A Trip to Doncaster (1879)
HAVING a day at my disposal this week, I resolved to devote it to inspecting the magnificent view said to be obtained from the top of the Beaconsfield Tower at Doncastor, a village exactly ten miles from Melbourne, and as I enjoyed myself thoroughly, if you have no objection, I will give you a description of my trip, in the hope that it may induce some of your readers who have a few hours to spare, to go and do likewise. Shortly after leaving Kew you pass the cremetery which is most picturesquely situated on tho slope of a hill, overlooking the valley of the Yarra. It contains a number of beautiful and costly monuments, tho grounds are skilfully laid out, and as it is acknowledged to be the prettiest burying ground in the colony, tho pleasure one would derive from seeing it would well repay tho trouble of a visit. The remainder of the journey is a long an excellent macadamised road, which runs through an undulating, park-like country till Doncaster is reached. The tower is a massive wooden structure, it is nearly 200ft. high and is ascended by means of zig-zag ladders. The cost of erecting it was 1600 pound, and it contains 50,000 ft. of timber. Although I was prepared to see something grand, the view from the summit far exceeded my most sauguine expectations. On the one side I could see Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff, and the Southern Ocean, on another, the Dandenong and Plenty Ranges were completely dwarfed by the Gippsland mountains, which rose tier upon tier behind them, till their snow capped tops seems to fade away and lose themselves in the far distance. In other directions the You Yangs, Mounts Blackwood, Buninyong, Macedon, Alexander, and many other well known land marks can easily be recognised. Melbourne and its suburbs stretch from Footscray to Brighton, and seems in the distance like one huge city. The whole of the counties of Bourke, Evelyn, and Mornington, and portions of the adjoining ones, lay like a map before you, and the scenery is so grand, varied and beautiful, that it completely beggars my powers of description, and must be seen to be appreciated. There are some powerful telescopes, and field glasses in the tower, and with the assistance of them, and the proprietor, who is always in attendance to point out the various objects of interest in the landscape, the visitor must be dull indeed who does not derive a vast amount of information, as well as pleasure, from a trip to Doncaster.By E.F.G.
Source: 1879 'A TRIP TO DONCASTER.', The Record and Emerald Hill and Sandridge Advertiser (Vic. : 1872 - 1881), 17 October, p. 3. , viewed 22 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108501685
The View From Doncaster Hill (1879)
In point of variety and extent it may be fairly doubted whether there is any prospect in this part of Australia to equal that which is visible on a clear day from the tower on Doncaster hill - only 10 miles from Melbourne. On the hill Mr. Hummel, the owner of the land, has erected a tower which is itself a curiosity, because it has been constructed without any scaffolding whatever, and is so well stayed by guys that even in one of the heaviest squalls of wind was as firm as rock.
In some respects the day was unfavourable, because the distant mountains were occasionally veiled in mist. So rapid was the motion of the clouds which swept over the sky that while one quarter of the heavens glowed with the brightness of summer, another was black with the gloom of storm. There were islands of sunshine, fluctuating in outline. There were rays of golden light through rifts in the clouds. And the ranges, some clothed in Tyrian purple, others in brilliant blue. With what extraordinary loveliness they presented themselves.
The line of the horizon may be roughly described as 10 miles distant, and the expanse it embraces is girdled by a zone of mountains. Taking Arthurs Seat as your starting point, and travelling round the compass, your eye successively alights upon the You Yangs, the Pentland Hills, the Blue Mountains, Mount Macedon, the Upper and the Lower Plenty Ranges, Mount St. Leonard, Mount Mundy, Mount Juliet and the Dandenongs.
Looking westward, you can see the whole of the bay, the cliffs at Dromana, Portarlington, Brighton, St. Kilda, and the metropolis, with its belt of suburbs.
Almost every public building of any importance in Melbourne, with the exception of the Post-office, is clearly discernible by the aid of a good opera-glass, and the more prominent of the monuments in the new cemetery may be also made out by the same means. But while the distant prospect comprises such an interchange of sea and shore, of shaggy mountain and of populous city, thick with spires and towers, the intervening area is full of amenity and picturesqueness, blending large breadths of primitive bush with interspaces of cultivation. Everwhere the surface of the land undulates, like that of the sea in a heavy swell; and as you look down upon the timber, which, in some places, in rich masses, and in others is scattered in isolated bosks and groves, the foliage loses its ordinary ragged and dishevelled appearance, and presents to the eye that closeness of texture and "contiguity of shade" which lends such a charm to the deciduous trees of Europe and America. In the immediate vicinity of the point of outlook are orchards, gardens, and vineyards, in which autumn has "laid a fiery finger on the leaves"; patches of brown fallow, newly turned by the shining ploughshare; and squares of vivid green, where a late- sown crop has been quickened into sudden life by the recent rains. The villages of Eltham and Heidelberg look like a collection of toy houses embedded in moss, and the Asylum at Kew might be mistaken by a stranger for a lordly mansion dominating the deer-park of a great land-owner, and dwarfing the equally prominent Government House which a flying gleam of sunshine has caused to stand out with startling distinctness. Carrying the eye farther on in a south-westerly direction, where there is also a sudden illumination of the prospect, you can see: "The broad sea-sand Spread, ribbed and freckled, to the spray Crisp-curving to the curving land, And plashing on the pebbly strand; Beyond, the vague vast waters lay Lazily heaving in the bay."
Thirty five years later there were fears for the safety of the tower and it was dismantled.
