituary to Leake.
Sans titreA small collection of quotations identified as follows:
"Real kindness means ...". The source of this quotation cannot be identified.
"Life, like war, is a series of mistakes; and he is not the best Christian nor the best general who makes the fewest false steps. Poor mediocrity may secure that; but he is the best who wins the most splendid victories by the retrieval of mistakes. Forget mistakes; organize victory out of mistakes.“ Frederick William Robertson, 1895 [Source: https://quotepark.com]
"There is no wealth but life. Life, including all its powers of love, of joy, and of admiration. That country is the richest which nourishes the greatest numbers of noble and happy human beings; that man is richest, who, having perfected the functions of his own life to the utmost, has also the widest helpful influence, both personal, and by means of his possessions, over the lives of others.“ John Ruskin, 1860. [Source: https://quotepark.com/quotes]
"Twelve things to remember" is derived from an essay written by Bessie A. Stanley of Lincoln, Kansas. Here is an article about her essay that was published in the Emporia Gazette of Emporia, Kansas on December 11, 1905 [Source: https://quoteinvestigator.com/]
"Not what we have, but what we use ..." is a quote from Joseph Fort Newton (1880 – 1950) [Source: https://www.preaching.com/articles/past-masters/joseph-fort-newton/]
Motto: "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Stephen Grellet 1773–1855 [Source: https://www.oxfordreference.com/]
This last quotation is headed Motto and reflects the life that Leake led.
Sans titre1896 CHL Field Cornet certificate.
Issued at the time that Dutch was still used as the official language of the Transvaal Republic.
"The rank of field cornet (veldkornet) was used for the senior officer of a ward or sub-district in the independent republican states of the Transvaal and Oranje-Vrystaat in late 19th century South Africa. They were elected by the commandos of their ward for periods of three years." (Source: Wikipedia)
1906 CHL Firearm licence
The licence was issued to Leake for a Hollis double-barreled shotgun, indicative of the safety atmosphere of the early years of Johannesburg.
1922 CHL Certificate of competence to drive a motor car No: 23055, issued in the name of C H Leake.
Sans titre1937 CHL Licence to possess a firearm 58852. Issued by the Union in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1937.
Sans titreCharles Hobson Leake Esq. J P [biographical notes providing his birth date, spouse, residence, employment and associative details.
The biographical notes appear to have been compiled and written for a display as the 3 pages are edged with old sellotape marks.
Charles Hobson Leake Esq. J P [biographical notes providing his birth date, spouse, residence, employment and associative details.]
The biographical notes appear to have been compiled and written for a display as the 3 pages are edged with old sellotape marks.
Charles Hobson Leake Esq. J P [biographical notes providing his birth date, spouse, residence, employment and associative details.]
The biographical notes appear to have been compiled and written for a display as the 3 pages are edged with old sellotape marks.
Prose writing, unidentified. Sellotape marks indicate that the document could have been displayed at some stage. Similar items are included in the Leake Collection albums.
Sans titre1935c Leake arrives at the completed church
Other photographs identify the stone as being laid in memory and at the bequest of CH Leake's brother Orlando Leake.
1935c Leake distributes to the children
Sans titre1945c Leake with his 1935 Chrysler Airstream Convertible.
The car was identified courtesy Courtney Watson (BC staff).
The Matoppo Inn is believed to be the one still in existence in Beaufort West. (Subject to verification).
1950c Leake and Mrs Leake on the steps of their home in The Valley Road, Westcliff.
Sans titre1953 Leake at College Official Opening
Sans titreRand Aid Association: The Sixty-fourth Annual Report 1967 - 1968
Sans titreRand Aid Association: The Sixty-sixth Annual Report 1969 - 1970.
The cover of this report pictures Mount Collins House, a charity financed by Charles Leake and named after his great friends: William Mountstephens and Albert Collins, founders of St Stithians.
Rand Aid Association: The Sixty-sixth Annual Report 1969 - 1970: content
The content of this report includes a section on Mount Collins House, a charity financed by Charles Leake and named after his great friends: William Mountstephens and Albert Collins, founders of St Stithians.
The Ever Open Door: Rand Aid Association: Opening of the new hall at Mount Collins, 18th November 1970 [invitation and programme]
Mount Collins House, is a charity financed by Charles Leake and named after his great friends: William Mountstephens and Albert Collins, founders of St Stithians.
