The cuttings were selected by DTHS volunteers and assembled into folders for public display in Schramm's Cottage Museum:
- Selected Press Cuttings Display Folder 1967
- Selected Press Cuttings Display Folder 1968-1971
- Selected Press Cuttings Display Folder 1971
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East Yarra News 03 May 1967
Historic group meeting tonight. The first meeting of the Doncaster Templestowe historical society tonight, Wednesday, will discuss the acceptance of the proposed Constitution. Office bearers for the coming year will also be elected. The Society has functioned with an interim committee since its formation in March. The future of Finn's Hotel is expected to come under discussion and some "new move" disclosures are likely.
East Yarra News 22 February 1967
Search for local history. A City of Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society will be launched two days after proclamation day, February 28. It will almost certainly be the first new organisation inaugurated under the title "City". A public meeting will be held on March 1 at the Athenaeum Hall at 8 pm. Main impetus for the formation of a society has been the interest aroused by the proposed historical display for the city festival of arts in April. It is hoped now to widen the scope of the display by presenting it under the auspices of a municipality based historical society rather than within the limitations of a small festival activity committee. At a meeting of the activity committee on February 14, Mr F Regan and Mrs Muriel Green were elected provisional chairman and secretary respectively of an interim committee appointed to form a society.
Doncaster Mirror 08 March 1967
Historical Society to Form,With the advent of the Shire becoming a city, many residents hove realised thot much History will be lost unless something is done quickly to gather together photo-graphs, documents and other articles of historic value. A historical society will be formed at o public meeting to be held at the Athenaeum Hall, Doncaster, on March 1, at 8 p.m. The Mirror will make its negative file available as a nucleus of a historical photo-graphic file.
Doncaster Mirror 08 March 1967
Ideas, gifts launch new Historical Society.
A combined project may be launched to reconstruct the old Lutheran Church and cemetery on Waldau Hill.
This is suggested by the Box Hill Historical Society in a letter of good wishes on the formation of a Doncaster and Templestowe
Historical Society.
The Box Hill Society also has sent as a gift a plan of the house "Glenfern" which Albert Millwater Caldecott built in Bulleen in 1855.
The National Trust has classified the property "C"-worthy of preservation . A representative of the Ringwood Historical Research group, Mr R.Pullen who attended the inaugural meeting last Wednesday presented old photographs of the district and a school prize book awarded in 1877 to Jane Flinn of Andersons Creek State School, with which to start a collection. Mr Pullen's forebears were pioneers of the Templestowe area. Over 40 people attended the meeting in the Athenaeum Hall, including Crs. Les Cameron and Viv Rush, the city Historian, Colonel E.C. Keogh and a representative of Croydon Historical Society.The society's first project is already underway as part of the City Festival of Arts in April. Four rooms of Pastor Max Shramm's stone cottage (pictured below )on Doncaster Hill, adjoining the city Hall,will be opened for an Historical Exhibition from April 21 to April 30. In them it is hoped to embody a display of furniture of the period between 1860-1900; a display of soft furnishings, historical items relevant to the development of the city and a historical photographic exhibition .
(Mrs. Alice Lattimer-842-1030);Park Orchards.(Mr Huggins-84-8407 ); Templestowe ( Mr Brian Mullins-84-7389)and Warrandyte (Miss Audrey Walsh 69-73311 )
Doncaster Mirror 15 February 1967
Medallions Struck For Proclamation
Each of the 8,000 school children in the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe will be presented with a specifically struck medallion commemorating the Shire's proclamation as a city on Feb 28.Only 10,000 of these gilded metal medallions will be struck and the extra 2,000 will go to other school children in the area who applied for them. A gold medallion in the same form, and silver medals will be struck for finalists in the City Princess competition, and a silver medal on a spoon will be presented to the first baby born in the city on proclamation day. All dyes will be destroyed after the medals have been struck.
Timetables.
The Shire President, Cr Stan Shepherd,told representatives of suburban and daily newspapers this at a conference at the Shire offices on Thursday. Cr Shepherd had called the conference to release and publicise the timetable and programme for the proclamation celebrations which will run from Febrary 21 until the end of April. Events planned include a special council meeting to mark the end of the shire era which will be attended by past councillors.
The Govenor of Victoria,Sir Rohan Delacombe,and Lady Delecombe will be officially welcomed to the municipality at 2.30 P.M.on proclamation day when the Governor will read the proclamation .The Minister for Local Government Mr Hamer, will invest the Mayor and Town Clerk with their robes.At a naturalisation ceremony on March 3 the Mayor will administer the oath of allegiance and present naturalisation certificates. The following Sunday there will be a combined church thanksgiving service on Shramm's reserve.
Princess Contest.
From February to April the Proclamation Princess Contest open to all single girls in the city aged 16 and over, will be conducted .In the latter half of April from the 14th to 30th, the arts festival will be held covering arts, pottery,statuary, drama, ballet,theatre,music, photography and shire history with a $400 prize for a winning painting. Response to public meetings for the arts festival have been very good, said Cr Ken May, who is chairman of the steering committee of the festival. Entry forms for painting, sculpture and pottery competition from Mrs. W Wiltshire (850-1485)or Mrs, J Thorpe (840-1455)
*In the photograph the Shire President, Cr Stan Shepherd (centre) and
Cr Ken May(right )discuss the plans for the festival with reporters, left to right Jonathon King of The Australian, Richard Creswick of The Mirror and Peter Owen of the Sun
Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
They settled here in 1875
The home of Mr.and Mrs.H. Fromhold, who settled in Doncaster in 1857,is next to another very old residence,the Theile property in Victoria St.
The original homestead was demolished about 70 years ago, and a new home built in it's place. Mr.A Fromhold, a grandson of the original owner,now owns the property. Two grandaughters, Mrs.W.Rieschieck,of George St.,Doncaster, and Mrs.E. Aumann,of Templestowe say their grandmother came to Australia as a girl of fourteen. She came from Breslau,in the south of Germany, and by this early age was a qualified tailoress.There were no sewing machines in those days, and all the suits,trousers and vests she made were stitched by hand. Mrs Rieschieck and Mrs Aumann well remember being shown the elaborate lawn petticoat which their grandmother embroidered on the four and a half month voyage to Australia.The Fromholds also used Ruffey's creek for their water supply and in which to do their washing. Their produce of eggs, butter, vegetables they transported with springcart and horse to the Eastern Market,which was on the site of the Southern Cross Hotel.Firewood was also taken to the city, and sold to the bakeries. Candles lit many of the rooms in the Fromhold home, but first they had to be made ,and Mrs Rieschieck speaks of the special stand with six moulds in which her grandmother used to make the candles.The home in which Mrs Rieschieck now lives is also one of the early homes of Doncaster,and was built about ninety -seven years agoby Mr G.Finger a great uncle of her husband's. It is constructed of homemade bricks,which were made on the property,and has a slate roof.Adjacent to the house is a small windowless,flat roofed brick room- this is the smoke house,where the bacons and hams were hung over a smokey fire burning on the earth floor.Mrs Rieschieck came to live in the old homestead as a bride, 56 years ago.
Mirror 22 February 1967
Pioneers in Shire
Mr. Robert Mundy, of Foote St.,is one of the younger members of the Mundy family who were among the early settlers in the Shire.
Robert and Elizabeth Mundy landed at Twofold Bay with Captain Boyd's expedition in 1844 with their family,and came overland to Port Phillip.
Later they took up a farm "Cleaveland" at Heidelberg on the site of what is now the Rosanna Golf Links.Their son Robert Mundy, Grandfather of the present Mr. Mundy,was born on August 1,1841, at Sydenham, England, and came to Australia with his parents in 1844. Elizabeth Mundy (nee Hewish) his wife,was born at Templestowe in the Parish of Bulleen, on August 24 1844.
Her family originally owned the land which Mr Mundy occupies in Foote St.
His grandparents were married on September 11 1862,at the Church of England, Heidelberg. They had 13 children of whom 10 survived. At the age of 5 years ,in 1846, Robert Mundy Snr. was taken away by the natives for a week, and on his return his frantic parents were assured that he had been taken only on a walkabout.
Incomplete
The names of Pioneers whose stories appear in these pages is by no means complete -it is not claimed to be complete. We at the Mirror hope to extend the list in further issues
Mullens Settled here in 1860
The Mullens family, another old name in the Templestowe district, first settled in the Shire about 1860 when Stephen Mullens went to live at Warrandyte . He mined for gold before finally settling down to orcharding. One of his sons Sylvester, took over the Templestowe Forge from a Mr.Hunter who left to practice veterinary surgery. Sylvester's son John, still runs the forge. He had four other sons after John--- Sylvester, Hugh, Edward and James---who all live in the area still. All had their early schooling at Templestowe State School when one of the head teachers was Mr.Betheras, who later became the Director of Education.
Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
City Pioneers Met Here
Owning the oldest Hotel in Templestowe,The Upper Yarra,has exacted a high price from Mr Ned Finn,and his brother Andrew and sister Marie.For ever since the fact that it was the oldest hotel in the area was first publicised, they have been plagued with curiosity seekers, fortune hunters and the usual run of "interested" people bent on seeking an historical landmark. Without a doubt that's what it is, because the first mention of it appeared in the book , "Victorian and Australian Goldfields 1857" by William Westgarth, who described a journey he made to Anderson's Creek (Warrandyte) on February 22, 1855, exactly 112 years ago today.
Westgarth described Templestowe as a small village containing an Hotel, blacksmith shop and a few houses, and in fact Templestowe had been officially proclaimed in September 1842. The hotel referred to was first called the Bulleen, later changed to the Templestowe,finally becoming the Upper Yarra, the name it has held since. For several years in the 1850s it was run by David Bell who sold out to Robert Mundy, who ran it until 1852 when James Finn, grandfather of the present family, took over.
In 1921 the hotel was one of about 20 in surrounding shires that lost their liquor licences. THe original buildings still stand near the junction of Thompson's Rd. Templestowe Rd.and Foote St. and is occupied by the Finn family, but they believe it will soon be demolished by the Doncaster-Templestowe Council. In the 1850s the Templestowe area had two Hotels,including the Upper Yarra Hotel and another two beer shops.
Main competition for the Upper Yarra,came from the Templestowe Hotel, situated on the site of the present hotel, and was first known to be conducted by a person named Sparkes.In 1870 he sold the hotel to Mr. P.Sheahan who now lives near the hotel,who came out from Ireland in 1860. When Mr. Sheahan died he left the hotel to his elder son Joe who sold it in 193? The hotel changed hands several times between then and about ten years ago when the present owner Jack Smyth bought it .Three years ago Mr Smyth demolished some of the bedrooms at the back of the hotel to make way for a kitchen and dining room. At the same time they modernised the hotel placing the accent on comfort and cleanliness, with better service. Although the old weatherboard front of the building still stands almost identical to how it looked many years ago, the internal changes include a new public bar, lounge and bottle department .In the 1860s Templestowe had two beer shops as well as the hotels but the rivalry between these shops,which stood opposite each other on the main Rd.,ended in 1870 when a haystack belonging to one burnt down the other's shop.
The photographs show (above) the Upper Yarra Hotel which is claimed by the owner to be the oldest in Templestowe and (right) the first Tower Hotel, built by Alfred Hummell and later destroyed by fire.
