Doncaster East State School - Mr Samuel Rutter - The Missing Head Teacher ?
The Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society (DTHS) web site in its information on the Doncaster East State School lists the various head teachers for the school over the years since its establishment in 1878. But is there a name of a head teacher that is missing from the list?
The name of the head teacher is Mr Samuel Rutter and his appointment is for the year 1891.
- Thomas Couchman 1878-1879
- Alexander Kelso 1879-1889
- John Hamilton 1890-1891
- William Wade 1891-1894
- William Craig 1895-1909
Mr John Hamilton and Mr William Wade are both show with head teacher terms referencing the year 1891, but there is no mention of Mr Rutter.
But Mr Rutter had officially been appointed as the Head Teacher for school No. 2096 - Deep Creek. The Victorian Government Gazette No. 116 - 5 December 1890 p. 4711 under the Department of Minister of Public Instruction (Education Office) list of appointments for vacancies advertised on the 14th November 1890 listed Mr Rutter’s appointment. (reference source 1)
Unfortunately it appears that not long after starting at the school, Mr Rutter died on 17 February 1891 of typhoid fever and that the school was a probable cause of his untimely death.
The “Argus (Vic)” newspaper of 25 February 1891, p5 provided the following report:
At the meeting of the Doncaster council last night the health officer (Dr. Vaughan) in his report recommended that the East Doncaster State School should be closed, owing to an outbreak of typhoid fever in the locality of the school. About a fortnight ago the head teacher, Mr. Samuel Rutter, was attacked with this disease, and died within a week. The health officer stated that the origin of the disease was to be traced to the insanitary condition of the school. The water in one of the tanks was in a most unwholesome condition, being tainted with green leaves and other injurious substances. The water pipes running along the ridging were also filled with dirt. It was owing to this cause, in the opinion of the health officer, that Mr. Rutter had contracted the disease. The council decided to advise the Central Board of Health to close the school in accordance with the recommendation of the health officer, and to have the building cleansed before being again re-opened. (reference source 2)
Similarly the “The Reporter (Box Hill Vic)” newspaper on 27 February 1891, p2., reported:
The Doncaster Council seems to have grasped the situation with regard to the infectious diseases infesting that district. At their last meeting, when the report of the Health Officer was considered, instructions were given to see that precautions were taken to prevent the spread of these diseases. A request has been sent into the Central Board of Health to close the Doncaster East School for a time as sickness is prevalent in the district.
We are sorry to record the death of Mr. Samuel Rutter, head teacher of the Doncaster East State school. It is only a few weeks ago that Mr. Rutter was transferred from Warragul to Doncaster East, and he now lies in the grave, from typhoid fever, contracted, so the Health Officer reports, at the Doncaster East school. The insanitary condition of the tanks and roof gutters of the school formed a feature in the Health Officer's report, which should receive prompt attention from those whose place it is to see to such matters. (reference source 3)
Just two months earlier, The “Narracan Shire Advocate (Vic)” newspaper 13 December 1890, p2 had reported on the departure of highly respected Mr Rutter from the Moe State School as follows:
The news of the approaching departure from Moe of Mr. S. J. Rutter, schoolmaster, will be received with much regret. His estimable qualities have won for him general respect and many hard and fast friends, and the severing of the attachments will be undesirable especially to the latter. In his duties as schoolmaster his impartiality and genial manner have secured both success and regard for him among the scholars, and as a preacher he has been most willing and acceptable particularly to the Church of England and Wesleyan bodies. Being an enthusiastic cricketer he has given valuable assistance to the local club, and was also for a considerable time a member of the committee of the Mechanics Institute. In fact, we are about to lose a good "all round" man. During his two years residence with us Mr. Rutter has devoted much time to study, with the object of taking certain degrees at the Melbourne University. He leaves in about a fortnight with Mrs. Rutter and family for Doncaster East, some 10 miles from Melbourne, and they will carry with them the sincere wishes of their many friends for success. (reference source 4)
Mr Rutter’s death was reported in the The “Age (Vic)” newspaper on 17 February 1891, p.1 as follows
RUTTER.— On the 15th February, at Station-street, Carlton, of typhoid fever and pleurisy, Samuel James, State School teacher, the dearly beloved eldest son of the late Samuel and Margaret Rutter, and loving husband of Frances Butter, aged 32. (reference source 5)
Even though his time at the school was brief, is it now time for Mr Samuel Rutter’s name to be added to the list of head teachers at the Doncaster East State School.
Ian Schafter (June 2022)
Sources:
1. AustLII Australian Legal Information Institute on-line resources -
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/vic_gazette/1890/116/1890_4711.pdf , viewed 24 June 2022
2. 1891 'MUNICIPAL INTELLIGENCE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 25 February, p. 5. , viewed 24 Jun 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8478441
3. 1891 'Local News.', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 27 February, p. 2. , viewed 24 Jun 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93196160
4. 1890 'LOCAL AND GENERAL TOPICS.', The Narracan Shire Advocate (Vic. : 1889 - 1923), 13 December, p. 2. , viewed 24 Jun 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article256317660
5. 1891 'Family Notices', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 17 February, p. 1. , viewed 24 Jun 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201451899
Doncaster East Primary School
Deep Creek State School (SS2096) was opened in 1878. The location proved problematic, so in 1886 the building was relocated to the corner of George Street and Blackburn Road.In 1893 it was renamed Doncaster East State School.
By 1996 enrolments had fallen to 172 which led to a ‘merger’ with Waldau Primary School to form Doncaster Gardens Primary School.
The school was closed and the site cleared to make way for a housing estate.
http://learningfromthepast.com.au/lost-schools-of-the-1990s/#doncaster-east-primary-school
Kelso writing to Education Department requesting to be appointed headmaster:
Deep Creek. Doncaster. School No 2096. Jan 20th 1879. Sir, Having heard from a reliable
source that Mr Couchman will not again take charge of the above school, I have the honor of once
more requesting - if such be the case - that you will favour me with the permanent charge. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, Alex Kelso.Secretary. Education Department.
Kelso requesting permanent exchange of positions c Mr Couchman
Richmond, Cremorne Street, No 2084, Novem’ 7th /79. Sir, I have the honor to inform you that I have arranged with Mr Couchman of the Deep Creek School, near Doncaster, to permanently exchange positions, and now request that you will be good enough to sanction the agreement. It is desired that the exchange take effect from the 1st December proximo. I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient Servant, Alex’ Kelso, Secretary, Education Department, Melbourne
Kelso Request re Repairs
Deep Creek School No 2096. April 12th /80. Sir. I have the honor again to draw your attention to the fencing of the above school, and also to urge you to proceed with the work as soon as possible, so as to afford protection to myself and the Government property. I am desirous of the above work being commenced at an early date as I feel insecure in this open part of the country. As an example of the mischief to which I am exposed, I may state that during my absence at the.Easter vacation, some person – or persons – came on the property with a long pole destroyed a chimney attached to an outhouse, and, not being content with this, he – or they – did what other damage lay in his power. Trusting you will afford me this necessary protection,I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, Alex’ Kelso, Secretary, Education Dept’
DONCASTER EAST SCHOOL- OPENING OF NEW BUILDING. AN AUSPICIOUS GATHERING Friday, August 27 (1920)
It was a red letter day at Doncaster East, the occasion being the re-opening of the remodelled State school building, and the festivities incidental thereto were an unqualified success from all points of view. Associated with the function was a reunion of old scholars, and former pupils gathered from near and far in order to renew old comradeship and revive friendships which had laid dormant in some instances for several years. It marked a most important epoch in the annals of the district, for Doncaster East can now boast of having at the disposal of the child life of that community one of the most modern educational institutions of its kind in the State, and certainly one of which any district might well be proud.
