Atkins Cottage - Audio Tour
Transcript: Welcome to the Sloyd room. In 1899, a new subject was being promoted for primary schools in Victoria. News of a new system of manual instruction called Sloyd, had to come from Sweden and England. The subject had originated in 1850 as a training program for artisans. In 1898, an Australian called John Bryant studied at the slide Institute in Sweden. And on his return to Melbourne, commenced a course at Queensbury Street State School, North Melbourne. The object of the course was too train intelligence, to cultivate carefulness, self reliance, perseverance, and accustom the eye to accurate observation. Bryant subsequently instructed 20 teachers in a month long training course. The teachers were placed in Sloyd centres in Melbourne and suburbs as well as Ballarat, Bendigo and Castlemaine. Classes of 20 boys at a time practised at these centres for half a day each week. When Robert Hobbs was appointed Sloyd teacher to East Doncaster State School in 1920, he sought permission from the Education Department to build a Sloyd room at the school. The application was approved and Hobbs then trained at the Box Hill Sloyd Centre held in a small hall in Linsley Street. IN 1921, the Sloyd room was opened. The Education Department provided 2 workbenches and a set of 58 different types of woodwork tools. When the number of boys taking slide increased, additional benches were provided. When Sloyd was discontinued as a general curriculum subject in the 1960's, the Sloyd room became an additional classroom for a time and was eventually moved to this site in 1992Atkins Cottage
The floor and weatherboards are of teak that had been used as dunnage in a ship on the India run. The walls are lined on the inside with wide oregon boards cut for fruit cases. They were covered with newspapers, dated 1878, and overlaid with wallpaper.
When first built the centre room was the kitchen and parlour with bedrooms at each end. As the family increased in the 1880s another three roomed section was added at the rear and the shingle roof was covered with galvanised iron.
When the building was moved only the original section was retained as the remaining part was in a poor state of repair. Atkins' Cottage was first relocated to Currawong Bush Park and then to this site in 1988.
Atkins House
In January work commenced on the restoration of Atkins House. As this is a Council building on Council land, the work must be carried out with approval of the Council construction department and the human services department. Restoration is being organised and arranged by Irvine Green. During the new year, the bricklayer who built the kitchen chimney rebuilt the two fireplaces with the original small handmade bricks. Our member, Stan Sanderson has spent many days working on the building. As well as preparing scaffolding for the bricklayer he has been planning and re-erecting the verandah with the help of a team of assistants.The house has three rooms. In the centre was the kitchen, which, when the house was enlarged became the parlour. The rooms on each side were bedrooms. The internal walls are lined with nine inch wide boards, half an inch thick without tongues and grooves. They were pine boards and it has been suggested that perhaps these were used for making fruit cases. The boards had newspaper pasted over them as backing for wallpaper.
There were two layers of wall-paper then another newspaper, and finally another wallpaper. The lower newspaper was the 'Weekly Times' dated 1876. The other newspaper layers show a variety of dates and papers. The 'Herald' and the 'Age' with dates of 1929 and 1934.
The many offers of help that have been received is very encouraging but there will be a lot of work to be done before the building is completed. The next main job is fixing the weather boards. These need to be repaired, replaced, cleaned, scraped and painted. The rear wall which was an interior wall will need to be covered with new weatherboards. When the roof has been completed, the interior doors and joinery can be cleaned, sandpapered and patched.
Source: 1989 03 DTHS Newsletter
Atkins' Orchard Cottage
Ben Atkins used second hand materials for the building. Most of the frame is built from large sized hardwood, but the floor and weatherboards are of teak. It had been used as dunnage in a ship on the India run. The walls are lined on the inside with wide Oregon boards cut for fruit cases. The walls were covered with newspapers, dated 1878, and overlaid with wallpaper.
Atkins Orchard Cottage as it stands in the grounds of the Schramm's Cottage Museum. The cottage has relevant displays set up inside including photographs of the Atkins family and of the cottage at its original site. (Photograph by Kay Mack.)
