Australian Bicentenary 1788-1988 Plaque: Waldau cemetery 1854-1888. Erected as a tribute to the pioneer families who formed the early German settlement at Waldau. 1 October 1988 An Australian Bicentennial project with finance from the Victorian Government. Photo 2021-05-19
Waldau Cemetery - Original Handwritten Cemetery Record Book
Original located ???
Copy stored in Doncaster Lutheran Church
Needs Transcription:
Needs Transcription:
Need additional source documents detailing:
- Cause of Death
- Location of Grave
Source: Doncaster Lutheran Church 2021
Waldau Cemetery
Walk on the sacred ground among the trees and imagine life in the pioneering days. Read the Cemetery Register detailing what we know about each person buried here.In 1854, August, the 1 year old son of August and Catherine Lenkerstorff died and the small Lutheran
community buried him on what was known as Waldau Hill (“a clearing in the forest”). Further burials followed soon after.
In 1858, a “wattle and daub” Lutheran Church was built on Waldau Hill (where Schramm’s Cottage now stands).
In 1862, trees and shrubs from the Melbourne Botanical Gardens were planted in the cemetery.
In 1888, the cemetery was closed by Government Regulation after receiving 125 people – 80 of them children.
In 1892, the old church was relocated and used on a nearby orchard and the present Lutheran Church was erected further south in Victoria Street.
PART 1
The Waldau Cemetery, in the grounds of Schramm’s Cottage is being restored. Work started in November 1997 when Doncaster Rotary came in force to help with the work in the cemetery. On the main path that originally led from Victoria Street, a six foot wide gravel path has been formed and narrow paths have been laid between the graves. The Society are very grateful to Rotary for their valuable help and wish to thank the Council for providing crushed rock for the paths.
Wooden markers are being prepared and will be placed on the adult graves. Although these should last for many years, it is hoped that they will be placed with permanent forms of commemoration.
The original headstones were all damaged or destroyed. A few can be repaired. Some members of the families of people buried in the cemetery have already expressed interest in replacing headstones. If several members subscribed together the cost would be small.
Headstones marked the graves of the following:
Records of burials in the Waldau Cemetery can be found on-line in the Cemetery Database published by the Whitehorse Manningham Library. Other small cemeteries included in this database are: Air Hill, Andersons Creek & Warrandyte.
Source: Kay Mack writing in Facebook Aug2017
See Also:
Source: DTHS Waldau Cemetery Brochure 2021
The Lutheran church built their first church building in this locality in 1858, and Baron von Mueller contributed some seedlings as part of his efforts to acclimatise European plants in Victoria.
The Waldau Cemetery was opened in 1854 after the death of a young child; he was buried on Straube's land, later dedicated as a cemetery; however it was always a private cemetery. In October 1888 the cemetery was officially closed. During the years it was open 124 children and adults were buried there. Many of the graves are unmarked, but some headstones survive. The Waldau hill area is also an important landmark (see Theme 1.04 Historic planted landscapes).
Of local significance as part of an important historic site associated with and demonstrating some of the characteristics of this early settlement, and as an important landmark landscape.
Source: City of Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study 1991 Richard Peterson - p124
http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/file/26126/download
Lutheran Cemetery - Victoria St. Doncaster (193.09)
Now forming part of a museum complex, the remnants of this cemetery are associated with the Lutheran (Waldau) settlement.The Lutheran church built their first church building in this locality in 1858, and Baron von Mueller contributed some seedlings as part of his efforts to acclimatise European plants in Victoria.
The Waldau Cemetery was opened in 1854 after the death of a young child; he was buried on Straube's land, later dedicated as a cemetery; however it was always a private cemetery. In October 1888 the cemetery was officially closed. During the years it was open 124 children and adults were buried there. Many of the graves are unmarked, but some headstones survive. The Waldau hill area is also an important landmark (see Theme 1.04 Historic planted landscapes).
Of local significance as part of an important historic site associated with and demonstrating some of the characteristics of this early settlement, and as an important landmark landscape.
Source: City of Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study 1991 Richard Peterson - p124
http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/file/26126/download
Waldau Cemetery
Twenty years ago an article appeared in two parts in our February and May editions of the Doncaster and Templestowe Newsletter and it is interesting to compare the cemetery then and now.PART 1
The Waldau Cemetery, in the grounds of Schramm’s Cottage is being restored. Work started in November 1997 when Doncaster Rotary came in force to help with the work in the cemetery. On the main path that originally led from Victoria Street, a six foot wide gravel path has been formed and narrow paths have been laid between the graves. The Society are very grateful to Rotary for their valuable help and wish to thank the Council for providing crushed rock for the paths.
Wooden markers are being prepared and will be placed on the adult graves. Although these should last for many years, it is hoped that they will be placed with permanent forms of commemoration.
The original headstones were all damaged or destroyed. A few can be repaired. Some members of the families of people buried in the cemetery have already expressed interest in replacing headstones. If several members subscribed together the cost would be small.
