The Future of Schramm's Cottage
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Schramm's cottage in original location 1950 (DTHS-DP0537)
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A meeting of representatives of Schramm's Cottage Committee and Council was held on 2nd April. It was agreed that Schramm's Cottage should be dismantled and reerected on the site of the old Waldau Church in Victoria Street.
A building committee was appointed consisting of the Town Clerk, the City Engineer, Mr. Mark Wierzbowski (Architect) and Mr. Irvine Green.
It is planned that as much work as possible should be carried out by volunteer labour. The stonework, being the main feature of the building must be done by experts to retain the quality of craftmanship. The rebuilding will start as soon as possible, although the first stones to go in have to be the last taken out.
Stonemasons have been approached for quotes. Council has allowed $2,160 in this year's estimates, a further $476 was raised by Doncaster & Templestowe Historical Society and $1,200 has been donated by Public Appeal. Once certain requirements have been finalised, such as the definite site, cost of the project, any compensation and so on, the National Trust will co-operate, and it will officially become a National Trust Appeal, with tax deductibility.
The idea is to remove the Cottage with as little expense as possible to the new site, thus being able to utilize the money available for its re-erection, which it is hoped to commence straight away.
A new roof will be necessary, and it is proposed to endeavour to obtain any necessary replacements with as little cost or by donation as a promotion.
The working-bees have been very successful, and a thank you is extended to all those who have helped.
A roll of honour of volunteer helpers, and those who have donated to the project will be placed in the completed building.
Schramm's Cottage at its new home will face west and therefore be reversed, and the verandahs on two sides will be restored. It is intended to set up the Cottage and it is hoped that the Doncaster & Templestowe Historical Society will carry this part of it out.
The Committee now has to prepare a detailed plan, with photographs and drawings, showing details of what is proposed and how the Pioneer Centre will be set out.
It is hoped that historical publications and items and souvenirs will be available and that the money raised will maintain the Centre and even assist in the district.
It is very interesting to know that this site is where Pastor Schramm first came to in the district in 1860 to teach the Lutheran children, and liVed in a house at the rear. After being ordained a Pastor in 1876, he was Pastor on that site for 15 years until the new church was opened in 1892.
Muriel Green writing in 1971 05 DTHS Newsletter
The frame is lined with lathe and plaster and packed inside with brick. To give a clean straight edge, window and door surrounds are lined with brick. These bricks are hand made to the small size that was the standard in Melbourne before 1880.
All plaster and mortar is made with sand and lime. About 30 dray loads must have been used in the building. The stone walls 18" thick weigh 250 tons, the largest blocks weighing 600 lb.
When the sitting room fireplace surround was removed several Christmas cards were found, dated 1887.
Irvine' Green A.I.A.P. writing in 1971 05 DTHS Newsletter
It is planned that as much work as possible should be carried out by volunteer labour. The stonework, being the main feature of the building must be done by experts to retain the quality of craftmanship. The rebuilding will start as soon as possible, although the first stones to go in have to be the last taken out.
Stonemasons have been approached for quotes. Council has allowed $2,160 in this year's estimates, a further $476 was raised by Doncaster & Templestowe Historical Society and $1,200 has been donated by Public Appeal. Once certain requirements have been finalised, such as the definite site, cost of the project, any compensation and so on, the National Trust will co-operate, and it will officially become a National Trust Appeal, with tax deductibility.
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Schramm's cottage in original location 1970 (DTHS-dp0540)
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The Lutheran Church has kindly agreed to hand over the 1 acre site in Victoria Street to the Crown with trusteeship under the Council and the Schramm's Cottage Committee, consisting of Chairman, Mr, Irvine Green, Secretary, Mrs. Muriel Green, Mrs. Nell Elliot, Mrs. Loris Webster, Pastor Paul Zweck, Mr. Mark Wierzbowski, Mr Ted Reischieck, Mr. Eric Collyer, with Council representatives, Cr. Ivan Peter-Budge and Cr. Les Cameron.
The idea is to remove the Cottage with as little expense as possible to the new site, thus being able to utilize the money available for its re-erection, which it is hoped to commence straight away.
A new roof will be necessary, and it is proposed to endeavour to obtain any necessary replacements with as little cost or by donation as a promotion.