When first built the centre room was the kitchen and parlour with bedrooms at each end. In the 1880s another three roomed section was added at the rear and the shingle roof was covered with galvanised iron. The original shingles can be seen through a hole in the ceiling in the photo room.
When the building was moved only the original section was retained as the remaining part was in a poor state of repair.
Source: DTHS publication "Schramm's Cottage Complex."
When first built the centre room was the kitchen and parlour with bedrooms at each end. In the 1880s another three roomed section was added at the rear and the shingle roof was covered with galvanised iron. The original shingles can be seen through a hole in the ceiling in the photo room.
When the building was moved only the original section was retained as the remaining part was in a poor state of repair.
Source: DTHS publication "Schramm's Cottage Complex."
Atkins' Orchard Cottage being moved from Currawong Bush Park in 1988, where it had been temporarily placed, to Schramm's Cottage. The photograph shows the cottage on the low loader travelling west in Reynolds Road near Springvale Road. The cottage originally was built by Ben Atkins on his property in Newmans Road Templestowe. DTHS dp0570
Atkins House, Newmans Road, Templestowe
The house that Ben Atkins built in Newmans Road is now over one hundred and ten years old, but the timber in it could be up to two hundred years old. Indian teak from the wreck of an old ship was used to build the house.Ben was the son of Samuel Atkins who came to Australia in 1849. The Atkins family were well placed in England and had been associated with education at Harrow. The family inheritance went to the eldest son, so Samuel, being a younger brother was left to make his own way in the world.
While living in London, he met Eliza Spaull. Her father was a Spaniard who had been shipwrecked off the coast of England and, after being saved, stayed in London. He was appointed "Slipper Maker" to the royal family and lived in the Tower of London.
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| Ben Atkins |
Samuel was sent to Mt. Macedon to work. He was paid £35 a year and rations. Then the family moved to White Flats near Lilydale. In February 1851, Victoria was burnt out by the worst bushfire that state has ever experienced. Samuel was quite unprepared for the ferocity of a wild fire but a passing drover took them to a road where there were less trees. The children were sheltered in a tin trunk, but in saving the family, Samuel was burnt and never fully recovered.
They moved to Templestowe where Jack was born. A few years afterwards Samuel died. When Benjamin was twelve years old he went with a drover to earn some money. They drove sheep, walking all the way, to Queensland and back. Ben and an aboriginal drover became friends. Even though they were good friends, Ben would not risk turning his back on the aborigine and insisted that he walk in front. His mother had made friends with aborigines when they first came to Templestowe. Aboriginal women helped her look after the children. Their land had been a favourite place for corroborees. In the back paddock was a place of special Significance. Two large trees had joined together forming an arch. Many years later Ben used this arch to house his wagon at night.
When Ben returned from droving, he used his savings to help his mother buy land from Major Newman in Newmans Road. They built a slab hut and planted an orchard of apples and plums. During the 1860's, Ben built a three-roamed house with a front verandah. The walls were weatherboard and the roof was covered with shingles. The front door opened into a kitchen in the centre of the house with a bedroom either side. It was a typical farmhouse kitchen. Food was cooked over an open fire. Later the house was enlarged with another row of three rooms. 0n the right was a pantry, on the left a bedroom and in the centre a new kitchen. The old kitchen was renovated to become the parlour. The roof of shingles was covered with galvanised iron.
The family intellect could be seen in the children. Ben had the gift of using words while Caroline and Jack had artistic ability. Ben was a colourful character. He taught himself to read and write and was a skilful narrator, always ready to entertain people with his stories. He was a good judge of horses, and many a local orchardist would ask for his advice when buying a horse. Children treated him with respect. They knew that he would not stand any nonsense. Caroline, who had married Thomas Hawthorn, left Templestowe to rear her own family. After the death of her husband she returned to Newmans Road to nurse her mother, for Eliza had become ill. In 1891 Elizabeth Atkins died.
