Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society - History and Milestones

The Start 

As a contribution to the functions and activities organised to mark the elevation of the municipality to the status of a City in 1967, a group of Doncaster residents undertook to mount an historical display in the stone cottage in which Pastor Schramm once conducted his school. In the course of collecting objects for the display it was found that information and records about the early days of settlement were not readily available. Family records that still existed were in danger of being lost or inadvertently destroyed. It was also found that much valuable historical material, diaries, family records and other documents, had been collected during the 1930’s. They were being suitably arranged and indexed at the South Warrandyte State School and were destroyed when the building was burnt in the 1939 bush fire.

As a result of discussions between members of the group organising the Schramm’s Cottage display, the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society was founded in May, 1967, with Mr. Frank Rogan as its first President, The aims of the Society were research with the object of developing a source of reliable historical information about the district, and the preservation of historic aspects of the environment.

At that time Schramm’s Cottage stood on its original site in the grounds of the municipal offices. It was historically important because in several ways it was characteristic of the early days of settlement. It was built of materials found in the district, chiefly of stone quarried and hand-dressed locally. It was the

home of a man whose learning and sagacity influenced important aspects of early development, and it was the building in which many district children received their only formal education.

In 1970 it became clear that Schramm’s Cottage would have to be demolished to make way for the widening of Doncaster Road. The Historical Society moved energetically to save the building from destruction. Since there was no alternative to the new road alignment, they resolutely faced the task, formidable in relation to their resources, of systematically dismantling the building and reerecting it on another site.

Dismantling began with voluntary labour on 17th April, 1971, and the materials were moved by the Council to the site once occupied by the original Lutheran Church in Victoria Street. In the three years that have elapsed the building has been re-erected with financial assistance from the Council and the

State and Australian Governments. At the same time another old building on the site has been reconditioned to house the Society’s archives and artefacts. 

While many people have worked untiringly to further the Society’s aims, most of the essential administrative effort has fallen on Councillor Muriel Green. The attractive format and much of the contents of the Society’s Newsletter derives from the artistic skill and patient research of her husband, Mr. Irvine Green.

Source: Keogh, Graham. 1975, The history of Doncaster and Templestowe / Graham Keogh. City of Doncaster and Templestowe [Doncaster,Vic.] ISBN:0959948716 

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A Timeline

Some of the events of the first 40 years – gleaned from DTHS Newsletters on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the society.

• 01 March 1967 Public meeting to form an historical society in the Doncaster-Templestowe district.
• 05 April 1967 First meeting of the newly formed Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society.
• 1967 Presudent: Frank Rogan
• 14 – 30 April 1967 Festival of Arts, Doncaster-Templestowe, with an historical display in Schramm’s Cottage, Doncaster Road.
• 1967 “Aim is to have an active society, vigorously working to preserve records of our city & collaborating with other groups of people in making people aware of our heritage.”
• 1967 Statement by Frank Rogan – President – in the first DTHS newsletter.
• 11/11/1967 Tour of historical landmarks, Lutheran Cemetery, Holy Trinity Church of England, Gold Tunnel, Warrandyte.
• 07/02/1968 Only 7 people attended the meeting.
• 1968 -1970 President: Irvine Green, President
• August 1969 Bring an item evening.
• “Mrs Green had collected a jar of soil from the intersection of Doncaster & Williamsons Roads that had been tramped over by the Doncaster pioneers.”
• 1969 Office-bearers: President: Irvine Green, VPs: Eric Collyer & Alf Poulter. Secretary: Muriel Green, Treasurer: Jim Hobill. Committee: Ken Smith, Mrs J Seppings, Mary Stace, B Quick, A Latimer, D Rush & Miss M Ritter.
• 1969 Doncaster Shoppingtown. A plaque to be set in bricks from Serpell’s original brick store.
• 1970-1977 President: Muriel Green
• 1970 Annual Dinner – Potters Cottage
• 1971 February: Historical Display
• 1971 May 2: It was agreed to dismantle & re-erect Schramm’s Cottage on the site of the old Lutheran Church in Victoria Street.
• 1971 Schramm’s Cottage committee: Irvine Green (Chair), Secretary: Muriel Green, Nell Elliot, Loris Webster, Paul Zweck, Mark Wierzbowski, Eric Collyer & Council Reps: Cr Les Cameron, Cr Ivan Peter-Budge & Ted Rieschieck.
• 1971 A roll of honour of volunteer helpers to be placed in the cottage.
• 1971 It was planned to face the cottage west.
• 1971 An Easter Service conducted on the current cottage site by Pastor Paul Zweck. Eric Collyer played the harmonium.
• 1971 Muriel Green: the third President. She had been Secretary from the start: 1967 – 1971.
• July 1971 Musical evening at Friedensruh. Over 50 attended. Miss Thiele thanked.
• 11/09/1971 Historical display as part of Trinity Lutheran Arts & Crafts display.
• 24/11/1971 Second Annual Dinner at Potters Cottage.
• Mayor Les Cameron attended. 
• Irvine Green awarded Honorary Life Membership, the second such award. Colonel Keogh was the first.
• July 1972 Musical evening, Friedensruh.
• 1972 Subs rose from $2 to $3.
• 1972 Cottage re-building by MC Cool Constructions – under the supervision of Honorary Architect, Mark Wierzbowski.
• 1973 Gerhard Heilmann, Stonemason.
• 1973 Photo taken of members of DTHS seated around Heritage Walk, Doncaster Shoppingtown.