Published in 2 places;
Source: 1879 'THE VIEW FROM DONCASTER-HILL.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 April, p. 7. , viewed 07 Mar 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5939498
Source: 1879 'THE VIEW FROM DONCASTER HILL.', South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic. : 1877 - 1920; 1926 - 1927), 16 April, p. 3. (WEEKLY.), viewed 07 Mar 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70011929
Reprinted in: 1985 06 DTHS Newsletter
One hour from the start from town, our friends were seated in one of the numerous large summer houses attached to the hotel.
…. like 60,000 pounds. I have a branch office near the hotel here, and my private residence is at South Yarra. My manager, Mr G. Edwards, and Mrs. Edwards attend to everything in connection with the hotel, and I only occasionally come out here for a little rest and recreation. I find myself much better always for the change.
This property has only changed hands last June (1888). It contains 13 acres of splendid land, with flower garden, picnic grounds, swings, track for foot and bicycle races. A roller skating track is about to be laid, and my intentions are to erect an extensive coffee palace, to be lit with electricity, for the accommodation of all classes of society. This tower, which has a world wide reputation, gentlemen. It runs up to a height of 219 feet, and is over 700 feet above the level of the sea. We have a splendid Assembly Hall, which will seat two hundred people, and is used by our guests for balls and parties in the season, several pianos, public dining hall, and private parlors. We cater for one or four hundred. Every delicacy that can possibly be procured at town establishments, we supply here at a very short notice, and no expense is spared to make this what it undoubtedly is - as near as poor mortals have to that desired goal - perfection.
The modes of transit from the metropolis are various - as your party came, by drag or buggy, or horse-back, or train to Kew (fares: first return, 7 ½ d.), and otherwise; thence Coach (2s. return) or train to Box Hill (fares: first. 1s.), and from thence by conveyance which meets every train at the station. The latter is most convenient."
Source: Extracts From The Australian Sketcher 1888 reprinted in 1977 08 DTHS Newsletter
In some respects the day was unfavourable, because the distant mountains were occasionally veiled in mist. So rapid was the motion of the clouds which swept over the sky that while one quarter of the heavens glowed with the brightness of summer, another was black with the gloom of storm. There were islands of sunshine, fluctuating in outline. There were rays of golden light through rifts in the clouds. And the ranges, some clothed in Tyrian purple, others in brilliant blue. With what extraordinary loveliness they presented themselves.
The line of the horizon may be roughly described as 10 miles distant, and the expanse it embraces is girdled by a zone of mountains. Taking Arthurs Seat as your starting point, and travelling round the compass, your eye successively alights upon the You Yangs, the Pentland Hills, the Blue Mountains, Mount Macedon, the Upper and the Lower Plenty Ranges, Mount St. Leonard, Mount Mundy, Mount Juliet and the Dandenongs.
Looking westward, you can see the whole of the bay, the cliffs at Dromana, Portarlington, Brighton, St. Kilda, and the metropolis, with its belt of suburbs.
Almost every public building of any importance in Melbourne, with the exception of the Post-office, is clearly discernible by the aid of a good opera-glass, and the more prominent of the monuments in the new cemetery may be also made out by the same means. But while the distant prospect comprises such an interchange of sea and shore, of shaggy mountain and of populous city, thick with spires and towers, the intervening area is full of amenity and picturesqueness, blending large breadths of primitive bush with interspaces of cultivation. Everwhere the surface of the land undulates, like that of the sea in a heavy swell; and as you look down upon the timber, which, in some places, in rich masses, and in others is scattered in isolated bosks and groves, the foliage loses its ordinary ragged and dishevelled appearance, and presents to the eye that closeness of texture and "contiguity of shade" which lends such a charm to the deciduous trees of Europe and America. In the immediate vicinity of the point of outlook are orchards, gardens, and vineyards, in which autumn has "laid a fiery finger on the leaves"; patches of brown fallow, newly turned by the shining ploughshare; and squares of vivid green, where a late- sown crop has been quickened into sudden life by the recent rains. The villages of Eltham and Heidelberg look like a collection of toy houses embedded in moss, and the Asylum at Kew might be mistaken by a stranger for a lordly mansion dominating the deer-park of a great land-owner, and dwarfing the equally prominent Government House which a flying gleam of sunshine has caused to stand out with startling distinctness. Carrying the eye farther on in a south-westerly direction, where there is also a sudden illumination of the prospect, you can see: "The broad sea-sand Spread, ribbed and freckled, to the spray Crisp-curving to the curving land, And plashing on the pebbly strand; Beyond, the vague vast waters lay Lazily heaving in the bay."
Thirty five years later there were fears for the safety of the tower and it was dismantled.