During the depression of the 1890's the orchard could not support the family and there were no carting jobs. At times they would exchange firewood for food. Ben and Jack worked at Templestowe mine till it closed and later at the Caledonia in Warrandyte.
The families in the upper side of Templestowe made their own amusements. There were parties in the homes of the Atkins' friends, the Websters, Mundys, and Chivers. Often they would row across the river to friends in Eltham. The only music for dancing would be a mouth organ and often the musician would play his mouth organ while dancing. In 1928, at the age of 84, Benjamin Atkins died, to be followed the next year by his sister Caroline.
The house was sold to Frank Aumann and has since remained in the Aumann family. It is still standing and the orange trees, planted so long ago when the house was first built, still bear fruit.
Source: Irvine Green and May Holmyard writing in 1977 11 DTHS Newsletter
The Atkins family
Samuel Atkins, his wife Eliza and two children Benjamin and Caroline, emigrated from England to Victoria in 1848. At the time of the 'Black Thursday' bush fires in February 1851 they were living near Lilydale, and were lucky to escape with their lives. Samuel, however, was badly burnt. They moved to Templestowe in about 1852. After the father's death, Ben became the support of the family. He was away shearing for five years. He built a three-roomed house from timber from an old ship. About 1884 his widowed sister, Mrs Hawthorn and her three children came to live at Templestowe with Ben. The children were taught by Miss Florence Newman at Monckton homestead at Templestowe. John Atkins, who was born at Templestowe on 3 September 1857, was taught by a Mr Sparks, the school being opposite the Templestowe Hotel in Parker Street.
Summary of an interview with Mrs Agnes Lee, a grand-daughter of Samuel and Eliza Atkins, conducted by Hazel Poulter . DTHS archive DD6F5D1
Summary of an interview with Mrs Agnes Lee, a grand-daughter of Samuel and Eliza Atkins, conducted by Hazel Poulter . DTHS archive DD6F5D1
Atkins' Orchard Cottage being placed in position in 1988 and held by jacks and timber stays at Schramm's Cottage Museum. DTHS dp0571
Restoration to Atkins Orchard Cottage following its removal to Schramms Cottage, Victoria Street, Doncaster. The cottage stood in Newmans Road, Templestowe, for over 100 years, was removed to Currawong Bush Park where it stayed for a short time before finally being transported to Schramms Cottage. Currawong Bush Park DP1026
Photograph of Frank Aumann's bike leaning against Atkins' Orchard Cottage in 2008, in the grounds of Schramm's Cottage Museum, Doncaster. Frank was born in 1903 at Doncaster. His early years were spent on his father's orchard in Tunstall Road, East Doncaster. In the 1920s he bought the property in Newmans Road, Templestowe, that had belonged to Ben Atkins. In 1934 he married Gladys Pump, and they lived in Atkins Orchard Cottage until they built a new house in 1959-60. Frank never owned a car. In 1944 he bought a second-hand Bedford truck. Frank rode his bike everywhere. It is a 28 inch wheel Healing bike. (Photograph 2008. Kay Mack.) DTHS dp1021
The Atkins family of Newmans Road, Templestowe, in 1907 with some of their relatives, was taken at the rear of their home in 1907. It now stands on the mantelshelf of the central room of the relocated Atkins' Cottage in the grounds of Schramm's Cottage Complex Museum. In the back row are Robert Webster, Bill Mundy and Will Hawthorn. In the centre are Caroline Newman, Agnes Lee (nee Hawthorn), Alf Lee. Seated in front are Ben Atkins, Vera Webster, Caroline Hawthorn (nee Atkins, sister of Ben Atkins), Jack Webster and Cliff Webster (infant). Ben Atkins is the bearded man seated in the cane chair. DP0776
Ben Atkins house - Schramms Cottage Reserve
Victoria St, Doncaster East (193.20)This house, dating from cl864(6), was previously located at 72 Newmans Rd, Templestowe.