Members of the historical Society seated around the heritage walk at Shoppingtown during a tour of Doncaster in 1973.  Published in 1992-03 DTHS Newsletter

• 1973 Annual Dinner. Presentation made to Mrs Elva Read, Secretary.
• Easter 1974 Annual Dawn Service conducted by Pastor Paul Zweck.
• 1974 The Tram Tour. DTHS hired a tram for the annual tour – passing over 100 places of historic interest.
• 1974 A Mayoral Ball held in the Athenaeum Hall. The first for over 20 years.
• February 1975 The first meeting in the re-built cottage.
• 1975 Pioneer Ball. Athenaeum Hall. Ball Committee: Chairman: Ivan Peter-Budge & wife Keitha, Muriel Green, Nell Elliot, Wattie & Peg Tully, Jean Blomfield, Harold Plumb, Mary Bullock, Evelyn Wagna, Len Hobbs, Irvine Green.
• 07/06/1975 100 Years of Music, Doncaster High School Hall.
• 1975 Pioneer Day. Essay and Speech contests.
• 1975 Re-building Fingers Barn.
• 1975 Bunya Bunya pine planted by Mr Walter Schramm (grandson of Max Schramm) & by his grandson, Grant.
• 1975 Annual Dinner at the Coffee Bean.
• 1975 Muriel Green awarded Honorary Life Membership. (the 3rd such award.)
• 14/02/1976 Official opening of the cottage.

Opening of Schramm's Cottage 1976 - The President of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society, Mrs Muriel Green, speaking. DP0557