The Ever Open Door: Rand Aid Association: Opening of the new hall at Mount Collins, 18th November 1970 [invitation and programme] content
Mount Collins House, is a charity financed by Charles Leake and named after his great friends: William Mountstephens and Albert Collins, founders of St Stithians.
Rand Aid Association: Thirty-second Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 30th June, 1934
Sans titre1953BC_00012: Laying of the Foundation Stone of the Chapel - Charles H Leake lays the foundation stone
Sans titreThe physical album was compiled from photographs, newspaper cuttings, programmes etc. reflecting the life and contribution of Leake.
Sans titreFormal portrait photograph of Leake. It is dated from the same image as used on his campaign card for his candidacy for the 1920 Transvaal provincial election. At this time, Leake would have been 51 years old.
Sans titreNewspaper cutting featuring the 'pioneer firm' for which Leake was associated for most of his working life and including details of Leake's professional life.
Sans titreThe coat of arms is placed adjacent to the programme detailed in item 009 and is presumed to have come either from the event or from Leake's time as Consul. Leake served as the Norwegian Consul from 1928 - 1938.
For further details on the Norwegian coat of arms see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Norway
There's another side to the Golden City [NC] The Outspan 18 Nov 1949
Article written by Leake for the publication on the social welfare situation in Johannesburg in the post-war years and the work of the Rand Aid Association.
There's another side to the Golden City [NC] The Outspan 18 Nov 1949, part 3
Article written by Leake for the publication on the social welfare situation in Johannesburg in the post-war years and the work of the Rand Aid Association.
1953 Leake and group at College Official Opening.
The group is standing in front of the plaque erected in the BC entrance portico to commemorate the official opening of the College in 1953.
Rand Aid Chairman and Minister [NC] The Star, c. May 1950 (date not fully identified)
Sans titre1957 Leake obituaries [NCs] The Star 20th April 1957, Rand Daily Mail 22nd April 1957
Sans titreLeake's blotter containing reverse images of his signature.
[Blotting paper, dating back to the 15th century was used in the days of dip pens or fountain pens to absorb excess ink. It was a common sight on a gentleman's desk, often in a leather or similar frame. A sheet of blotting paper was also an essential piece of school stationery to prevent smudging up until the advent of the ballpoint pen. Note added by MR]
1956 Johannesburg. Office of the Mayor letter to C H Leake 27th September 1956 regarding the award of a medal to Leake.
Sans titre20 loose photographs of Charles Leake, his family and events relating to his brother.
Some photographs can be dated, but some are undated and therefore dates are estimated.
1935c Leake inspects the girl-guide guard of honour
Sans titre1940c Leake family group in garden 001
Sans titre1940c Leake in his garden 002
Sans titre1940c Leake in his garden 003
Sans titre1953 Leake addresses congregation after laying of Chapel Foundation Stone
Sans titre1953 Chapel Leake lays Foundation Stone 001
Sans titre1953 College Opening group 003
Sans titreDeed setting out the founding of the College
Sans titreDeed setting out the founding of the College: contents
Sans titrePostcard pamphlet issued by Leake in support of his candidacy in the 1927 provincial election.
The pamphlet requests the support of voters for Leake.
It appears that Leake was not successful in being elected.
Postcard pamphlet issued by Leake in support of his candidacy in the 1927 provincial election.
The pamphlet requests the support of voters for Leake.
It appears that Leake was not successful in being elected.
Postcard pamphlet issued by Leake in support of his candidacy in the 1927 provincial election (verso).
The pamphlet requests the support of voters for Leake.
It appears that Leake was not successful in being elected.
Johannesburg's Golden Future. A Rand Pioneer Industry. Messrs. W.F. Johnstone and Company's enterprise [NC] The Star 12th July 1924
Newspaper cutting featuring the company for which Leake was associated for most of his working life and of which he was the director in Johannesburg. The article includes details of Leake's early life as well as of his professional career.
Newspaper cutting featuring the 'pioneer firm' for which Leake was associated for most of his working life.
Sans titreBanquet and Dance in Celebration of the Marriage of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Princess Ingrid of Sweden [pages 2-3]
Leake served as the Norwegian Consul at the time
Reception at Norwegian Hall [NC] referring to the farewell to Mr & Mrs C H Leake after his retirement as Consul of Norway.
