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
- See Original Scan
- Needs Work: Add text to photo archive metadata (HelperSteD)
- Copy selected cuttings into relevant stories on other web pages
Melbourne Sun 18 Jun 1968
School historian Mr Seppings and some of his researchers with material they found under the school building.
Unknown 2 Jul 1968
Buggy now part of our history.
Many children accompanied members of the Doncaster- Templestowe Historical Society who visited a collection of early Australiana at Croydon on June 22.
The secretary of the Society Mrs.Muriel Green, said that this type of collection provided the only opportunity the coming generation would have to actually see horse drawn vehicles and other early means of travel.
One small boy pointed to the first buggy he had seen."Look at the big wheel chair," he said.
The collection, owned by Mr. Gavin Ladson, must be one of the biggest in Victoria.
It is contained in five Nissen huts, house cars, and tractors, and includes household articles, ancient "mod cons", pieces of architecture saved from demolished buildings, articles of clothing, toys and thousands of old newspapers and magazines.
One hut is filled entirely with brass and copper ware, music boxes and ancient photographs.
Doncaster Mirror 17 Jul 1968
It won't look like this for long.
A busy $12 million regional shopping centre, Doncaster Shopping town, will dominate this intersection by the end of 1969.The rural look is misleading , the intersection is hazardous for vehichles and pedestrians.
The brick building, from which "White's Corner" gets its name, has been a landmark for generations. It is soon to be demolished to make way for a six lane highway which will make the setting of this picture only a memory.
The road construction and work on the new shopping centre will make the Doncaster- Williamson's Rds. intersection a hive of activity in the months ahead.
The early history association of the old building with the pioneering days of Doncaster will not be lost entirely. Westfield Corporation, builders of the shopping Centre, plans to set up a permanent historical display with the co-operation of the historical societies of the district.
Both highway and shopping centre, which will occupy 30 acres, are scheduled to be completed late in 1969.
Unknown 14 Aug 1968
The death occurred on July 30 of Mrs.Hilda Susannah Mundy, wife of the late Henry Arthur Mundy, she was 87.
Mrs. Mundy's parents Mr. and Mrs.W.A.Pullen were among the early settlers in Templestowe. In 1907 she married Henry Mundy and went to live at "Glendessary",Templestowe. In 1918 they moved to "Stella Park" Templestowe.
Mrs Mundy was foundation president of Templestowe Christ Church of England Ladies Guild a foundation member of the Templestowe State School Mothers'Club, and also among those who worked for the establishment of the Templestowe Memorial Hall.
In the early days of her marriage, Mrs. Mundy used to drive a jinker to Clifton Hill each week to do the weekly shopping and to visit her mother.
She had 8 children - Hedley, Adelaide (mrs. C. Clinton), Ada(Mrs C. Oliver), Eileen (Mrs.C.Houghton), Robert, Margery (Mrs. N.Fayer),Mavis (Mrs. K. Macaulay),and Sylvie ( Mrs Hicking).
After a service at Christ Church Of England, Templestowe , the funeral went to Templestowe Cemetery.
Doncaster Mirror 14 Aug 1968
Giant earth moving machines are busy flattening the old historic orchards of Doncaster to make way for the big Westfield shopping complex at White's corner. ( SN40 )
Doncaster Mirror 27 Aug 1968
Out with the past -- in with the new.
The old store at White's Corner, for many years a landmark, will soon be only a memory.
IT is being demolished to make room for road widening that will give better access to the Westfield Corporation's $12 million shopping development.
Left , the old store pictured on Friday in an advanced stage of demolition.
Already the framework of a building underlines the vast changes that will occur when the new centre swings into action towards the end of next year.
Picture above shows initial framework and extent of siteworks . Centre will incorporate Myers, McEwans, Waltons, Coles, Dickens. Split level centre will be 970ft long. A restaurant in a seven story tower will give customers a view of the city and Port Phillip Bay.