• December 1976 Carols among the Pines.
• 1977 Death of Muriel Green. (1923 – 1977)
• 1977-1978 President: Eric Collyer
• 1978-1990 President: Irvine Green
• 1979 Gazebo rebuilt.
• 24/05/1980 Barn Dance – in the barn.
• 1981 Tram Shed completed.
• 28/02/1981 Barbecue at Schramm’s Cottage.
• 1981 An exhibition of clothing at Schramm’s Cottage – prepared for the Wurundjeri Festival.
• 1981 The Tram was in the Wurundjeri Parade. Driver: Claude Symons with DTHS & Pocket Theatre members.
• 1982 Wurundjeri Parade. Beatty Beavis drove a truck with an “actual lemon tree” on the back. Petra Kruga sprayed the tree. Peter Dignum & others in costume.
• 1982 Wheelwright shop bequeathed to DTHS.
• 1983 Wurundjeri float – bellows & anvil from the Wheelwright shop.
• 1983 Art Exhibition – Paintings & ceramics in the barn.
• 1983 Annual Dinner in the Athenaeum Hall.
• 1985 Early Settlers Ball in the Athenaeum Hall.
• 1985 Unveiling of the Pioneer Memorial.
• August 1985 24 pupils from Donburn Primary School attended School at Schramm’s. Headmaster for the day: Irvine Green. School marm: Jeanette Johnston (Donburn PS). Her father Olaf Sonderland took the woodwork class.
• October 1987 Pocket Theatre plays performed (again) in the barn.
• 1987 Large professional printing press bought for newsletter & publications.
• 1987/88 Paul & Carline Zweck moved to South Australia.
• 1988 The reconstructed kitchen opened.
• 1988 Bicentenary activities listed as Reconstruction of the original kitchen; Garden Party to open the kitchen on 06 February; Gala Bicentennial Ball; Waldau Cemetery Service on the 100th anniversary of the last burial, 01 October.
• 04/06/1988 Bicentenary Ball, Veneto Club, 28 May, with debutantes presented to the Mayor Cr Doug McKenzie & Mrs McKenzie.
• 1988 Annual Dinner in the Doncaster Gallery. An Annual Dinner had been held ever since 1971. Five locations, the first was Potters Cottage.
• 1988 The Wurundjeri Festival events were held at the Pines. DTHS had an historical display there.
• September 1988 Death of Mark Wierzbowski. He had been a Life Member in appreciation of his work setting up the cottage and the orchard museum. He was the Honorary Architect who supervised the moving and rebuilding of Schramm’s Cottage.
• 02/11/1988 Atkins’ Cottage moved from Currawong to Schramm’s Cottage.
• April 1989 Lavender & Lace display for Heritage Week.
• Easter 1989 Trinity Lutheran Church Dawn Service on the lawn at Schramm’s Cottage – and event that has taken place every year since 1972.
• 1989 Verandah erected on Atkins’ Cottage.
• 23/02/1991 House Warming, Atkins’ Cottage.
• 1991-2015 President: Judith Leaney
• 29/02/1992 25th Anniversary of DTHS. Garden Party (barbecue) on the North Lawn.
• 1992 Filming at Schramm’s Cottage of the Heinz Big Red Tomato Soup commercial, starring Penelope Keith.
• 1992 Cavalcade of Bridal Gowns. 1860 – 1980. Opened by Irene Goonan.
• 1993 DTHS received and award from Victorian Tourist Commission for an outstanding community activity leading to a tourist attraction.
• 16/05/1993 Sloyd Room arrived.
• 1993 Death of Beattie Beavis.
• 1993 Spring exhibition. “Baby” featuring a 19th century Nursery.
• 1993 Death of Clive Petty. He had been active in showing school groups over the complex.
• 1994 Heritage Bike Ride
• 1994 Irvine Green awarded OAM.
• 1995 Petty’s Orchard Apple Festival. The 3rd time DTHS had put on a display at this festival.
• 28/05/1995 Opening of Sloyd Room.
• 1995 Death of Linda Petty (widow of Clive Petty).
• 02/03/1997 Pioneers Day.
• 1997 Archive data base project begun.
• 04/08/1997 Death of Irvine Green. Funeral at Schramm’s Cottage.
• 2000 Annual Christmas Dinner cancelled.
• 2001 Opening of Irvine Green Memorial Garden. A perfumed garden, it has a blue spruce in the centre.
• 2003 Computer room completed

More info !!!

• 2015-2022 President: Eric Collyer

• 2022-20?? President: Geoff Broome

Source: Various recalections of members and DTHS Newsletters

 

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DTHS - 40 Years A Society - 2007

2007 is a very special year for our Historical Society. It is now 40 years since the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe was proclaimed a City, .an event that was a catalyst for the formation of a Historical Society in the new City. To celebrate the Proclamation of the City, the Festival of Arts Committee chaired by Cr. K. May undertook to hold, among other cultural activities, an historical display at Schramm's Cottage in April 1967. At the same time, it was felt that the occasion was opportune for the establishment of a Historical Society to foster and safe guard the history of the local district and spread knowledge of our heritage within the district. Many of our more recent members may not be aware of our 40-year history, so in newsletters throughout 2007, articles and early photographs of the Society will be reprinted. As will be seen, some of the very earliest members are still active in the Society today. This says much about the quality of our group, its friendliness and strength of purpose, as we feel we continue to play a vital role in the community and still fresh after 40 years of achievement.