There was quite a gathering of the clans during the afternoon, and convivial welcomes and handshakes were the order of the day. Many who had attended the school when it was housed in a very modest building were the first to congratulate the present residents on the fine structure which has now superseded the previous school, which had become old and dilapidated with the passing of the years, and had outgrown its usefulness and was too limited in accommodation to meet anything like the needs of this progressive locality, where as far as the eye can reach thriving orchard lands abound on every side, and smiling homesteads are dotted here and there over the landscape. The fruit-growing industry has become so important that several cool stores have been built in the immediate district, so essential has this branch of the industry become. The remodelled building is a handsome species of the architecture now employed by the Government in the erection of new schools throughout the State. There are several spacious class rooms, which have been erected on the most up-to-date lines, and the school is now capable of accommodating upwards of 140 scholars. The attendance during the afternoon was very large, and included not only the most prominent citizens of Doncaster, but residents from all parts of the surrounding district. A streamer of flags was hung across the roadway near the entrance to the school, and in the grounds all of the celebrations were carried out. The weather was threatening, but fortunately kept fine for the most important part of the festivities in the afternoon. The Doncaster District Brass band, under the baton of Conductor J. Plunkett, played some excellent selections, and pretty maypole dancing was carried out by the girls. A lorry covered with flags formed an improvised platform, and this was mounted shortly after 3 p.m. by the most important personages in the assemblage, who had attended to take part in the historic event.
Mr. A. Zerbe, J.P., chairman of the school committee, presided and in opening the proceedings, after the flag had been, saluted gave a few reminiscences of the early history of the school. He stated that 38 years ago he had been asked to sign a petition to shift the then school building from near Deep Creek to Doncaster East. At that time there were only 13 children attending it. This was accomplished and since then his children eventually went to the school, and some of their children were now attending. He had been connected with the school committee for a number of years, commencing with the old board of advice At first it was only a little building and more like a shed, but they got it made larger and larger, until three years ago the committee threatened to resign unless improved scholastic accommodation was provided. They received no satisfaction from that move, but kept pegging away until now they were going to open their new school. He desired to present a little souvenir to the school as a memento of the day they were then celebrating. This consisted of a handsomely-framed picture to be hung on the wall of the school, and inscribed thereon was the names of the committee viz, Messrs. A. Zerbe (chairman), W. Dowling (correspondent), F. Zerbe, R. Crouch, J. Snell. E. Daws, and W. Rieschieck. The handing over of the picture was greeted with loud applause, and evident signs of appreciation of the gift. Mr. F. Tate, Director of Education, was then called on to officially open the new school. In doing so, he ex-pressed appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. Zerbe, another proof of which was the presentation of that fine picture. He had been prepared to give all his time and energy to the well being of the school, and there was every evidence that its future was assured. If the contractor had done his work properly, they would find that the world "State'' was dropped off the name plate of the school, as they wanted the people of Doncaster East to feel that it was "our school." He had always great admiration for that wonderful range through there, and the remarkable resources of Doncaster, but the best asset it had was the hearts and minds of the young generation, who were to be taught in that building. That school stood for the development, physically and morally, of the children, as the definitions of education, was simply to make them strong physically and in character. This school had raised £270 during the war period for the patriotic funds and the amount of money raised in the schools of the State totalled £130,000. (Applause.)
On the top of that the children's fingers wore busy making comforts for the soldiers, and as a result they had sent to the Australian Comforts' fund 442,000 articles. They had also given the Commonwealth Government £10,000 to build a wing at the Caulfield hospital, and in addition the children sent along delicacies for the wounded soldiers there. There was only one month in three years when the value of these was less than £700, and they were able to supply 10 other military hospitals and institutions. The purposes of education was to train the juvenile mind to service, and this had been accomplished during the war. He was pleased they now had such a fine school. They had a good record in the past, and he hoped the school could continue to send out into the world fine boys and girls which would be an asset to the whole State. Mr. Tate then expressed pleasure in declaring the building open. (Loud applause.) The scholars then sang "Men of Anzac", and Mr Saxton (district inspector) followed with an address in which he said the work of the local committee suggested that they were on the right lines. Little Miss Dorothy Burrows recited "The empire’s call." The school honor board, an artistic piece of workmanship, was next un-veiled by the State Commandant Brigadier- General Brand. It contained the names of 86 former pupils who had served in the Great War, 16 of whom had paid the supreme penalty. He referred to the self-sacrifice of those brave men, the heroic deeds of the Australians generally, both at Gallipoli and in France, and the fine characters moulded in their State schools which had gone to make for the great success of the A.I.F. abroad. Brigadier-General Brand extended his sympathy to the relatives of those who had fallen, and said their gift had not been in vain. At the conclusion of his address, the "Last Post" was sounded by Bandmaster Plunkett, the assemblage standing with bowed heads meanwhile.
Addresses of congratulation on the fine school erected were also delivered by Messrs. W. Angliss, M.L.C., and W. H. Everard, M.L.A., the latter pointing out that it was money well spent, and it was most essential in the interests of the State for comfortable school accommodation to be provided in many country districts The scholars rendered "Sunny Victoria," after which Cr. J. Tully, president of Doncaster Shire council, spoke on behalf of the district, and said they all rejoiced with East Don-caster in securing much improved school facilities. Mr. W. H. Downing, correspondent of the committee, detailed the work performed by that body, and stated that the honor board had cost £38 15, and £41 had been subscribed towards it. They also purposed issuing an honor book. The proceedings closed with the National Anthem Tea was served in a large marquee in the grounds, and the celebrations were continued during the evening, but the rainstorm experienced some-what curtailed the festivities. An impromptu concert programme was gone through in the marquee, and dancing was indulged in the school building. All were highly pleased with the unique success of the whole organisers that everything passed off so pleasantly. The head teacher (Mr. R. Hobbs) rendered yeoman assistance in carrying out the arrangements, and not a detail was left unattended. The secretary of the Old Scholars' league (Mr. E. Zerbe) was also most zealous in aiding the school committee in the organising work.