East Yarra News 22 February 1967
White's Corner Project OK
* Three councillors abstain
The plan for a large regional shopping centre for White's Corner was taken one step further on Monday night, when the council of the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe agreed to issue a planning permit to the developers, Westfield Development Corporation.
Three councillors,Crs. Hardidge, Kelly and Remington, left the council chamber ,during the debate and abstained from voting because of their comercial interests in the shire. Cr. Roy Harle, in moving that the planning permit be issued,said that the proposal was a major matter, the largest ever proposed to council. It would be a regional shopping centre of 280.000 square feet with acres of car parking space ."The developers have knowledge that probably over 100,000 people would shop at the centre. This is also a proposal which could have an effect on other shopping areas, but the evidence that I have is that it will attract people in to the city of Doncaster and Templestowe and will not be to the detriment of existing traders,"Cr.Harle said . He said that possibly it could be said that the site was not the best, but what site being developed is perfect.
"We have found a developer who is prepared to back his judjment and I feel the proposal is good for the residents,"Cr Harle said.
Cr. Basil Elms said that the councillors represented suppliers and consumers and the majority were consumers."We must remember that the smaller shop keeper may be disturbed by the fact that a large shopping complex would be opening in their area. However surveys have shown that 64 per cent of money is being spent outside the shire.If we can promote this project the city will be better off" he said.
MONEY FOR ROADS?
Cr. Morris Williams said that while he was not against the idea of the project, he opposed it because he was not satisfied that the life companies who were financing the developers would loan council the $350.000 necessary to construct the roads leading to the site.The development of White's corner will cost a quarter of a million dollars which the developers will raise from these life companies. Over the past five years they have lent over $35 million to the developers. Surely they can assist council to obtain the finance for the poor roads leading to their investment" Cr.Williams said . Cr. Rush said that he opposed it because the massive structure would be aesthetically wrong standing as it would on the most dominating spot in Melbourne.
The motion was passed on a show of hands. Mr John Kennedy,of Westfield Development Corporation told "Mirror" yesterday: "We're very happy to have been granted consent to the final meeting of the Shire Council. We hope to grow and prosper with the new city".He added that he was confident the new business centre would bring benefits to other business people in the district.
East Yarra News, 22 February 1967
White's Cnr. market in two years.
Westfield Development Corporation Ltd.,have been granted a conditional permitfor the development of a regional shopping centre at White's corner Doncaster. If all goes to plan the $12 million centre should be open for business in two years. The shopping centre will cover 28,000 sq.ft. and include a large department store, supermarket,60 smaller shops, restaurant, theatre,exhibition hall,and enclosed car park. It will be fully air conditioned.There will be an undercover bus station for 13 bus routes that will converge at White's Corner. The Sydney developers created a record when they constructed the Burwood Shoppingtown--a similar size regional centre outside Sydney--in 12 months . During the council debate on the application, Cr.R.Hardige,A Kelly and L.Cameron withdrew from the council chamber.
Biggest yet
Cr.Roy Harle described the centre as being the largest development in the Shire. There were already local and district shopping centres serving the Shire but the proposed development was a regional shopping centre and would draw customers from outside the Shire. Careful council investigation had shown the proposed development would not be fatal to existing centres. He agreed it would attract custom from within the shire,but this would not be to the detriment of existing shops. The centre would add to ammenity of the shire and cut travelling time. Cr. Harle moved that the application be granted on certain conditions.
Conditions
One condition is that an employee car park with spaces for 250 cars be provided; another that all loading and unloading of vehicles be carried out within the site, and a third, that the developing company contribute towards the cost of construction of Council St.,from Doncaster Rd., to Goodson ST., and of Goodson St., from Council St.,to the Eastern boundry of the site to a 45ft. wide pavement. Cr. M. Williams agreed the development would be a boon to the area but opposed the motion because the developers had not shown a readiness to assist the Shire in roadmaking associated with the centre. Voting was six to two in favour of the application.
Doncaster Mirror 22 Feb 1967
The top left photograph was taken at the same time as the large central photograph and looks west in Doncaster Rd.
The lower left photograph is of three gold fossickers working on a claim at Warrandyte, formerly known as Anderson’s Creek, in the early days.
Middle Top: photograph was taken from Hummell’s Tower around the turn of the century and looks east along Doncaster Road.
Middle bottom: Hummell’s Tower and Tower Hotel
Right Top photograph shows Noonan’s first cottage which was situated near the western boundary of the new city close to the Morning Star foundry.
Right Middle: Mr. Oswald Thiele who became the second head teacher at Doncaster State School after Pastor Max von Schramm resigned for conscientious reasons.
Right Bottom: A group of men laying the foundations for the shop on the corner of Williamson’s and Doncaster RVs and now known as White’s Corner.
Doncaster Mirror 22 Feb 1967
The other photograph (right) is the poster which advertised the first land sale os 55 allotments to the Doncaster Heights Estate in 1888:"Heights of Doncaster - Doncaster
On Saturday 14t of January 1888 - 55 Splendid allotments
The valuable property is situated right in the centre of Doncaster Township and on the main Doncaster Road between the Tower and Dr. Fitzgeralds magnificent residence. A Post and Telegraph delivery throughout the township."
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Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
State School had Humble Beginning
Doncaster State school had an inauspicious beginning in the Doncaster Lutheran Church on Waldau Hill, Victoria Street, in 1861.
Mr. Max von Schramm, the first head teacher at the school, taught basic school subjects, with special attention to religious instruction.
A school committee of men from the Lutheran Congregation was formed ,but a few years later many other people whose children attended the school forced the inclusion of other subjects in the curriculum.
The committee was enlarged by the inclusion of men who were not members of the congregation,and the Government was approached for a school allowance.
In 1864 a sewing mistress was appointed,and later that year a special grant from the Board of Education allowed the building of a new school on Doncaster Hill.
This building was purchased by the E.,S.& A.Bank in 1890,and with a weatherboard front added later to the stone building,it still remains occupied by the bank.
In 1873,soon after the introduction of a new Education Act, the school became no longer a church school but a "Common School." governed by new regulations which prescribed the curriculum and abolished religious instruction. As a result of the abolition of religious instruction, Mr. Schramm resigned,on conscientious grounds, as teacher of the school.
He started his own church school in grounds adjoining the school grounds in November, 1873, with 32 pupils.
Religious instruction was again made a major subject of study,but the increasing educational demands of the Board of Education and the keener competion from East and West Doncaster schools forced the school to close in August, 1884
When Mr Schramm resigned from the Common School his position was filled by Mr.Oswald Theile, a secretary of the Holy Trinity Church of England, Doncaster. In 1876 the school was designated State School No 197, and some ten years later the present school building was erected.
These were the most eventful times for the Doncaster State School and all went relatively quietly until 1935 when, in September, a "back to Doncaster School " was held .
A program printed for the occasion listed the Head Teachers since the school's formation as Max Schramm, J.O A.Theile, W. Jack, W.E.Goodson, W. M.Hobbs, A. F. Chisholm and the head at that time , Mr.J.H.Sheridan
School Today
Today there are 14 schools in the city or drawing pupils from the city.
For primary education there are ,Doncaster, Doncaster East, Doncaster Park,Beverley Hills, Templestowe ,Warrandyte ,North Ringwood ,Park Orchards, Bulleen,South Warrandyte ,and Manningham State Schools. All of these schools are represented by either a school committee or a mothers' club or parents and friends society.Some schools, such as the Doncaster State School, have both a committee and a parents and friends' association.
The only secondary school in the area or drawing children from the area are the Templestowe High School,and Norwood High.There is also a Bulleen Branch of the Parents and Friends' Federation of Victoria governs Roman Catholic Schools in the city.
Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
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Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
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Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
Hall Has a Chequered History
In Doncaster the need for a public Hall was first felt in 1869 when the Band of Hope, which had been meeting in the Methodist Church, decided to make a move to build a hall.In that year a meeting was called and as a result the Tower builder Mr. Alfred Hummel, donated 1 acre of land and in 1871 the Athenaeum Hall and lirary was built and opened.
Six years later Mr.A.O.Theile and a committee improved the hall and library which was noted for it's fine collection of reference books.The main hall was enlarged to include a platform , ante room, lodge, supper and cloak rooms and kitchen in 1914.
During its time the Athenaeum Hall had been used for concerts,plays, meetings,classes and in 1918 after the First World War it was used for Peace Celebrations,to which the citizens rolled up in big numbers in their automobiles.The scene is pictured at left together with a picture of the Hall before it was extended
Pastor Max Ran First School
Pastor Max Von Schramm who conducted the first school in Doncaster in a stone cottage which still stands in Doncaster Road was born in Silesia, Germany. After leaving school and joining the Mercantile Marines he served in various sailing ships for about 15 years before reaching Sydney in 1851 where he spent...
Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
"A Momentous Occasion " - Says Town Clerk
"The proclamation of the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe as a City is a momentous and Historic occasion," the Town Clerk elect, Mr.Jack Thompson said this week.He said the ceremonial of the occasion would provide an opportunity for all to pause and consider the future demands which might be made on the resources of the new city over the next 10 to 12 years.
"Should the present high rate of development continue,"he said,"and the very nature of this lovely district leads to the conclusion that it will, the population will increase to 100,000 at about 1975"
Mr. Thompson claimed that the continued expansion of nearby industrial and commercial centres would enable the city to continue it's development as a "highly desirable living area" as was provided for in the Council's recently exhibited planning scheme.
He said the councils planning scheme was directed to the aim of setting up the city as a modern residential suburb liberally provided with municipal gardens, parks and recreational facilities.
These would be framed by well constructed and drained streets and arterial roads and facilities considered necessary to meet modern standards of living, he said.
The Shire Secretary said that as in most youthful, energetic communities the provision of all the services was required in a short time , not in the distant future, and the provision of suitable loan funds would require diligent planning and co-ordination of effort by the council and its officers.
The goodwill and co-operation of the financial institutions and continued assistance of the State and semi-Governmental authorities would also be needed in providing extra funds, he added.
The two photographs left show the old shire hall at about the turn of the century which was built in 1892 and the new shire offices which were occupied in August 1965
Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
Early Bank Office
In 1886 the English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank opened an agency in the home of Mr. Tom Petty, father of the present residents, Mr. and Mrs.F.Petty, in Doncaster Rd.
The bank then leased only one room of the house which is one block from the corner of Short St.
The land in Doncaster Rd.at present owned and occupied by the bank near the Post Office, was aquired in two separate lots the first being transferred from a Mont Albert bank manager,Mr. Tyson, in May, 1890.
This comprised the front section of the present block.The second section was bought in 1909.
The section purchased in 1890 was the site of Doncaster State School when it became the first Government school in Doncaster after being transferred from Pastor Schramm's school.
Soon after the bank started using the building as a branch, they built a weatherboard section on the front of the original stone structure.
It is this weatherboard section which is still the bank building in Doncaster.
The manager of the bank ,when it moved to the new premises and opened as a branch, was Mr.W. Meader, whose father, also Mr.W. Meader, was the first signatory to open an account at the bank .After that accounts were opened by most of the old well known identities in the district.
Doncaster Mirror 22 February 1967
The Toll Gates Raised Money
To raise funds to form roads in the new Shire, toll gates were placed on the main road. One such toll gate , with house and stables, was at what is now known as "White's Corner "on the south west corner of Doncaster and Elgar Roads .The photographs show the cottage occupied by the first toll keeper, a man named Johnnie Callagan and the stables.