Schramm's cottage in original location 1970 (DP0540)

18th at the Eastern Golf Club, itself an historic home from the 1880’s. Members are cordially invited to attend this event, together with some specially invited guests, earlier members of the Society and official guests, as befits such an important event in our Society. Also we will mount a special celebration exhibition later in the year at the Cottage, displaying some of the memorabilia of our district, collected over the 40-year life of the Society.

Needs Transcription

Source: 2007-03 DTHS Newsletter

Gala Anniversary Dinner

The occasion of our 40* Birthday was celebrated by a dinner at the Eastern Golf Club on 18* April The choice of the venue was influenced by a desire to hold our dinner in a home with some historical connections. Dr Thomas Fitzgerald, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and a prominent Melbourne doctor built “Tullamore” the original name of the mansion in 1887. Fitzgerald wanted a country house, and because of the site on a hill and surrounding pasture land, decided to purchase the land. A two-storey, twelve-roomed mansion was'built of red brick and a slate roof, with verandahs on the north and west. Ornate stables were erected on the property and a few racehorses lived on the surrounding pastures. Later,' the house was sold to William Stutt, a Shire Councillor and Member of Parliament.
In the 1920’s, the property became the Eastern Golf Club with an attractive 18-hole course. Since then, many alterations have been made. Verandahs have been removed, the bricks have been painted white and a large meeting room and a dining room‘added. The'ornate entrance and heavy drapes, and furniture have given way to a modem entrance and office.
However, there remains a grand atmosphere about the mansion, most suitable for our celebration.
Sixty guests assembled in the lounge with its large picture windows, opening out onto the golf course. After hot savouries, and a drink, we proceeded into the dining room, beautifully decorated with a draped ceiling, to tables featuring a lovely floral decoration in the centre.
The circular tables made conversation easy and a buzz of talk between members, many of them renewing acquaintance after some years, broke out.

It was interesting to note that members of many pioneer families were present. Petty, Tully, Mullens, Sheahan, Peter-Budge, Zander, Corbett, Jenkins, Smith and Thiele are names well known in the history of Manningham. The Mayor and Mayoress of Manningham, Councillor Ron Kitchingman and Mrs Kitchingman, as well as the C.E.O. of the City, Ms Lydia Wilson were also in attendance.

The Mayor, spoke of the importance of our Society in the community over 40 years, our achievements in the field of historical research and our efforts in saving and restoring Schramms Cottage. He said that the people of Manningham had many reasons to thank our Society for our untiring work in co-operating with many other groups in safeguarding our historical and cultural heritage

for future generations.

Judith Leaney, the President, thanked many of those who have helped our Society over our 40-year history. The City of Manningham, who have assisted in many ways, both by financial help in the form of grants and by practical things, painting and garden help.

The Committee of the Society, helpers in the form of roster assistance, working bee attendance, data base workers and all those who have helped in myriad ways over 40 years were remembered. A few people, who have been members since the very first inaugural meeting in 196?, received certificates commemorating this length of service and bouquets were presented to the Mayoress and other long serving ladies of the Committee.

Special thanks were given to some people who kindly donated money, which went towards the running of the night’s function.

A beautiful cake in the shape of a Minutes Book, was made and decorated by Mrs Patricia Toweil and was cut by Evelyn Scott.

Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society's 40h Birthday Cake

The finale of the evening was a digital presentation prepared by Kay Mack from material from our archives and from Lawrie Reilly and presented by Alan Rash. This covered many of the highlights, social events and personalities of the Society since 1967. These photos, some long forgotten, revoked memories of past gatherings and friends no longer with us.

Over dessert and coffee, our members were able to reminisce on our past with a sense of satisfaction of 40 years well spent in the service of history in our City.