Published in 2 places;
Source: 1879 'THE VIEW FROM DONCASTER-HILL.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 April, p. 7. , viewed 07 Mar 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5939498
Source: 1879 'THE VIEW FROM DONCASTER HILL.', South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic. : 1877 - 1920; 1926 - 1927), 16 April, p. 3. (WEEKLY.), viewed 07 Mar 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70011929
Beaconsfield Tower, Doncaster Hill (1880)
This tower is an immense wooden construction, 200 foot high and was erected by it's proprietor, Mr Hummel for the sole purpose of obtaining the extensive and magnificent view which it commands. Situated on the top of Doncaster Hill, from it's upper gallery the visitor obtains at grand panoramic view of the Dandenongs, the Plenty Ranges, Kew, Melbourne, Mount Macedon, Keilor Plains, Port Phillip Bay, and, on a clear day, Port Phillip Heads. From the ground floor to the first gallery (height 100 foot) the sides of the tower are enclosed, and one has the feeling of starting up a shaft instead of down one. From the first to the second gallery, the height is 60 foot, and for this distance, as well as for the remaining 4o foot, the tower is open to all the winds of Heaven. The Ascent so far is achieved by means of a strong winding wooden staircase, but after the second gallery is reached, the enterprising excursionist must trust the safety of his neck to and nearly perpendicular ladder. We need not remark that the majority of visitors, having achieved the upper gallery, content themselves with the view it offers and take the rest for granted. This is the third tower erected on the spot by Mr Hummel, the two former ones having been blown down. The present structure cost about 1000 pounds. It is a place of resort on high days and holidays, the public being privileged to toil up it's innumerable stairs at the rate of one shilling a head. There is a temperance hotel attached to the tower and there are some pleasantly wooded paddocks about for the use of picnic parties. Cabs run from Kew to Doncaster two or three times a day in the season, but good pedestrians will find the distance (5 or 6 miles) a pleasant and exhilarating walk through the grassy undulating country about.
Source: The Australian Sketcher. Saturday, August 14, 1880
Beaconsfield Tower (1880)
I went to the top with a friend who sworeSource: 1880 'Beaconsfield Tower.', Melbourne Punch (Vic. : 1855 - 1900), 20 May, p. 3. , viewed 22 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174556666
He was never so near to heaven before ;
I said that, if wise, he had better remain,
For he never would be so near again.
Doncaster Tower (1888)
…. things into consideration, I say Doncaster Tower is the place for us all. The hills are beautiful and green, the sea breeze is fresh and cool in the town, and a wire before we start to Host Nichols will find a splendid spread waiting for us on our arrival. What better can we require.”One hour from the start from town, our friends were seated in one of the numerous large summer houses attached to the hotel.
…. like 60,000 pounds. I have a branch office near the hotel here, and my private residence is at South Yarra. My manager, Mr G. Edwards, and Mrs. Edwards attend to everything in connection with the hotel, and I only occasionally come out here for a little rest and recreation. I find myself much better always for the change.
This property has only changed hands last June (1888). It contains 13 acres of splendid land, with flower garden, picnic grounds, swings, track for foot and bicycle races. A roller skating track is about to be laid, and my intentions are to erect an extensive coffee palace, to be lit with electricity, for the accommodation of all classes of society. This tower, which has a world wide reputation, gentlemen. It runs up to a height of 219 feet, and is over 700 feet above the level of the sea. We have a splendid Assembly Hall, which will seat two hundred people, and is used by our guests for balls and parties in the season, several pianos, public dining hall, and private parlors. We cater for one or four hundred. Every delicacy that can possibly be procured at town establishments, we supply here at a very short notice, and no expense is spared to make this what it undoubtedly is - as near as poor mortals have to that desired goal - perfection.
The modes of transit from the metropolis are various - as your party came, by drag or buggy, or horse-back, or train to Kew (fares: first return, 7 ½ d.), and otherwise; thence Coach (2s. return) or train to Box Hill (fares: first. 1s.), and from thence by conveyance which meets every train at the station. The latter is most convenient."
Source: Extracts From The Australian Sketcher 1888 reprinted in 1977 08 DTHS Newsletter
1889-1893
"To Doncaster Tower by electric tram is one of the most pleasant novel withall cheapest of outings. Magnificent view from the tower. Book Princes Bridge Station to Doncaster via Box Hill, Return Fare 1/6. Trams meet every train up to 6 o/clock PM. Tram and Rail Return 1/6. Timetable in conjunction with Victorian railways. (Timetable Details) Special trips by Arrangement. Apply to H.J.Hilton, Box Hill. Printed at the “Reporter” Office, Box Hill". Reproduction poster dated circa 1970’s. Original poster published circa 1889-1893. https://nla.gov.au:443/tarkine/nla.obj-573398013
1890
1890 - Poster advertising the Doncaster Tower and Tram (bpadula June2021)
Whitehorse Hotel at bottom right. View north along Elgar Rd, Doncaster Tower at top, 1904 (bpadula June2021)
From the Tower (1907)
1907 NW view from Doncaster Tower. Williamsons Road running left to right. Richard Serpell's orchard in the centre. Henry Crouch's house on the west side of Williamsons Road. Arthur Taylor's house to the north of Serpell's on the east side of Williamsons Road. A large dam at the left bottom of the photograph and also a bush paddock was probably the rear of Mrs Annie Goodson's property in Doncaster Road, adjoining the Tower Hotel. DTHS-DP0174
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| DP0174 Google Maps View Simulation 2018 |
Date unknown
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| "Greeting from Doncaster Victoria. Looking towards Melbourne from the Tower Doncaster." Roof paint: Tower Hotel Doncaster M. Wenke. Doncaster Williamsons Cnr visible c Serpells building. (Posted to Facebook by Belinda Smith). |
Main Road Doncaster c1910 Looking west along Doncaster Road showing the Doncaster Primary School, the Church of Christ, and the Doncaster Tower. DP0173
Foolhardy Sailor (1908)
Edward Cathcart, an able seaman, paid a visit to Doncaster yesterday, and climbed the Doncaster Tower. Filled with a de-sire to exhibit the prowess of the mercantile marine, Cathcart announced his intention of descending one of the stays. Half-way down he lost his head, and after a moment's hopeless clutching for a grip he fell to the ground. He sustained severe injuries to the back and hands, and was afterwards admitted for treatment at the Melbourne Hospital.1908 'FOOLHARDY SAILOR.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 20 April, 1908 p. 5. , viewed 24 May 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10678381
Doncaster Tower (c1910)
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| Doncaster Tower c1910 stereoscope NLA182775883 |
1914 Doncaster Tower - Demolished
After having stood for the best part of half a century on the highest point of Doncaster hill, the pride of residents and tile wonder of visitors, that ancient landmark the Doncaster Tower, having shown signs of the ravages of time and dry rot, is now in "the hands of the destroyers," a crew of experts with an up-to-date plant having commenced operations preparatory to "falling" the immense structure, which it is intended shall "measure its length" towards the north from which quarter "many a fierce gale has howled o' winter nights thro' the staunch stays and rigging."