Doncaster Mirror 10 Oct 1968
$12 million " Doncaster Shopping Town "in 1969
This is the new look planned for White's Corner, Doncaster. Work began last week on the first stage of the $12 million air conditioned regional shopping centre, to be known as "Doncaster Shopping Town".
The vast project is expected to be completed late next year.
The centre will cover 30 acres with 370 square feet of enclosed shopping area. It includes a 3 story department store for the Myer Emporium with provision for a fourth floor, a Dicken's Supermart, Walton's, McEwan's and 75 specialty stores.
The building will feature a seven story tower to accomodate professional offices.
There will be car parking for 2,700, a covered bus station and a taxi rank.
Planning of the centre has taken into account the widening of Doncaster and Williamson's roads to six lane highways.The completion of the roadworks is scheduled to coincide with the completion of the centre.
The preparation of the site in itself is an immense task. Big machines will shift 270,000 cubic yards of earth to landscape the area. The Westfield Corporation which is in charge of the project, intends to use as much local labour as possible.
Westfield has built 18 suburban shopping centres in N.S.W.
The "Shopping Town"at Doncaster will cater for local activities . A spokes person said this week that the company was particularly interested in setting up an exhibit of historical interest, with which the district abounds.
He said he would be glad to hear from any people or committee which might have suitable material.
Unknown 12 Nov 1968
Westfield taking shape.
Progress on the big Westfield shopping project at White's Corner is well on schedule. Pictured is portion of the Myer section of the complex where work has started on the third floor above the ground level. The tower building is also rising rapidly and already the complex can be seen from many miles. Construction is expected to be finished next September. (S.N.)
Unknown
Home for "ladies"- sanctuary for birds.
SPINSTER'S WILL SETS PUZZLE
Doncaster and Templestowe City Council may investigate further the implications of a will made in 1959 before it agrees to use a large property in Doncaster Rd.as a home for elderly women.
The Church of England Trusts Corporation, acting for the Diocese of Melbourne, had also asked that land east of the dwelling be used as a bird sanctuary and for the growth and preservation of Australian native trees and shrubs.
Under the terms of the will of the late Miss A.A. Goodson the three and a half acre acre property known as Mt Edgecombe is understood to have been bequeathed to the Church for these two uses.
But the chairman of the Town Planning Committee, Cr Roy Harle, said at the last meeting of the Council that this information was insufficient under the terms of the Act.
Council denied his request that a copy of the will be attatched to the application. Instead, the will is to be made available for inspection at the Municipal Offices by those who may object to the application. Cr. Harle said in some respects the will was unusual.
He understood it was the late owner's wish that the property be used as a home for refined elderly ladies and that such ladies should be born either in England or Scotland.
Moreover, they should not have been reduced to poor cicumstances through drinking, gambling or bad living.
There were also conditions that those selected must be non drinkers, non smokers and non gamblers and that they must not be Communist, Fascist or Roman Catholic.
Won't insist?
He did not think the Church of England would insist on all the terms of the will being carried out,however.
A Council report on the application says the use of portion of the land for a home for elderly women is not considered to be the best use from the viewpoint of the future occupants or when considering the possible future development of the adjoining land.
But the proposal to create a sanctuary on the land to the East has considerable merit whether or not the elderly women's home is established.
Unknown
COUNCIL TO MOVE IN ON COTTAGE?
Use of Schramm's Cottage to accommodate a section of the Engineering Staff would be a retrograde step, Cr. Ken May told colleagues at a council meeting last week. He was commenting on a proposal to house in two large rooms of the cottage additional staff required to cope with private street schemes because of lack of space in the municipal offices.
Cr.Roy Harle said the council staff was not expanding, but exploding.
When the present offices were planned a few years ago business consultants were asked to advise on the office space needed, he said.
Their prediction was wrong and the buildings had to be altered before they were completed.
