Macmillans Pub and Uhuru Museum

Macmillan's Pub is our new neighborhood hangout. It is conveniently very near to the new womens' centre. Macmillan has recently decided to change the name to include 'Uhuru' museum. Uhuru means 'freedom' in Swahili and his unique newspaper clippings and artifacts definitely tell the story of Tanzania's history on the road to independence in the 60's.

Macmillan (see picture) is a guy who is an avid collector of just about everything. He says that since he was a teen he has been fascinated by anything relating to the history of his country. He is from the Chagga tribe and is particularily interested in the history of coffee in Kilimanjaro and artifacts relating to the Chagga people and coffee. Kilimanjaro coffee was a huge industry in the period before independence in Tanzania, however, within a few years of independence, the industry collapsed and the Kilimanjaro coffee union has struggled to regain fair market value for their beans ever since. The union is gaining strength, in part, due to the fair trade movement around coffee and paying farmers in developing countries a fair value for their beans. I have included a picture of them with their medals from this year's race. mac himself has also run and holds a certificate for one of the fastest climbs up and down Kili..something like 54 hours from top to bottom..he is a legend..
Macmillan has a unique family as well. His twin sons (named Junior and Senior!)are pictured here with their medals from today's Kilimanjaro half marathon.

Macmillan is also fascinated by Volkswagons and drives an old grey 1967 Beetle around Moshi. He also has many Volkswagon artifacts and considers himself an enthusiast. His coffin making shop was converted into a ‘pub’ over a several year period. The bar is in what was once the living room. He has a lovely garden and pond full of toads that start croaking at sunset. I have attached pictures of what the neighborhood fondly calls ‘Macmillans’….I think you would also agree that it is an eclectic and cultural gem in the heart of Moshi.