It is a symmetrical, double-fronted hip-roofed cottage, with a skillion verandah that has simple transom and Tuscan posts.
The house was built by Ben Atkins on the family farm and occupied by him until his death(7). The three rooms at the rear and the iron roof are later additions(8). The loss of original location has greatly reduced its significance. The cottage is currently being developed as a house museum.
Of local historical significance as an early cottage; its significance is reduced by removal from its original site.
6. National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file.
7. Doncasler TempJestowe Hjstocjca1 Society Newsleger. December 1987
8. National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file.
Source: City of Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study 1991 Richard Peterson p63
http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/file/26126/download
Ben Atkins House - Victoria Street (Schramms Cottage Reserve), Doncaster
Of local historical significance as an early cotage; its significance is reduced by removal from its original site at 72 Newmans Road
http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/22414
Heritage Register Listings Place No. 172
HISTORY: This house, dating from c1864[74], was previously located at 72 Newmans Road, Templestowe. The house was built by Ben Atkins on the family farm and occupied by him until his death.[75] Three rooms at the rear and the iron roof are later additions.[76] The loss of original location has greatly reduced its significance. The cottage is currently being developed as a house museum.
DESCRIPTION It is a symmetrical, double-fronted hip-roofed cottage, with a skillion verandah that has simple transom and Tuscan posts.
Condition: Excellent. Integrity: Altered - moved from origi
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Of local historical significance as an early cotage; its significance is reduced by removal from its original site.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[74] National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file.
[75] Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, December 1987
[76] National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file
Source: 5.01 - Squatters, selectors & small farmer. Manningham Heritage Study Context Pty. Ltd. page 100 http://images.heritage.vic.gov.au/attachment/3364
Ben Atkins' House
62-78 Victoria Street (Schramms Cottage Reserve) DoncasterHeritage Register Listings Place No. 172
HISTORY: This house, dating from c1864[74], was previously located at 72 Newmans Road, Templestowe. The house was built by Ben Atkins on the family farm and occupied by him until his death.[75] Three rooms at the rear and the iron roof are later additions.[76] The loss of original location has greatly reduced its significance. The cottage is currently being developed as a house museum.
DESCRIPTION It is a symmetrical, double-fronted hip-roofed cottage, with a skillion verandah that has simple transom and Tuscan posts.
Condition: Excellent. Integrity: Altered - moved from origi
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Of local historical significance as an early cotage; its significance is reduced by removal from its original site.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[74] National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file.
[75] Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, December 1987
[76] National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file
Source: 5.01 - Squatters, selectors & small farmer. Manningham Heritage Study Context Pty. Ltd. page 100 http://images.heritage.vic.gov.au/attachment/3364
Ben Atkins built this three-roomed cottage in Newmans Road, Templestowe in 1863, using second hand materials.
The floor and weatherboards are of teak that had been used as dunnage in a ship on the India run. The walls are lined on the inside with wide oregon boards cut for fruit cases. They were covered with newspapers, dated 1878, and overlaid with wallpaper.
When first built the centre room was the kitchen and parlour with bedrooms at each end. As the family increased in the 1880s another three roomed section was added at the rear and the shingle roof was covered with galvanised iron.
When the building was moved only the original section was retained as the remaining part was in a poor state of repair. Atkins' Cottage was first relocated to Currawong Bush Park and then to this site in 1988.
It was a typical farmhouse of the early days of the district. The family used the kitchen as their living room, and cooked meals over an open fire.
Later, Ben enlarged the house with another three rooms at the rear. He built a new, larger kitchen in the centre of the house with a pantry on the right and a third bedroom on the left. Then they renovated the old kitchen to become a parlour and covered the shingles with iron.
In 1928, at the age of 84, Benjamin Atkins died. The house was sold to Frank Aumann and remained in his family till the land was subdivided two years ago.