Doncaster Mirror, 22 February 1967
Spraying the fruit trees was not always as easy as it is today. This set up for spraying Bordeaux mixture is indicative of the ingenuity of the early orchardists. The photograph was taken on Mr. Webb's orchard property on the corner of Blackburn and Doncaster Roads.
Doncaster Mirror 22 Feb 1967
Mirror 22 February 1967
Lutherans Sought Freedom Here.
The Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Congregation of Doncaster had its formation in 1858 amongst a group of Lutherans who migrated from their homes in Silesia to a country where they could hold religious services free from State interference.
To Gottlieb Thiele went the honour of being the first Lutheran settler.
He was a tailor by profession, establishing a business in Melbourne, but after making a trip to the Bendigo goldfield, he settled in Doncaster, where he purchased land at $20 an acre .
The first church was an unassuming structure built on a hill for the total cost of $96.
Construction was wattle and daub, and the building was 40 feet long , 20 feet wide,12 feet from floor to ceiling, and had a shingle roof.
The old church served both Lutherans and , on Sunday afternoons other denominations, until 1891 when the building had become so dilapidated that it was decided a new church would be built.
The new Gothic style church, which still stands today was built for $2,078, with furnishings taking the total cost to $2606.
In 1860 Pastor Max Von Schramm accepted the office of school teacher, and in 1876 he was asked to take on the position of pastor of the Church as well .
After his resignation in 1906, the question of building a parsonage arose, and on a half acre plot of land, almost on the spot where the first church services were held before the first church was built, the parsonage was erected at a cost of $1500.
In 1917 the organ, used since the first church was opened, was replaced for $350, and then in 1932 a church hall was added.
This hall, without furnishings, cost $1290 and housed the Sunday School classes, the Ladies Guild and the Lutheran Young People's Society.
The first pastor of the church was Matthias Goethe, who conducted services in Melbourne from about 1853 to 1857. In 1868 Pastor Hermann Herlitz was installed as pastor of the Doncaster church at the same time being elected president of the Lutheran synodical convention, a post he held for more than 40 years.
Pastor Herlitz had as his assistant Mr. Max von Schramm, who, in 1876 took over the post and held it until 1908.
Immediately after his resignation, Pastor Richard Held took the post until 1912.
It was during his period as pastor that the parsonage was built, bible classes were started, and a choir formed.
After a short vacancy, Pastor Gottlieb Hegelau of Toowoomba, Queensland, took the ministry until 1915, when a notice in the church paper drew five applicants for the position of pastor advertised.
The man selected for the post was Albrecht Fehlburg, who held the position under difficult conditions until 1920 when Pastor J. Simpfendorfer was installed.
He held the post until he died in 1947. He payed special attention to the Sunday School and the Youth Society and he and Mrs Simpfendorfer organized the Ladies Guild.
After his death, Pastor Philipp Scherer who was trained at the Immanuel Seminary, North Adelaide, took over the post.
Pastor Scherer had served in the Finke River Mission, Central Australia, as the first resident Missionary at Areyonga out-station.
Pastor Scherer introduced regular children's services, increased communion services from four to eight times a year and began family communion .
He continued to serve congregations at Melbourne and Tinamba, started by Pastor Simpfendorfer and added preaching centres at Trafalgar and Croydon before resigning in 1954 to return to the service of the Finke River Mission.
From 1955, the Pastor was the Reverend H.Pech, who in turn was succeeded by the present Pastor, the Reverend Maurice Schild.
Pastor Schild, studied at Adelaide for an Arts Degree before going to Europe to study Theology.
He graduated in 1961 and went on to do post-graduate work in Theology for which he submitted a Thesis on church history for a Doctorate. Before
coming to Doncaster he was the Vicar at Murray Bridge.
East Yarra News 08 March1967
Half Holiday for Schools
A Half holiday to celebrate the proclamation of the new City of Doncaster and Templestowe is being considered for children in the district's 17 schools.
City officials had expected the announcement from the Governor, Sir Rohan Delacombe, at last week's ceremony.They are still awaiting confirmation of a date.
Two thousand medallions bearing the City crest, the same as the old Shire emblem -were presented last week to school children within the city.
Framed copies of the Proclamation were also presented to each school at special ceremonies.
Doncaster Mirror 22 Feb 1967
Doncaster's Hotels.
Doncaster, too, had it's fair share of hotels in the early days.
The old "Morning Star" Hotel, on the western boundary of the shire was a stopping place for coaches. It was de-licensed in 1917, but stood until 1939-40.
The photograph (???) shows one of the early coaches at the entrance of the hotel.
The Tower Hotel was the next stopping place on the route to Doncaster.The original weatherboard hotel stood back from the road with a coach approach to it.
This hotel was afterwards burnt down and replaced by a brick building adjoining the longest standing of Alfred Hummel's Three Towers.
Part of the new hotel is still standing as the shop occupied until recently by Doncaster Mower Services.
The other photographs show (above) the Old Morning Star Hotel with one of the early coaches in front of it and (below) the original Doncaster Hotel which is still standing.
This hotel was built by Mr. Burnley, who came out from England in about 1843, and named the area after the town of the same name in England.
Doncaster Reporter March 1967
From Bush To City in 130 Years
The proclamation of the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe as a City comes just 130 years after the first white men travelled through the area.
This was in 1837 when survey parties and settlers going from Melbourne to Lilydale passed through the area and told of the promising district.
Two years later cattle runs, were well established along the Koonung Creek at Bulleen and Doncaster and Anderson's Creek near the present township of Warrandyte.
By 1847 wheat and barley crops grown at Bulleen were being exported to England, but in the years following ,these gave way to dairying interests.
By 1852 the Tempestowe township was being surveyed by the Government surveyer, Mr Foote, whose name remains in one of it's streets.
Gold, said to be the first discovered in Victoria, was found at Anderson's Creek in the vicinity of the present township of Warrandyte in
1851. Considerable gold was taken from the field in a number of mines through the Warrandyte area.A memorial cairn on Gold Memorial Road now marks the vicinity in which gold was first discovered.
Two years later gold was discovered at Lower Templestowe and this area was worked for a few years and reopened in the 1880's for a short period.
Orchards planted.
In 1853 the first orchards were planted in the Doncaster area , and this became the major fruit growing area in Victoria.
The celebration of a century of fruit growing in the district was marked by the construction of a commemorative gateway at the eastern entrance to the Municipal Offices where a bronze plaque is installed.
Soon afterwards fruit growing began in Templestowe in the vicinity of Church Road, and this added considerably to the area under orchard cultivation.
From the time of their arrival the pioneers held their own church services, and by 1857 records show religious services under the Presbyterian church had been set up in the Templestowe and Bulleen areas and in 1853 the Lutheran chapel was erected in Victoria Street, and this was also used by the Church of England.
Between 1860 and 1863 churches were established at East Doncaster (the Primative Methodist Church), Baptist chapel at Doncaster, and the Church of Christ at Doncaster.
School
One of the best known names in the district is that of Pastor Max von Schramm who established a school for German children at his home in
Doncaster in 1860.
His stone cottage still stands in the grounds of the municipal offices. Until the completion of the recent additions it was used by the building surveyor's staff.
Suggestions that it would be demolished with the widening of Doncaster Rd
were met by many local protests. However it is bound to be preserved, even if is to be removed and re-erected.
There is a proposal that it should be used as a museum to house historical records and items of local interest.
In 1870 one of the major difficulties in the Doncaster area was the setting up of a committee to provide a public hall, and this resulted in the erection of the first stage of the Athenaeum Hall in Doncaster road Doncaster in 1871. The original building was,of course,added to on a number of occasions over the ensuing years.
Of interest is the fact that in the 1860's David Mitchell, later of Lilydale, resided with his family, including the later famous daughter, Nellie Melba, at Tullamore Doncaster. This property is now the Eastern Golf Club.
The development of the area as a major fruit growing district resulted in
the erection of a number of cool stores. For instance, the first government cool store in Victoria was erected in Doncaster road in the vicinity of the present building erected by the Don Engineering Works, and in addition to this, three co-operative stores were erected, one at West Doncaster (demolished over the last few weeks), and two the Orchardists'Co-operative Stores at East Doncaster. These stores for many years were the largest fruit cool stores in the southern Hemisphere , and the East Doncaster Cool Store at the corner of Mitcham and Springvale roads, Donvale.
From its' stores and allied packing sheds a very large export market has developed with apples and pears, the Doncaster area being noted for its'prime export fruit.
Doncaster East Yarra News 1 Mar 1967
We're a city now
Historic, Unique -says Governor
"This historic, this unique occasion" was how the Governor, Sir Rohan Delecombe, described the proclamation of the new City of Doncaster and Templestowe and the robing of the Mayor, Cr S.K. Shepherd, at a brilliantly colourful ceremony at the Municipal Offices yesterday.
Here Sir Rohan admires Cr.Shepherd's gold chain of office at the conclusion of the outdoor ceremony. Mr Hamer, Minister for Local Government, left, and the Town Clerk, Mr.J.W.Thompson are interested onlookers. More than 2,000 residents and school children attended the ceremony in brilliant sunshine.
Doncaster East Yarra News 1 Mar 1967
Doncaster Mirror 1967
Proclamation is Step in History
The Minister of Local Government, Mr.Hamer, in a message to the people of Doncaster said:"The proclamation of the City of Doncaster and Templestowe is rightly celebrated as an important step in the history of the district"
Mr. Hamer said " It signifies far more than a change in title,or an elevation in status; it means that a district has reached a point in its development when it has the power---and the duty---of providing for its citizens all the services, amenities and advantages for which a modern urban community looks to its local authority.
A city has to comply with certain minimum requirements (all of which the new city easily meets):
1.It must have a minimum population of 10,000 (actually 31,800)
2.It must have a minimum revenue from general and extra rates of $160,000
(actually $667,000)
3.It must be substantially urban in character.
But this is merely the frame. It must be clothed with a true community spirit and civic pride, so that a city, because of its status, will reach out to new achievement in all the fields of community effort-- cultural, recreational, help for the very old and the very young---as well as providing for its district the physical things, such as roads bridges, parks, libraries and halls.
The new city has been growing fast and it administers one of the most beautiful and varied parts of the metropolitan area . The Government will help and co-operate with the new city in its important tasks to the utmost, and I wish it a fruitful and prosperous future.
The council will have many problems, but with the support and understanding of the citizens, it will see to it that Doncaster and Templestowe takes its proper and distinctive place among the other famous cities of the State."
Many activities in City Programme
All sections of the community are being brought into the programme of celebrations for the proclamation- past members of council,elderly citizens,the churches,newcomers to Australia,youth organisations and schoolchildren.
On Proclamation Day next Tuesday, a luncheon will be held at Eastern Golf Club, which will be attended by the Governor, Sir Rohan Delecombe, and Lady Delecombe, members of the council and their wives, former members of the staff of the shire and their wives, together with executives of the golf club.
The proclamation ceremony will be held in front of the shire offices at 2.30. Local Scouts will provide a guard of honour and children from all schools in the municipality will attend.
Immediately after the proclamation a special meeting of council will be held at which the robes of office and the mayoral chain will be worn by the mayor and town clerk.This will be followed by afternoon tea.
Residents who wish to attend this function are asked to apply at the shire office immediately for entree cards.
THE MIRROR SAYS THANKS
Although it would be almost impossible to name all those who contributed in part to the publication of this special issue, there are certain names which cannot be overlooked.