Source: 1920 'DONCASTER EAST SCHOOL', The Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1925), 3 September, p. 5. , viewed 11 Jun 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257154757
Deep Creek School becomes Doncaster East Primary School
On 12th May, former pupils from East Doncaster are holding a "Back to School", Most of those who will a tend this reunion remember the school when there were only two classrooms. One of these, the sixth grade room, although now wider and longer, was the original Deep Creek School built in 1878; so this part of the school is one of our historic buildings.
Deep Creek School (drawing from 1992 06 DTHS Newsletter
One hundred years ago an application was lodged for a school at Deep Creek. W S Williams suggested that it should be on Andersons Creek Road at the creek crossing , where the population was expected to increase. In 1876, a two-acre site near the present St. Phillip's Church was purchased from G. McKinlay.
The selection of this site was influenced by the earlier development of the area for the first settlers built close to water. They selected sites along the Yarra and inland along the creeks, however, by the 1870’s the pattern of development had changed.
At the corner of Andersons Creek and Reynolds roads, there was a five-acre block of land being held in reserve. This was obtained for the school. On a clearing on this site a school house 24 feet by 16 feet with an adjoining three room residence and stables was built for £414/17/6. The little school was typical of Victorian country schools. A simple building based on the English village school, but built of weatherboard.
Seven years later the Head Teacher, Alexander Kelso, applied for the school to be moved. The average attendance had dropped from 28 to 16. As the surrounding area was inhabited by settlers of twenty years standing with few children and there was no land available for new settlers, he estimated that soon there would be only seven children at the school.
Two miles to the south was the closely populated area of “Waldau” and a site was available close to this. An acre of land was purchased from Fred Pickering where the school still stands.
When the school was being dismantled and rebuilt, classes were held at the Primitive Methodist Church, where Miss Faulkiner had been conducting a private school. The school furniture and other fittings such as the tank, with its tin mug attached by a chain, were moved here from Deep Creek. They also moved the outside offices because the only toilet facilities for the children of Miss Faulkiner‘s school had been the surrounding bushland.
The new school room was lengthened to 36 feet and a four-roomed teacher’s residence was attached to it on the west. Kelso wrote a very diplomatic letter pointing out that, as the front of the residence faced south, weather would beat in the front door. He requested a front verandah. This was agreed to. When the building was erected it was seen that the back door was four feet above the ground. Kelso asked for a back verandah. This was also agreed to, but when he asked for a tap, from the tank, to be put through the wall into the kitchen, it was too much. The architect considered it was an unnecessary luxury and complained, "Is there no satisfying this man?". The new school opened in 1877.
By 1919 the building was in a bad state of disrepair. Over the thirty years many minor changes had taken place. When William Craig arrived in 1895, he left the teacher's residence to live in Doncaster Road. The residence was used for classes, and dividing walls were removed to make a classroom.
During 1919, Mr. R. R. Hobbs returned from the war and was appointed Head Teacher. Hobbs was a man with ideas and the drive to carry them through. Immediately the school was rebuilt. The old classroom wall was moved out eight feet to make a larger room. The old residence was stripped to the bare walls and rebuilt. Other rooms, such as a Head Teacher's office, were added and the entrance moved from a small porch on the south to a verandah on the north.
After the war, attendance at the school grew. In 1962 major alterations took place, but the original school room still remained. Once it had held the whole school, then it was used for the fifth to eighth grades, later it was the fifth and sixth grade room, then, as classes became larger, it became the sixth grade room. The old room is now part of a modern school building, but it still retains, some of the character of its early day.
Irvine Green A.I. A. P. writing in 1973 05 DTHS Newsletter
The selection of this site was influenced by the earlier development of the area for the first settlers built close to water. They selected sites along the Yarra and inland along the creeks, however, by the 1870’s the pattern of development had changed.
At the corner of Andersons Creek and Reynolds roads, there was a five-acre block of land being held in reserve. This was obtained for the school. On a clearing on this site a school house 24 feet by 16 feet with an adjoining three room residence and stables was built for £414/17/6. The little school was typical of Victorian country schools. A simple building based on the English village school, but built of weatherboard.
Seven years later the Head Teacher, Alexander Kelso, applied for the school to be moved. The average attendance had dropped from 28 to 16. As the surrounding area was inhabited by settlers of twenty years standing with few children and there was no land available for new settlers, he estimated that soon there would be only seven children at the school.
Two miles to the south was the closely populated area of “Waldau” and a site was available close to this. An acre of land was purchased from Fred Pickering where the school still stands.
When the school was being dismantled and rebuilt, classes were held at the Primitive Methodist Church, where Miss Faulkiner had been conducting a private school. The school furniture and other fittings such as the tank, with its tin mug attached by a chain, were moved here from Deep Creek. They also moved the outside offices because the only toilet facilities for the children of Miss Faulkiner‘s school had been the surrounding bushland.
The new school room was lengthened to 36 feet and a four-roomed teacher’s residence was attached to it on the west. Kelso wrote a very diplomatic letter pointing out that, as the front of the residence faced south, weather would beat in the front door. He requested a front verandah. This was agreed to. When the building was erected it was seen that the back door was four feet above the ground. Kelso asked for a back verandah. This was also agreed to, but when he asked for a tap, from the tank, to be put through the wall into the kitchen, it was too much. The architect considered it was an unnecessary luxury and complained, "Is there no satisfying this man?". The new school opened in 1877.
By 1919 the building was in a bad state of disrepair. Over the thirty years many minor changes had taken place. When William Craig arrived in 1895, he left the teacher's residence to live in Doncaster Road. The residence was used for classes, and dividing walls were removed to make a classroom.
During 1919, Mr. R. R. Hobbs returned from the war and was appointed Head Teacher. Hobbs was a man with ideas and the drive to carry them through. Immediately the school was rebuilt. The old classroom wall was moved out eight feet to make a larger room. The old residence was stripped to the bare walls and rebuilt. Other rooms, such as a Head Teacher's office, were added and the entrance moved from a small porch on the south to a verandah on the north.
Remodelling works to the Doncaster East primary school in 1919 (PROV record ref: VPRS 3686/P0006/2082).
Included extending the old classroom wall eight feet to give a room 24’ x 36’, the old residence rebuilt/reconfigured as another classroom and a Head Teacher's office, store, verandah and other rooms added.
After the war, attendance at the school grew. In 1962 major alterations took place, but the original school room still remained. Once it had held the whole school, then it was used for the fifth to eighth grades, later it was the fifth and sixth grade room, then, as classes became larger, it became the sixth grade room. The old room is now part of a modern school building, but it still retains, some of the character of its early day.
Irvine Green A.I. A. P. writing in 1973 05 DTHS Newsletter
Deep Creek Pre School, 510 Blackburn Rd, Doncaster East VIC 3109, has nothing to do with any of the original early schools of the area, other than taking the name.
The original Deep Creek School from the Anderson's Creek Rd (formerly Deep Creek Rd) and Reynolds Rd was relocated to the site on the corner of Blackburn Rd and George St, and became the Doncaster East State School, No 2096.
Was closed in about 1996??