The private streets programme had exceeded all expectations and more staff was needed to administer the schemes.
Because there was not enough room in the municipal offices this staff had to be housed in the nearest available space.
This was Schramm's Cottage
He agreed relics of the past had to be preserved, but said council also had to think of the future.
Cr. Viv Rush suggested council engage staff before moving into Schramm's Cottage again. He said difficulty had been experienced in the past in getting the necessary staff.
The Mayor, Cr. Stan Shepherd, agreed it was a retrograde step, but council had burst it's seems again and room had to be found.
Unknown
SAVE COTTAGE PLEA TO CRB
Doncaster-Templestowe Council has asked the Country Roads Board to contribute to the cost of moving Schramm's Cottage when Doncaster Road is widened at that point.
Schramm's Cottage, the 19th century pioneer home adjacent to the municipal offices, has been classified "C"- worthy of preservation- by the National Trust of Victoria.
Country Roads Board plans for the widening of Doncaster Rd. show the new alignment of the pavement to be only 8 inches from the wall of the cottage.
The foundations protrude 6 inches from the base of the walls.
Minimum set-back for houses in the City of Doncaster and Templestowe is 25 feet.
Homes affected by widening projects within the city previously have been required to move back to 15 feet from the new alignment.
Once the permanent site of the cottage is known, the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society hopes to furnish it as a Folk Museum, and gradually restore the old home.
Experts say the only way it could be safely moved would be to dismember it stone by stone and number these for re-erection, as was done with Captain Cook's Cottage and others---a costly process.
Unknown
Plan to beautify cottage.
Schramm's Cottage, the century old home in Doncaster Rd., of pioneer teacher Pastor Max von Schramm, will have it's surroundings restored to those of an old world garden, if the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society is given permission by Council.
It has written to Council, asking for permission to discuss a landscaping plan with the curator. Century old camellia bushes have been offered from the garden of the nearby old Goodson home, and trustee Mrs. Nell Elliot has offered the society the use of a bulldozer if transplanting is found to be practicable.
If anyone has a hand pump, such as those used to draw water from house wells, the society would like it to fit it in the garden plan. Secretary, Mrs I. Green (842 1847) would be glad to arrange it's collection.
Unknown
He wants it for folk museum.
Schramm's Cottage would be ideally suited as a folk museum, a member of the National Trust said last week.
Mr Noel Goss, a Trust Council member, was speaking to the Doncaster- Templestowe Historical Society.
Preservation of the historic buiding would have important consequences not only for the present day community, but for those who would follow, he said.
Mr. Goss hoped that in 2067 the cottage with it's restful symmetry would still be a reminder of the past.
It was one of the few Victorian buildings possessing the clear, squarecut stonework and a type of architectural shape that were already on their way out before the birth of the colony, he said.
Weekly Times
Move to have old cottage re-erected.
Dear Miranda.- As a member of the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society for some years, I thought you might be interested in a display we are holding at Schramm's Cottage, Doncaster Rd. It will continue until February 27.
Pastor Schramm's cottage, which was built in the 1870's is classified "C' by the National Trust, but must be pulled down to make way for the widening of Doncaster Rd. near Shopping -town.
We wish to re-erect this historic home in another position later on and are holding the display to raise money for this gigantic tasc.
the cottage is to have one room decorated as a Victorian living room, one as a Victorian child's nursery and toyroom (this is my particular task)
and the other rooms will be full of photographs of the early orchards, blacksmith shops and the past.
There will also be a room devoted to relics of the early gold diggings of Warrandyte.
My doll collecting is coming along slowly. The old dolls are difficult to obtain these days as there are so many folk collecting them now.
"Bush Banksia"
(Vic.)
Unknown
He knows , but can't tell all.
" If I told you all the things I've learnt about Doncaster East State School in searching for it's history, I could be facing a libel," Mr. Edgar Seppings, a local teacher, told the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society.