The Mirror would like to thank the Town Clerk- elect Mr. Jack Thompson, for the information he gave and his help.
We would like to thank Mr.Ian Morrison and Mrs. D. Whitten, of Doncaster, and Mr.Brian Mullens, of Templestowe for the loan of photographs.
Our thanks also to the many people who gave us information or leads to follow.---The Editor.
Doncaster Mirror 1967
FATHERS OF THE NEW CITY
When the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe becomes a city next week these are the men who will guide its destinies:From left, Cr. B.S. Elms, Cr. K. Remington, Mr. F. Andrews(City Engineer-elect), Cr. K. May, Cr. G. Watson, Mr. J. Thompson (Town Clerk-elect), Cr M.Williams, Cr.A Kelly, Cr S. Shepherd (Mayor-elect), Cr. D. White, Cr. V. Rush, Cr. L. Cameron, Cr.R. Hardidge,Cr. R.Harle.
Doncaster Mirror 15 Mar 1967
FAMILY'S HISTORY STARTED IN 1853
Miss Selina Serpell has written to the Mirror with details of the history of her family in the city which started in 1853 with the arrival of her grandmother and her 4 sons and daughter.
Miss Serpell now of Williamsons Rd., Doncaster, said her grandmother bought a property in Doncaster which is now known as Jenkins and another property facing Tuckers Rd.
She says that at that time there was no direct route to Melbourne and her father was instrumental in getting what is now known as Serpells Rd. opened in 1884.
Miss Serpell's grandmother later built a large weatherboard home in Main Rd, Doncaster naming it" Mt Edgecombe".
Miss Serpell's father built a house in Williamson's rd.and both this house and the Main rd. home are still standing.
Miss Serpell's father was an original trustee of the Athenaeum and Library and gave the land that the old Doncaster State School was built on.
He also helped in the building of the Church of England by carting stone and was interested in the building of the old Shire Hall in 1892.
He was a member of the company formed to open the first electric tram in the Southern Hemisphere.
The tram ran from Doncaster to Box Hill and it was hoped it would start a boom in Doncaster.
Mr Serpell also built the two story brick shop at the corner of Williamson's and Doncaster Rd., now known as White's corner, which will soon be demolished to make way for a supermarket.
Doncaster Mirror 15 Mar 1967
HISTORY BY MEMBER OF PIONEER FAMILY
Mrs.T. A.Whitten, formerly Miss Lawford, of Broughton Ave., Croydon has written a short summary of the history of her family, who were early settlers in the district.
The first Lawfords home was just over the Koonung Creek in Box Hill.
Later their family each took up land and settled in different parts of Doncaster.
My grandfather, Edwin Lawford, who was a teacher at the Deaf and Dumb school, bought property and built a home in Williamson's Rd.
There he developed one of the largest pear orchards and later built the first privately owned cool store.
He was at one time President of the Rifle Club and was also on the committee of the Athenaeum Hall.
My grandfather, father and brothers were each shire councillors making three generations of Shire Councillors.
One of my grandfather's brothers Burkby Lawford, was a fruit tree nurseryman in Doncaster Rd., on and adjacent to what is now the Eastern Golf Course.
A sister of his, Mrs.Hummell, donated the land on which the Church of England now stands.
The Lawford family has played a part along with many others in the successful growth of Doncaster from a shire to city.
Doncaster Mirror 1 Mar 1967
"FRIEDENSRUH " REST IN PEACE.
Friedensruh--"rest in peace" was the name given by Gottlieb Theile to the two roomed wattle and daub homestead in Victoria St.(then Bismark St.), which he built in 1853 when he came to live in Doncaster.
Over the years other rooms have been added to Friedensruh, which still stands and is in an excellent state of preservation.
It has been in the family for four generations, and residing in it at the present time are Miss E.Theile (grandaughter of Gottlieb Theile), her sister and brother in law, Mr. and Mrs.L. Collyer, and their son, Eric.
Gottlieb came to Australia in 1848 on the sailing ship Wappaus with his wife Phillipina, and two children, Oswald and Adelaide.
He was a military tailor by profession, and until recently there was at Friedensruh a trunk containing the elaborate, glamorous epaulettes and trimmings used on the military uniforms of the times .
For some time after his arrival in Australia, Gottlieb was military tailor to Governor La Trobe.
Gottlieb's narrow tailor's iron, weighing ten pounds, is still to be seen at Friedensruh.
After a session on the Bendigo goldfields, Gottlieb's health suffered, and on medical advice he decided to go to the country. It was then that he bought land at Doncaster, on Ruffeys creek and built his pioneer home.
For a long time the creek served the family for their water supply, and the washing was also taken there to be done.
Their first living off the land was made from the sale of dairy produce, strawberries, eggs, grapes, wheat and oats.
Phillipina generally accompanied her husband on the 10 mile trip to take the goods by horse and cart to the city market. She maintained she needed to be there to see that a fair price was obtained for their produce.
On the return journey one day she had to stop over at a friends' place
in Abbotsford for a while--one of her sons had decided to be born a little earlier than expected! Altogether, Gottlieb and Phillipina had nine children--five boys and 4 girls.
A fine orchard was established at Friedensruh, and was one of the first commercial orchards in Victoria. Frederick Theile, a son of Gottlieb, was responsible for the planting of most of the trees-- a very keen orchardist, he would walk to Hawthorn once a week to study fruit growing from a Mr.Coles. One of the original trees, a black achan pear still grows and bears fruit.
The Theile family were the first people to successfully transport pears, under refrigeration to England.
Gottlieb was a deeply religious man, and was one of those who led the way to establish Church worship in the community.
Before the Lutheran Church was built, he held services in the livingroom
of his home on every alternate Sunday--the other week a service was held at the home of Mr. Carl Aumann.
Gottlieb's son, Oswald became the first Government teacher, and his home, next to the E.S.&A Bank still stands.
Another son Maxwell, was a keen artist , and he also used to walk to Hawthorn each week for drawing lessons.
Wandering through Friedensruh, it is not difficult to slip into the life of a century ago--indications of the life led then are still much in evidence.
Come into the room at the back of the house--the end wall is now bricked up, but it used to be open to allow the horse drawn vehicles to back in and unload the fruit, which was passed through a little door into the packing room behind. Packed ready for storage, the fruit was then transferred to the large cellar underneath.
This portion of the house is made from stone quaried on the property, and was constructed by Gottlieb's brother Gottfried who was a stonemason.
Glancing upwards in the unloading room,one sees a tiny doorway leading to an attic room with a shingle roof fixed to sappling rafters. Two well worn hollows are apparent on the doorstep, caused no doubt by many children's feet taking themselves to bed up there.
The only access to this room is by a Jacob's ladder.
The present kitchen at Friedensruh was added in 1898, when Alfred,the youngest son, married. Here one is brought back from the past by the sight of the most up to date gleaming oil stove--but it somehow takes its' place quite harmoniously with the kitchen utensils of one and two centuries ago.
One of the most interesting of these is a heavy brass pestle and mortar, dated 1747, which had belonged to Phillipina's family, Birkner.
Then standing in a corner, is a dainty Dutch dresser, made by the Rev.Cuzen, the first Congregational minister in Australia, and father to Oswald Theile's wife.
Behind the table is the "schlingelbank"(scamp's bench)--a long, white scrubbed form, on which generations of little Theiles have sat.
Friedensruh is set in a very lovely garden, laid out by Gottlieb, and now tendered with great care by his great grandson Mr. Eric Collyer- a school teacher at Middlefield State School (Blackburn)
Mr Collyer is also an accomplished musician and is the organist at the Lutheran Church in Box Hill.
Doncaster Mirror 5 Apr 1967
BACK TO DONCASTER--CHANCE TO TALK
Few organised entertainments have been arranged for the "Back to Doncaster" on April 30th, Final day of the City's Festival of Arts.
Basis of the reunion for pioneer families and former residents of the new City will be an opportunity for old friends to get together and talk.
This was decided at the public meeting at the Athenaeum Hall last Thursday, Chairman was Cr.Russell Hardidge.
Programme for the Back to Doncaster day will be:
2 p.m: Welcome by the Mayor, or his representative, at the Athanaeum Hall.
2.10p.m.-2.45p.m.: Musical programme.
3pm.: Afternoon tea.
4p.m.: Tour and Historical display at Schramms Cottage.
The last back to Doncaster was held in 1935 for 700 former pupils of Doncaster State School.
Past residents were being approached through local churches, relatives and friends, Cr. Hardidge said. Transport would be arranged for those who could not travel independently.
The committee elected at the meeting comprises former Cr. J. Hutchinson and Mrs. Lee, of Warrandyte: Mrs.Dulcie Crouch and Mrs. Rene Sullivan, of Templestowe:and Mesdames Vera Sell and Nell Elliott, of Doncaster. Crs. L.J. Cameron and R.J.Hardidge will represent the council.
Those coming to the reunion are asked to advise Mrs. Sell, secretary,842-1139, by April 20
Doncaster Mirror 5 Apr 1967
OLD LANDMARK TO GO?--
The historic old hotel building known as Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel,seems destined to be demolished within the next month. The Hotel is close to 125 years old and is in Templestowe Rd. near the Thompson's Rd.corner.
At the Doncaster and Templestowe City Council meeting held just before Easter, the committee of the whole council agreed to the Housing Commission issuing an eviction order on the occupants and an order for demolition within six weeks of February 23.
The Commission are issuing the orders on the instruction of the council.
The old building is on council property which has been planned as parkland. It is understood that plans have been made to widen the road at this point.
DANGEROUS CONDITION
The council say that the building is in a dangerous condition and is unfit for habitation. Mr.Peter S.Stoughton, chairman of the surveys committee of the National Trust, said that the building had been classified as "D" by the Trust. This meant that the building was of extreme interest. "It is a shame that it appears it has to go", he said.
Mr. Stoughton said that there should be the number of people both in and out of the district who would be prepared to do something to have the building retained and preserved.
He said that it had a lovely old world garden to one side of the building."I must say that I think it is a charming old ruin, but it has a lot of historic associations. It was a coaching station in its early days".
"If only it could be moved it would make a delightful setting for an Australiana restaurant"' he said.
Mr. Stoughton said that this would cost quite a deal of money, but was well worth exploring the possibility.
The Mayor of Doncaster and Templestowe, Cr. Stan Shepherd, said that if anything could be done to preserve the old building he would be all for it.
The building is a favourite subject for artists and among the entries in the forthcoming art festival are many paintings and drawings of the Upper Yarra Hotel.
HISTORY GOING
Well known Australian author, Alan Marshall, said that it should be preserved.
"A lot of our history is going in the so called march of progress. It would make an ideal folk museum,"he said
A survey last Saturday among residents of Templestowe and artists and writers showed that there is much oppostion to the building being demolished.
A few weeks ago, on the declaration of the city, the Governor of Victoria, Sir Rohan Delecombe, made a special point of referring to the richness of history of the area.
One of the first acts of council on becoming a city is to destroy a historic landmark.
Doncaster Mirror 12 Apr 1967
Unknown Source
The Mirror certainly started something when it broke the news last week of the council's intention to demolish the hotel.
However, this week we are happy to report that the early demolition has been staved off.
So much opposition has been recorded by all sections of the community in all parts of the State, that already a committee has been set up by the newly formed Historical Society of Doncaster and Templestowe for the removal and restoration of the hotel.