Source: 2007-06 DTHS Newsletter

DTHS - Twenty Five Years A Society - 1992

Doncaster - Templestowe Historical Society and Schramm's Cottage are inseparable.  The society originated from an historical exhibition in Schramm's Cottage in 1967.  The Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe was to be proclaimed as a City and to mark the occasion the council arranged an art festival.  One of the events planned was an historical exhibition in the old stone cottage built by Pastor Max Schramm.  The enthusiastic group who set up and ran the exhibition then decided to form an historical society. 

Display in the dining room of Schramms Cottage for the Historical Exhibition at the Arts Festival in 1967.

The meetings to organise the new society were held in the supper room of the Athenaeum Hall supper room but once formed, it met in Schramm's Cottage. The cottage was unfurnished so we obtained old forms from the Athenaeum Hall and the Templestowe Memorial Hall.

The first President was Frank Rogan and the Secretary, Muriel Green.
From the start, meetings were well attended and soon members started researching the history of the district.

 

DP0559 | First meeting in rebuilt Schramm's Cottage | Members of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society at the first meeting in the rebuilt Schramm's Cottage. Gehard Heilman was the stone mason who rebuilt the walls. (Photograph mounted with caption) | Doncaster  Schramms Cottage|Burgess, Steven|Johnston, Gail|Wilson, Gail|Beavis, Jean|Burgess, Ted|Burgess, Ross|Collyer, Eric|Sharp, Gwen|Underwood, Myra|Burgess, Phyllis|Holmyard, May|Beed, Ethel|Crouch, Violet|Beed, Jack|Holmyard, Max|Beavis, Beatty|Heilman, Gehar 

FIRST MEETING IN REBUILT SCHRAMMS COTTAGE Standing: Steven Burgess, Gail Johnston (nee Wilson), Jean Beavis, Ted Burgess, Ross Burgess, Eric Collyer. Seated: Gwen Sharp, Myra Underwood, Phyllis Burgess, May Holmyard, Ethel Beed, Violet Crouch, Jack Beed, Max Holmyard, Beatty Beavis, Gehard Heilman, Muriel Green, and Hugh Sharp  

The first meeting in the partly rebuilt Schramms Cottage took place on February 1975.  The meeting was a work evening to sort and clean up furniture and equipment that had been stored for several years.

Standing: Steven Burgess, Gail Johnston (nee Wilson), Jean Beavis, Ted Burgess, Ross Burgess, Eric Collyer.

Sitting: Gwen Sharp, Myra Underwood, Phyllis Burgess, May Holmyard, Ethel Beed, Violet Crouch, Jack Reed, Max Holmyard, Beatty Beavis, Gehard Heileman, Muriel Green, and Hugh Sharp.

The year 1969 became a busy year. First, we hosted the Eastern Region meeting. For the occasion, we hired the Templestowe Memorial Hall and our secretary, Muriel Green, gave a talk on Pioneer Women.
Later, the Royal Historical Society took gold as the theme for their biennial conference with a tour to Warrandyte gold areas. Six of our members acted as guides in the buses for the trip through Templestowe, Warrandyte and Doncaster. Lunch was at Warrandyte and we provided afternoon tea in Schramm's Cottage. 

| Doncaster Shoppingtown  1976 Main entrance and tower facing Williamsons Road from the position of the plaque commemorating the Box Hill to Doncaster tram, the Doncaster tower, and Serpell's store. DP0114

Members of the historical Society seated around the heritage walk at Shoppingtown during a tour of Doncaster in 1973.  Published in 1992-03 DTHS Newsletter

The same year Shoppingtown opened. Our society persuaded Westerfolds to include a feature to commemorate the historic sites at the corner of Doncaster, Williamsons and Tram Roads. We collected some bricks from Serpell's red brick store, called White's Corner, that stood on the corner. These were used to make a heritage walk in front of the main entrance to the Mall.