Great local interest is being taken in the removal, and many expressions of regret are heard that the old building is doomed.
But it appears that after all Doncaster is not to be long without a "tower," it being the intention of the proprietor of the Tower Hotel to erect an even finer building on this site, this time of steel, with which object in view it is understood that he has arranged to purchase an immense quantity of disused railway lines, fish plates, &c. The new tower, which is being designed by a leading firm of architects in Melbourne, is to be 40 feet "nearer the sky" than its predecessor, and the plans include provision for an afternoon tea room in the base. "Reporter."
Source: 1914 'DONCASTER TOWER.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 16 January, p. 7. , viewed 04 Jul 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75089051
1914 'DONCASTER TOWER.', Heidelberg News and Greensborough and Diamond Creek Chronicle (Vic. : 1914 - 1916), 24 January, p. 2. , viewed 04 Jul 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89084752
The Doncaster Tower Unearthed (1971)
A log, part of the foundation of "The Tower", was unearthed during excavations for the Esso Service Centre.
1971 05 DTHS Newsletter
1971 05 DTHS Newsletter
The Tower (1978)
In 1878 he successfully erected the famous 285 feet high steel and oregon "Doncaster Tower" which was a landmark for 35 years. Mr. Hummell charged 1/- for the experience of climbing the tower. The wooded tower paddock served as an ideal picnic spot. Near the tower, Hummell built a hall and a hotel, and many parties were held there.
1978 08 DTHS Newsletter
The Tower (1980)
For thirty-six years the tower stood on the hill at Doncaster. It was a magnificent structure 87 metres high. Alfred Hummell, a wealthy gentleman, farmer built the tower on a site between the present Council and Tower Streets in 1878.Hummell came to Doncaster during the 1850's. Ten years later he bought land at the top of the hill in Doncaster Road. His home, "Bayview", was a large twin gabled house, with a coach house attached. To take advantage of the view Hummell built a lookout 30 metres high alongside his home. A few months later it blew down in a storm. He built a taller tower on a new site further along the road. It was also short lived. One morning Mrs. Pickering, who lived in a cottage close to the tower, found that her door would not open. The tower, which had blown down during the night, had missed her cottage by inches.
Hummell was not to be beaten. He designed and built a still larger tower, on a site opposite his home. It was an ambitious project. Built of Oregon, it was 87 metres to the top of the flag pole. This time chains and steel cables were added to guard against the wind.
The top half was built first, then the lower section was constructed around it. The guy ropes were attached and the top half hauled up into place. Supporting struts held the tower in place.
An enclosed staircase led up to a platform 42 metres high. From there ,open stairs led to the top platform and a straight ladder to the flagpole. In a wind the tower swayed and creaked. It took a good head for heights to climb to the top platform. The view was awe-inspiring; from Bass Strait in the south, to Mount Disappointment in the north, from Matlock Ranges in the east, to Buninyong and Warrenheip Ranges in the west. It was called the Beaconsfield Tower.
The Doncaster Tower and Tower Hotel 1881
In conjunction with the Tower, Hummell built a large entertainment hall and tea rooms. There was a picnic ground and racecourse. At the base of the Tower a man in a top hat and frock coat sat at a table to collect the one shilling to climb the tower.
Horse drawn Drags came out from Melbourne with picnic parties. After climbing the tower they often felt the need for something stronger than tea, and went down the road to the hotel.
In 1881 Hummell built a hotel alongside the tower. It had thirty-nine rooms and stables with twenty stalls.
Hummell had also invested heavily in land. With the building of the Tower Hotel he had over extended his finances. In 1885 he sold up all his assets and moved to Tasmania.
William Meader was the first of several owners of the renamed Tower Hotel and Tower. One hot evening in 1895 the old Tower Hotel burnt down. A new building was erected in front of the Hall. It was built of brick with a fine facade and entrance. The hotel was delicensed in the 1920'$. The building was used as a grocery store, and a motor mower shop till it was demolished in preparation for the widening of Doncaster Road.
The Tower stood for thirty-six years. It dominated the countryside. From all around Doncaster it could be seen as an accent on the skyline. It was a landmark and a destination for a Sunday walk. For a boast, a local boy, Wilfred Crouch, slid down one of the guy ropes of the tower. A visiting sailor tried the same stunt but slipped and fell to his death.
At the beginning of the century there were constant fears for the safety of the tower. Frequent inspections were made, but no one wanted to risk living under the tower. Eventually in 1914, as a safety measure, the tower was demolished. The timber was sold at auction. Much of it was used to manufacture fruit cases by local orchardists. The last remaining relics are a log used to anchor a guy rope and the top of the flag pole. These are displayed in Schramm's Cottage.