Headstones marked the graves of the following:
- Joseph Pickering (Father of Kate Schramm)
- Henry Finger
- John Laurie
- Elizabeth Zander
- Anna Thiele
- Christian and Louise Neuwmann
- The Hanke sisters
- Thomas Bagnell
- Ellen Gerlach
The Waldau Cemetery was the burial ground for the original Lutheran Church which stood on the present site of Schramm's Cottage. The first burial was in 1854.
Members of the Church were to pay 15/-d for the grave of an adult and 12/-d for a child and a fee of two pounds was required for a reserved grave. The grave digger was to be paid 10/-d for digging the grave of an adult and 8/-d for that of a child.
Many tragic experiences were recorded in the books of the cemetery. In November 1861, Gottfried and Anna Thiele lost their newly born baby. Two months later their three year old daughter died during an epidemic of diphtheria. When the parents returned from her burial, they found that Magdalena, their two year old had died while they were at the cemetery. Anna Maria Thiele is buried in the grave at the end of the path. She was 54 years old when she died in 1883. Her brother was Pastor Goethe, the first Lutheran Pastor in Melbourne.Source: 1998 03 DTHS Newsletter
Source: 1968 05 DTHS Newsletter
Members of the Church were to pay 15/-d for the grave of an adult and 12/-d for a child and a fee of two pounds was required for a reserved grave. The grave digger was to be paid 10/-d for digging the grave of an adult and 8/-d for that of a child.
Many tragic experiences were recorded in the books of the cemetery. In November 1861, Gottfried and Anna Thiele lost their newly born baby. Two months later their three year old daughter died during an epidemic of diphtheria. When the parents returned from her burial, they found that Magdalena, their two year old had died while they were at the cemetery. Anna Maria Thiele is buried in the grave at the end of the path. She was 54 years old when she died in 1883. Her brother was Pastor Goethe, the first Lutheran Pastor in Melbourne.
Joseph Pickering died in 1870. His grave is nearest the fence in the row of family graves. Pickering came to the district in 1849 and six years later opened a store in Doncaster Road and became the first Postmaster. It was a result of his leadership that Holy Trinity Anglican Church was built. His daughter, Kate Schramm, was the first Sunday school teacher and Max Schramm was secretary of the church. It was a family grave - his wife Elizabeth and their grandson, 17 year old George Mays are also buried there.
In the children's section is the grave of two Hanke girls who died of diphtheria in 1874. The elder, Louise, was four years old when she died. Two weeks later she was followed by her three year old sister Karolin. The inscription on their headstone reads:-
Here Rest in God Two Sisters
The small inheritors of heaven died still innocent Therefore one does not grieve for them.
The wooden markers mentioned in the article are now broken and the lettering almost completely obliterated. They lasted nearly twenty years, but now must be replaced. Several of the most significant ones have been restored already - that of the first person and of the last person buried there, one of the Hanke sisters and most recently, the Aumann family replaced a magnificent memorial to Carl Aumann during the Aumann family reunion celebration a few years ago.
Unfortunately the hope expressed in the article that many more families would restore their ancestors headstones, has not come to fruition since that time. So the Historical Society has decided to restore some grave markers with a small grant from the City of Manningham. This task has been commenced and we hope to replace twenty or so grave markers this year. If there are any members of families of people buried in the Waldau Cemetery who would be interested in replacing a headstone, the committee would be glad to provide information about our plans.'
It is not necessary to restore a marker with a large and expensive granite or marble headstone. A simple marker would look very dignified. Please help us to restore the Waldau Cemetery as a memorial to the pioneer families of the district.
Source: 1998 03 DTHS Newsletter
Waldau Cemetery
According to the Titles Office, Melbourne, the Lutheran Cemetery on Waldau Hill comprised two adjacent blocks of land originally purchased for 10/- and £4 respectively. The registered Trustees included Messrs. Gottlieb and Gottfried Thiele, Carl Aumann and Johann Finger. |
| Waldau Cemetery, Schramm's Cottage, Doncaster |
Source: 1968 05 DTHS Newsletter
Grave Location Marking
In recent years the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society has carried out a project marking all the grave sites in the cemetery. Most of the original markers and tombstones were lost through vandalism associated with anti-German feeling during the war. A few of the headstones have been repaired by family descendants.
Records of burials in the Waldau Cemetery can be found on-line in the Cemetery Database published by the Whitehorse Manningham Library. Other small cemeteries included in this database are: Air Hill, Andersons Creek & Warrandyte.
Source: Kay Mack writing in Facebook Aug2017
Waldau Cemetery
Early in 1858, a Meeting was held in the home of Carl Aumann in Doncaster Road. There it was resolved to build a Lutheran Church at Waldau. For two years, services had been held in private homes with Messrs. Thiele and Straube acting as lay readers.
Mr. Straube donated a block of his land on Waldau hill and a building was planned. It was to be 40 feet by 20 feet, built of wattle and daub on a timber frame with a shingle roof. Lenkersdorf, the German carpenter, with the help of enthusiastic volunteers carried out the construction.
0n 26th December 1858, Waldau Church was dedicated by Pastor Goethe. Among the many visitors at the ceremony was Mr. Max Von Schramm, a boatman from Salt Water River. At this time Schramm had no idea that, two years later, Doncaster would be his home and that every day he would use this building to conduct school.