Craig Martin writing in Facebook June2017
Deep Creek Drive, Doncaster East VIC 3109 is only a name given to a road in the modern estate, as that road never existed until the 80's or later.
Was closed in about 1996??
Craig Martin writing in Facebook June2017
Deep Creek Drive, Doncaster East VIC 3109 is only a name given to a road in the modern estate, as that road never existed until the 80's or later.
The original school was on the S/W corner of Anderson's Creek Rd (formerly known as Deep Creek Rd) and Reynolds Rd, in the vicinity of the now Anderson's Park area, between the current Onemda facility and Reynolds Rd.
Craig Martin writing in Facebook June2017
Craig Martin writing in Facebook June2017
Doncaster East State School and Post Office 1908 Mr Willie Craig the Head Teacher and Miss Finna Johnston and all the pupils assembled for their picture to be taken. A lean to shelter can be seen at the right-hand side that does not appear in DP0594, an earlier photo taken from roughly the same position. Mr Craig was Head Teacher 1895 to 1909. The school was also the Doncaster East Post Office, with Mr Craig as postmaster. According to the covering note, this photo, with others, is from the collection of the late Mr. A. Mahoney, who was a member of the 1973 Back to East Doncaster Primary School Committee. This photo is reproduced on page 3 of the souvenir booklet [DD11CF1D18]. According to the book 'German Pioneer Families in Australia', published in 1935, Albert George Mahoney is mentioned as the younger son of Mr Bartholomew Mahoney of East Doncaster and his wife Martha Bertha [nee Zerbe]. DP1183
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| Doncaster East PS with new classrooms for 5,7 & 8 grades. 1900 from George Street. The two rooms at the front were the Head Teacher's residence, with a verandah at the front and rear. DP0593 |
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| Doncaster East Primary School - Cnr George Street & Blackburn Road http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/22482 |
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| Doncaster East Primary School - Cnr George Street & Blackburn Road http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/22482 |
East Doncaster Primary School
One hundred years ago, on 26 October 1878, the East Doncaster school was opened on a five-acre block of land at the corner of Andersons Creek and Reynolds Roads. The first children to attend the school came from the families of Mackinlay, Tindal, Hanley, Anderson, White, Buck, Quinlan, Simpson, Jenkins, Gould and Mays. The selection of this site was influenced by the earlier development of the area, for the first settlers built close to water. They selected sites along the Yarra and inland along the creeks. However, by the 1880's, conditions had changed. The surrounding area was inhabited by settlers of twenty years standing with few children. As there was no land available for new settlers, the attendance at the school was decreasing. In 1887, the school was dismantled and rebuilt on its present site at the corner of Blackburn Road and George Street. In 1920, the one-room school was enlarged with four rooms. Again in 1962, major alterations took place and since then many improvements have been made. The small one-room country school of 1878 is now a large modern primary school.
1978 08 DTHS Newsletter
Opened 1878
History ? Buildings altered ???
Significant Pupils ?
Closed in 1997 when students moved to site of Waldau Primary School, Denhert St. The combined schools were renamed as Doncaster Gardens Primary School.Education in Doncaster Templestowe
East Doncaster School
On the corner of Reynolds and Andersons Creek Roads there is an empty paddock. Here, back in 1876, the East Doncaster School started life. A settlement had formed along the banks of Deep Creek and a village was expected to grow up. When the Education Department was formed in 1872 they placed schools so that all children would be within two miles of a school. Deep Creek seemed an ideal site with thirty five Children within two miles and the possibility of future growth.At the corner of Reynolds Road, this five acre block of level land was available, so here Deep Creek School was built. A simple building based on the English village school, but built, in the Australian style, with weatherboard. The schoolroom was 24 feet by 16 feet with an adjoining three room residence and stables. However, in the residence, a cold wind blew through the canvas walls, that were pasted with wallpaper.
Seven years later the head teacher, Alexander Kelso, applied for the school to be moved. The average attendance had dropped from 28 to 16. The population had not increased as expected, and illness, scarlet fever, typhoid; measles, possibly spread from sewerage dumped by contractors emptying pan toilets, had often caused the school to be closed. Kelso estimated that soon there would be only seven children at the school. Two miles to the south was the closely populated area of Waldau, where a one acre site was available on Fred Pickering's land at the corner of German Lane and Blackburn Road.
While the school was being moved, Kelso leased the Primitive Methodist Church at the corner of Doncaster and Blackburn Roads. Here Miss Faulkiner had been conducting a small private school. The furniture and other fittings such as the tank with its tin mug attached by a chain, were moved from Deep Creek. They also moved the outside offices because the only toilet facilities for the children of Miss Faulkiner's school was the surrounding bushland.
The new school room was lengthened to make it 36 feet by 16 feet and a four room residence built. Kelso wrote a very diplomatic letter pointing out that, as the front door of the residence faced south, weather would beat in the door. He requested a verandah. This was agreed to. When the building was erected, Kelso saw that the back door was four feet above the ground. He asked for a back verandah. This was also agreed to, but when he asked for a tap, from the tank to be put through the wall into the kitchen, it was too much. The architect considered it was an unnecessary luxury and complained, "Is there no satisfying this man?".
From George St before 1886
The new school building was opened in February 1887, with 43 children. Later that year a Post Office opened in the school with the Head Teacher as Post Master. The children would take home the letters and papers after school.
In 1919, Mr. R. R. Hobbs, who had returned from the war, was appointed Head Teacher. Hobbs was a man with ideas and the drive to carry them through. The school building had been in a bad state of disrepair for many years, Hobbs had the school closed and while the work went on, classes were held in the Orchardists Cool Store. The old class room was widened to 24 feet, and the residence stripped and reconstructed as extra classrooms, a Head Teacher's office added and the entrance changed from a small porch on the south to a veranda on the north. The school that had been struggling to contain an attendance of 104 children was now able to accommodate over 180.
Sloyd Room (see seperate Sloyd Room)
The next year, more building took place, a new residence was moved onto a site across Blackburn Road and a Sloyd room added. The name Sloyd came from the Swedish word for skill, for the course consisted of manual training in woodwork, not to learn carpentry but improve boy's skill. A room was obtained and reerected alongside the entrance. Mr. Wagstaff, who was the managing director of the Shell Company in Australia, through his orchard manager, Jack Snell, paid the cost of the building. Wagstaff had recently built a home at the Corner of Blackburn and Anderson Creek Roads.
In the 1920's, Hobbs inspired a new spirit in the School. Community activities were introduced, raising money for the Children of devastated Flanders and for the Hospital Sunday Fund, also record egg collections were donated to the Children's and Woman's Hospitals. A series of annual concerts held in the Athenaeum Hall commenced that year, also Mr. Wagstaff provided a trip to the Zoo with a donation continued the gift each year. As a memorial to past students, who lost their lives during the war, the school planted gum trees as an Avenue of Honour in Blackburn Road.