"There was a teacher who was dismissed by the Education Department, another who burnt the school records, even trouble after the burning of an effigy," he said.
During the troubled times preceeding the dismissal action , many parents kept their children at home, so disturbed were they over the conduct of the school.
When a replacement teacher was appointed --a young enthusiastic fellow-- he rode around the district on a"new fangled" motor cycle, knocking on doors and begging parents to send their children back to school. Six months later he was dead.
It was during the First World War. The teacher, who had enlisted, contracted a fatal disease before he saw service.
Many of the anecdotes told and relics displayed were brought to light by present pupils who are helping Mr. Seppings compile the history for the coming centenary of State Education. They had canvassed the district for information.
Biggest haul was a suitcase full of old school books, school papers and other items from Mrs. Emma Atkinson (nee Ubergang).
Mr. Seppings said the task of researcher for the Doncaster East school had been made more difficult because many records and files had been burnt or thrown out during over-zealous clean-ups.
The only official school record in existence before 1945 was an inventory of the toolshed.
The attitude of the Education Department to the head teacher had changed since the days when one had been billed for the cost of clearing the grounds.
Anticipating departmental approval for a request for removal of some trees, he had tried to save public money by having the work done by a contractor already working at the school. The account was finally paid by the department.
Doncaster East School, No, 2096, now situated at the corner of George St. and Blackburn Rd., began life as the Deep Creek school, in 1877, at the corner of Reynolds Rd. and Andersons Creek Rd.
Unknown 15 Apr 1969
Local Society hosts regional meeting.
The Memorial Hall, Templestowe, was decorated with shrubs, flowers and large baskets of apples and pears for the meeting last week of the Eastern Suburbs Regional Group of Historical Societies, hosted by Doncaster and Templestowe.
There was a collection of dolls dating back to the early 1800s and in the supper room was a large display of historical items collected by the children of the East Doncaster State School.
Many large photographs of the area as it was years ago and a model of the proposed Botanic Garden Reserve and White's Corner were also displayed.
Official guests included the Attorney General and local M.L.A. for Box Hill, Mr.G.O. Reid and Mrs. Reid, the Mayor of Doncaster and Templestowe, Cr.R.A.Harle and Mrs. Harle, vice President of the Royal Historical Society, Mr. Harley Foster and members from historical societies at Camberwell, Box Hill, Nunawading ,Croydon, Ringwood, Lilydale and Knox.
Mrs. Muriel Green, secretary of the Doncaster and Templestowe Society, gave an interesting lecture on pioneer women of the district, illustrated with colour slides.
Under the direction of Mr. Edgar Seppings, headteacher at East Doncaster State School, some of the school children dramatised two episodes from Mrs. Green's short incidents in the lives of early settlers, Mary Anne and John Chivers and James and Annie Read.
Mr. Reid expressed appreciation of Mrs. Green's address."I think also", he said,"it was fitting that the school children taking part in the tableaux should have been given a part in this meeting, because it is important that young people carrying on the traditions of the district, should be given an active part in the events of the past".
East Yarra News 13 May 1969
Honor for Colonel Keogh.
For his services to the history of the city, Col.E.G.Keogh was elected the first honorary life member of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society at it's annual meeting last week.
Col. Keogh, who had been senior vice president of the society, resigned because of the pressure of duties to Legacy and Civil Defence.
He has recently completed writing the official history of the district,which is in the hands of council, preparatory to publication.
East Yarra News 13 May 1969
Dolls have quite a history
by Joan Seppings
The most famous doll collector in the world was a man- a New York industrial magnate- Mrs.R. Leaney, well known collector from Templestowe,
said last week at Doncaster.
Mrs. Leaney was speaking on the history of dolls, to the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society at it's annual meeting in Schramm's Cottage.
Some of the earliest doll like figures had been found in graves in India, she said.
Although these had been found in the graves of children,they had proved to be not toys, but sacred images, known as the "answerers", for the dead child.