The working-bees have been very successful, and a thank you is extended to all those who have helped.
A roll of honour of volunteer helpers, and those who have donated to the project will be placed in the completed building.
Schramm's Cottage at its new home will face west and therefore be reversed, and the verandahs on two sides will be restored. It is intended to set up the Cottage and it is hoped that the Doncaster & Templestowe Historical Society will carry this part of it out.
The Committee now has to prepare a detailed plan, with photographs and drawings, showing details of what is proposed and how the Pioneer Centre will be set out.
It is hoped that historical publications and items and souvenirs will be available and that the money raised will maintain the Centre and even assist in the district.
It is very interesting to know that this site is where Pastor Schramm first came to in the district in 1860 to teach the Lutheran children, and liVed in a house at the rear. After being ordained a Pastor in 1876, he was Pastor on that site for 15 years until the new church was opened in 1892.
Muriel Green writing in 1971 05 DTHS Newsletter
Schramm's Cottage
During the dismantling of Schramm's Cottage, interesting details of its construction have been discovered. The internal walls are framed with oregon with the studs mortised into the plates.The frame is lined with lathe and plaster and packed inside with brick. To give a clean straight edge, window and door surrounds are lined with brick. These bricks are hand made to the small size that was the standard in Melbourne before 1880.
All plaster and mortar is made with sand and lime. About 30 dray loads must have been used in the building. The stone walls 18" thick weigh 250 tons, the largest blocks weighing 600 lb.
When the sitting room fireplace surround was removed several Christmas cards were found, dated 1887.
Irvine' Green A.I.A.P. writing in 1971 05 DTHS Newsletter
Schramm Cottage: House "resurrected" on old cemetery site (1976)
A century-old house in Doncaster, Melbourne, was saved from a road-widening scheme and carefully moved stone by stone to the grounds of an old Lutheran cemetery on nearby Waldau Hill Schramm's Cottage, which stands high on a hill overlooking the outer-Melbourne suburb of Doncaster, is an important link with the ancestors of many local residents. It is also a tribute to more than 100 volunteers, who worked to preserve this link. As well, it's a lasting monument to its builder, pioneer Max von Schramm, a pastor and teacher who devoted more than 50 years to educating the children of the district's fruit-growing farmers. |
| Faithfully re-built exterior of the cottage (LEFT) has a new roof and timber ceilings but is otherwise as it was in 1874 when built. Telescope in study (ABOVE) is one of the pastor's few possessions on display. Bedroom (BELOW) houses a collection of clothes from the late 19th century. Portrait of Pastor von Schramm, on loan from his family, hangs over the fireplace in the dining room (ABOVE). Christmas cards sent to the family last century were found behind the mantlepiece when the house was taken apart. Elegant sideboard and table (RIGHT) were donated for display. 1976 '', The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), 10 November, p. 114. . |
Then in 1971 they began the mammoth task of pulling the cottage apart stone by stone. It was dismantled under the careful supervision of the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society and a local stonemason. Each stone was numbered and taken to the new site and laid out in order. Slowly the cottage was re-built. It gained a new iron roof and new timber ceilings — but, apart from these, it was erected exactly as it had been by Pastor von Schramm in 1874.
The next step was furnishing the house — nearly everything belonging to the pastor and his English wife had been sold at auction after Mrs von Schramm's death. The historical society collected many late 19th century pieces, and many local residents donated appropriate furniture. The original schoolroom, which stretches the length of the cottage at the back, houses a pictorial history of the district and of the Schramm family.
It was here that Max von Schramm opened a Lutheran school in 1878. He died in 1908, and the house was maintained until his wife's death in 1928. The cottage was sold, then taken over by the city and used as a library. It was classified by the National Trust, and has maintained its classification on the new site.
It is open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons between two and five, and on other days by special appointment.