A tower, attached to the building housed the church bell. At weddings the bell was pealed, and as a funeral entered the church grounds the bell was tolled, once for every year of the deceased's life.
The church became the centre of the Lutheran community. Christmas Day used to be a happy occasion. The German families With English friends gathered for picnic games in the church grounds. After a tea under the trees, the bell called the happy group into the church where a ceiling high Christmas Tree held giftS for all.
In February 1859, Johann Zander's eleven month old baby, Maria, died. She was buried in the area that had been set aside as a burial ground. Survival was difficult for young children in the pioneering days. During the next 10 years, eight adults and 30 children were laid to rest at Waldau. By the eighties, there was an improvement in the welfare of children. Although 21 adults were buried here during the eighties, only 10 children had to be carried up the hill.
At this time, an amendment was made to the Health Act dealing with control of cemeteries. On October 1st 1888, by order of the Governor-in-Council, the cemetery was closed. Mrs. Elizabeth Zander, the grandmother of Maria, who had been the first to be buried in the cemetery, was the last.
The church, built in pioneering days, was deteriorating. When plaster fell off the walls, they were covered with weather boards but soon a new building became necessary. In 1892 the present brick church was built. The old wattle and daub building was dismantled and sold for use as a barn in East Doncaster.
To reduce the hill in Bismark Street, (later Victoria Street) a cutting was made in front of the cemetery. Picturesque wooden steps led up the bank to the gate. The cypress trees and shrubs, that had been given by Baron von Mueller botanist and former director of the Botanical Gardens, had thrived. Flowers that had been planted on the groves spread over the ground, and in the spring, wild flowers bloomed. Till his death in 1942, John Finger cared for the cemetery, but during the war, vandals smashed the tombstones leaving the cemetery a wreck.
Now pine trees cover Waldau Cemetery and some of Baron von Mueller's cypresses have survived and grown into magnificent trees. Mounds still remain in the burial ground and a leveled area shows where the old wattle and daub church once stood.
Source: Irvine Green writing in 1971 02 DTHS Newsletter
The Waldau Cemetery is also of interest as one of a small number of private cemeteries in Victoria. Many private cemeteries were associated with pastoral properties.(393)
The Lutheran Cemetery at Doncaster was opened in 1859 on land donated by Friedrich Straube, owner of a nearby property.(394)
German Lane (now George Street), which ran between Victoria Street and Blackburn Road, became the location of the Waldau German settlement.(395) Many early German settlers and their families were among the 125 people buried in the Waldau Cemetery before it closed in 1888. Carl Aumann, whose home was used for early Lutheran services at Doncaster, was buried alongside Henry Finger. Henry’s barn, later moved to the cemetery site, is now part of the present Schramm’s Cottage Museum Complex.(396) Other early graves in the Waldau Cemetery included those of Karl Friedrich Hanke and August Lenkerstorff (builder of the first 1858 Waldau Church) and his one year old son buried there in 1883. The daughter of Kate and Max Schramm was buried there; Anna Maria Thiele (sister of Pastor Goethe) and seven of her children; and Andreas and Wilhelmina Zander’s children.(397)
In October 1888 burials ceased at Waldau.(398) The church secretary then applied to the Templestowe Cemetery for a Lutheran compartment to be set aside. When Waldau closed, members of the German community held a special ceremony. They climbed the steps of the road embankment and laid flowers on the graves of their relations. At first, Henry Thiele looked after the old cemetery while in the 19305 John Finger cared for the graves. However, many headstones were damaged during both world wars because of anti-German feeling.
There is still community interest in the old cemetery. Each Easter Day since 1971 (following the transfer of the church land to the Crown and the establishment of the museum complex) the congregation of Doncaster’s Trinity Lutheran Church has held a dawn service at Waldau Cemetery.(399)
Of local historical significance as part of an important historic site associated with the early Waldau German Lutheran settlement; as one of a few such cemeteries established in Victoria; and as an example of a small number of remaining private cemeteries, and as an important local landmark. It forms part of three historic places (church, manse and cemetery) associated with the Doncaster German community.
388 - Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe RB 1939-40 Warrandyte Riding No.36 (NAV 30 pounds).
389 - Uebergang p.347.
390 - Uebergang pp.345-347.
391 - Uebergang pp.345-347.
392 - Cemeteries,ed. Celestina Sagazio, 1992 pp.75-76.
393 - Sagazio pp. 112-113.
394 - Delma L. Haacke and Glenys L. Postlethwaite, The Fruitful Years, 1854-1992.Trinity Lutheran Church, Doncaster, p. 12.
395 - Plan of Bulleen, Parish of Bulleen, Plan 526B, 1874.
396 - Haacke and Postlethwaite, pp. 18-19.
397 - Haacke and Postlethwaite, pp. 18-19.
398 - Doncaster Lutheran Cemetery, File H CEM 672, Public Health Division, Department of Health and Community Services, Vic.
399 - Haacke and Postlethwaite, pp 18-19.
Source: Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study Carlotta Kellaway July 1994 p.62
Schramm's Cottage is open on Sundays and public holidays except Christmas day and Good Friday from 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm and at other times by appointment (03)9844 2392. - See the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society Inc. website for further information about visiting Schramm's Cottage including the Waldau Cemetery.