East Doncaster School with new entry 1921
In 1928, East Doncaster School arranged a swimming contest between the four schools in the district, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Templestowe and Warrandyte. The contest was held in Mr. F. Zerbe's dam in George Street at the rear of the present East Doncaster High School. This became an annual event, a raft was constructed and changing rooms built. The swimming sports were sometimes held at Doncaster in a dam on the site of the present Shoppingtown and once at Warrandyte, but the Yana was found unsatisfactory. The dams were used till 1937 when the school built its own swimming pool. Parents and local residents enthusiastically supported the project. Fund raising functions were held, parents gave donations, Fred Zerbe senior donated a block of land alongside the school and council helped with the construction.
East Doncaster School winners of Merit Honour roll board 1929-1942 (drawing from 1992 06 DTHS Newsletter )
In 1955, the school population had grown to over two hundred. Two new classrooms were erected on a separate block. A few years later a further two rooms were added to this. In 1962, extensions including two more rooms, linked the original building with the new block. In the 60's, further additions including four rooms and a $9,000 sports pavilion prepared the school for its enrollment of 500. During the 1970's, three more classrooms and a library were added, also the reconstruction of the original Deep Creek classroom, then the sixth grade room, made East Doncaster School a fine modern school.
In the 70's, most of the remaining orchards in the district were subdivided. New homes brought more children to the school that reached its peak attendance in the 80's.
East Doncaster School 1981 (Drawing from 1992 06 DTHS Newsletter)
1992 06 DTHS Newsletter
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| Centenary Edition 1878-1978 Facebook |
Back to School - East Doncaster Primary School 1973
1920 Building
Saturday 12th May 1973. Official Welcome 2 p.m
The President - Mr. Harold Plumb; The Mayor and Mayoress of Doncaster and Templestowe; Special Welcome to Ex-pupils 80 Years and Over; Calling of Roll in 10 year periods; Presentation by School Choir (Choir Master Mr. Geoff Thiele); Luncheon and Refreshments throughout the day and a Barbeque by courtesy of the Mothers Club and School Committee; 8 P.M. A 50/50 Dance in the East Doncaster Hall (Admittance by Donation)
Back to School Committee:
President: Mr. Harold Plumb, Joint Secretaries: Mrs. N. Elliott & Mrs. L. Hobbs, Mr. & Mrs. I. Peter-Budge, Mr. & Mrs. J. Burrows, The Late Mr. G. Bullock, Miss Irene Crouch, Mr. & Mrs. I. Green, Mr. Len Hobbs, Mr. Ray Johns, Mr. L. McKenzie, Mrs. Ruth Plumb, Mr. A. Mahoney, Miss Alice Pump, Mr. Ray Sell, Mr. & Mrs. L. Tully, Mrs. Carol Zerbe, Mr. & Mrs. V. Crouch. President School Committee - Mr. R. Smith. President Mothers Club - Mrs. P. Heath.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome former friends and pupils of East Doncaster School. With so many changes taking place in the district, now is an appropriate time to hold a “Back to School . It has been rather wonderful that there have been so many in the district who have known each other at school and throughout the years. This will not happen again as the district grows into a built up suburb.
At a public meeting held last year, a "Back to East Doncaster Committee” was formed. This Committee was divided into three sub-committees and these sub-committees together with the full Committee have been working hard to make this day a success.
I hope you will all have a very happy and enjoyable day together at your old school.
Harold Plumb.
From the corner of Blackburn Rd and George St about 1895
The School at Deep Creek
State School No. 2096 opened as the Deep Creek School on 26th October, 1878. It was built on a five-acre block on the S.W. corner of Andersons Creek and Reynolds Roads. The school consisted of one small classroom 16' x 24' with a Head Teacher's residence attached to it.
The first children to attend came from the families of Mackinlay, Tindal, Hanley, Anderson, White, Buck, Quinlan, Simpson, Gould and Mays. The members of the Board of Advice were — William Collins, John Smedley, Jnr., W.S. Williams, Frederick Rhodes and Robert Williamson.
It was soon found that the school had been built in the wrong place. Originally, a block of land had been bought from G. Mackinlay, near to the present St. Phillip's Church, but it was realized that the population was further south, so the Reynolds Road site was chosen. The population of this area did not grow as expected, and by 1885 the attendance at the school had dropped from 28 to 16.
A one-acre block of land was purchased from Fred Pickering, the present site, for a cost of £40. The school building was dismantled, and after a delay was rebuilt here. The schoolroom was enlarged to 16' x 36', and the Head Teachers residence was also enlarged, with a verandah added at the front and rear.
The land at Reynolds Road was held in reserve. In 1911, Mr. G. Mackinlay obtained the use of this land for the Doncaster Ramblers Cricket Club. The five-acre site is still held for a new school when the population of the Deep Creek area increases.
The School at Blackburn Road
Whilst the move to Blackburn Road was taking place, classes were held in the East Doncaster Methodist Church, where Miss Faulkiner had been conducting a private school.
The new school building opened in February, 1887 with 43 children. Later that year a Post Office was opened in the school, and the Head Teacher, First Mr. Kelso and later Mr. Craig, was Postmaster. The children took home the letters and papers after school. The Post Office remained at the school until transferred to the newly opened general store on Zerbe's land, next to the school in 1909, with Mr. Otto Kuln as Postmaster. Mr. Kelso lived in the school residence, but Mr. Craig lived in a substantial house in Doncaster Road. When the classroom became overcrowded, the dividing walls of the empty residence were removed, to add another classroom to the school.
From George St before 1886
When Mr. R. Hobbs arrived at the school in 1919, changes took place. The school had been in a bad state of disrepair for some years, so the school was closed, and classes were held in the Orchardists' Cool Stores, during the rebuilding period. The old classroom had its wall extended eight feet to make a room 24' x 36'. The residence was stripped, and rebuilt to form a second classroom; also, a Head Teacher's office, store and other rooms were added. In 1920, the new building was opened by Mr. August Zerbe, who had attended the school at Deep Creek.
Mr. Hobbs inspired a new spirit in the school. Community activities were introduced, money was raised for the children of devastated Flanders, the Hospital Sunday Fund, and record Egg Collections were donated to the Children's and Women's Hospitals. A Soldiers' Avenue of Honour was planted in Blackburn Road. A Christmas Concert and Zoo Picnic became Annual events and greatly enjoyed. Over two hundred adults and children would pack into wagons, buggies and trucks for the trip to the Zoo, and at Kew, a stop was made at the bakery, where Mr. Wagstaff had arranged for freshly-baked yeast buns to be distributed to everyone at his expense. At the Zoo, free entrance, lollies, elephant, train and donkey carriage rides were provided again by the generosity of Mr. Wagstaff.
The well-trained concerts were held in the Athenaeum Hall. In December, 1920, Mr. Hobbs was assisted by Mr. Mathews and Miss Stevens. Dialogues and action songs — “The House that Jack Built”, “Brio Rosebud', ‘Prince Towser” and “Here comes the Dream Man” were presented by Miss Pearl, Miss Phillips Miss Eva Beavis and Miss M. Webb. A violin solo was rendered by Miss E. (Betty) Thiele, Mr. W. Gould sang and Miss Philips recited. The boys performed a Physical Culture Display and Merit Certificates were presented to Emmie Daws, Ollie Smith, Myrtle Pump, Gladys Pump and Victor Crouch.