The next year, the historical society produced its first publication, "Doncaster Templestowe and Warrandyte since 1837". Eric Collyer and Ken Smith wrote the chapter on Doncaster, Brian Mullens on Templestowe and Warrandyte was written by lrvine Green. The pages of the booklet were printed by a printer then members collated bound and trimmed the publication. One thousand copies sold in four weeks. The next year we printed another five hundred copies, that sold out shortly afterwards. The 'profit from this booklet put the society on a sound financial footing. 

Once again Schramm's Cottage became the centre of the society's activities. Doncaster Road was to be widened but the cottage was in the way and had to be demolished. After a general outcry and publicity the council called a public meeting which formed a committee to raise money, move and rebuild Schramm's Cottage. We held a second exhibition, also in the cottage. Once again all the rooms were filled with displays photographs and articles lent by families in the district. Over nine hundred school children and nearly two thousand adults visited the cottage. The money raised went to Schramm's rebuilding fund. 

Rebuilding Schramm's Cottage 1973 showing the courses of stonework up to the height of the window sills and the window and door frames in position. DP0567

The Lutheran church offered their old church ground as a site for Schramm's Cottage, then the committee raised money, organised working parties and eventually, after many building problems and the work of over one hundred volunteers, the cottage was opened. It became the headquarters of the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society. We had a permanent home and our membership grew to a healthy one hundred and fifty and has remained steady. 

Doncaster had two historical features, the Doncaster Tower and the Box Hill-Doncaster Electric Tram. The historical society adopted the tram as its symbol but later we changed it to Schramm's Cottage that being more appropriate. 

In 1975, Doncaster and Templestowe celebrated their centenary as a municipality. This was an historic occasion so the society presented a program of events. An historic pageant in the Rieschiecks Reserve pavilion combined with a reunion for members of old families, a stage production at the Doncaster High School, with the title "One hundred Years Of Music", and a Pioneers Ball at the 'Athenaeum Hall. 

Also the erection of three historic cairns; these commemorated the site of Toll Gate at Doncaster, the Upper Yarra Hotel at Templestowe and the State Crusher at Warrandyte. With Schramm's Cottage reopened, the activities of the society changed. 

At weekends, we opened the cottage to the public so a roster of members manned the cottage and working parties made improvements. Buildings were added, historic orchard equipment arranged in the sheds and a garden planted and tended. During the week, school classes and social groups visited the cottage, also weddings in Schramm's garden became popular. 

A grant from the council financed the first of a series of publications designed primarily for students. Ten of these have been printed on the historical societies own printing press. 

c1976 The President, Irvine Green, speaking at 10th anniversary of Schramm's Cottage.

In 1985, the society took part in celebrating the historic occasion of one hundred and fifty years of Victoria. As the climax of a program of events, the society held a ball in the Athenaeum Hall. Again, in 1988, we celebrated the occasion with activities and again a ball, this time a gala affair in the ballroom of the Veneto Club. 

Opening of Schramm's Cottage 1976 - The President of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society, Mrs Muriel Green, speaking. DP0557

The removal and renovation of Atkins House showed that our society was still an active group. Forty nine of our members worked on the project that significantly increased the interest of Schramm's Cottage historic centre. 

Atkins' Orchard Cottage being moved from Currawong Bush Park in 1988, where it had been temporarily placed, to Schramm's Cottage. The photograph shows the cottage on the low loader travelling west in Reynolds Road near Springvale Road. The cottage originally was built by Ben Atkins on his property in Newmans Road Templestowe. DTHS dp0570

Now the renovation of Schramm's Cottage completes twenty five years of activities by the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society.

Source: Irvine Green writing in 1992-03 DTHS Newsletter

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Schramms Cottage Complex Open Day 

Saturday 29 April 2017, 10 am to 4.30 pm.  Schramm's Cottage Complex Rieschiecks Reserve, Muriel Green Drive, off Victoria Street, Doncaster

Free open day for the public to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society Inc.

All families are welcome and there will be many activities to enjoy.