The old section of Atkins house was moved by the council and placed in bushland at Currawong Park. Here it has remained, looking dilapidated but the structure is still sound. The framework is mortised and dovetailed together. The weatherboards, windows and doors have deteriorated and the timber from the verandah is lying on the ground alongside the stack of hand-made bricks from the fireplace. Now efforts are being made to have the house restored so it can fulfil a useful purpose.
Source: 1987 12 DTHS Newsletter
One and a quarter centuries after Atkins cottage was originally built the cottage is looking like new again. Many members spent many hours working hard to restore the building and much of the furniture and fittings are the result of generous donations. The walls outside, that were covered with teak boards, shine in their fresh paint and we have covered the old shingle roof with fresh iron. Inside, the oregon covered walls, that had the remains of two layers of newspaper and three layers of wall paper and one covering of plaster, now look clean and fresh in new old style wallpaper. The interior of the cottage now displays antique clothing and sewing paraphernalia, for dressmaking filled an important part of life last century. As the cottage came from Templestowe, photographs of old Templestowe are displayed in the room one occupied by Ben Atkins.
Phyliss Burgess and May Holmyard at times lived in Granny's house, as they still call it. They remembered walking through the front gate in the picket fence - the gate was always open - into the garden. An orange tree grew on each side and Phyliss once planted Delphiniums and fox gloves alongside the old roses. On the left side of the house, tanks collected water from the roof. A tin dish sat on the tank stand. It was always filled with water for washing. In the winter, Uncle Ben insisted that they wash in the morning, even after a frosty night when they had to break the layer of ice on the water.
The Atkins family lived in a small hut in Warrandyte Road. When Ben returned from droving in Queensland, he used the small amount of money he had earned to build the new cottage. That was before 1863. At that time, Ben built the existing three front rooms. Much of the timber he bought second hand, such as the solid 6x6 hardwood beams supporting the walls and floor. The wonderful teak floor boards and weatherboards, came from a ship on the India run, where it had been used for dunnage.
It was the practice when extra dunnage was needed to pack cargo for the shipping company to buy timber. Later when there was too much on the ship, the captain would sell it and pocket the proceeds.
Shingles covered the roof but later when the house was enlarged, with three more rooms at the rear, they covered the roof with galvanised iron that could be used to collect clean water for the tanks. They left the shingles under the iron as insulation. These can be seen through a hole left in the ceiling in the photo room.
Ben Atkins died in 1928 so the cottage was sold to Frank Aumann who carried out extensive repairs to the building. In the 1980's, the Aumann orchard was to be subdivided. Jim Poulter, who was a councillor, persuaded the council to save Atkins Cottage. They moved the original three front rooms to Currawong Bush Park to be used for a community use. After a few years when no satisfactory used had been found for the building and it was deteriorating, Council offered it the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society with a very generous grant to cover moving and restoration.
Source: 1991 03 DTHS Newsletter
The floor and weatherboards are of teak that had been used as dunnage in a ship on the India run. The walls are lined on the inside with wide oregon boards cut for fruit cases. They were covered with newspapers, dated 1878, and overlaid with wallpaper.
When first built the centre room was the kitchen and parlour with bedrooms at each end. As the family increased in the 1880s another three roomed section was added at the rear and the shingle roof was covered with galvanised iron.
When the building was moved only the original section was retained as the remaining part was in a poor state of repair. Atkins' Cottage was first relocated to Currawong Bush Park and then to this site in 1988.
Atkins House
In the 1860's, Ben Atkins built a three room house in Newmans road, Templestowe. The walls were weatherboard and shingles covered the roof. The front door opened into a kitchen in the centre with a bedroom either side, while a verandah stretched across the front. Teak boards, unwanted dunnage from a ship, lined the walls and in the bedrooms, wallpaper with a pattern of pink roses, covered the boards.It was a typical farmhouse of the early days of the district. The family used the kitchen as their living room, and cooked meals over an open fire.