The book, Waldau Cemetery Register by Eric Collyer (18p. Donvale: Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society, 1988) is available from the historical society for $5.00 (not including postage and handling).
Waldau Cemetery Hill in the distance. Of local significance as a landmark pine landscape; of local significance as an historic site. VHD22407
Waldau Cemetery Hill in the distance from Waldau Crt. Google Earth 2017
Who ?? Date ?
Waldau Cemetery 1978 after work by Doncaster Rotary Club member
The Historical Society are very grateful to Rotary for their valuable help and wish to thank the council tsr providing crushed rock for the paths.
Wooden markers 6,e being prepared and will be placed on the ad,:lt graves. Although these should last for .any years, it is hoped that they will be replaced with permanent forms of commemoration.
The original headstones were all damaged or destroyed. A few can be repaired. Some members of the families of people buried in the cemetery have already expressed interest in replacing headstones. If several members subscribed together the cost would be small.
Headstones marked the graves of the following:
Joseph Pickering (father of Kate Schramm)
Carl Aumann Henry Finger John Laurie Elizabeth Zander Anna Thiele Christian and Louise Newman (parents of the original Mrs. August Zerbe) The Hanke sisters Thomas Bagnell Ellen Gerlach
The Waldau Cemetery was the burial ground for the original Lutheran Church which stood on the present site of Schramm's Cottage. The church was built in 1858 and the first burial took place in the following year.
Members of the church were to pay 15/ód. for the grave of an adult and 12/-d. for a child, a fee of £2/-/- was required for a reserved grave. The gravedigger was to be paid 10/-d. for digging a grave of an adult and 8/-d. for a child's grave. The first to be buried in the cemetery was 11 months old Maria Zanden.
By the time the cemetery closed in 1888 seven members of the Zander family were laid to rest in its grounds. The last burial in the cemetery was Elizabeth Zander, grandmother of Maria.
Many tragic experiences are recorded in the books of the cemetery. In November, 1861, Gottfried and Anna Thiele lost their newly-born baby. Two months later, their three-year-old daughter Maria died during an epidemic of diptheria. When the parents returned from her burial they found that Magdalena, their two-year-old daughter had died while they were at the cemetery.
Anna Maria Thiele is buried in the grave at the end of the path. She was 54 when she died in 1883. Her brother was Pastor Goethe, the first Lutheran Pastor in Melbourne.
Joseph Pickering, Doncaster's first settler, died in 1870. His grave is nearest the fence in the row of family graves. Pickering came to the district in 1849 and six years later opened a store in Doncaster Road and became the first Postmaster. It was as a result of his leadership that Holy Trinity Anglican Church was built. His daughter, Kate Schramm, was the first Sunday School teacher and Max Schramm was secretary of the church. It was a family grave - his wife Elizabeth and their grandson, 17-year-old George Mays, are also buried there.
In the children's section is the grave of two Hanke girls who died of diptheria in 1872. The elder, Ida, was four years old when she died. Two weeks later, she was followed by her three-year-old sister Caroline. The inscription on their headstone reads - Here two Sisters Rest in God "Now that the heavens have inherited the innocent children in death, they are not alone to do penance."
Source: 1978 02 DTHS Newsletter & 1978 05 DTHS Newsletter
The land had remained unused for eighty years but now Pastor Paul Zweck decided to hold an Easter Dawn Service at the cemetery.
Members of the Historical Society prepared the grounds close to the site of the old Waldau Church, an altar was set up and a cross of flowers, made by Pastor Paul Zweck was hung on a pine tree.
The organ from the old church was brought in and played by Eric Collyer.
When the congregation assembled under the trees at 6.30, the morning was still dark, it was also cold. The pastor chose the theme: "Life has returned to the cemetery", and used the text, "But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death".
Members of the congregation lay flowers on the graves of their relatives during the Service and as rituals went on the sky became light with birds waking up their calls overhead mingling with the words of the service.
As the end came the sun rose, lighting the tree tops above us.
It really seemed that life had returned to the cemetery.
The Easter Dawn Service became a tradition.
Again on Sunday April 15th the Lutheran Service will be held at Schramm's Cottage at 6.30 am.
Source: 1990 03 DTHS Newsletter
Easter Dawn Service at the old Lutheran Church site, Victoria street, Doncaster, on Easter Sunday 1973.
The service was held in a clearing made for Schramm's Cottage which was to be rebuilt here after having been dismantled and removed from its original site in Doncaster Road.
The congregation is here surrounded by the stones of the walls laid out in preparation for the rebuilding.
Some of the people in the photograph are Eric Collyer at the organ, Muriel Green (directly behind Eric), Olaf and Glenys Soderlund on the right in the second row. Picture: DP0574
Here rest in God two sisters
Karolina Bertha Hanke
Louise Ida Hanke
Softly rest their ashes
When little heirs of heaven
Die in their innocency
Then one loses them not
Source: 1991 03 DTHS Newsletter
0n 26th December 1858, Waldau Church was dedicated by Pastor Goethe. Among the many visitors at the ceremony was Mr. Max Von Schramm, a boatman from Salt Water River. At this time Schramm had no idea that, two years later, Doncaster would be his home and that every day he would use this building to conduct school.
