Documents related to the period leading up to the arrival of the first South African immigrants in Argentina and covering the establishment of families there during the next two decades.
The scarcity of water in the zone of Comodoro Rivadavia is explored. Much of the water used by the people and la Explotación del Petróleo is transported from surrounding farms and springs. Behr's land is cited as a current resource, and the article mentions Visser's springs as another possible source along with other local landowners.
Published 1919
A description of the various agriculture industries found in Patagonia, including the production of milk, eggs, rabbits, and doves. Commentary on techniques used in the region and the scarcity of such products is included, as well as pictures of Colonia Escalante and a description of milk production by Don Emilio Berger.
Published 1919
An article lauding the usefulness of alfalfa as a crop in Comodoro Rivadavia due to its hardiness. It can thrive in spite of extreme temperatures and harsh winds, even growing in ravines. Includes photographs of alfalfa in Colonia Escalante on the lands of F.J. Behr and M.M. Venter.
Published 1919
A report on how large, fast-growing trees are planted in Patagonia in order to protect more vulnerable fruit trees and other crops from the harsh wind. The Boers in particular use this method; the article shows photos of poplar trees planted in Colonia Escalante as well as a large pine planted by Mr. Venter.
Published 1919
The insufficiency of running water in Comodoro Rivadavia is discussed. Currently, the oil company La Explotación del Petróleos sells water at 0.50 cents per cubic meter, paying the owner of lot 26 twenty thousand pesos every year to extract water. However, the article informs us that this action is contrary to a 1912 decree declaring that the water in the lot is a public utility. The article ends with the hope that this issue will soon be recognized and resolved by the government.
Published 1919
An article about the Boer's arrival and living conditions in Patagonia since their arrival 7 years prior. Contains photos of ship and farmland, and views the emigration as a success.
Published 1909
An article that spans the Boer's arrival, their fight for education, their role in the development of Patagonia, and the formation of the South African Collective Association. Also includes an interview with María Aletta Van Vuuren de De Bruyn, a descendant of original settlers, and a description of a commemoration of the Boers' arrival.
Published 1995
Manuscript version of the newspaper article "Fundación de la Colonia Boer o Escalante". The document describes the initial arrival of Baumann and Ricciardi to Chubut; the division of land and its conditions; and the arrival of first settlers.
A magazine article that details the history of the Boer people, Argentina's involvement in the Anglo-Boer war, and contains an interview with original Argentina settler Johana (Joy) Kokot about everyday life in the early community.
Published 1996
A series of short writings about life in Patagonia by South African immigrant, Vredy Van Wyk, written after returning to South Africa in 1938
Published 1938
The magazine article discusses the Boer's journey to Argentina and early settlement, as well as the partial repatriation that occurred in 1910. Contains historical pictures and interview with Conrado Visser, son of C.J.N. Visser. Notably, the article describes how the Boers immigrated due to the "Transvaal war" and not for economic, social, or religious reasons.
Published 1992
A newspaper article placing emphasis on how early Boer colonists were willing to risk it all to settle in an unfamiliar land rather than remain under English rule
Published 1993
A book that offers a history of the Boer community in Argentina, describes their annual festival, religion, education, and ends with the declaration of June 4th as "South-African Immigrant's Day". It is written in both Spanish and Afrikaans.
Published 1994
An update on the South-African association as well as a short history of La Colonia Boer to commemorate the 101st anniversary of their arrival
Published 1992
A tribute to Neely de Blackie. She arrived in Comodoro Rivadavia in 1903 with her family. The article praises her dedication to family and upbeat attitude in spite of the harsh conditions she endured.
Published 1992