Later, Ben enlarged the house with another three rooms at the rear. He built a new, larger kitchen in the centre of the house with a pantry on the right and a third bedroom on the left. Then they renovated the old kitchen to become a parlour and covered the shingles with iron.
In 1928, at the age of 84, Benjamin Atkins died. The house was sold to Frank Aumann and remained in his family till the land was subdivided two years ago.
The old section of Atkins house was moved by the council and placed in bushland at Currawong Park. Here it has remained, looking dilapidated but the structure is still sound. The framework is mortised and dovetailed together. The weatherboards, windows and doors have deteriorated and the timber from the verandah is lying on the ground alongside the stack of hand-made bricks from the fireplace. Now efforts are being made to have the house restored so it can fulfil a useful purpose.
Source: 1987 12 DTHS Newsletter
Atkins Orchard Cottage - The Opening
On Saturday 23 February at 4pm, The Mayor of Doncaster and Templestowe, Cr. John Bridge, will officiate at the opening on behalf of the council and will unveil a plaque. Phyllis Burgess and May Holmyard, nieces of Ben Atkins, will be called on to turn the key in the lock and to open the restored cottage that bears his name. Then afternoon tea will be served on the. lawn.One and a quarter centuries after Atkins cottage was originally built the cottage is looking like new again. Many members spent many hours working hard to restore the building and much of the furniture and fittings are the result of generous donations. The walls outside, that were covered with teak boards, shine in their fresh paint and we have covered the old shingle roof with fresh iron. Inside, the oregon covered walls, that had the remains of two layers of newspaper and three layers of wall paper and one covering of plaster, now look clean and fresh in new old style wallpaper. The interior of the cottage now displays antique clothing and sewing paraphernalia, for dressmaking filled an important part of life last century. As the cottage came from Templestowe, photographs of old Templestowe are displayed in the room one occupied by Ben Atkins.
Phyliss Burgess and May Holmyard at times lived in Granny's house, as they still call it. They remembered walking through the front gate in the picket fence - the gate was always open - into the garden. An orange tree grew on each side and Phyliss once planted Delphiniums and fox gloves alongside the old roses. On the left side of the house, tanks collected water from the roof. A tin dish sat on the tank stand. It was always filled with water for washing. In the winter, Uncle Ben insisted that they wash in the morning, even after a frosty night when they had to break the layer of ice on the water.
The Atkins family lived in a small hut in Warrandyte Road. When Ben returned from droving in Queensland, he used the small amount of money he had earned to build the new cottage. That was before 1863. At that time, Ben built the existing three front rooms. Much of the timber he bought second hand, such as the solid 6x6 hardwood beams supporting the walls and floor. The wonderful teak floor boards and weatherboards, came from a ship on the India run, where it had been used for dunnage.
It was the practice when extra dunnage was needed to pack cargo for the shipping company to buy timber. Later when there was too much on the ship, the captain would sell it and pocket the proceeds.
Shingles covered the roof but later when the house was enlarged, with three more rooms at the rear, they covered the roof with galvanised iron that could be used to collect clean water for the tanks. They left the shingles under the iron as insulation. These can be seen through a hole left in the ceiling in the photo room.
Ben Atkins died in 1928 so the cottage was sold to Frank Aumann who carried out extensive repairs to the building. In the 1980's, the Aumann orchard was to be subdivided. Jim Poulter, who was a councillor, persuaded the council to save Atkins Cottage. They moved the original three front rooms to Currawong Bush Park to be used for a community use. After a few years when no satisfactory used had been found for the building and it was deteriorating, Council offered it the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society with a very generous grant to cover moving and restoration.
Source: 1991 03 DTHS Newsletter
72 Newmans Rd Templestowe. Previously the location of Atkins Cottage. Cottage was relocated to Schramms Cottage Reserve in 1991 GoogleMaps 2018
Queen Victoria
In the late 1930's a young girl, Elizabeth Spaul lived in the Tower of London. She came there because her father, a Spaniard, had been shipwrecked off the coast of England and stayed in London where he was appointed "Slipper Maker" to the Royal Family with living quarters in the Tower. Elizabeth used to play with another girl her own age called Victoria. Victoria later was crowned Queen of England.In later years when Elizabeth Atkins lived in Templestowe, she always had a portrait of Queen Victoria in her home.