Published by DTHS in 1980 in a booklet titles "The Tower & The Tram" ISBN 095009207X See Original Scan.
The Tower Hotel (1981)
The Tower Hotel at Doncaster was built one hundred years ago in Doncaster Road at the corner of the present Tower Street. The Hotel was built by Alfred Hummel, a gentleman farmer, who three years before had built the Doncaster Tower.Hummel had provided refreshment rooms at the base of the Tower but, after visitors had climbed the Tower, the strenuous exercise made them feel in need of something stronger than a cup of tea. Seeing large parties ignore his facilities and go off to a hotel was too much for Hummel. He was a proud Englishman who did not like to be beaten.
The Hotel that Hummel built was bigger and better than any other in the district. There were thirty nine rooms and stables for twenty horses. He called it the Beaconsfield Hotel.
His decision to build a hotel, however, caused considerable criticism both from his family and the community. Hummel had been a supporter of the temperance movement in Doncaster. The Hotel had caused them to lose credibility and his wife Jane was one of the Lawford family who were strict teetotallers.
Hummel began to have financial problems. He had invested heavily with the Tower, the Hotel, and his many land holdings. In 1885, he sold up all his properties and moved to Tasmania where he lived for the rest of his life.
The Hotel was bought by William Meader, a man with much experience in the hotel business. Meader had come from Dorset at the age of twenty four and arrived at the time of the gold rushes. Meader became more interested in the land boom than in being a publican. He leased the Hotel, now called the Tower Hotel, to John Nicholls.
Nicholls was an auctioneer and land agent who already owned a large orchard in Reynolds Road, alongside Deep Creek. He lived at South Yarra and employed G. Edwards and his wife to run the Hotel.
A party who visited Doncaster while Nicholls was host wrote a description of the Tower Hotel:
“…. I say Doncaster Tower is the place for us all. The hills are beautiful and green, the sea breeze is fresh and cool in the town, and a wire before we start to Host Nichols will find a splendid spread waiting for us on our arrival. What better can we require.”
One hour from the start from town, our friends were seated in one of the numerous large summer houses attached to the hotel, indulging in various beverages suitable to their several tastes…..
This property has only changed hands last June (1888). It contains 13 acres of splendid land, with flower garden, picnic grounds, swings, track for foot and bicycle races. A roller skating track is about to be laid, and my intentions are to erect an extensive coffee palace, to be lit with electricity, for the accommodation of all classes of society. This tower, which has a world wide reputation, gentlemen. It runs up to a height of 219 feet, and is over 700 feet above the level of the sea. We have a splendid Assembly Hall, which will seat two hundred people, and is used by our guests for balls and parties in the season, several pianos, public dining hall, and private parlors. We cater for one or four hundred. Every delicacy that can possibly be procured at town establishments, we supply here at a very short notice, and no expense is spared to make this what it undoubtedly is - as near as poor mortals have to that desired goal - perfection.”
In 1895 the Tower Hotel was owned by C C Nisson and Passmore was the caterer and licensee. Alongside the bar was a small room where lamps were stored during the day and filled with kerosine. On January 25th, Nisson lit a lamp and returned to the bar to serve a customer. He looked back and saw the room filled with a mass of red flames. It was a hot north-wind day and soon the Hotel was blazing. Nisson tried to beat out the fire but was overcome with smoke and had to be carried out.
A bucket brigade was formed to carry water from the Hotel's large well to the fire. One of the Petty boys worked the pump. He pumped so hard that he broke the pump.
At the Box Hill Fire Station, the lookout saw the flames and rang the fire bell to call the fire crew from their homes. The men grabbed the first available horses and quickly harnessed them to the fire engine.
The Fire Brigade set off, hurrying along the tram line straight for Doncaster. It was a hard pull up the long hill to Doncaster Road and the horses were uneasy. They were accustomed to working on their own, pulling bakers' carts and farm carts, and did not like being harnessed alongside strange horses. Nearing Serpell's Corner, the horses jibbed and started to play up. By now the flames from the fire at the top of the hill were roaring up into the sky, all the brighter in the darkening light of evening, making the firemen aware of the urgency, but frustrated by unco-operative horses. The Captain, a large, portly man, struggled to control them, when from the side of the road a voice called out "Get off and walk. They'll go better without your weight!"
As the firemen once more got the team going, the engine moved forward to the scene of the fire, with a crowd running alongside. Amongst it, eight-year old Ted Galbus from the dairy.
At the fire; the hose was quickly dropped into the underground tank. The fire crew, despite the intense heat, manned the engine's pump. Two men on each side worked the rocking bar that forced water along the hoses. The building was a blazing inferno. As the hoses poured water onto the fire, part of the roof collapsed, sending sparks high into the sky.
The flames on the top of Doncaster Hill were seen by look-outs at Kew and Hawthorn.who sent their Brigades. It was too late to save the Hotel but they were able to stop the fire.
spreading to the Recreation Hall.
The Tower Hotel was re-built. An elaborately decorated brick building was erected in front of the old Recreation Hall. A curved drive led into the entrance with a light on a post to welcome visitors at night and there was a horse trough to refresh their horses.