With the future of Finn's pub in doubt, artists flocked to Templestowe Rd. over the weekend to paint the historic old hotel.
(above)Members of art societies from many parts of Melbourne held a field day on Sunday.
(Below) Mrs Nina Ryan, of Bayswater, settled into the paddock opposite the hotel to paint while her sister in law, Maureen Ryan, looks at her efforts.
The Mirror too, has received many phone calls with offers of assistance in the preservation and restoration plan. The aim of the council now is to move the stone part of the building back into the parkland of what is known as Finn's Reserve.
A public meeting is to be called within a week to form a representative committee of citizens from within the city and beyond to raise funds and seek the advice of architects and other specialists to make the old hotel the centre of a folk museum in the parkland.
Doncaster Mirror 12 Apr 1967
ORCHARDIST SENDS CONGRATULATIONS
A Doncaster orchardist, a grandson of Frederick Theile who was the first white child born in Doncaster, has written to the Mirror with congratulations on the proclamation issue.
Mr. Charles Bedge said he was sorry that no mention had appeared of Miss Ada Yewers who was one of the first school teachers in the district and later married Fredrick Theile.
The Theile and Yewers families did not know each other until Ada Yewers stayed or boarded at the Theile's. Commenting that there was no mention of the village blacksmith," without whom the village could not have got along", Mr Bedge recalled that Daniel Harvey of Box Hill was at one time head of the blacksmith shop. "All the same I think you did a great job" Mr. Bedge said.
Doncaster Mirror 12 Apr 1967
Family group taken outside the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bullen. The late Mr Bullen holds the horse and with him are his father, mother and five sisters.This original part of the house had 1868 on the floor boards when demolished to make way for Woolworths store, central Doncaster. All told 14 children were born in this house. Five boys and six girls. Six children did not survive.
Doncaster Mirror 12 Apr 1967
COMMITTEE TO HONOUR CITY'S PIONEERS.
At a recent meeting at the Doncaster and Templestowe City offices it was decided to arrange an afternoon to honour pioneer families and their descendants. A committee was formed and will arrange the afternoon for Sunday, April 30 from 2pm. to 5 pm.
The committee is hoping to reach people from Warrandyte,Templestowe and Doncaster who have since left the district. Any person wishing to attend should contact Mrs Vera Sell, Blackburn Rd.,East Doncaster, by April 20.
Doncaster Mirror 15 Mar 1967
ORIGINS OF CHRIST CHURCH TEMPLESTOWE.
The first Church of England service in Templestowe was held in a school owned by Mr.Ferguson in Serpells Rd about 1860.
The first church was built over one hundred years ago on a site opposite the present Templestowe Hotel, serving the community until the end of the century and was under the spiritual direction of the Vicar of Doncaster.
In 1900 a new church building was erected on the present site in Foote St.
The Rev.Geo. Hollow was vicar of the parish at the time and he had six chuchwardens and vestrymen Messrs R.Mundy, A. Mundy and Messrs Hewish, Aumann, Goodwin, Roth, Stacker, Bilson and Beale.
Christ Church as it is known today was dedicated and opened on November 9,1900, by the Bishop of Melbourne.
Some few years ago the two modern halls attached to the church were erected and in 1966 the house known now as the The Vicarage was purchased as a residence for the clergyman.
In April last year the Rev. Sydney Ball was placed in charge of Christ Church Templestowe , which is growing into an independant parish of the Diocese of Melbourne.
East Yarra News 13 Apr 1966
DESCENDANTS OF CHURCH PIONEERS.
A group of descendants of the founders of the East Doncaster Methodist Church pictured on April 3 the last day of the church,s centenary celebrations with a quilt bearing the names of many early Doncaster families. From left: Mrs.Henderson (nee White), Mrs McKenzie (nee Knee ), Mrs Richardson (nee Nellie Pyle), Mrs Barnett (nee Emily Pyle), Mrs C Sell, Miss Fay King, Mrs R. Sell ( nee Millie Johnston )and Mr R. Sell.
Doncaster Mirror 15 Mar 1967
CHURCH SERVICES HELD IN A BARN
The first Presbyterian service to be held in the Shire of Doncaster and Templestowe was at Bulleen where, at the invitation of the late Alexander Duncan, services started in his barn in Bulleen Road, overlooking the Yarra Valley.
Boards were placed on bags of wheat to serve as seating and a large butter churn with a table cover made a suitable lecturn .
The family bible brought from Scotland completed the sanctuary.
In 1845 the first church of solid material built outside Melbourne was constructed at Jika St., Heidelberg, where Presbyterians from Templestowe and surrounding districts travelled to worship.
By July 1895 a number of Templestowe people decided to commence services in the local Mechanics' Institute and in a few months the first Presbyterian Church in Atkinson St., Templestowe was opened. It was created on land given by the late Mrs.John Smith .
During this time Templestowe continued to be part of the Heidelberg charge but by 1953 Templestowe had begun to grow and more land was needed so the block was increased from a quarter acre to one acre.
In 1955 the second kindergarten building was opened but with the rapid growth of the congregation it was necessary to use this new building as a
church hall and in 1960 a Manse was built and a resident minister asked for.
Mr R. V. Merritt cared for this charge for several months before Dr.David Merritt became the first full time minister.
In March 1962 the fine new brick building of the Templestowe Presbyterian Church was opened- this was made possible largely by the generosity of the late Joseph Smith.
The Reverend John Howard is the present minister.
BULLEEN CHURCH STARTS AGAIN
On October 8, 1958 two ladies who lived alongside each other at Bulleen decided that rather than travel further afield they would hold services and start a Sunday School in their homes.
The same year a congregation was formally incorporated for both Methodist and Presbyterian residents to worship in one church.
In 1960 the first all purpose hall was built and so Bulleen once again held services, not in a barn as in the early days but in a fine building where young and old could go to worship.
The Rev.B.J. Bateman is the minister and the church hall is in Kenneth St. Bulleen, where services are held at 10.30 am. each Sunday with an occasional evening service.
The picture shows Mrs. Alexander Duncan standing outside her Bulleen Rd. house. It was in the barn at the rear of this wattle and daub cottage that the first Presbyterian Church services were held in this city.
Source Unknown
90 YEARS OF HISTORY
Mr. L.J. Blake, Doncaster District Inspector of schools and President of the Royal Historical Society, sees a relic of the 90 years old East Doncaster State School-- the original school bell. Showing him the bell is Ian McKenzie, the third generation of his family to attend the school, and a member of the school historical group.
The bell was originally mounted in the school yard on a high pole, but was removed in 1962 to make room for extensions to the building. The school hopes to remount it in a prominant place.
Doncaster Mirror 1 Mar 1967
A WELCOME STOP
Coaches stop outside the old Grand Hotel, Warrandyte for a welcome break in the journey to the Warrandyte picnic grounds.
Doncaster Mirror 1 Mar 1967
A FINE OLD VETERAN
This is the first bus of the Doncaster and Kew Motorbus Company Ltd.which was formed in 1919 to travel between Kew and Doncaster. Mr.W.A.Webb was secretary of the company and his daughter, Mrs. Douglas Whitten remembers travelling from Doncaster to Ruyton Girls'School daily on the bus. It made the round trip several times daily.
Doncaster Mirror 19 Apr 1967
STORY OF OUR HISTORY - Snap buy for $200.
The mosiac panel, below,tells the story of Doncaster, Templestowe and Warrandyte, from the earliest days to the proclamation of the city. Councillors saw it at the opening of the Festival of Art last Friday night and snapped it up-for $200.
It was a rare purchase, they said. And when confirmation was sought by Cr. Viv Rush in council on Monday night everybody agreed.
The panel will be hung inside the entrance of the Municipal offices where it will be seen by ratepayers and visitors alike.
It is the work of local residents, Virginia Linton Smith and Marjorie Beecham, and is made from locally dug clay. Principal figures are unglazed terra cotta and the background is a mosaic of handmade tiles and fragments of century old bricks incorporated for sentiment, colour and texture.
The Scene.
At left is the virgin forest with the shadowy figure of an Aborigine standing among white trunked gums watching a gold prospector panning at the water's edge.
At Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel is a stage coach drawn by two horses.
Next comes an early orchardist resting on a shovel with a pattern of formalised orchard trees behind.
In the foreground of this section is a frieze of fruit----apples, peaches, pears, lemons and cherries. There is also a modern tractor.
A line of pine trees, typical of the area, line the hills.The orchards give way to bare paddocks dotted with power pylons.
A family group of father, mother, son and daughter survey their contemporary home. In the distance, the city skyline looms, while still in the picture a tall gum tree reminds them of their heritage.
The mosaic took 90 man hours to complete.
1967 Source Unknown
HOW SCHRAMM'S COTTAGE ESCAPED DEMOLITION.
Pastor Schramm's Cottage in Doncaster, soon to be the venue of an historical reconstruction and exhibition, was all but doomed to demolition seven years ago.
Only chance that it would remain to remind Doncaster's newer generations of the past rested in the odd hope that it's attractive Ruffey's Creek stone would one day adorn the foundations of some future municipal building.
But the voice of the people---and the readiness of the council to hear it---saved the day and the house.
In November,1960, hopes that the cottage could be renovated for use as a municipal library were dashed by a report that reconstruction would cost between $3600 and $4400.
Advising council to abandon any idea of reconstruction, the then Shire President, Cr.A.P.Withers, said its atmosphere would be lost if modern windows and doors were installed and a tiled roof added, as had been proposed.
Cr. A. E.Ireland agreed, adding that the cottage would be in the way when Doncaster Rd.was widened.
Cr.Ron McKenzie, warning his colleagues to tread warily, said feelings at Doncaster Progress Association meetings had been strongly in favour of the building's preservation.
The council adjourned a decision on demolition until after the Christmas recess, to permit time for full expression of public opinion.
Led by Mrs.D.C.Whitten, this opinion was expressed to the extent of 754 signatures to a petition "for the restoration of Schramm's historic home, which will probably be the last link with early Templestowe".
The house was built in the 1860's by Max von Schramm from the local stone from Ruffey's Creek.
In a room at the rear he taught Doncaster's children, Lutheran and English alike, in the district's first common school.
So keen was local interest, that extra chairs had to brought into the public gallery of the council chambers for the hearing of the petition.
It was presented by Cr. Les Cameron, whose family had been in the district for the past 100 years.
Support was given by the Royal Historical Society and the National Trust.
(The Trust has now classified the cottage "C")
Council carried the motion to preserve the cottage unanimously, and ageed to share the estimated cost of $6,000 for restoration between the (then) three ridings.
The Shire Secretary was asked to record the petition, correspondence and council's viewpoint in the minutes for the guidance of any future council faced with a similar decision.
At a meeting of the Doncaster- Templestowe Historical Society tonight Col.E.G. Keogh, City Historian, will speak on the history of the City.
1967 Source unknown
Residents to see Pastor Schramm's own piano.
Local residents are responding generously to the appeal by the Doncaster - Templestowe Historical Society for articles suitable for display in Schramm's Cottage from April 21 to April 30.
Articles of great historical value already offered include Pastor Schramm's own piano, a 90 year old wedding dress, a flat iron used to press the clothes of Govenor La Trobe, a moustache cup, a christening robe used for 23 children,a buggy and a what not.
A whatnot is described in Webster's Dictionary as a "piece of furniture having shelves for books, ornaments,etc."