For many years a cot was maintained in the Children's Hospital, an amount of £30 was raised by the pupils each year for “Our Cot” fund as it was known.
In 1928 East Doncaster School arranged a swimming contest between the four schools in the district; Doncaster, Doncaster East, Templestowe and Warrandyte. The Swimming Carnival was held in Mr. F. Zerbe's large dam in George Street. This became an annual event, so, the next year a raft was constructed to be used as a starting platform. Sam Whitten's and Zerbe's dams were used by the schoolchildren until 1935, when the school swimming pool was built on a block of land generously donated by Mr. Fred Zerbe, snr. This project was enthusiastically supported by the response from the parents of labour and materials.
Swimming Sports in Zerbe's Dam
The Mothers' Club that has, to this day, played such an important and valuable part in the school's development was formed in 1931, and has been responsible for many progressive improvements.
In the 1950's attendance at the school increased, and extra schoolrooms were built; then in 1962, the school was replanned — incorporating all the rooms in the one building.
There has certainly been a great change from the little Deep Creek School with its 16 pupils to today's school with 720 children on the roll. The original Deep Creek school still exists as part of the old Grade Six room, although enlarged and changed many times over the 95 years.
Head Teachers
Thomas Couchman: 1878-1879
Alexander Kelso: 1879-1889
John Hamilton: 1890-1891
William Wade: 1891-1894
William Craig: 1895-1909
Patrick W. Considine: 1910-1914
Samuel E. Simpson 1914-1916
Daniel Griffiths: 1916-1917
John Calder: 1917-1919
Rubert R. Hobbs: 1919-1923
Frederick S. Jutson: 1923-1944
Rowland J. Hassall: 1944-1946
Reg. V. Cerchi: 1946-1946
Herbert T. Jeffrey: 1946-1950
Joseph R. Jones: 1951-1952
Henry Harding: 1952-1952
Thomas N. Beckerleg: 1953-1953
Peter M. McArthur: 1954-1956
J. K. Jennings: 1957-1958
Roy Werry: 1959-1961
T. H. Cole: 1962-1965
Maurice Douglas: 1966-1969
George H. Piggott: 1970-1972
R. A. Williamson: 1972-
Source: Back to School - East Doncaster Primary School 1973 Original Booklet Scan
Doncaster East Primary School No 2096 - Newsletters - Centenary Edition 1878 - 1978
The School at Deep Creek
State School No. 2096 opened as the Deep Creek School on 26th October, 1879. It was built on a five-acre block on the S.W. comer of Andersons Creek and Reynolds Roads. The school consisted of one small classroom 16' x 24' with a Head Teacher’s residence attached to it.The first children to attend came from the families of Mackinlay, Tindal, Hanley, Anderson, White, Buck, Quinlan, Simpson, Gould and Mays. The members of the Board of Advice were - William Collins, John Snedley, Jnr., W.S. Williams, Frederick Rhodes and Robert Williamson.
However, the population of this area did not grow as expected, and by 1885 the attendance at the school had dropped from 28 to 16.
The present site (then only one acre block) was purchased from Fred Pickering at the cost of 40 pounds, in Blackburn Road.
The land at Reynolds Road was held in reserve.
In 1911, Mr. G. Mackinlay obtained the use of this land for the Doncaster Ramblers Cricket Club. The five-acre site is still held for a new school, when the population of the Deep Creek area increases.
The School at Blackburn Road
Whilst the move to Blackburn Road was taking place, classes were held in the Doncaster East Methodist Church, where Miss Faulkiner had been conducting a private school.The new school building opened in February, 1887 with 43 children. Later that year a Post Office was opened in the school, and the Head Teacher, first Mr. Kelso and later Mr. Craig, was Postmaster. The children took home the letters and papers after school. The Post Office remained at the school until transferred to the newly opened general store on Zerbe's land, next to the school in 1909, with Mr. Otto Kuln as Postmaster. Mr. Kelso lived in the school residence, but Mr. Craig lived in a substantial house in Doncaster Road. When the classroom became overcrowded, the dividing walls of the empty residence were removed, to add another classroom to the school.
When Mr. R. Hobbs arrived at the school in 1919, changes took place. The school had been in a bad state of disrepair for some years, so the school was closed, and classes were held in the Orchardists Cool Stores, during the rebuilding period. The old classroom had its wall extended eight feet to make a room 24' x 36'. The residence was stripped, and rebuilt to form a second classroom, also, a Head Teachers' Office, store and other rooms were added.
In 1920, the new building was opened by Mr. August Zerbe, who had attended the school at Deep Creek. Mr. Hobbs inspired a new spirit in the school. Under his leadership, community activities were introduced and the school achieved much.
The Mothers' Club that has, to this day, played such an important and valuable part in the school's development was formed in 1931, and has been responsible for many progressive improvements.
In the 1950's, attendance at the school increased, and extra, schoolrooms were built; then in 1962, the school was replanned - incorporating all the rooms in the one building.
In 1967, permission was granted to the Mothers' Club to "run a tuck shop". A canteen was built, and further extended in 1972.
Over the years the Canteen has been manned and maintained through the members of the Mothers'
Club giving of their time and efforts to service the canteen and through their efforts the profits have provided many worthwhile amenities.
Through the efforts of the Mothers* Club and the School Committee over the years, the Swimming Pavilion and Library were constructed in the 1970's. There has certainly been a great change from the little Deep Creek School with its 16 pupils to today's school. The original Deep Creek School still exists as part of the old Grade Six room, although enlarged and changed many times in the 100 years.
Head Teachers / Principals
Thomas Couchman 1878 - 1879Alexander Kelso 1879 - 1889
John Hamilton 1890 - 1891
William Wade 1891 - 1894
William Craig 1895 - 1909
Patrick W. Considine 1910 - 1914
Samuel E. Simpson 1914 - 1916
Daniel Griffiths 1916 - 1917
John Calder 1917 - 1919
Hilbert R. Hobbs 1919 - 1923
Frederick S. Jutson 1923 - 1944
Rowland J. Hansall 1944 — 1946
Reg. V. Cerchi 1946 - 1946
Herbert T. Jeffrey 1946 - 1950
Joseph R. Jones 1951 - 1952
Henry Hording 1952 - 1952
Thomas N. Beclcerlog 1953 - 1953
Peter M. McArthur 1954 - 1956
J.K. Jennings 1957 - 1958
Roy Worry 1959 - 1961
T.H. Cole 1962 - 1965
Maurice Douglas 1966 - 1969
George H. Piggott 1970 - 1972
R.A. Williamson 1972 - 1975
Margaret E. Davis 1976 -
Source: Doncaster East Primary School No 2096 - Newsletters - Centenary Edition 1878 - 1978
East Doncaster State School - Needs Proof Reading
A Head Teacher named Griffiths burnt all the records of the early school. He virtually made children stay at home because the parents would not let them go, so that the school population dropped from about 41 to about 10. He was not teaching them.