While looking for pictures to hang in Atkins Cottage, we came across a special frame among those that have been given to the society. This frame, of bird's eye maple, is one of a series made during the first decade of the century. A picture of Baden Powell was in the frame, we took it out to clean the glass and found a good portrait of Queen Victoria underneath.
Incongruously underneath that was an engraving of a Flemish nude. The picture of Queen Victoria was ideal for Atkins Cottage. To keep the frame original, we left the other pictures underneath.
Source: 1991 06 DTHS Newsletter
Atkins Opening
I awoke at first light on the morning of 23rd. February and the sky was pink - horror. I immediately thought of the old saw - pink in the morning, shepherd’s warning - but thought it was cloudy for most of the day, even looked like rain, it remained fine and was in fact a perfect afternoon for the long awaited opening of Atkins orchard Cottage.
As visitors arrived the same pleased reaction was heard as people saw the building shining in its new paint complete with a new picket fence. Judith Leaney opened the proceedings from the veranda of Atkins house. She introduced Irvine Green who called on the Mayor to receive the thanks of the Historical Society and explained that council had given the cottage to be looked after in Schramm’s grounds with a generous donation to cover the cost of removal and restoration.
Four of the granddaughter’s of Eliza Atkins, the first owner of the building, were present at the opening. Mrs. Phyllis Burgess, Mrs. May Holmyard, Mrs. Vera Coleman and Mrs. Florence Lawson. Mrs. Glad Aumann wife of the late Frank Aumann, who purchased the house from the Atkins and finally gave it to the council, was also present with her son and daughters. After the mayor had unveiled a plaque The cottage was opened with an unusual ceremony. Mrs. Burgess unlocked the door, Mrs. Holmyard opened the door and Mrs. Aumann was invited to be the first to enter.
When Irvine said that Mrs. Burgess had called the cottage "Granny’s House" it was fascinating to visualise Granny’s House on a name plate on the front gate.
The 53 people who helped to restore Atkins House are to be congratulated on a splendid result. This building, that a few years ago, was derelict and deteriorating barely seemed possible to restore. Now this cottage, Templestowe’s second oldest building, looks like new and ready to Iasi for another hundred years.
The afternoon ran on into the evening for a "Garden Party" . Some left, some stayed and the hard workers who had kept the visitors fed and refreshed during the afternoon changed from "Tea Ladies" to "Chicken Fest Chicks".
The grounds of Schramm's Cottage take on a different character on occasions such as this. People stroll around the lawns or sit on seats talking to friends in a relaxed peaceful atmosphere. Even on warm days the garden is cool and the trees give welcome shade. As the evening becomes dark, flood lights provided an effect of moon light. Once again a successful function.
Atkins Orchard Cottage
The four granddaughters of Elizabeth Atkins have generously donated gifts to help furnish the cottage. Mrs. Phyllis Burgess with her daughter Francis Rothnie gave an attractive garden seat for the verandah, a garden seat used to stand there. Mrs. May Holm yard provided the delightful curtains that make the cottage homely. Mrs. Vera Coleman and Mrs. Florence Lawson presented a cheque which will be used to purchase a suitable table for Uncle Ben’s room, now the photo room.
Source: 1991 06 DTHS Newsletter
Teak
The teak floor and walls of Atkins Cottage have given May Holmyard a special interest in the timber teak. During a trip to Thailand in January she brought back some pieces made from teak. She said that the forests of Thailand have been so depleted of teak that it is now a protected timber. Each family is only allowed to build one house with teak although it has been the traditional building timber in the country.
Source: 1991 06 DTHS Newsletter
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