The committee is anxious to reconstruct the Cottage kitchen, sitting room and bedroom to conform to the period and the council has made a grant of $30 for urgent renovations.
The National Trust has offered to co-operate in presenting the display.
A fourth room in the cottage will be used to display indigenous items and old photographs.
Pastor Schramm arrived in Melbourne in 1852, bought a lighter and traded in the bay, transporting cargo from shore to ship.
Mr.Schramm met Mr.Thiele, of Doncaster who regarded him as an educated man and induced him to become a school teacher.
In 1863 he was appointed as first State School Master in Doncaster,and subsequently he opened a private school in the district.
In 1876 he was ordained a Lutheran Pastor and was appointed resident Lutheran Pastor in the Doncaster district, a post he held for about 30 years.
Prior to his ordainment as a Lutheran Pastor he held the position of first secretary of the Doncaster Church of England.
He was also the founder of the Athenaeum Hall and Library and its president for more than 30 years.
Pastor Schramm died in 1908, and Mrs.Schramm in 1928.
1967 Source unknown
MAKING GOOD NIGHT A CERTAINTY
-in the Great Grandmother way.
Mrs. Loris Webster, of the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society, isn't really about to bed down in Schramm's Cottage.
Her night attire is displayed on models at the Historical Exhibition
which is being run in conjunction with the Festival of Arts
The nightgown is from the estate of the late Mrs.A.A.Goodson. The cap was lent by Guide leader Mrs.O.Soderland, and the warming pan, gin jar, hot water bottle, and silver candle stick complete with snuffer by Mrs.D.C. Whitten.
Once the warming pan was filled with live coals and placed in the bed before retiring----cheaper, perhaps, than an electric blanket.
1967 Unknown Source
The old spinning wheel
Children at the Historical Exhibition, run in conjunction with the Doncaster and Templestowe Festival of Arts, watch with interest as Mrs.A.B.McInnes works at a spinning wheel at Schramm's Cottage. The Festival ended last week.
Source Unknown 16 Apr 1967
1,000 see cottage and city relics in first 10 hours.
A century old cottage, wreathed in the legends of its owner, came to life in Doncaster this week.
It was the home of Pastor Max von Schramm. In its new role it houses many of the city's most highly prized historical pieces.
The scene of an exhibition which the newly formed Historical Society is conducting in conjunction with the Festival of Arts, more than 1,000 people flocked to see the building and its contents in the first 10 hours of the show last Friday.
None of the atmosphere was missing. Walking through the door of the low yellow and white stone cottage, the illusion was so real that one almost expected to meet the learned Pastor in the passageway, polishing his reading spectacles.
The cottage is open for the exhibition each week night from 7pm until 10 o'clock and from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday when the Festival ends.
The display has something for every body--young and old alike.
In the grounds of the cottage's original home orchard, three orange trees are obligingly laden with fruit.
In the bedroom complete with beribboned four poster bed (hand painted with pink roses on black wood), stands "Hannah", a National Trust model in calico nightdress and cap, her auburn hair let down in a long plait.
Half close your eyes and you'd swear she was about to use the giant washstand at her side.
The nearby "maid"( with key to the tea caddy and other mysteries safely chained to her apron) has obviously just folded her mistress's day clothes away in the chest of drawers.
A pair of knickers and a whalebone corset can be seen demurely closeted.
A doll's corner has been utilised by room arranger Mrs. Loris Webster, to display christening robes, a copy of "Pears Journal" lies on a plush chair.
Across the passage in the sitting room a large portrait of Pastor Schramm looks down from above his own piano at a bride in limerick lace veil, about to serve tea from a silver service.
An intricate music box plays hymns. This belongs to the pioneer Templestowe family of Chivers, forebears of Mrs A. Poulter who is responsible for the arrangement of this room.
In Mrs. Alice Latimer's kitchen, family portraits, a cut throat razor, pipe rack on the mantlepiece and set of knucklebone jacks in the crockery cupboard give the room a "lived in look".
A butter churn stands beside Mrs. Beeton's Book of Household Management, copper pans, clothes irons with chimneys (they were filled with hot coke) bear testimony to the housekeeping skills of the "lady"in the black lace frock with bustle.
A popular painting of the times, "The Homestead Saved" hangs above the mantle, beside a German text,"God is in this house day and night".
Above a doorway another text asks "What is a home without a mother?"
The transformation from Council storehouse to a mid Victorian home, was achieved in three days by a nucleus of about half a dozen enthusiastic women who painted walls, scoured benches, collected, shifted, polished and arranged furniture, made curtains and laundered yellowed linens.
They had been collecting for about a month, but from last Wednesday until the opening on Friday, worked at the cottage until the early hours of the morning, adding loving care to their authentic arrangements.
Mrs. D. Whitten, her sister, Mrs. Grover, Miss Audrey Walsh , Mrs. Nell Elliott, Mr And Mrs. G. Huggins and Mr Brian Mullens assisted those in charge of rooms.
Floral arrangements were by Mrs Joan Norbury.
So great was the response to requests for historical articles that three other rooms have been filled with displays of documents, photographs and indigenous items by, Mr. Mark Wierbowski.
Among them are a gold pan with quartz, the flagpole from the Doncaster Tower, aboriginal implements dug up on local properties, a lace making machine, spinning wheel, Mrs. Schramm"s pen and-- weird remedies for horse ailments written in copperplate.
1967 Source Unknown
Historical Howlers
Comments of some of the 500 school children who saw the historical display at Schramm's Cottage as part of the Doncaster and Templestowe Festival of Arts could make history themselves.
Examining a century old double ended infant feeding bottle, one child declared "It must be for twins".
Of a patchwork quilt, another commented;"That must be very old, look at all the patches in it".
A hymn playing music box brought the request "Would you turn the volume up please?"
A clothes iron with chimney for the escape of smoke from the hot coke inside was knowingly described by a woman visitor to her friend:" I remember them. You put meat in the bottom and it comes out the top as sausages."
More than 1,500 people went through the cottage in 10 days. It was the most applauded section of the festival.
Receipts were $194.Most of the money will go to the steering committee to help offset losses in other spheres. Virtually the only expenditure was on the cottage display was insurance.
1967 Source Unknown
Don't miss it this time.
Those interested in pioneer homes will have another opportunity to see inside Pastor Schramm's cottage, on August 2.
The Doncaster -Templestowe Historical Society will hold it's meeting that night, at 8 pm.,in the drawing room of the cottage, which adjoins the City Hall.
Those in possession of old letters or other written relics relevant to the history of the cottage who are willing to lend them to the society for copying and return may now do so. At Wednesday's meeting a "Know your city" discussion will be held.
1967 Source Unknown
A love of dolls and history.
Mrs. Judith Leaney, of Lower Templestowe, loves dolls and history and a combination of the two give her a satisfying hobby.
Mrs Leaney has a collection of 60 period dolls, some of which she dresses herself.
She shows her collection and gives talks on the history of the dolls for charity and to schools and clubs.
Mrs. Leaney, who was a history teacher before her marriage, says that most people don't realise that until the middle of the last century there were no baby dolls.
Originally dolls were replicas of grown women dressed in fancy costumes, she said.
She has dolls made of china, wax, celluloid, cloth, wood and an old German doll with a tin head.
Pictures show Mrs Leaney, left, with a doll, sent by a friend in New Zealand, which she has dressed as a debutante of the early 1900s, and above Mrs. Leaney with her children, Jennifer 4, and David 2, and Monique, a French child doll dressed in clothes of the 1890s
Source Unknown 26 Apr 1967
A century of use
At the Historical display at Schramm's Cottage, Mrs. L .Webster and Claire Seppings, four, are adjusting a 100 year old bedspread on a bed loaned by Mrs.Winnie Zerbe from Goodsons old homestead.
Source Unknown
PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE FIRST MAYORAL BALL>
Banks of shrubs and massed yellow chrysanthemums greeted 500 guests who attended the first Mayoral Ball given by the Mayor and Mayoress of the newly proclaimed City of Doncaster and Templestowe at the Kew City Hall last Thursday night, May 4.
The stage was transformed into a garden setting with tall gums and pinetrees in the background--beautiful bright yellow chrysanthemums were massed in the foreground and the fresh white fence, with the miniature water fall behind, helped to make the scene truy realistic.
The curator of the City of Doncaster and Templestowe designed the setting.
To a fanfare of trumpets, the six entrants in the proclamation princess quest entered, and the mayor Cr.K. S. Shepherd presented the two runners up, Cherie Salter and Marlene Marks, with silver medallions.
The winning princess, Miss Pam Tully, who was sponsored by the Doncaster auxilliary of the Box Hill and District Hospital, and raised the grand total of $1,300, was presented with a gold medallion.
The mayoress, Mrs.K.S.Shepherd looked elegant in her bone embossed brocade gown, with its gold and bronze beaded bodice.
Official guests included Mr. W.V. Houghton MLC, member for the new Templestowe province, and Mrs.Houghton who wore an oyster Thai Silk frock with a crystal and pearl beaded neckline. Mr.W.R.Garrett, MLC.and Mrs Garrett whose Oyster satin gown was embroided with grey, silver and bronze flowers, and Mr. George Reid , MLA, and Mrs. Reid whose blue satin gown was trimmed at the neckline with blue satin flowers and pearls.
The chairman of the Board of Works, Mr. Alan Croxford was accompanied by his wife, whose aqua Thai silk frock featured crystal and pearl beading.
Other guests included Cr.L. Cameron and Mrs. Cameron who wore a blue crepe frock with a beaded neckline, Cr.R. Harle and Mrs. Harle in a midnight blue A line frock with self coloured beading, Cr. Rush and Mrs. Rush, who wore a champagne gold embossed brocade frock and full length coat, Cr. M. Williams and Mrs. Williams who was wearing a gold top embossed with black flowers and a black concertina pleated skirt, Cr.K. Mckay and Mrs McKay, whose white Thai silk frock had a swathed chiffon bodice finished at the waist with a teal velvet sash, Cr.A. Kelly and Mrs. Kelly in a chintzy sand guipure lace, beaded top and a heavy white corded silk skirt.
Source Unknown
Cr.K.Remington and Mrs.Remington, whose lemon chiffon frock had a silk braid embroidered bodice, Cr. B.Elms and Mrs. Elms who wore a taupe skirt with a bronze evening top, Cr.D. White and Mrs. White, who wore a high necked salmon pink and silver brocade gown which featured short bell sleeves. Cr. G. and Mrs. Watson whose slim fitting emerald green frock was trimmed at the neckline with flowers of the same material, and Cr. Hardidge and Mrs.Hardidge who wore a pale blue silver brocade gown.
The wife of the Town Clerk, Mrs. J. Thompson chose blue French brocade which was embroidered with aqua and crystal beads.
Source Unknown. 1967
SHADES OF A CITY'S PAST.
Schramm's Cottage, Doncaster, classified "C" by the National Trust of Victoria, is a "natural" for a folk museum to house relics of the city's pioneering days.
Dating back to the early 1860's, it is built of local stone from Ruffey's Creek.
To celebrate Doncaster and Templestowe's elevation to city status in March, the interior of the cottage was furnished in the style of the last century.
More than 4,500 visitors passed through the cottage in the 10 days it was on display, 1,000 in the first 10 hours.
In 1960 Shramm's cottage was threatened with demolition, but reprieved on a petition of ratepayers.