A tower, attached to the building housed the church bell. At weddings the bell was pealed, and as a funeral entered the church grounds the bell was tolled, once for every year of the deceased's life.
The church became the centre of the Lutheran community. Christmas Day used to be a happy occasion. The German families With English friends gathered for picnic games in the church grounds. After a tea under the trees, the bell called the happy group into the church where a ceiling high Christmas Tree held giftS for all.
In February 1859, Johann Zander's eleven month old baby, Maria, died. She was buried in the area that had been set aside as a burial ground. Survival was difficult for young children in the pioneering days. During the next 10 years, eight adults and 30 children were laid to rest at Waldau. By the eighties, there was an improvement in the welfare of children. Although 21 adults were buried here during the eighties, only 10 children had to be carried up the hill.
At this time, an amendment was made to the Health Act dealing with control of cemeteries. On October 1st 1888, by order of the Governor-in-Council, the cemetery was closed. Mrs. Elizabeth Zander, the grandmother of Maria, who had been the first to be buried in the cemetery, was the last.
The church, built in pioneering days, was deteriorating. When plaster fell off the walls, they were covered with weather boards but soon a new building became necessary. In 1892 the present brick church was built. The old wattle and daub building was dismantled and sold for use as a barn in East Doncaster.
To reduce the hill in Bismark Street, (later Victoria Street) a cutting was made in front of the cemetery. Picturesque wooden steps led up the bank to the gate. The cypress trees and shrubs, that had been given by Baron von Mueller botanist and former director of the Botanical Gardens, had thrived. Flowers that had been planted on the groves spread over the ground, and in the spring, wild flowers bloomed. Till his death in 1942, John Finger cared for the cemetery, but during the war, vandals smashed the tombstones leaving the cemetery a wreck.
Now pine trees cover Waldau Cemetery and some of Baron von Mueller's cypresses have survived and grown into magnificent trees. Mounds still remain in the burial ground and a leveled area shows where the old wattle and daub church once stood.
Source: Irvine Green writing in 1971 02 DTHS Newsletter
BURIALS IN THE GROUNDS IN CONNECTION WITH THE LUTHERAN CHURCH AT DONCASTER DISCONTINUED.
At the Executive Council Chamber, Melbourne, the twelfth day of June 1888. Present: His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Wrixon, Mr Pearson, Sir James Lorimer, Mr Nimmo, Mr Derham, Mr Davies.
Whereas by a statute of the parliament of Victoria number 310 entitled An Act to amend laws relating to or affecting the public health, it was enacted that in case it should appear to the governor in Council that burials in any cemetery, under any law relating to public cemeteries, or in any other burial ground or place of burial whatsoever, should be wholly discontinued or should be discontinued subject to any exception or qualification, the governor in Council might, buy an order to be published in the government Gazette, direct that after a time to be mentioned in such order, not being less than three months from the date there of, burials in such cemetery, or burial ground, or place of burial should be discontinued wholly, or subject to any exceptions or qualifications mentioned in the same, or in any subsequent order, and might from time to time postpone the time mentioned in such order for the discontinuance of burials, or otherwise very any such order, whether the time appointed for the discontinuance of burials there under, or other operation of such order, should or should not have arrived: and where as it appears to the governor in Council experience that burials in the grounds in connection with the Lutheran Church at Doncaster should be discontinued: now therefore his Excellency the governor with the advice of the executive council, death by this present order direct that all burials in the grounds in connection with the Lutheran Church Doncaster should be wholly discontinued on and after the first day of October now next ensuing.
And the Honourable John Lamont Dow, her majesties commissioner of crown lands Victoria, shall give the necessary directions herein accordingly
Rob Wadsworth, Clerk of the Executive Council.
Source: Waldau Cemetery - Doncaster Lutheran Cemetery - Public Records Office Record. DONCASTER LUTHERAN Cemetery; Cemeteries and Crematoria Unit - Cemeteries. VPRS 14836/P0001, H.CEM.672 1888-01-01 - 1988-12-31. Open, Physical, North Melbourne. https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/9474D4E1-F908-11E9
A Clearing in the Forest Waldau Village Historic Walk
http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/file/15121/downloadWaldau cemetery register. Compiled by Eric Collyer and Irvine Green 1988
See: https://dt-hs.blogspot.com/1988/05/waldau-cemetery-register.htmlWaldau Lutheran Cemetery, Victoria Street, Doncaster.