In 1898, a local man, Edward Kent; took over the Hotel and ran it for six years till Wenke , became the licensee. In 1914, the Tower was dismantled and three years later the Hotel was delicensed. The building became Thomas' Grocery Store and a shop-front was added on one side. Later the shop was used by the Doncaster Mower Service and, in 1969 when Doncaster Road was widened, the building was demolished. The solicitor's office of Garry Glover now stands on the site of the Tower Hotel.
Irvine Green writing in 1981 02 DTHS Newsletter
Mr Hummel's First Tower (1984)
Dust, leaves and twigs flew across the road as the wind shattered the air around the school. Annie Serpell crouched back against the school wall where she was sheltering from the storm with her friend Johanna Zander. Across the road the wind whistled as it blew through Mr. Hummels Look-Out. They could see it swaying in the gale. "My ! if you were up there you'd be blown right off" said Johanna. ìYou'd be blown all the way to Box Hill" said Annie. It had been so different the day her father had taken her up the look-out. At the top, Annie had been afraid to look down.Her father Alfred Serpell had pointed out their house at the bend in Whitten's Lane. She had thought it was like a doll's house in a toy farm. Her eyes followed the road down to the corner at Elgar Road and looking higher had seen Box Hill in the distance. In the excitement of seeing places she soon lost her fear and even looked down at the school and Mr. Schrammís new house alongside. Its tin roof was bright and the stone walls looked like the walls of their own house. There was The Athenaeum Hall that Uncle Thomas had designed and her own church at the rear. They moved across the platform and saw Mr. Lawford's new brick house. The sun was reflecting from its tin roof.
Down Doncaster Road they could pick out Mr. Corbett's houses and the Morning Star Hotel in the valley. Only a few months before, the farmers and orchardists from all around Doncaster had seen the tower rise above the trees as they worked on the land. It was a proud day for Alfred Hummel when he opened his lookout and received the praise and compliments of the community.
Hummel, the wealthy gentleman farmer had, soon after his arrival, impressed the people of Doncaster. When a Church of England was planned, Hummel purchased two blocks of land. He presented one to the church and the other for the Athenaeum Hall. Alfred Hummel married the beautiful Jane Lawford. His small house in Wilsons Road was not good enough for the stylish Alfred Hummel. He purchased William Bowers farm at the top of Doncaster Road and build a fine new home. The new building surrounded Bowers old cottage with twin gables either side. A coach house with quarters for Hummel's workmen completed the farm. With its new timber shingles, freshly painted weather boards and fretwork barge boards "Bay View" was an impressive building. In 1877, the magnificent view from Doncaster Hill inspired Hummel to add a lookout alongside his house. The tower he built, destined to be the first of three, rose one hundred feet high and provided a full 360 degree view of the surrounding country. That was three months ago and now Annie Serpell, remembering the day she had climbed up the tower, looked up to the platform at the top. On this blustery day, the thought of being up there was frightening. She looked away. ìItís bending" shouted Johanna, Annie looked back and saw the high tower moving. It leant right over and with a tremendous roar, crashed to the ground.
Irvine Green writing in 1984 06 DTHS Newsletter
The Doncaster Tower - Second Attempt and Final Achievement (1984)
The door wouldn't open. Mrs. Pickering pushed it again but the door only moved a few inches. It was stopped against a solid object. Eight years ago when her husband Joseph had died, Mrs. Pickering had moved out of the Post Office and now she lived in a small hut alongside the Church of Christ. That night she had slept well, lulled by the wind and rain. Now, in the calm of morning, her door wouldn't open - it couldn't - the tower had blown down during the night and lay only a few inches from her door.Alfred Hummel's second attempt to build a tower had failed. Again he was feeling the agony of being humiliated in the eyes of the community. His proud mind began to form plans to retrieve his prestige. He would build a new tower. Chains and cables would defeat the pull of the wind. It must be tall - a small tower would be an admission of defeat. It would be tall - taller than any building in Melbourne. An attraction that would attract sightseers and picnic parties and there would be a refreshment room and a large hall at the base of the tower.
Hummel's spirits lifted as he tackled designs and structural problems. He stopped calling himself a gentleman farmer and gave his occupation as engineer and architect. A new site was selected on higher ground across the road. The tower was to be two hundred and eighty five feet high and built of Oregon beams. Shipwrights were brought out from England to carry out the construction. The top half was built first, then the lower section was built around it. Guy ropes were attached and the top half hauled up into place. A network of thick Oregon beams - some over two hundred feet long - supported the Tower.
The Tower was visible for miles around. It dominated the countryside and was a landmark and destination for a Sunday walk. An enclosed staircase led up to a platform one hundred feet high. From there, open stairs led to the top platform and then a straight ladder to the base of the flagpole. In the wind the Tower swayed and creaked. It took a good head for heights to climb to the top platform. The view was awe inspiring from Bass Strait in the south, to Mount Disappointment in the north - from Matlock Ranges in the east, to Buninyong and Warrenheip in the west. Hummel named it the Beaconsfield Tower.
The Tower was opened in 1879 with a dinner for two hundred in the entertainment hall. Alfred Hummel presided over the dinner and received praise and compliments of the guests. Once more he was the social leader of Doncaster. There were dinner parties at Bay View for the elite of Doncaster and Hummel led picnic parties into the hills. Some of the ladies and gentlemen rode to the picnics. Miss Jane Serpell being a very picturesque figure attired in a riding habit and small black bell tapper and blue veil. Hummelís Tower became a tourist attraction. It was featured in the illustrated papers and during the International Exhibition the next year, the Tower attracted visitors from overseas. Horse drawn drags brought picnic parties from Melbourne. Hummel had built tea rooms to cater for visitors, but after climbing the Tower they often felt the need for something stronger than tea. Seeing men ignore his tea rooms and go off to the hotel was too much for Hummel. In 1981 he built a hotel alongside the entertainment hall. It was bigger than any other hotel in the district. There were thirty nine rooms and stables for twenty horses. On the thirteen acres surrounding the Tower, there were picnic grounds with swings for children and a small racecourse.