• Children’s animal farm 
• Free popcorn & balloon for kids
• Free coffee & cake for adults
• Free entrance and access to Schramm’s Cottage complex
• Photographic display
• Exhibition of costumes
• Display of stationary engines by Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society
• Vintage cars

Source: http://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/schramms-cottage-complex-open-day  May2017

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Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society - 50th Anniversary 2017

In 2017, Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary. A dinner for members & friends was held on 22 April 2017 at the Yarra Valley Country Club, and a successful Open Day was held at Schramm's Cottage on 29 April 2017.

A celebratory cake. (Audrey Killey)

The official party at the dinner. L - R: Trish Renfree, Geoff Broome (commitee member), Margaret Andrews, Hon Kevin Andrews, MP (Federal Member for Menzies), Eric Collyer (DTHS President), Deslea Reynolds (committee member). (Audrey Killey).

Eric Collyer (DTHS President) & Deslea Reynolds (commitee member) with the display of historic photographs from the DTHS archive in Finger's Barn at the Schramm's Cottage Museum. (Audrey Killey)

A section of the display of photographs in the schoolroom at Schramm's Cottage. (Audrey Killey)

The Children's Animal Farm was a big attraction on the Open Day. (Audrey Killey)

One of the beautiful vintage cars shown at the Open Day. (Audrey Killey)

In recognition of her many years of faithful service to the Society, Deslea Reynolds was invited to light the candle on the birthday cake. Those who attended voted it an occasion to remember and we express our appreciation and thanks to member, Trish Renfree, for the part she played in helping to make the dinner such a happy and successful event. 

Our 50th Anniversary celebrations began with a dinner for members of the Society and friends at the Yarra Valley Country in Bulleen on Saturday 22nd April 2017. Fifty people attended this n1e1norable function. 

We were honoured to have Michelle Kleinert, Mayor of the City of Manningham and Kevin Andrews, Federal Member for Menzies and his wife Margaret as special guests for the occasion. 

In his speech, our President, Eric Collyer, highlighted just some of the many significant events and achievements in the life of the Society and also stressed the need to grow our membership and move with the times if we are to remain a viable and progressive organisation into the future. 

Our guest speaker, Kevin Andrews, spoke of the history of the area with particular reference to the changes in electoral boundaries that have occurred in the area from the early years to the present day. 

The dinner was followed with an open day for the public at Schramm’s Cottage on Saturday 29th April. 

In spite of mostly overcast skies, the weather remained fine with approximately 200 people passing through the gates. There were attractions to suit all age groups. The mobile animal farm was a highlight for families and children loved feeding the animals within the enclosure. 

The line up of vintage Jaguar and Rolls Royce cars all of them in pristine condition, also attracted the attention of members and visitors alike. Visitors also enjoyed looking at the costume display in the cottage and the photographic exhibit in the barn commemorating 50 years in the life of the Society. 

They were also interested to see the fruit grader in operation, a relic of our orcharding past. Schramm’s Cottage with its lovely garden and surrounding buildings looked its best for the occasion and attracted much favourable comment. People enjoyed strolling through the grounds looking at our various exhibits. Many had not previously visited the precinct and were keen to learn about the history of the site. 

Trish Renfree, Glenys McIntyre and Geoff  Broome at our 50th Anniversary Dinner

Source: 2017-06 DTHS Newsletter

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In Celebration of 50 Years 1967-2017

As we approach the 50th Anniversary of our foundation, I am reminded of the many achievements that have made our Society the vibrant organisation that it is today. \

Our small beginnings were closely associated with the proclamation of the City of Doncaster and Templestowe (formally the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe) in 1967 when a few local residents got together to set up a display of historical memorabilia in Schramm’s Cottage to commemorate that event. Items for the display were loaned by long standing residents of the district. The display was open to the public for two weeks and attracted many visitors. 

Moves were soon made to formally establish the Society culminating in a meeting in the Athenaeum Hall on 1st March 1967 when the Society was established. Early meetings were held in Schramm’s Cottage, then on Doncaster Road, until such time as it was dismantled in 1972 for road widening purposes; members of the Society helped with that work. Subsequent meetings were held in various places including the Lodge Room in Athenaeum Hall, Templestowe Memorial Hall and Donvale Presbyterian Church Hall. 