Although only remnants remain of the old Waldau Lutheran Cemetery at Doncaster, it is important as one of a number of Lutheran cemeteries opened in German settlements throughout Victoria during the 1850s. Other more intact 18505 Lutheran cemeteries in Victoria are at Thomastown (associated with the Westgarthtown German settlement) and at Harkaway near Berwick(392). Both are still in use as cemeteries.The Waldau Cemetery is also of interest as one of a small number of private cemeteries in Victoria. Many private cemeteries were associated with pastoral properties.(393)
The Lutheran Cemetery at Doncaster was opened in 1859 on land donated by Friedrich Straube, owner of a nearby property.(394)
German Lane (now George Street), which ran between Victoria Street and Blackburn Road, became the location of the Waldau German settlement.(395) Many early German settlers and their families were among the 125 people buried in the Waldau Cemetery before it closed in 1888. Carl Aumann, whose home was used for early Lutheran services at Doncaster, was buried alongside Henry Finger. Henry’s barn, later moved to the cemetery site, is now part of the present Schramm’s Cottage Museum Complex.(396) Other early graves in the Waldau Cemetery included those of Karl Friedrich Hanke and August Lenkerstorff (builder of the first 1858 Waldau Church) and his one year old son buried there in 1883. The daughter of Kate and Max Schramm was buried there; Anna Maria Thiele (sister of Pastor Goethe) and seven of her children; and Andreas and Wilhelmina Zander’s children.(397)
In October 1888 burials ceased at Waldau.(398) The church secretary then applied to the Templestowe Cemetery for a Lutheran compartment to be set aside. When Waldau closed, members of the German community held a special ceremony. They climbed the steps of the road embankment and laid flowers on the graves of their relations. At first, Henry Thiele looked after the old cemetery while in the 19305 John Finger cared for the graves. However, many headstones were damaged during both world wars because of anti-German feeling.
There is still community interest in the old cemetery. Each Easter Day since 1971 (following the transfer of the church land to the Crown and the establishment of the museum complex) the congregation of Doncaster’s Trinity Lutheran Church has held a dawn service at Waldau Cemetery.(399)
Of local historical significance as part of an important historic site associated with the early Waldau German Lutheran settlement; as one of a few such cemeteries established in Victoria; and as an example of a small number of remaining private cemeteries, and as an important local landmark. It forms part of three historic places (church, manse and cemetery) associated with the Doncaster German community.
388 - Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe RB 1939-40 Warrandyte Riding No.36 (NAV 30 pounds).
389 - Uebergang p.347.
390 - Uebergang pp.345-347.
391 - Uebergang pp.345-347.
392 - Cemeteries,ed. Celestina Sagazio, 1992 pp.75-76.
393 - Sagazio pp. 112-113.
394 - Delma L. Haacke and Glenys L. Postlethwaite, The Fruitful Years, 1854-1992.Trinity Lutheran Church, Doncaster, p. 12.
395 - Plan of Bulleen, Parish of Bulleen, Plan 526B, 1874.
396 - Haacke and Postlethwaite, pp. 18-19.
397 - Haacke and Postlethwaite, pp. 18-19.
398 - Doncaster Lutheran Cemetery, File H CEM 672, Public Health Division, Department of Health and Community Services, Vic.
399 - Haacke and Postlethwaite, pp 18-19.
Source: Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study Carlotta Kellaway July 1994 p.62
(33.9 MB 92 pages). Downloaded from: Manningham Council May2023
Lutheran Cemetery Area
Place no 157: Victoria Street, Doncaster
A collection of relocated buildings set within a recent exotic garden.
The site is located on high ground with a west facing slope overlooking the Ruffey Creek valley.
It is bordered by a windbreak planting of Monterey Pines, which because of their topographical
location form a strong, local landmark.
The Lutheran cemetery occupies the western sector of the site. When the Lutherans built their
first church here in 1858 Baron von Mueller (who laid out the Melbourne Botanical Gardens) sent
them a gift of Cypress Pines and other seedlings.[9 Graeme Keogh, 'The History of Doncaster and Templestowe', 1975, p.44] The Lutheran Cemetery is included in Theme
6.08 Cemeteries.
Of local significance as a landmark pine landscape; of local significance as an historic site.
(2.46 MB 735 pages). Downloaded from: Manningham Council May2023
Lutheran Cemetery Area
Place 156: 80-90 Victoria Street
Now forming part of a museum complex, the remnants of this cemetery are associated with the
Lutheran (Waldau) settlement.
The Lutheran church built their first church building in this locality in 1858, and Baron von
Mueller contributed some seedlings as part of his efforts to acclimatise European plants in
Victoria.
The Waldau Cemetery was opened in 1854 after the death of a young child; he was buried on
Staube's land, later dedicated as a cemetery; however it was always a private cemetery. In
October 1888 the cemetery was officially closed. During the years it was open 124 children and
adults were buried there. Many of the graves are unmarked, but some headstones survive.
The Waldau hill area is also an important landmark (see Theme 1.04 Historical planted
landscapes).
Condition - Integrity Not known
Of local significance as part of an important historic site associated with and demonstrating some
of the characteristics of this early settlement, and as an important landmark landscape.
Creation Date 1854
(2.46 MB 735 pages). Downloaded from: Manningham Council May2023
The Old Waldau Cemetery
The old Waldau Cemetery is located in the grounds of Schramm's Cottage, Rieschiecks Reserve, Victoria Street, Doncaster. Forty-five adults and 80 children were buried in the cemetery between 1854 and 1888. Many of the old tombstones were vandalised during the years of the Second World War, and these were never repaired or replaced by family descendants. However grave markers have now been placed on all unmarked graves by the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society with funds contributed by the City of Manningham.Schramm's Cottage is open on Sundays and public holidays except Christmas day and Good Friday from 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm and at other times by appointment (03)9844 2392. - See the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society Inc. website for further information about visiting Schramm's Cottage including the Waldau Cemetery.