Its future is uncertain. Subsequently the Historical Society was granted permissive occupancy for the storing of relics and records, but less than a month later Council office staff moved into the building.
The proposed widening of Doncaster Rd casts doubts on whether it can stay in its present site as a museum and Council is unlikely to grant money for restoration until this is known.
Place in pioneer park?
A covenant on its sale to Council some years ago was that it stay where it is but a compromise suggested is that it become part of a future pioneer Garden in the proposed Ruffey'c Creek Park.
At Eltham the Shillinglaw 1859 Settler's Cottage was saved from demolition by public subscription, and ultimately will be open for viewing. Artist Peter Glass, a member of the Preservation Committee, says it is hoped to display in the cottage furnishings and household articles of the period.
Many interesting and some quite rare items have been given for this purpose.
Publication of a book of recipes and anecdotes titled "The Flavour of Eltham, raised most of the money needed for the Shillinglaw fund .Over 7,500 copies were sold.
Regional folk museums in Bundoora Park and elsewhere would be visited and
photographed by thousands, especially if they were housed in historic cottages of early brick or bluestone.
Schramm's Cottage, in Doncaster Road Doncaster.
Doncaster Mirror 3 May 1967
PUPILS OF 81 YEARS AGO
The two photographs are of combined grades 1,2 and 3(above)and 4, 5 and 6 (below) at Warrandyte (Anderson's Creek)State School in about 1886.
Parents and grandparents particularly may remember some of the boys and girls in the picture and many of the names are still connected with the area.
Only four boys have been identified in the picture of the junior grades. They are Vernon Thomas (seated third from left), his brother Rhys on his left and next to him Arthur Berry.
The boy on the far right of the picture is Robert Belzer, father of Mr. Ron Belzer, the Warrandyte Taxi proprieter.
In the senior class the children are, front row left to right, Fred Bradley, Tom Logan, Bert Lewis, Jack Cargill, Jack Thomas, George Sloane, Alf Tindall, Henry Belzer and George Ellis. Back row, left to right, Mrs Lewis, wife of the teacher, Eva belzer, Dora Ayton, Beth Thomas, Ettie Hutchison, Lizzie Holloway and the teacher Mr.Lewis.
The pictures are reproduced from two sepia enlargements of original dageurreotypes taken in 1886 and those named were identified by Mr. Vernon Thomas who still lives in Warrandyte.
The school itself was built of local stone with a stringy bark shingle roof and was already 30 years old when these photos were taken. About 30 years after these photos were taken a porch and classroom were added extending out where the children were standing.
The photographer was facing west looking across Pound Bend Road. and the track which can be seen to the left at rear is Melbourne Hill Rd.
The yellow box gum tree standing in the immediate background still stands today on the other side of Forbes St. and it is believed that the school bell was once installed in its branches.The little white cottage which can be seen behind Mr. Lewis belonged to the Stight's and was surrounded by vineyards.
Source Unkown 26 Apr 1967
FINN'S PUB AT RUFFEY'S CREEK?- Councillor 1967
" I would have liked to see a folk museum established on Finn's Reserve, but the local Progress Association are opposed to attracting people to the area ".
However a site could be set aside on Ruffey's Creek Reserve for a historical museum, to which Shramm's Cottage, Finn's Hotel and other historical buildings could be removed.
Cr. Morrie Williams told council this at Monday night's meeting of the Doncaster and Templestowe Council.
He said that the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society deserved the highest praise for their interest in wanting to preserve Finn's.
"I hope that they will sufficiently arouse public opinion in our city to encourage this council to maintain our cultural and historical heritage for generations to come." Cr. Williams said.
The Ruffey's Creek Reserve will cost this council millions of dollars before it is is finished ,40% of which will be borne by the Templestowe ward.I for one want to see it earning money and a folk museum would be the ideal way.
Source Unkown 1967
FINN'S PUB TO BE MOVED? 1967
Finn's Hotel could be moved to Ruffey's Creek Reserve to become part of a folk museum. Shramm's cottage would be included.
Cr. Morris Williams presented to the Doncaster and Templestowe Council on Monday night a proposal that would protect the future of the two historic buildings. He said the reserve would cost millions of dollars before it was completed and he wanted to see it earning money.
A folk museum would help to offset the cost.
Ruffey's Creek Reserve could become a world famous tourist attraction if council went about things the right way.He praised the Historical Society for its interest in wanting to preserve Finn's Hotel.
The society has informed council that a sub committee will investigate the the preservationof Finn's Hotel.
Council was asked to postpone the demolition of the building until the committee presented a full report.
Council will inform the society that if sufficient funds are raised to move the hotel buildings it will provide a suitable site for its re-erection. But it will not contribute to costs.
East Yarra News 10 May 1967
HISTORIANS READY TO MOVE IN ON FINN'S HOTEL.
"When Ned goes out we go in".
This is how Historical Society President, Mr. Frank Rogan, describes latest moves in the "Save Finn's Pub" drama in Doncaster and Templestowe.
Mr. Rogan outlined problems associated with the restoration of the hotel at the Historical Society's annual meeting last week.
Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel, at Templestowe, is under threat of demolition and the Council has obtained an eviction order against occupants, Mr Ned Finn and his relatives.
Council has given the Historical Society the right to enter the hotel, when it is vacated, to examine, search for and collect historical relics.
The Council has has also agreed to postpone demolition until the Historical Society, aided by experts from the National Trust of Victoria, thoroughly investigates the prospect of restoration.
Face Reality.
"There has been a great deal of emotionalism about Finn's Hotel, but we must face reality", Mr Rogan said.
"There is no doubt it should be saved, but there is considerable doubt whether this can be done."
The rear of the building is said to be in poor condition. If restoration is possible, the Historical Society will obtain two costings- one for restoration on the spot, and one for restoration elsewhere.
If the hotel can be saved the Society will sponsor a public meeting to form a Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel Public Trust.
Mr Rogan told the meeting that this would be far too big a project for the Historical Society alone.
If undertaken at all, it would have to be by the public,chiefly, but not exclusively of this area.
Minimum estimated cost of restoration is said to be $20,000.
Office bearers elected at the meeting were: President Mr. F.Rogan: vice president: Cr. Les Cameron, Secretary: Mrs Muriel Green, Treasurer: Mr. J. Hobill: committee Mesdames W. Latimer, A.Poulter, V Rush, E.Seppings and J. Webster, Messrs Eric Collyer and Co.and E.G.Keogh.
Source Unknown
Finn's Pub-One of the Many
Mr MACDONALD ROBY,of Ivanhoe, and Miss JAN PICOT, of East Ivanhoe, were visitors at the opening of the Doncaster and Templestowe City's Festival of Arts. Here they study one of the many paintings of Finn's Hotel which seemed to have captured the imagination of local artists.
Doncaster Mirror 24 May 1967
An artist and his subject.
Geoffery Watson,18, of Atkinson Street, Templestowe, could be one of the last to paint Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel. Geoff, still at school, took up painting 12 months ago as a hobby. He has spent his holidays putting the finishing touches to the painting.
Source Unknown
Looters on Finn's.
The ashes of Finn's Upper Yarra Hotel were still warm when looters moved in on Monday morning.
The historic 125 years old brick and timber building was gutted by fire late on Sunday night.
About 30 men from 6 brigades fought the blaze.
Heidelberg C.I.B.and the Arson squad are investigating the cause of the fire.
The hotel which had been delicenced for many years, was recently aquired by Doncaster and Templestowe Council to make way for road works.
The occupants of the hotel- Miss Marie Finn and her brothers, Ned and Andrew- are said to have vacated the premisis earlier that day.
Several approaches had been made to council to preserve the building.
The Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society was attempting to raise funds to remove and restore the hotel.
Souvenirs.
As news of the fire spread on Monday morning dozens of onlookers flocked to the scene. Many came looking for souvenirs of the historic building. The firemen left on duty after the fire, caught one souvenir hunter removing the locks from the front door.
Another was detected searching the ashes for the brass door knocker which she said had been promised to her by Mr. Ned Finn.
One even ripped the copper tubing from a burnt out refrigerator and took it away in the boot of his car.
Torn down.
Soon after the arson squad finished its investigations council workmen used a truck to tear down the remains of the building which were considered dangerous.
After the building came down members of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society sifted the debris for items of historic value.
Society members have also arranged to collect many of the handmaid bricks which formed part of the original building.
Source Unknown
Geoffrey, the student painter on the front page, has almost completed his workon the subject before him.
East Yarra News 31 May 1967
ALL THAT"S LEFT OF LANDMARK.
FINN'S HOTEL as it stands today-A gutted, desolute ruin. The interior was burnt out, leaving only a charred shell and the original brick work which is believed to be beyond restoration.
Source Unknown
Finn's pub lives on in stoneware glaze.
Where there's smoke there's fire, and where there's fire there could be an exciting new stoneware glaze for Doncaster potter Mrs. Jean Shore.
WHAT's SO SPECIAL about this bowl?,asks Ming, the cat,as he sniffs inquisitivly at the unique piece of pottery his mistress, Mrs. Jean Shore, has produced.
Mrs Shore, of Walker St.,Doncaster, glazed the bowl with ashes from the remains of Templestowe's historic Finn's Pub.
When Templestowe's historic hotel burnt down early this year Mrs.Shore raced to the ruins and with ashes salvaged from under the nose of a bulldozer, glazed some of the bowls and vases she is exhibiting this week at a contemporary art exhibition to aid the St.John's children's homes.
Mrs. Shore exhibited for a time at Potter's Cottage Warrandyte, but now works an electrically fired kiln under her kitchen.
Proceeds from the contempory exhibition of art and pottery will go to East Doncaster cottage as well as other homes.
It will open at the Canterbury Homes, Balwyn Rd.this Friday, with a preview and dinner.
Other local exhibitors include Marjorie Beecham, who won the pottery prize at the Doncaster- Tempestowe Festival of Arts with a mural depicting the growth of the city,and William Ferguson, winner of the major prize.
Source Unknown 28 Jun 1967
TRUST ANSWERS ON FINN'S PUB
Sir,- I thoroughly endorse the remarks of your correspondent, Mrs.E. Fullarton ( Mirror, June7, 1967), concerning Finn's Hotel. However, the criticism of the National Trust is both untimely and unjustified. The task of the Trust is, first of all, to survey and classify historic buildings. This it had done in the case of Finn's by awarding a "D"- "Interesting. Preservation Desirable" classification. The next step is up to the owners or local authorities.
However when the Trust was informed (through the Press) of the intention to demolish Finn's, it took what action it could. Firstly it assured all interested parties of it's support. Secondly the administrator formally interviewed the deputy town clerk ( in the absence of the town clerk ) and confirmed Trust interest. Thirdly it produced it's June Newsletter to feature Finn's. This Newsletter was printed on May25 and distributed on May 29- the day the hotel was burnt down. Arrangements had been made with the city council to send them 50 copies, gratis, for them to use as thought best, and many other copies were ready for distribution to other interested organisations.
In actual fact, the National Trust was never consulted by either the owners of Finn's or the city council concerned. It is still a young organisation and all it's resources are limited. It cannot be everywhere at once, and must rely on owners,civic authorities and the public (particularly the local public) to take the necessary holding measures until the Trust's advice and efforts can be requested and made available.-Rodney Davidson, Chairman, National Trust of Australia. (victoria)
Finn's Hotel, Templestowe, a rare example of a multi storied verandah.