Then they got a young fellow named Scott who went round telling the parents to send their children back to school. He took four of them after school and in their homes to train them for the merit certificate. He went off to the war but died before he got there. Emmy Uebergang (Mrs Atkinson) cried (indeed they all cried) when she heard this, but even more she cried when her Merit certificate was presented to her at the end of the year - not signed Scott - signed Calder, the Head who came afterwards.
Some were burned in effigy and others would never look or talk to them again afterwards (after the War)
But they were once children who dropped an all day sucker down from the gallery and it bounced all the way down, while Patrick Considine had his back to them, and then he turned round and looked to see who had dropped it.
Ted White - Doug White - Julie White
1922 was the 51th Anniversary of State Education. They published a green book which was a general history of the administrative side of the Education Dept.
Hobbs – Hilbert R. Hobbs - was at the East Doncaster School for four years and in this time, he achieved wonders. Hilbert (who doesn't say much} Hobbs said that '"he came at a time when that school was pretty run-down"
He had no qualifications but he put his heart and soul into the place, and because the war was over and they were rearing to get things done. In four years he had uniforms, a house system, Avenue of Honour etc. His name is on all sorts of things - the honour board and honour roll book.
In Granfield's history of Doncaster, East Doncaster gets a mention – “it was originally located on the hill above St Phillips". What he should have said was " on the hill above where St Phillips now stands”. St Phillips did not come into existence until years later.
There have been three histories written about Doncaster.
In the Doncaster file of Headmaster's correspondence in the La Trobe Library there is an enormous file. The Education Dept. had lots of complaints and deputations to the Department. The number of times they "dragged out MPs is alarming".
''The first earliest correspondence relating to your school was a letter to the secretary for lands in 1887". What happened between 1877 and 1887?
In the library they have two files, and the other one is correspondence from Heads to Government on the Staff. For example, Mr Kelso writing to the Dept asking that his daughter be accepted as a sewing mistress - he had to write three times.
The school has the infantry of the tool shed (1919 - 1945) in a green book. It came from Byagolon after the War I. It is interesting because it gives the type of equipment the school had, and the years of the headteachers that were there because they had to sign it every year. There are no documents on the swimming pool, and they had to find out from another source when it was built. It appears there was another Griffiths who had a clean-up because from 1916 to 1945 there are no documents.
From the Head Masters’ letters it is known that the school went to the Primitive Methodist Hall. In the little original Church hall which was the butcher's shop, turned into their first church, some Sunday School, some day school. In 1866 the bigger one of the two (in the photo) was built. It is the old hall, still standing.
The school was there twelve months. Kelso wrote beautifully phrased letters. "I have heard from a reliable source that Mr Couchman is not going to take charge of the above school again (1st Inspector’s report), if such be the case that Mr Couchman is not going to be there...’, and he goes on to say how he thinks he could take ober the school. "I have once more the honour of requesting.." On the back of the inspector’s report was the annotations
1. - suggest imediate dismissal.
2. - against the man’s health to do this (he was into such of a state at the time.)
3. suggest suspending.
4. -find a suitable school to take him.
During Couchman’s time it had become such a run down school in the first 12 months, that if it had continued another two years the Dept might have abandoned it. -"Once more I bring to your attention, vandals have broken into the school and if a fence is not put up immediately more than one door will be missing" This was in Reynolds Road. Heads took things into their own homes, and they were poorly paid. Kelso wrote 10 letters in trying to get a fence put around it.
Then he got to East Doncaster. The land had trees on it and a contractor was doing another job there. Kelso wrote to the Dept, asking them to get the contractor to cut down the trees. They did not reply. . Kelso could not get the inspector to O.K. it, so in the end he had the contractor shop down the trees and the Education Dept made him pay for it, they said he had done it off his own back.
Kelso left after 10 or 11 years, and in those days the Head Masters had to leave a detailed inventory of what the school had and what condition it was in. The next Head always takes it around and checks it. After Kelso left there was a run of Heads. Young John Hamilton was one. There had been two others before Hamilton - filling in - one for a month, another for a couple of weeks. Hamilton found the school, so he said 1918, in a shocking state. He reported it to the Dept. and the previous Head was held responsible. There were broken windows, doors that would not shut, and the toilets looked as though they had never been cleaned etc. In the end it went back to Kelso who wrote an extremely angry letter which said “I took the ensueing H.T. around and I showed it to him. The damage did not occur in my time.
The Dept asked Schramm to put a price on his land and in the Doncaster file they have his letters. There in beautiful English-it is said Pastor Schramm couldn't make himself understood, he could in writting - he states why he wanted £650 for it. A lot of money then, but the reasons couldn't have been argued with; they amount of time and effort he had put into the school and the improvements to the land. They offered him £350. When he refused they wrote to him saying "In that case ew have other land and we will build a school elsewhere and we also intend to build a school at East Doncaster”.
In other letters of the 1880s, Kelso said that if the school continued in its present position at Deep Greek, he could not answere for the fact that he might not be able to keep the population up. The attendance had dropped to seven. He listed off the various s diseases, and these were the diseases which filled the Lutheran cemetery with children and knocked out many early families. These diseases affected the East Doncaster School. The land was swampy. The population dropped from 23 to 7. He believed if it kept up, he would not have a school at all. He suggested that the school be shifted to Waldau (German Town) where he said was a large population of children who were going to the Schramm school, and some who were not going to school at all - they were working on the orchards. He did a bit more research and he found they were going to the Primitive Methodist School, some of them at night.
He said here was a population for a school and he went into research enough to pick the spot. He canvassed the district came across Mr Fred Pickering who was willing to sell an acre.
So he canvassed around and got the people to write their letters. They drew maps. The inspector was in favour of it, and as far as the Board of Advice (which came before the school committee, school committees didn't come until about 1910 - 1911). There were Boards of Advice for a whole area, which encompassed a numbrr of schools. They Board of Advice had told Mr Kelso that they were in favour of it and that it was a good idea.
The local MP (the member for Evelyn) had to report to the minister for Education that the t the members of the Board of Advice were not in favour of it. One lived at Blackburn, one lived at Templestowe, another lived at what is now Bulleen, and the other two did not have any children. Kelso was really up adainst it, he had a Board of Advice who were not really interested in having it shifted at all, and they had given him lip-service in saying that it would be a good idea to move it, but when they spoke to the MP they did not. So Mr Kelso had to write another in which he did not say it, but he meant that the members of the Board were liars, because they had said this on such-and- such a date. It nearly killed the whole business Kelso had to start again. He had to get more petitions, finally they agreed to shift it but a comedy of errors.
It took them 12 months to get the land and during that time they had pulled the old school down, so they had to find another home - which they found at the Primitive Methodist Church for twelve months. Two documents tell us this and they both came from the parsonage at Burwood from ... (not Lechte, the minister at the time). He had to ask that the rent be paid - a little memo - and the other says there has been another request for the rent (this was a little Government memo).