The book, Waldau Cemetery Register by Eric Collyer (18p. Donvale: Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society, 1988) is available from the historical society for $5.00 (not including postage and handling).
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| Waldau Cemetery. Winter & Soderlund family at headstone of Henry Finger c1930. dp0560 |
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| The headstones of Carl Aumann and Henry Finger in the Waldau Cemetery. DTHS archive dp0561 |
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| Waldau Cemetery. Headstone of Karl Heinrich (Henry) Finger shattered by vandals. Born on 20 July 1831 Died on 3 December 1884. Inscription in German. 1980. dp0562 |
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| Waldau cemetery. damaged graves of Carl Aumann (front), Henry Finger (middle), and Alexander Laurie (back). The site of the original wattle and daub Lutheran Church is at the rear on the left. Photo 1970. dp0564 |
The Waldau Cemetery
The Waldau Cemetery in the grounds of Schramm's Cottage, is being restored. Work started in November when Doncaster Rotary Club came in force to help with the work 14 the cemetery. On the main path that originally led from Victoria Street, a six-foot wide -gravel path has been formed and narrow paths have been laid between the grave.
The Historical Society are very grateful to Rotary for their valuable help and wish to thank the council tsr providing crushed rock for the paths.
Wooden markers 6,e being prepared and will be placed on the ad,:lt graves. Although these should last for .any years, it is hoped that they will be replaced with permanent forms of commemoration.
The original headstones were all damaged or destroyed. A few can be repaired. Some members of the families of people buried in the cemetery have already expressed interest in replacing headstones. If several members subscribed together the cost would be small.
Headstones marked the graves of the following:
Joseph Pickering (father of Kate Schramm)
Carl Aumann Henry Finger John Laurie Elizabeth Zander Anna Thiele Christian and Louise Newman (parents of the original Mrs. August Zerbe) The Hanke sisters Thomas Bagnell Ellen Gerlach
The Waldau Cemetery was the burial ground for the original Lutheran Church which stood on the present site of Schramm's Cottage. The church was built in 1858 and the first burial took place in the following year.
Members of the church were to pay 15/ód. for the grave of an adult and 12/-d. for a child, a fee of £2/-/- was required for a reserved grave. The gravedigger was to be paid 10/-d. for digging a grave of an adult and 8/-d. for a child's grave. The first to be buried in the cemetery was 11 months old Maria Zanden.
By the time the cemetery closed in 1888 seven members of the Zander family were laid to rest in its grounds. The last burial in the cemetery was Elizabeth Zander, grandmother of Maria.
Many tragic experiences are recorded in the books of the cemetery. In November, 1861, Gottfried and Anna Thiele lost their newly-born baby. Two months later, their three-year-old daughter Maria died during an epidemic of diptheria. When the parents returned from her burial they found that Magdalena, their two-year-old daughter had died while they were at the cemetery.
Anna Maria Thiele is buried in the grave at the end of the path. She was 54 when she died in 1883. Her brother was Pastor Goethe, the first Lutheran Pastor in Melbourne.
Joseph Pickering, Doncaster's first settler, died in 1870. His grave is nearest the fence in the row of family graves. Pickering came to the district in 1849 and six years later opened a store in Doncaster Road and became the first Postmaster. It was as a result of his leadership that Holy Trinity Anglican Church was built. His daughter, Kate Schramm, was the first Sunday School teacher and Max Schramm was secretary of the church. It was a family grave - his wife Elizabeth and their grandson, 17-year-old George Mays, are also buried there.
In the children's section is the grave of two Hanke girls who died of diptheria in 1872. The elder, Ida, was four years old when she died. Two weeks later, she was followed by her three-year-old sister Caroline. The inscription on their headstone reads - Here two Sisters Rest in God "Now that the heavens have inherited the innocent children in death, they are not alone to do penance."
Source: 1978 02 DTHS Newsletter & 1978 05 DTHS Newsletter
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| Waldau taken from the belfrey of Trinity Lutheran Church, looking north along Victoria Street. In the centre is the old Waldau cemetery. DP0258 |
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| Waldau looking north along Victoria Street. Two cyclists. Pencil pines on the right of centre mark the position of the old Waldau church and cemetery. c1900 DP0342 |
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| Waldau Cemetery and orchards beyond looking south-west in 1930s. The caption incorrectly states that the headstone in the photograph is that of the Hanke girls. The headstone is Alexander Laurie. The cap has since been removed. DP0563 |
Dawn At The Cemetery
In 1971, Trinity Lutheran Church agreed to donate their land and cemetery in Victoria Street as the site for Schramm's Cottage.The land had remained unused for eighty years but now Pastor Paul Zweck decided to hold an Easter Dawn Service at the cemetery.
Members of the Historical Society prepared the grounds close to the site of the old Waldau Church, an altar was set up and a cross of flowers, made by Pastor Paul Zweck was hung on a pine tree.