Source of NC is not identified. Item is dated form an adjacent cutting.
Valuable work of the Rand Aid Association [NC] 1944, part 2. The photograph identifies Leake and the Minister of Welfare and Demobilisation. at Wedge Farm, part of the Rand Aid Association's properties supported by the Chamber of Mines.
Married in Johannesburg 50 years ago: Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. C Leake [NC] The Star 25/10/1944. Includes biographical details.
Sans titreTourist Passport 25719. Union of South Africa. Charles H. Leake. Issued on 21st May, 1941. The passport includes Leake's date of birth (17/7/1867) and stamps that indicate a trip to Southern Rhodesia in July, 1941 [cover]
Sans titreRand Provident Building Society. 56th Annual Report, 1946, pages 1-3. The digital item excludes pages 4 -8 which are not considered sufficiently relevant to the St Stithians Archive context.
Page 2 includes a paragraph on Leake.
Berea Methodist Church. Fifty Golden Years 1904 - 1954
Sans titre1898 - 1948 Clifton Methodist Church. Jubilee celebrations, 7th - 8th March, 1948: cover
Sans titreClifton Methodist Church. Jubilee 1898 - 1948: content
Sans titreRand Aid Association Annual Report 1955. The first few pages have been included in the digital version as they refer to Leake.
Sans titreRand Aid Association Annual Report 1955: cover
Sans titreJohannesburg Publicity Association Thirty Second Annual Report, 1957: cover
Sans titre1955 Rand Aid Association letter to C H Leake 30th August 1955
The letter includes an extract from a tribute to Leake for his work with the Association by the Minister of Social Welfare, Mr J J Serfontein.
1956 Johannesburg. Office of the Mayor letter to C H Leake 20th September 1956 regarding the award of a medal to Leake.
Sans titreCharles Hobson Leake Esq. J P [biographical notes providing his birth date, spouse, residence, employment and associative details.]
The biographical notes appear to have been compiled and written for a display as the 3 pages are edged with old sellotape marks.
Chas. H. Leake Esq. J P [writing folder].
The initials "J P" following his name indicate that he held the rank of Justice of the Peace.
1935c Leake laying a foundation stone at an unidentified building.
Other photographs identify the stone as being laid in memory and at the bequest of CH Leake's brother Orlando Leake after whom Orlando, Soweto is named.
Group photograph of Leake and his family on the Durban beachfront. The youth is dressed in a Hilton College uniform.
The date of 1946 was established courtesy of the Hilton College Archives. With their help, the young man was identified as Anthony Charles Turner who attended Hilton from 1946 - 1949. The Hilton archive was further able to establish that the others in the photograph included Anthony's father, Ernest James Turner, his mother Muriel (nee Leake) and his sisters.
It was from this information that the photograph of a youthful Anthony was dated to 1946.
The location of the Durban beachfront was identified from general knowledge and the lack of a lighthouse on the Bluff in the background confirms the date between 1941 and 1953.
Further clarification was received from Charles Bamford (Class of 1973 and great-grandson of Charles Leake):
"It is correct to say that the photograph shows, on the left, E.J. ("Pic") Turner with his wife Muriel and their two children, "Tony" and Gail. I am pretty certain that the girl with my great-grandfather is his granddaughter Hilary Morris, the daughter of Nellie Morris (née Leake) who had previously been married to Edgar Clapshaw, my maternal grandfather."
1950c Leake family group in garden 002
Sans titre1950c Leake in a garden, presumed to be the garden of his home in The Valley Road, Westcliff.
Sans titre1954 College official opening group 001
Sans titreThese items are part of the Leake collection and record the contribution that Leake made to social welfare in Johannesburg as well as the history and achievements of the Association.
Sans titre60 years of service to the community: the story of the Rand Aid Association. Booklet commemorating the anniversary and explaining the work of the association.
Sans titre60 years of service to the community: the story of the Rand Aid Association. Booklet commemorating the anniversary and explaining the work of the association. (content)
Sans titre1953 HA 017b Chapel foundation stone official party at plaque
Legend:
Left to right: Reeves, Webb, Tucker, Mountstephens, Leake
Pamphlet issued by Leake in support of his candidacy in the 1920 provincial election: front page
Sans titre