Hummel had married into a family of strict teetotallers. Building the hotel cast a cloud on the Hummelís family life. In 1885, Alfred Hummel sold all his properties and left Doncaster. He lived in Tasmania until his death in 1903.
Bay View was sold to Tom Petty and remained in the Petty family till it was demolished ten years ago.
The Hotel was taken over by William Header who became one of the Directors of the Box-Hill-Doncaster Tram. In 1895, the timber Hotel building was burnt down and was replaced by a brick building. The Hotel was de-licensed in 1921 and was demolished when Doncaster Road was widened in 1971.
The Tower was dismantled in 1914.
Irvine Green writing in 1984 09 DTHS Newsletter
The Tower (2013)
Doncaster Tower and the Tower Hotel. The Wenke's hotel was built in 1895 to replace the original hotel building that was destroyed by fire. A car is parked in front of the hotel. The 285 feet high tower was built in 1879 and demolished in 1914. DTHS dp0170
Alfred Hummel a wealthy Englishman settled in Doncaster in the 1860’s and became a gentleman farmer. He purchased William Bowers farm at the top of the hill on Doncaster Road and built a fine new home that he called “Bay View”.
In 1877 the magnificent view from Doncaster Hill inspired Hummel to construct a lookout beside his home. The tower he built was destined to be the first of three; it rose 100 feet above the ground with a full view of the surrounding countryside. The tower was short lived however. Only three months after it was built, a strong windstorm toppled the tower.
Hummel resolved to build another tower higher than the first. It too, suffered the same fate. One morning Mrs. Pickering who lived close by, discovered that her door would not open properly. She pushed again, but still the door would budge no further. It was blocked by the tower that had blown down during the night missing her small cottage by inches.
Hummel was not to be beaten. Humiliated, he resolved to retrieve his prestige in the community and built yet another tower bigger, better and stronger than the previous two. He attached chains and cables to resist even the fiercest of gales.
He selected a new site on higher ground across the road. The tower, built of oregon beams, was to stand 285 feet high. He brought out shipwrights from England to construct the tower. They built the top half first, then built the lower section around it. Guy ropes were attached and the top section was hauled up into place. A network of thick oregon beams, some over 200 feet long, supported the tower.
The tower, visible from miles around was a dominant landmark on the skyline. An enclosed staircase led to a platform 100 feet high. From the first landing open stairs led to the second landing. The flagpole was reached by a straight ladder from the second level. In the wind, the tower swayed and creaked. The view from the upper landing was awe inspiring extending from Bass Strait in the south to Mount Disappointment in the north and from Matlock Ranges in the east to Buninyong and Warrenheip in the west. Hummel named it the Beaconsfield Tower.
The tower was officially opened in 1879 with a grand dinner for two hundred guests in the entertainment hall. Hummel’s tower became a tourist attraction. It was featured in the illustrated papers, and during the International Exhibition the following year, the tower attracted visitors from overseas. Horse drawn drags brought picnic parties from Melbourne.
Hummel had ambitious plans to attract sightseers and picnic parties. There would be a refreshment room and a large hall at the base of the tower. He built tea rooms to cater for visitors, but when men preferred to go to a nearby hotel in the district, he resolved to build his own hotel alongside the entertainment hall. With 39 rooms and stabling for 20 horses, it was bigger than any other hotel in the neighbourhood. On the 13 acres surrounding the tower there were picnic grounds and a small racecourse.
In 1885 Hummel sold his properties in Doncaster and moved to Tasmania. The hotel was taken over by William Meader. In 1895 the timber building was destroyed by fire and replaced by a brick building. The hotel was delicensed in 1921 and eventually demolished when Doncaster Road was widened in 1971. The tower had been dismantled in 1914 because of fears for its safety.
Source: DTHS Doncaster A Short History - Eric Collyer 2013
Tower model in the perspex case
In 1877 the magnificent view from Doncaster Hill inspired Hummel to construct a lookout beside his home. The tower he built was destined to be the first of three; it rose 100 feet above the ground with a full view of the surrounding countryside. The tower was short lived however. Only three months after it was built, a strong windstorm toppled the tower.
Hummel resolved to build another tower higher than the first. It too, suffered the same fate. One morning Mrs. Pickering who lived close by, discovered that her door would not open properly. She pushed again, but still the door would budge no further. It was blocked by the tower that had blown down during the night missing her small cottage by inches.
Hummel was not to be beaten. Humiliated, he resolved to retrieve his prestige in the community and built yet another tower bigger, better and stronger than the previous two. He attached chains and cables to resist even the fiercest of gales.
He selected a new site on higher ground across the road. The tower, built of oregon beams, was to stand 285 feet high. He brought out shipwrights from England to construct the tower. They built the top half first, then built the lower section around it. Guy ropes were attached and the top section was hauled up into place. A network of thick oregon beams, some over 200 feet long, supported the tower.