The organ from the old church was brought in and played by Eric Collyer.
When the congregation assembled under the trees at 6.30, the morning was still dark, it was also cold. The pastor chose the theme: "Life has returned to the cemetery", and used the text, "But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death".
Members of the congregation lay flowers on the graves of their relatives during the Service and as rituals went on the sky became light with birds waking up their calls overhead mingling with the words of the service.
As the end came the sun rose, lighting the tree tops above us.
It really seemed that life had returned to the cemetery.
The Easter Dawn Service became a tradition.
Again on Sunday April 15th the Lutheran Service will be held at Schramm's Cottage at 6.30 am.
Source: 1990 03 DTHS Newsletter
Easter Dawn Service at the old Lutheran Church site, Victoria street, Doncaster, on Easter Sunday 1973.
The service was held in a clearing made for Schramm's Cottage which was to be rebuilt here after having been dismantled and removed from its original site in Doncaster Road.
The congregation is here surrounded by the stones of the walls laid out in preparation for the rebuilding.
Some of the people in the photograph are Eric Collyer at the organ, Muriel Green (directly behind Eric), Olaf and Glenys Soderlund on the right in the second row. Picture: DP0574
The Hanke Girls
The inscription on the headstone of the Hanke grave is written in German. Several people with a knowledge of german have attempted to make a translation of the inscription. One German visitor recognised the lines as a quotation from a song she used to sing in kindergarten. She was able to give the meaning but the translation did not read well. It could not be literally translated. Del Haack sent a copy of the inscription to Dr. Maurice Schild at the Lutheran Seminary in South Australia. He has kindly sent us a correct translation.Here rest in God two sisters
Karolina Bertha Hanke
Louise Ida Hanke
Softly rest their ashes
When little heirs of heaven
Die in their innocency
Then one loses them not
Source: 1991 03 DTHS Newsletter
The Waldau Cemetery
When the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society was given occupancy of the old Lutheran Church site and Cemetery in 1972, the Society took on the responsibility of tending the Waldau Cemetery.
One of the Historical Society's first projects, after Schramm’s Cottage had been rebuilt and the museum established, was to identify the graves and place temporary grave markers in the cemetery.
Then in 1978, with the help of the Rotary Club of Doncaster the cemetery paths were remade and paved with gravel.
Since then, the temporary markers have deteriorated and the paths worn out. This year the council has provided a grant from the Heritage Restoration Fund for improvements in the cemetery.
The work started with council clearing overgrown tree branches and then the Rotary Club of Doncaster again came to our aid with a working party to remake the cemetery paths. Eric Collyer, Ron Leaney and Irvine Green had cleared the way for new entrance paths.
This time as well as the wide path from the road, once used for carts and hearses to enter the cemetery, we are also making the path on the other side of the cemetery leading up to the old Waldau Church.
This entered by a small gate on Bismark Street, (now Victoria Street) then wound around the cypress, a gift from Baron von Mueller in 1863, and up to the church porch. The section of this path that passed the flag pole is now the west lawn and the section that passed the church to the rear gate, is now Schramm's entrance drive.
The next stage will be to place more permanent markers on graves and to plant suitable shrubs.
Source: Irvine Green writing in 1995 09 DTHS Newsletter
Hanke Gravestone
Heir ruhen in Gott zwei schwestern
Karolina Bertha Hanke Louise Ida Hanke
Geboren
?en 25 Oct 1869
Gestorben
13 April 1874 Den 15 April 1874
Sanff ruhe ihre asche
Wenn kleine himmelserben in ihrer unschuld sterben danm busst man sie nicht ein
Translation:
Heir ruhen in Gott zwei schwestern
(Two sisters rest here in God)
Karolina Bertha Hanke Louise Ida Hanke
Geboren (born)
?en 25 Oct 1869
Gestorben (Died)
13 April 1874 Den 15 April 1874
Sanff ruhe ihre asche (gently rest your ashes)
Wenn kleine himmelserben in ihrer unschuld sterben danm busst (büßt) man sie nicht ein
(When little heirs of heaven die in their innocence then you don’t lose them)
From:
Wenn kleine Himmelserben
Volkslieder » Geistliche Lieder » Grabgesänge
Wenn kleine Himmelserben
in ihrer Unschuld sterben
so büßt man sie nicht ein
Sie werden nur dort oben
vom Vater aufgehoben
damit sie unverloren sein
Sie sind ja in der Taufe
zu ihrem Gnadenlaufe
für Christum eingeweiht
und noch bei Gott in Gnaden
was sollt es ihnen schaden
daß Jesus sie zu sich entbeut´
O wohl auch diesem Kinde
es stirnt nicht zu geschwinde
zeuch hin, du liebes Kind
Du gehest ja nur schlafen
und bleibest bei den Schafen
die ewig unsers Jesu sind
Text: Johann Andreas Rothe (1731)
Musik: auf die Melodie von Innsbruck ich muß dich lassen (1495) in Vierzig Grabgesänge (1906)
Liederthema: Grabgesänge, Trauerlieder
Liederzeit: 18. Jahrhundert: Volkstümliches Lied (1731)
Region: Innsbruck
See Also:
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