Is the school 103 years old or 91 years old (1878)?
On the roll of State School 2096 on March 25, 1885 there are - Spears (4); Andrews (3); Johnson (2); Rhodes (2); Clegg (3); Jenkin (4); Carakan (1); White (1); Buck (3); McKinnon (1); Schmidt (3); (at Deep Creek)
When they moved to East Doncaster a lot went to Templestowe.
The roll jumped from 27 to 44 on the 1st day at the Primitive Methodist Church and into that came the Methodist names, and some of the Lutheran names start to appear.
Prom 1835 to 1886 they were there. They had to wait twelve months before the land approval came through. In the meantime Mr Kelso wrote letters such as to suggest the dismantled school be examined, vandals have been in and removed a door, two windows and a number of bearers; Kelso found it difficult looking after two schools.
In the letter the school was 'removed’ from the site at Deep Creek to the site in George Street. This ’removed' meant a hundred different things - it was put on a dray... they found there were bits missing and it wasn't going to be big enough anyway. Prom a school of 24 x 16 with three rooms for the teacher, it became 35 x 24 with four rooms for the teacher when it was first put in George Street. The photo of about 1900 is not exactly the same as it was first put there, a little projection. It was given two verandahs. Later a shelter shed at the back was built. Someone remembers it when it was built.
The first notification we have is that statement that a portion of land is being reserved. Rebecca Hardidge owned the land (ten acres) and because she didn't (want to sell at the Govt. price?) the government repatriated it. She tried to get more than they were prepared to pay because she had an old shed on it and a building surveyor examined it and reported it wasn’t worth keeping. She could take it off if she wanted to. They reserved it for a school site. The Department didn't build a school on it till twelve months later. Why did they pick that spot? This might be able to be found out if Doncaster's history ewnt a bit deeper.
‘The minister for lands said it was now ready to be entered, we have some idea who was on the Board of Advice. But who was on the first Committee of 1910? or 1911?.
Each school was not only attached to a Board of Advice, but each school had a correspondent. There is a very interesting letter by one of the correspondents who visited the school. He reported on the filthy state of the school and said there was a junior girl looking after the children.
The teachers left their books at the school when they left. Arthur Ireland (who isn't very well these days - he is 91) is one of the oldest past pupils of the school.
When Alice Holden died (1965?) someone cleaning up threw out every copy of the Weekly times and burnt them. When Mrs Seppings wrote her history of Orcharding "The Rise and Fall of the Orchard Empire" she found her information from the Old Weekly Times and The Leaders which are kept by the La Trobe Library in the City. Here were articles about the Thieles, Tullys, and the Zerbes etc. The reporters attended the orcharding council meetings and here were the notable Doncasterites in black and white.
At the East Doncaster school a new wing was put on in 1962.
In 1957 when they built extra rooms they tore down the old office and cloak rooms and linked it up with the 1886 building which is soon to be altered drastically both inside and outside.
In cleaning out the tool shed in 1963 they fould a great collection of library index cards belonging to every book in the school in the 1939s, including the books which originally came from the Doncaster Athenaeum Library when it was split up.
Under the school, amongst the other paper and milk packs they found heaps of old papers which had fallen through the cracks in the old floor. The Royal Dip. The Athenaeum Hall Doncaster, dated August 19 ... And rat eaten note books. A letter to Patrick Considine that never got to him. A chain letter from Dulcie White. A letter explaining why one of the Fingers was absent from school. Willy Rieschick's home work book of 1920.
Children had to work before and after school. Emma Uebergang used to dig strips with Hilda, her sister before and after school, and pumped the hand pump (spray) for her father which was no easy task. Linda Aumann (in Mrs Whitters grade) did the same thing for her father. When Mrs Whitten went home to play while Linda Aumann had to work. They went to school together. Her brothers were doing something else or were working for someone else.
Photographers like Phosard took photos around Melbourne of schools, stores etc and put them on the back of post cards.
Mr Seppings was under the impression that the great improvements occurred during the war but this must have only amounted to a repainting, when everyone went up to the Coolstores. Major alterations took place between 1900 and 1905 which mainly consisted of doing away with the residence. It had not been lived in by a head teacher since about 1895. Willy Craig found it impossible to live in. He lived at Pound Bend.
William Wade was before Willy Craig and he wrote a letter to the education Dept saying that he should be relieved of paying the rent because he was not living in the residence and because his wife could not stand the noise of the children coming through the thin walls. It was a draughty, ramshackle place in need of great repair. He was already renting a place some distance from the school and the rent of this was quite high, so he didn't feel it necessary to pay two rents. He had eight children and they were too many for three rooms.
It was after Wm Wade left in 1894 and after many submissions by Willy Craig to the Government that they decided to alter the whole set up of the school. It became a school in itself. It stopped being a school and a residence. Head masters from then on until 1921 - 1922 rented houses. Hobbs rented a house until the residence was put there (was it built, or brought there?) Mrs Whitten says it was built there. Sam or Stan Whitten sold? the land with a condition that a decent house be put there, he was terribly upset. - absolutely horrified. Hobbs moved in in about 1929. It was a shocking piece of architecture. Mrs Latimer thinks some of it was brought there (a smaller building) and the rest built on. Len Hobbs only four at the time. Had a long wait to get in to it.
(Ken Reid knows names of former pupils the school could contact for information. Otto Schaffer knows quite a number of the teachers.
Source: DTHS Document DD11CF1D17 - See Original Scan. Link Broken
Andersons Park
Anderson's Park situated in SW corner of Reynolds Road and Andersons Creek Road occupies part of a site that was originally East Doncaster Primary School or the Deep Creek Primary School.
Originally 5 acres were allocated to the school.
The likely 5 acres of government allocated land (shaded) measuring approx 75m x 270m = 20250 sq.m. ~ 5 acres), Google Maps Aerial View
The school site was ill chosen. I the late 1880's, the school community was moved to the cnr of George St and Blackburn Rd. The buildings were taken away and it became a disused government site.
Probably only a small part of the 5 acre site was occupied by the school building, and the school grounds so the vegetation survived.
The reason that there is alleged to be remnant native vegetation is because it was government land even until the present time and therefore was never planted with orchards or cultivated.
According to the "Back to Doncaster East Souvenir" Publication (1973) in about 1909-1911, George McKinley contacted "the powers that be" and got a permissive occupancy for the Doncaster Ramblers Cricket Club.
The park is now larger than the original 5 acre site due to the addition of new land for ovals.
Source: Ken Smith, personal communication, July 2021
Doncaster East School
We learnt recently that after a hard fight by our society the Manningham U3A and the Manningham Council, the historic Doncaster East School has been lost to our district. After many months of wrangling between a variety of parties including the Department of Education, the result has been that the school building will be removed to the Laburnum Primary School for use by children at that school.
Source: 1998 12 DTHS Newsletter
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