Ancient images were sometimes passed on to children to play with, however, after their religious signifigance had faded.
In China and Japan, toy figures had been made for centuries, depicting ritual dancers or children performing traditional tasks.
Nuts, Husks and apples
In poor and primitive areas dolls were made from whatever raw materials were easily obtainable, she said.
A knotted handkerchief or a painted bone was often craddled in a child's arms.
In various parts of America, dolls heads had been fashioned from hickory nuts, from corn husks, or dried apples
These apple head dolls always looked like old people. An apple would be set beside the fire stove for a month, gradually shrivelling until its wrinkled skin resembled the weatherworn features of country folk. A body and limbs were added from pulped and stiffened dough.
Mrs. Leaney showed samples of these dolls from her collection.
Nurse on a Sunday.
It was not until celluloid had been invented that life like dolls were much played with by small children, she pointed out.
The original "Barbie"
When the fashion they wore was "out", they would be passed on to some wealthy child- to become the original "Barbie".
Dolls displayed which drew nostalgic sighs were kewpies, "Tin heads", and a cloth doll, popular once in country districts when her design was printed on sugar bags.
Mrs. Leaney who hopes to write a book on early Australian dolls, says she is finding information scarce on purely local toys.
Most of those coming to the early settlements were French or German imports, she has found so far.
Anyone with a story to tell of a typical Australian doll may contact her at 850-4419.
The dolls of last century, with heads made of wax or china, were so fragile a little girl lucky enough to own one would perhaps be permitted to nurse it for one hour on Sunday only.
Because of this extreme care more examples of these dolls have survived than will those of the present day, she believes.
Many 19th century dolls were not originally made as playthings at all, but by fashion houses to advertise their model designs to copyists
These china figures immaculately dressed,would be shipped carefully from Paris to England, complete with small trunk of accessories.
Unknown 1969
TRUST BID TO SAVE HOUSE
The National Trust is to reopen its fight to save from demolition a century-old house at Doncaster.
Pastor Schramm's house in Main Rd. has been classified "C" by the Trust-an original building worthy of preservation.
The current issue of the trust newsletter says plans by Doncaster and Templestowe City Council to widen Main Rd.will mean demolition of the house.
"The council has had an estimate for removing the house to another site but it feels that the cost of $20,000 is excessive unless interested parties are willing to put up money", the newsletter says .
Plans to demolish the house 10 years ago were dropped by the council after strong opposition from local residents and the National Trust.
The rough cast stone house was built by Pastor Max von Schramm soon after his arrival in Melbourne in 1853.
The Doncaster and Templestowe Town Clerk Mr. J.W.Thomson, said last night he expected the house to be demolished early next year.
" Council has already called tenders and hopes to get work started as soon as possible", he said.
Mr. Thomson said the building had not been used as a home for about 8 years and was used only occasionally as a meeting place for the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society.
"Traffic has increased by more than 6000 vehichles a day along Main Rd. since the council last dropped demolition plans,"he said.
Mr.Thomson said the council would allow the building to be moved from the site by anyone who could raise the necessary money.
Unknown 1969
Save Shramm's Cottage
"It would be better to re-inter the stones of Shramm's into the quarry from whence they came rather than for any man to presume to re-enact the love of craftmanship so obviously devoted to this building", says Mr. Horace J. Tribe in a plea to save the cottage from the ravages of road widening.The century-old building is considered worthy of classification by the National Trust. Mr.Tribe, an architect and town planner says.
The CRB and Doncaster and Templestowe Council share the joint responsibility of exhausting every alternative before proceeding with road widening proposals that threaten the existence or stability of Shramm's Cottage.
As a practical solution the simple expedient of dividing inward and outgoing traffic into separate two lane streams would guarantee the permanent stability of the cottage and save the giant trees that are so much a part of its environment.
