Welcome to Thursday Doors, a weekly feature allowing door lovers to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world. Feel free to join in on the fun by creating your own Thursday Doors post each week and then sharing your link in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). You can join in Thursday Doors here: https://nofacilities.com/2022/10/06/shave-a-haircut/
On our way to Tau Game Lodge during our August mini-break, we stopped for one night in a small town called Groot Marico. This town is known for two things, mampoer (moonshine) and the stories written by South Africa’s most famous short story writer, Herman Charles Bosman. These stories are all set in Groot Marico in the early 1900s. Herman Charles Bosman lived in Groot Marico and taught at the local school for about 9 months in 1926 before he was jailed for the murder of his step brother. He was sentenced to death at the age of 21 but later a reprieve was granted and his sentence was mitigated to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour, of which he served four and a half years before he was released. It is believed that he did not murder his stepbrother, but shot him by accident thinking he was an intruder.
The town has an information centre with some interesting artworks and there is a replica of the school house where Bosman taught. It was moved, brick by brick, for its original location to the site of the HC Bosman Living Museum. I will share about this museum at a later date.
Today, I am sharing my pictures of this small farming town in the North-West province of South Africa.






I purchased an out-of-print copy of Wild Seed, a collection of poetry by Herman Charles Bosman that I have been trying to acquire for a long while. I was very pleased to find a copy and snapped it up.
This YouTube video is of me reading one of his poems, Ghosts:
If you are interested in what’s happening on my children’s books front, Michael and I have a new book, Haunted Halloween Holiday.
Talented author, CS Boyack, showcased it for us on Monday this week and you can take a peek here: https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2022/10/03/haunted-halloween-holiday/
Craig has also got a great new Halloween release called The Midnight Rambler, part of his popular The Hat series. You can read about it here: https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2022/09/29/something-for-halloween/
Beautiful imagery to be sure and very well presented Robbie – bravo!
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Thank you, John. A nice place to visit on the way to Tau. Very insightful into the local lifestyles.
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I loved your reading, Robbie. It’s a terrific poem, and your out-loud reading voice is wonderful.
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HI Priscilla, thank you for your compliment. It is nice to hear that because I think my voice is squeaky (like a hamster – haha!)
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Very interesting photos, Robbie, and a great recitation! That poem’s last line is a stunner.
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I’m with you on the recitation, Dave!
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HI Dave, HC Bosman’s story was a sad one. So many famous authors and poets seem to have tragic personal histories. I am so pleased I found this book.
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An interesting bit of history, and neat pics. Thank you, Roberta!
I listened to your reading on Youtube. GREAT!!!!
Yes, I saw doors!
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Hi Resa, this week’s post had more doors. When I travel I focus on taking pictures of doors now. I am pleased you enjoyed the reading. I really love this poet and writer.
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I totally enjoyed the poem you read!
Yes, don’t forget to take pics of doors. The ones in this post are most interesting!
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👍
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you, Michael.
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I love these small towns, with the impression of mysteries luring behind every door. Thanks for sharing the photos, and also the lovely presentation of the poem, Robbie! Best wishes, Michael
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HI Michael, I am pleased you enjoyed. I was pleased to finally visit Groot Marico and the Living History museum. I have loved HC Bosman since I first read his works at 12 years old.
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Every place has its own history. Excellent reading too. (K)
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Thank you, Kerfe, it does. This is a little dorpie (tiny town) and it is very interesting to visit.
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Groot Marico looks like a fascinating place to visit. I’m particularly intrigued by the farm stall. I’ve never seen one made of rock before, only wood.
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Hi Liz, Groot Marico is in a semi desert area so there aren’t many trees. There are some around the river but it is mainly cacti and such like in this region. Rock is easily available so the structures are rock or brick.
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Thank you for the additional information, Robbie.
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loved the poem Robbie! I bet his ghost walks the streets on full moons.
You must have been very happy to come across the book!
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Hi Wayne, I was pleased to find it. As I mentioned it’s out of print and I hadn’t been able to find it anywhere. It is a lovely poem. He writes wonderful stories too.
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LOVED the reading and LOVE the doors! I must say, of all the “door” posts, I do look forward to yours the most.
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Hi Annette, I love all the doors posts too and try to visit as many as I can. Thank you, I am so pleased to hear that you like mine. Happy Friday.
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Reblogged this on Ed;s Site..
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Thanks for sharing, Ed.
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I’m not sure how I missed this, Robbie. Sorry to be arriving so late. I like the look of this little town, and I appreciate its history. I also enjoy your reading of the poem (I always enjoy that).
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Hi Dan, I think I may have forgotten to leave the link for you so please don’t apologise. I have had a very hectic two weeks work wise with a big transaction in it final stages so that is my excuse [smile]. I am glad you enjoyed this post and the reading. I enjoyed this peek into small town farming life in South Africa.
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I hope things settle for you soon. Thanks for taking time to include Thursday Doors
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What a cool find with the book Robbie. These doors are wonderful. It looks like a charming place. Hugs on the wing.
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Thank you, Teagan. It was a great trip except the cottage we stayed in overnight did not have locks on the doors. I still can’t get over that.
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Wonderful doors and beautiful reading, Robbie. Love the poem!
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Thank you, Lauren.
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A fascinating piece of history, Robbie. I’m assuming that Bosman’s poetry captured the country’s attention after his release from prison. What a story. I love it that you found his book, and it was a delight to hear you read. ❤ ❤
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Hi Diana, I am glad you enjoyed the poem and post. Bosman is still popular and well know among many South Africans and that is the Charles Bosman Living History Museum was founded. I was very delighted to discover it.
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I’m glad he wasn’t executed as a young man!
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I enjoyed your post. The small town reminds me of old west small towns – maybe even just some small shore towns. Continued success on all the books you and your family are producing 🙂
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Thank you, Jules. I did enjoy this small town.
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