Story: Deidre Nolan Pictures: Don McPhedran
1976 '', The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), 10 November, p. 114. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51196547
Schramm's Cottage
As a result of a deputation to the Premier on behalf of the Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, a grant of $10,000 has been made for Schramm's Cottage. The deputation consisted of the President of the Society, Mrs. Muriel Green, The Mayor, Cr. L. Cameron, Mr. Ivan Peter Budge and Mr. Irvine Green. The work of rebuilding the Cottage is well under way by M.C. Kool Constructions under the supervision of Honorary Architect Mr Mark Wierybowski. As building progresses working parties will be required to prepare materials and other work. Would any member or friend interested in helping please give their names to Irvine Green.1973 05 DTHS Newsletter
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| Schramm's Cottage Reconstruction c1975 - south east entrance. Photo: Garth Kendall |
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| Schramm's Cottage Reconstruction c1975 - north east entrance and verandah. Photo: Garth Kendall |
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| Schramm's Cottage Reconstruction c1975 - North West verandah. Photo: Garth Kendall |
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| Schramm's Cottage Reconstruction c1975 - south. Photo: Garth Kendall |
Church Organ Donated
A small church organ has been donated for Schramm’s Cottage by Mrs. Harrap, a member of the Sell family. The organ belonged to Mrs. Holden who lived in Beverley Street in the 1860's. The organ was used for the first Methodist Church services in her home at this time. This will make a handsome addition to Schramm’s Cottage. Articles of historical interest and furniture are needed for setting up Schramm’s Cottage and we will be very pleased to receive them.
1973 11 DTHS Newsletter
After very successfully restoring the organ in the dining room, John Tully is now working on the Lutheran Church organ. It has been placed in the school room and is in almost its original position when the old church occupied this site.
1980 09 DTHS Newsletter
1973 11 DTHS Newsletter
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| Easter dawn service at Schramm's Cottage, Easter Sunday 1973, on the site of the old Lutheran Church, Victoria street, Doncaster. 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 stones of the walls were layed out in the area in preparation for the rebuilding. Eric Collyer at the organ, Muriel Green (directly behind Eric), Olaf and Glenys Soderlund on the right in the second row. DTHS-DP0574 |
Church Organ from Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church has made a gift of their original organ that was used in the old church in 1870. Two other organs in Schramms also have associations with early churches of the district. The one in Schramms study donated by Mrs Atkinson was connected with the early days of St Philips, Deep Creek. The other a gift of the Corbett family was associated with the Primitive Methodist Church in East Doncaster.After very successfully restoring the organ in the dining room, John Tully is now working on the Lutheran Church organ. It has been placed in the school room and is in almost its original position when the old church occupied this site.
1980 09 DTHS Newsletter
Schramm's Cottage Stone Walls
The stone walls of Schramm’s Cottage have been re-erected and are standing on their new site. The stonework is the main part of the building. It was essential that the skill and craftsmanship of the original stonemason should be retained with the moving of the cottage. This has been done and the result has been worth waiting for. The stonemason, Gerhard Heilmann, is to be congratulated on the excellence of the stonework.Now that the walls and chimneys are finished the rest of the work can continue. Working parties will be needed for the many odd jobs connected with the work. We would be pleased to hear from anyone who is willing to help with this.
1973 11 DTHS Newsletter
Time Capsule
As the stonework is now completed, it is possible to inform you all that within the walls several items have been placed in a time capsule. This includes a letter from the stonemason, money to the value of 88c (50¢, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents) and a brief list of what can be purchased with this amount, a letter from Gerry, including the number of members in our Society, a Newsletter, several photographs and a Schramm’s Cottage pamphlet.1973 11 DTHS Newsletter
The Re-erection of Schramm’s Cottage
The building permit issued on 3rd March, 1973, for erection of Schramm's Cottage marked the forward commencement of the works. Forward because activities to make this project successful started three years ago with the decision to relocate the building. Since then, the new site was selected and prepared for building activities. Clearing, levelling and transportation of materials has been carried out mainly by volunteers. At this stage, however, a building contractor had to be engaged for re-erection works. The work started early in 1973 and it is expected to take about twelve months to complete. Every effort is being made to bring the cottage to its original condition, re-using carefully coded materials and details. Subsequently, great care was taken in re-erection of stonework. It is so important to place each stone in the right position, to locate it in exactly the same spot and form joints in a traditional manner. This was done well with the co-operation of all involved in this important event. The stone walls once again reflect the dignity and charm of the past. The task was not easy with construction of the roof. Some timbers were stolen from the site, some had to be replaced or re-shaped to achieve the required condition. Completion of the roof gave the cottage final form and now one can see how well it rests on this beautiful site.There is still a lot of work to be done - the task of reconstructing fireplaces, rendering around doors and windows, flooring and internal finishes - all this still demands great care. Nevertheless we all are confident that this project is going to be completed successfully and serve us now and in the future as an example of our heritage.