Comparative costing of all aspects of this proposal, including a fair allocation for avoiding the disruption, dangers and delays to traffic-experienced at Wetherby Rd.- could undoubtedly favour the alternative.
One aspect alone, namely the proposal to move the building stone by stone after numbering and reversing the process to another chosen site, would be a fantastically costly undertaking.
Has the cost of a similar process been investigated for Captain Cook's Cottage which has been cited as a precedent !?
Worthy as the spirit of this munificent donation to Victoria was at the time, it is not a good precedent to quote because Cook's Cottage is nothing really but a reconstructed museum piece transplanted into a foreign environment, with it's original aura remaining on England's soil.
Mr Tribe's plan shows how inward and outgoing traffic would by pass the cottage and create an attractive civic centre.
A landscaped civic centre.
Favourable aspects of the suggested alternative which cannot be matched by the planned proposal are :
*the space to the south of the cottage would be enlarged rather than reduced.
*The resulting island of garden and trees measuring 300 feet by 100 feet would create a shady precinct for elderly shoppers and visitors.
*Urgently needed and safe U turns, in either direction,could be provided immediately in front of the shops. Less convenient turns would drive customers away from the area.
*The 1000 feet long double converging island system will accommodate about 40 additional parking spaces and safer pedestrian crossings;
* It will unify the whole area from Council St.to Schramm's Reserve as a potential landscaped Civic Centre.
Objections could be raised to the encroachment of one traffic lane by an average 50-60 feet into the Municipal Offices forecourt, but no trees would be lost and 75 feet would be gained on the south side of the cottage in compensation.
The implication that the cottage would have to be moved away, because of infringment of the Council's 25ft. setback requirement for houses, is untenable.
Now Public building
Schramm's has ceased to be a house within the meaning of the law. It is now a public building.
However this question need not arise and the council would be relieved of any embarrassment with the alternative proposal presented.
The question that requires answering is: has the council made sufficiently strong representations to the CRB for saving Schramm's, or has it been more concerned with obtaining a financial allocation for removal in the vain hope of being able to fulfil this removal and reconstruction?
Or is it more likely that the basis is unperturbed official acceptance of the CRB road widening proposals?
These questions must be answered before a hand is laid on those stones or those two trees.
Unknown 1969
CASES ON COTTAGE AND TIP
The largest public gallery seen at Doncaster- Templestowe City Council chambers for a long time attended on Monday night when three deputations put their cases before Council.
ONE DEPUTATION dealt with the proposed removal of Schramm's Cottage, on Doncaster Rd.; one dealt with Council's plans for a rubbish tip in Bulleen, and the third with an application to build reception rooms in Lower Templestowe.
The first two cases are reported here; the third also appears on this page.
The public gallery,foyer and even stairways were packed as the cases were presented. Many of those present were women. Some children accompanied their parents.
The case for retention of Schramm's cottage was put by the secretary of the special committee appointed at a large public meeting, Mrs. M. Green, and a member of the committee Mr. M.Wierzcowski, an architect.
Mr. Wierzcowski said the humble cottage was one of few surviving links with the past, and was a challenge to everyone to do something to preserve
something of our heritage.
Mrs. Green said that since the public meeting it was evident that the majority of the residents wanted the cottage retained and if possible near its present vicinity.
This view was also that of the National Trust, and she felt the issue was a challenge to Council to see that it was in tune with its residents who were searching for a common identity with regard to the cottage.
Mrs. Green said she would like to see the project undertaken by a community effort.
She said in answer to a councillor's question that the committee did have in mind an alternative site but it was not prepared to reveal it at this stage.
(The cottage must be moved for road widening which will begin next Easter.)
Council received a letter from the National Trust urging that the cottage not be demolished but dismantled and re -erected on an appropriate site, should it be impossible to retain it on the present site. It suggested Council should arrange for re-siting and maintenance as a civic matter.
But not all are for the preservation of the cottage.