Source Unknown 31 May 1967
Finn's gutted
Source Unknown 27 Sept 1967
FINN'S WORTH $365
The council of Doncaster and Templestowe have received a cheque for $365.95 in full settlement of a claim for Finn's Hotel.
The historic old hotel was destroyed by fire earlier this year.
Council had purched a large area of land on which the hotel stood for park development.
At the beginning of this year council placed an eviction order on the occupants, so that the building could be demolished for the widening of Templestowe Rd.
On the night the occupants left the building it was destroyed. To date work has not commenced on the widening of the road.
Doncaster Mirror 10 May 1967
Early view from tower
This must be one of the earliest photographs of Doncaster Rd., ever taken. It was taken in about 1884 from the first tower, a 160 ft. structure, built by Alfred Hummell.
The buildings on the left are Pastor Max Schramm's cottage, the first state school (now theE.S.&A Bank)
The buildings in the centre of the picture were on the site of the Central Arcade, while on the right is the Church of Christ chapel. Doncaster State School now occupies the foreground.
Doncaster Mirror 16 Aug 1967
"FRIEDENSRUHE"-STORY OF A FAMOUS HOME
For more than a century the kitchens of "Friedensruhe"- historic Doncaster homestead of the Theile family were managed by only two mistresses.
The first was Phillipine, who from 1853 cooked in a stout stone outhouse some distance away from the living quarters. Then followed by her daughter-in-law Minna, who died only a few years ago.
Mr. Eric Collyer, great grandson of early settlers Gottleib and Phillipine Theile, recently recounted to the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society the story of the historical homestead, (which is classified by the National Trust) from it's primitive beginnings.
Mr. Collyer's mother and Aunt, Miss Elsa Theile, now control the culinary department in a large room with modern appliances.
The original kitchen has gradually been enveloped by additions to form part of the whole house and is in use as a laundry, though it's huge mangle is seldom turned. The two roomed, wattle and daub cottage, built in 1853, is intact and in use as bedrooms, the plaster daub protectively encased by stucco on the outside and wallpaper on the inside.
Over the wooden shingle roof, galvanised iron has been laid, but the shingles can still be seen from within the attic.
From the original verandah -now an internal passageway- can be seen a hole high in the wall. Children climbed a ladder to reach their attic sleeping quarters.
Pumps water.
A well under the house still pumps water.
In the shingle roofed barn is a grain flail, proving that wheat was once grown and harvested on the property.
Frederick Theile, great uncle of Mr.Collyer, and son of Gottleib, was a driving force in supplanting general farming and berry growing by orcharding in Doncaster.
Though his father scoffed that not enough people were in the colony to eat the fruit Fredrick would grow,Fredrick persisted in his belief in the commercial possibilities of fruit trees.
Each time his father was absent from home on a trip to the Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Melbourne Town, Fredrick uprooted grapevines and planted fruit seedlings in their place.
In "self defence" Gottleib sent his son to learn the care and propagation of fruit trees from Mr.H.U.Cole who conducted an experimental nursery in Burnley on the site now known for it's "Skipping girl" sign.
Much of the orchard around "Friedensruhe"has been set aside as part of the Ruffey's Creek municipal parkland development. - Joan Seppings
East Yarra News 20 Sep 1967
HISTORIAN ASKS: WHY WHITE'S CORNER?
The story of White's corner as told by Mr. Irvine Green in an illustrated address at the last meeting of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society led members to ask why it should not have been named Serpell's, Lauer's, Tuchebraund's or Gallus' Corner.
For all would have been more appropriate, it was claimed.
If a name is commemorated when the corner site is developed as a modern shopping centre, it should be that of a pioneer who lent colour to Doncaster's history.
White had little to do with any of this.
The store was built in the 1880s by Richard Serpell, a shareholder in the BoxHill-Doncaster tramway which had it's terminus at the corner.
Mr. Green said Lauer the baker, kept a toll gate there at one time.
And Gallus, in 1887 ran the first dairy on the site where horses of the Kew Model Dairy now graze, although he did not buy his first delivery horse until 1918.
Until then the Gallus children delivered milk by hand in billycans before school each day.
Church site?
The corner is also believed to have been the site of Doncaster's first church, built by the Baptists.
With slides made from old photographs and some of his own paintings, Mr. Green took viewers from the Morning Star Hotel at Koonung Creek boundary, past a shingle roofed toll house, Smedley's Forge with a door so low that one had to stoop to enter, the "two storied house" of Tom Petty who produced a whole range of implements to help the orchardist, and then to pause a a while at the home of Dr.Thomas Fitzgerald- now the Eastern Golf Club house.
One of the doctor's grooms was a Shakespearean actor, David Mitchell, father of Nellie Melba, and on this land Melba lived and played as a young girl.
Pastor Shramm.
The E.S.and A. Bank was pictorially peeled of it's enveloping layers of building additions to reveal the first home of Pastor Max Von Shramm as it's core.
This was where he became the first headmaster of the Doncaster State School before moving to the well known stone building where the Historical Society meets.
A little known picture of the original Tower Hotel as a wooden boarding house of 39 rooms and 20 stables was witness to the fact of Doncaster's early popularity as a resort.
After the boarding house was burnt down in 1885, the well known solid structure with arched entrances, part of which still stands, was built and converted to a hotel.
Builder Alfred Hummel claimed that after visitors climbed his 185 ft. oregan tower to see the breathtaking views, they needed more the amenities offered by a hotel than a boarding house, Mr. Green confided to the audience.
Rifle shooting, teenage dances in the upper room of Serpell's corner store, a racecource in a hundred acre paddock behind the Doncaster Arms Hotel (described by the contemporary press as "the most picturesque racecourse in Melbourne")were among the entertainments which drew people to Doncaster.
Horse races.
Before this course was laid, horse races were run up and down the Main Road from the 1860s, between the hotel and the Methodist Church.
They were organised by licensee Robert Wilson, one of the earliest pioneers who named Doncaster after his home town in Yorkshire.
The church itself was shown in its original state- a disused butcher's shop carted from Warrandyte by bullock dray by pioneer Henry White (no relation to the corner of the same name).
At the turn of the century, this building marked the "end of the road".
Beyond the intersection of Doncaster and Blackburn Rds. now equiped with traffic islands and automatic lights, were only rough tracks and a few wattle and daub huts.
The land was poor, so infertile that one old couple, trying to farm at the corner of what are now Doncaster, Mitcham and old Warrandyte Rds., starved to death, and gave that intersection its name- Starvation Corner.
Grew like Topsy.
Unlike Templestowe, Warrandyte and most districts, Doncaster was never officially laid out as a township. It straggled along its main rd.
And when boom times came, as in 1880-90 when the Box Hill train brought subdivision and a doubling population, and as now, it grew like topsy.
East Yarra News 11 Oct 1967
"Pull down cnr.store"
Cr. Harle says it's a traffic hazard.
Doncaster may lose yet another of its historic landmarks.
Cr. Roy Harle wants the old White's Corner Store building demolished because he considers it a traffic hazard.
The building, at the intersection of Doncaster, Williamson's and Tram Rds.,was used as a self-service grocery until a few months ago. It is now unoccupied.
The Box Hill - Doncaster tramway had it's terminus at the corner when the late Mr. Richard Serpell, a shareholder, built the store in the 1880s.
A baker named Lauer once kept a toll gate there.
Cr. Harle said the rearrangement of Elgar Rd.had greatly increased the traffic flow. This was a prerequisite to traffic lights at the intersection.
It would also permit a special lane for motorists turning east from Williamsons Rd.into Doncaster Rd.
This would provide a better road arrangement when traffic lights were installed.
Cr.Les Cameron said during discussion in council that the southeast corner needed attention as well.
He asked the City Engineer, Mr. Fred Andrew, to prepare plans for the intersection.
Doncaster Mirror 1968
One theme was consistent in the story of Doncaster and Templestowe throughout 1968. That was the theme of the district's development " explosion"
The year began with the drought and ended with the council producing its own officially inspired news-sheet at ratepayers expense.
This was to be an organ without dissent in which a choir of councillors could sing of themselves:" For they are jolly good fellows".
But above all, 1968 was Doncaster and Templestowe's first full year as a city.
JANUARY
The theme of development was reflected in the very first issue of the Doncaster-East Yarra News. Business interests behind three big supermarket projects had been told to go ahead with their plans
These were projects planned for White's Corner, a corner of Manningham Rd.and Grant Olsen Ave, and Tunstall Square.
The council had granted permits before going into recess for the holidays.
HUB OF THE CITY
White's Corner development will be the greatest single factor in the development of the city and it's effect on expansion will be almost unlimited.
He believes the opening of White's Corner will force council to solve it's dilemma over Elgar Rd.
It would be quite ridiculous to leave it in it's present state when it will be a main access road from Camberwell and North Balwyn, he says. The same applies to Tram Rd.
He regrets that council has not persued a complete development plan for the corner to make it a real community centre with parks, gardens and lawns.
Melbourne Sun 18 Jun 1968
IN 1926 the Doncaster school swimming team had to train in a dam. Today the school has it's own swimming pool.Here at the pool with a picture of that 1926 team are young historians (from left) Alison Prowse, Bruce Bell, Ross Cornell and Brent Borrell.
Melbourne Sun 18 Jun 1968
The Sun 18 June 1968
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
History is fun when you are helping to make it.
That's what children are finding out in schools throughout the State.
They are part of a project involving thousands of adults and children
to write a three volume history of the Education Department.
The Department wants the history completed for it's centenary year in 1972.
Every school in Victoria is searching it's records to compile its own history.
It involves about 5400 schools. Some schools, such as those on old gold diggings, no longer exist.
Pupils at several schools have organized their own junior historical associations
The school that has done the most research so far is Doncaster East State School, in Blackburn Rd., which still has its original buildings of 1886 as part of the school.
The 40 children in grade six have assembled a large collection of old documents, photos, maps,textbooks and badges.
The children got most of their information from interviewing old residents.
The family of 11 year old Julie White settled in the area about 100 years ago.
Her best source of facts was her great aunt: Mrs Alice Henderson, 75, who attended the same school.
Mrs Henderson visited the school to see what the children had collected.
She smiled when she saw the old school bell again.
HAD TO RUN
"It could be heard for miles and I always knew when I was late for school and when to start running",said Mrs Henderson, who had to walk 3 miles to school each day.
Mr Edgar Seppings, the school historian, said:"We found a lot of interesting books under the school, where former students had apparently pushed them through cracks in the floor.
"Some of the text books we have got date back to the 1880s and there is a School Paper for 1912.
The children have enjoyed doing this and I think we will keep the club running after the work for this project is finished."
The person who will edit the collcted materials is Mr Les Blake, chairman of the State Education History Committee.
He said:"The historian-teacher at each school will submit a summary of the school's findings to 50 district committees. Then it will go to 14 regional editors.
A lot of people will be working many long hours before the project is finished."
He said two education department officials were working full time in the State archives and the La Trobe library supplying information to the schools.
REPORT; IAN ANDERSON
PICTURES; JOHN CLASPER
Melbourne Sun 18 Jun 1968
It's all there, Susan Ferriman is surrounded by historical material collected about Doncaster East State School.
Melbourne Sun 18 Jun 1968
Schoolgirl of 1903 Mrs Alice Henderson, talks to schoolgirl of 1968 Julie White about the old school bell.
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