The tower, visible from miles around was a dominant landmark on the skyline. An enclosed staircase led to a platform 100 feet high. From the first landing open stairs led to the second landing. The flagpole was reached by a straight ladder from the second level. In the wind, the tower swayed and creaked. The view from the upper landing was awe inspiring extending from Bass Strait in the south to Mount Disappointment in the north and from Matlock Ranges in the east to Buninyong and Warrenheip in the west. Hummel named it the Beaconsfield Tower.
The tower was officially opened in 1879 with a grand dinner for two hundred guests in the entertainment hall. Hummel’s tower became a tourist attraction. It was featured in the illustrated papers, and during the International Exhibition the following year, the tower attracted visitors from overseas. Horse drawn drags brought picnic parties from Melbourne.
Hummel had ambitious plans to attract sightseers and picnic parties. There would be a refreshment room and a large hall at the base of the tower. He built tea rooms to cater for visitors, but when men preferred to go to a nearby hotel in the district, he resolved to build his own hotel alongside the entertainment hall. With 39 rooms and stabling for 20 horses, it was bigger than any other hotel in the neighbourhood. On the 13 acres surrounding the tower there were picnic grounds and a small racecourse.
In 1885 Hummel sold his properties in Doncaster and moved to Tasmania. The hotel was taken over by William Meader. In 1895 the timber building was destroyed by fire and replaced by a brick building. The hotel was delicensed in 1921 and eventually demolished when Doncaster Road was widened in 1971. The tower had been dismantled in 1914 because of fears for its safety.
Source: DTHS Doncaster A Short History - Eric Collyer 2013
Explanatory Labels: 
Hummell's Tower - Not to Scale - Tower St, Doncaster Road, Council Street
Explanatory Labels:
Hummell's Tower - Not to Scale - Tower St, Doncaster Road, Council Street
From the above the Tower location was at -37.7869614527327, 145.12844175676145 or very close to. Source of above measurements ??? unknown.
Model of Hummell's Tower, Doncaster
Made by Alfred A perry 1975. Scale 1/8 in = 1 ft
Tower Description
1st Platform 144 ft (44m)
2nd Platform 230 ft (70m)
Top of Flagpole 285 ft (87m)
Materials: Steel and oregon
Built 1879
Demolished 1914
Guys: Chains and steel ropes fastened at platforms.
The Tower
The tower in the perspex case is a model of the Beaconsfield tower - a will known landmark in Doncaster from 1979 until 1914. It was built by Alfred Hummel to take advantage of the panoramic views around this countryside. The tower supported by steel cables was demolished in 1914 because of fears that it might no longer be safe.
Source: Push button audio recording built into Schramm's cottage as at June 2021
High profits
Source: Push button audio recording built into Schramm's cottage as at June 2021
Alfred Hummel earns fame in the Doncaster story. He ran tea rooms on the Doncaster Rd., and later a hotel, but is better remembered for his 285 ft. tourist tower. About 1877, Hummel had a bright idea to bolster trade at his tea rooms. He built a wooden tower about 100 ft high so patrons could enjoy the panoramic view. Unfortunately, the tower could not withstand the force of the wind, and was demolished. Hummel built a stronger tower nearby, but this also fell to the wind. however, Hummel, was a true entrepeneur. Across the road, he built a third tower, 285 ft. high and anchored it strongly. Mr Hummel was in business again and his new tower was a huge success, attracting tourists from all over Melbourne.
Hummel built a hotel nearby and named it the Tower Hotel.
The tower's popularity as a tourist attraction was such that a local company was formed to run a tramway service between the tower and the nearest railway station at Box Hill. In 1888, Richard Serpel formed the company and was joined by fellow directors W. Mader and W. Snell. They acquired one of only two electric trams available in Australia. Its route of almost three miles is now known as Tram Rd., and is the main link between Doncaster and Box Hill. The tram ran for several years until it was closed in 1896 in the depression which followed the collapse of the land boom.
40 passengers
The tram car was an open car with six wooden benches which seated 35 to 40 passengers. It weighed six tons when loaded and was driven by a 15 hp electric power for which was generated by a small power house on the banks of Bushy Creek half-way along the route. The trip took 15 minutes and the tram sometimes reached 14 mph but slowed to about 6 mph on the steep slopes.
Many thousands of tourists climbed the oregon ladders to reach the top of the tower and enjoy the view. When the tower was considered unsafe in 1914 it was pulled down.
Hummel prospered from his enterprise, and gave about three acres of land as sites for Holy Trinity Church and the Athenaeum Hall.
Logs unearthed
The Esso service station between Tower and Council St’s. now occupies the site of the tower. When excavation for the service station was begun several years ago, several huge logs were earthed. These had been used to anchor some of the steel cables which added to the strength of the tower.
Cr Muriel Green, President of Doncaster- Templestowe Historical Society, told the News that pieces of the anchor logs had been given to the society. The society also has the wooden cap which surmounted the flagpole on the tower.
Source: Doncaster East Yarra News 1/7/1975
Tower Flagpole is Unearthed
When the tower was standing from 1879 to 1914 the flagpole was 285 feet above the log. Workmen building the new service station on the corner of Doncaster Rd., and Tower St., unearthed the log. Marks from a chain used to support the tower can be clearly seen around the centre of the log which is still perfectly preserved.
Sandra is a seventh generation descendant ot two pioneers of the district: Friedrich Stecher and Johann Pump. She is a member of 3rd Templestowe Guide Group.
Guide Sandra Neal stands between the top of the flagpole and an ironbark log from the foundations of the Doncaster Tower
Source: Unknown. Dated 1971
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