The first President was Frank Rogan (1967-1971), followed by Muriel Green (1971-1977) then Irvine Green (1978-1991) and Judith Leaney 1991-2014). After the passing of Muriel Green in 1977 the undersigned held the position until Irvine Green took over in 1978. 

Our first newsletter, an in-house publication on an ink duplicator, was published in July 1967. 

On 2nd April 1971 the Schramm’s Cottage Building Committee was established with the following members: Jack Thompson (Town Clerk), and Fred Andrew (City Engineer) representing the Council and Society members Mark Wierzbowski (Architect) and Irvine Green. They were asked to investigate possible sites for the relocation of the cottage and ways of financing the project. Waldau Cemetery, at that time belonging to Trinity Lutheran Congregation, was the preferred site because of its association with Max Schramm who conducted a small school for the congregation in the church from 1860 to 1864. He later became pastor of the congregation. The congregation made the site available to the community free of charge for historical purposes.  

The cottage was re erected on that site and was officially opened on Saturday 14th February 1976. Other buildings including Fingers Barn and the cart shed were added to the complex about that time while the machinery shed, Atkins Cottage and Sloyd Room were later additions. 

Those foundation members of the Society were imbued with a spirit of enthusiasm and very soon set about the task of collecting items for Schramm’s Cottage and establishing a garden. 

We owe much to past members like Irvine Green who wrote and printed a number of small booklets that we still know today. These were originally intended for schools who frequently sought information about the history of the area as project material. He also wrote many articles that appear in early newsletters of the Society and provided many of the photographs in our archive collection. 

As I look back over the years since 1967 the following highlights among others come to mind: 

• Musical evenings held annually for several years.
• Annual dinners, many at Potter’s Cottage in Warrandyte.
• Weekend visits to country places of historic significance including Beechworth, Maldon, Kyneton and Swan Hill.
• Pioneer Ball, held in the Athenaeum Hall in 1975.
• Centenary celebration of the tram that ran between Box Hill and Doncaster (1889-1896). • Host for Eastern Suburbs Historical Societies Annual Meeting in 1969.
• The 2015 service, re-enactment and celebration of the 150th Wedding Anniversary of Max Schramm and Kate Pickering.
• Our accreditation with Museums Australia(Victoria) in 2014 was a magnificent achievement in the life of our Society. This entailed a great amount of work on the part of the former President Judith Leaney and Archivist Kay Mack who gave so much of their time in the preparation of our submission for membership of that organisation. 

While it is good to revisit the past on such an occasion as this, we also look to the future if we are to remain a viable organisation. Although we have every reason to be proud of past achievements there is still much that lies ahead. 

I pay tribute to all of our members for your much valued contribution in so many ways in keeping our Society “on the map”. We are an important adjunct of the Manningham community. I thank the City of Manningham for their interest and support over many years, and for providing us with a place to call “home”. 

Members of the Historical Society and volumteers dismantling Schramms Cottage in Doncaster Road, 1972. 

Source: Eric L. Collyer – President writing in 2017-03 DTHS Newsletter

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Australia Day Award - 2019

Geoff Broome was a recipient of this year’s Menzies Community Australia Day awards in recognition of his outstanding contribution to our Society over many years.

We congratulate you, Geoff, on this well-deserved award and thank you for all that you have given to us and continue to do for the well-being of the Society. Geoff compiles and edits our quarterly Newsletter and with the assistance of a few of our members is currently organising and supervising the registration of our extensive collection of memorabilia – a monumental task in itself. Geoff also takes a lead in many other small ways that few of us even know about. Your untiring efforts are greatly appreciated Geoff and we extend to you our best wishes on this important occasion in your life.

Source: Eric Collyer writing in 2019-03 DTHS Newsletter

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Eric Collyer

Eric Farewelled at Council Meeting by Anna Chen, Councillor for Waldau Area

Eric Collyer c Anna Chen at Schramms Cottage farewell meeting 3DEC2022

Task: Add biography of Eric and involvement in DTHS

Task:  Add metadata names to all image originals