Mark Wierzbowski writing in 1974 02 DTHS Newsletter
Schramm’s Cottage
The next step after the reconstruction of Schramm's Cottage is the setting up of the interior. What is to be done, and how it is to be done must be decided now. As an aid to making these decisions, advice is being sought from people with experience or knowledge. We were advised against making this just another museum full of old furniture and other articles. There are too many of them already. Sincerity is important. The cottage and the district have their own character and history.Mr. John Regan, who has had experience with National Trust buildings, said that in setting up a cottage we should decide on a date and decorate to conform with that date. If a room is to be set up as an actual room then it should have the personal interest of looking as though Max or Kate Schramm could walk in at any moment. Members of the Schramm family who knew the house when Pastor Schramm was alive have been consulted. The furnishings as described were fairly simple. The age of the cluttered interior came later.
One room that was hard to describe was Pastor Schramm's study. Last century a man's study was his own private domain. A room forbidden to children, in fact even a wife would not presume to enter her husband's study without permission. Col. Pardy, one of the grand-children, can only remember being in Schramm's study on three occasions.
In the dining room, there was a small table in one corner known as the punishment table. In those days, it was considered that children should be seen and not heard. If any of the children spoke out of turn they were promptly sent to the punishment table to finish their meal.
The family's memories go back to the end of the last century. Earlier than that there are plenty of things that would never have been mentioned. Such as the original kitchen, or the colour that the doors and external trim were painted. Scraping down the paint showed that under the green, the woodwork was painted dark brown. Under this was bare wood, but as old paint was burnt and scraped off this did not answer the question. Coloured paint was not introduced until the height of the land boom around 1890. Before then a builder or a painter mixed his own paints from white lead and natural pigments. So that off white, cream and light stone were the normal colours used. Scraping off paint in corners that would have been difficult to get at tends to confirm that colours such as these were used.
1974 08 DTHS Newsletter
Schramm's Cottage - 10 Years On
The crowds on the lawns surrounding Schramm's Cottage were reminiscent of that day ten years ago when the cottage was opened. But only "reminiscent" because many features were different. The lawns then were only grass, the garden was just a dream and the many other things that make Schramm's unique, still in the future.Saturday, February 15th, 1986 dawned slightly grey and threatening but that did not deter over 200 people who attended to celebrate. There were many there who had been at that auspicious opening and sadly many who are no longer with us. The feeling generated by the assembled guests was one of great pleasure as old friends met and new friends were welcomed.
The Cottage, the gardens and the buildings looked wonderful and elicited many, many favourable remarks. Refreshments were served on the verandahs and lawns. So many people remarked on the superb food that was offered. Such variety, such unusual fare. As this was prepared and served by a small number of our lady members, these compliments were well deserved as these ladies made savouries etc. in batches of hundreds. To these hardworking ladies goes the credit and thanks.
Our barmen (and women) kept glasses replenished, for the day, though grey, was still warm. Many thanks to the male members of our society who worked hard cleaning, carrying and attending to a multitude of heavy tasks.
The official side of the afternoon was kept to a minimum. After a short welcome by the President he introduced Miss Christine Gray, Chairman of the Eastern Region of Historical Societies, who spoke of our Society's place in the Eastern region. The Mayor, Cr. Michael Ballagh, commented on the esteem in which the Society and SchrammÃs is held in the City of Doncaster & Templestowe.
The number of people who so readily accepted the invitation to the Garden Party gives a clear indication of the general interest in Schramm's Cottage.
We would like to thank these people, happy in the knowledge that they would agree - here is a piece of history that has been well worth preserving.
1986 03 DTHS Newsletter
Schramm's Cottage National Trust Plaque
National Trust of Australia
Former Lutheran School and Residence
Built in 1874-1876
In Main Rd Doncaster
For
Pastor Max Von Schramm
Resited 1972-1976
Classified
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