Council also received a letter from Mr.R.D. Arnold, a local resident, objecting to the expenditure of council funds on the removal,rebuilding or restoration of the cottage.
He believed that the cottage was of doubtful work and that any funds so expended could be more suitably channelled into works of a higher priority.
East Yarra News 1970
SCHOOL GROUND TAKING SHAPE
Extensive ground works are now well advanced at Templestowe High School.
The $50,000 development, which will make the Templestowe grounds equal to any other school in Victoria, are expected to be completed by early next year.
The steep sloped site has been landscaped to make a more workable arrangement.
The principal, Mr.W.Meehan, said the previous four-tier ground layout was impracticable.
The new two-tier design would enable maximum use to be made of the grounds.
Tree stays
Included in the development are cricket wickets, a football oval, boys and girls basket ball courts and an athletics training centre.
Tennis courts may be also be included.
But while the big development has been taking place, special attention has been paid to saving an old gum tree, and landmark of the school and the Lower Templestowe area.
* Mr. Meehan is pictured with a peg used to mark the new oval. THe old gum tree is in the background.
Unknown 1970
Canoe tree stays
Unknown 1970
The old gumtree in Gisborne Street Bulleen. Counsellor Morris Williams said last week that corroborees were held under the tree.
An old gum tree provided a lesson in history, humour and finally sentiment at last week's Doncaster and Templestowe Council meeting.
The 45ft,high tree is right in the middle of where a footpath will go in a new Bulleen subdivision.
The city engineer, Mr. Fred Andrew, brought the tree to council's attention and suggested it should be saved.
The first mention of history brought laughter from both gallery and councillors.
Cr. Morris Williams said he believed aborigines held corroborees beneath the tree and a canoe had been cut out of its huge trunk.
"SAVE IT"
"It should be saved for posterity," he said
Cr Williams suggested in future, parties of school children would be able to visit the tree as a historical exercise.
Mr. Andrew said the tree was about seven to eight metres around and stood right in the middle of the footpath in Gisborne St.
He said he believed the tree to be of particular historical significance
"Under the circumstances, I didn't believe it should be pulled out without reference to council", he said.
"EMOTIONAL"
Mr. Andrew said there would not be heavy foot traffic in this area and suggested that if the tree did cause a hazard in the future,"it could quite easily be pulled out".
Cr Keith Remington claimed council was becoming too emotional over the matter. "It is right in the middle of a footpath and it will cause an obstruction" he said. "Many other trees have had to fall to the bulldozer for similar reasons and I don't see that this tree is any different". Council decided to leave the tree where it stands.
Fine old gumtree is saved.
A fine old gumtree right in the middle of a proposed footpath construction in Templestowe will not be removed. Doncaster Templestowe Council, which agreed to this on Monday, was told by counsellor Morrie Williams that the tree had a long link with the past. "I believe the blacks held corroborees near it and there's evidence a canoe has been cut out of its bark", he said. Counsellor Williams said the tree was near a school and kindergarten and he hoped teachers would take pupils to the tree until them of its history. City engineer, Mr Fred Andrew, was all for saving the tree. He said it was attractive and it would be a pity for it to be moved. He sought councils opinion before taking action. Mr Andrew said the tree was about 45 feet high, 7 to 8 feet across the butt and was a foot inside the building line and ran across to the curb and channelling. "Another reason for its preservation is that it is at the bottom end of the Mount Eagle subdivision where there is little foot traffic." Mr Andrew added that if it were subsequently found the position was unsatisfactory the tree could then be removed. If the tree became a danger to motor traffic or a danger through old age then other thoughts could be given to its preservation. As to the age of the tree, he said that, comparing it to those on the Murray River, he would say it was well over 100 years old. Counsellor Utan opposed preservation. He said there was an odd situation of a footpath with a large tree slap bang in the centre of it. "Every other day there are trees falling to the blade of the bulldozer within this municipality" he said, adding that in the years ahead of development this street would be no different to "the street that you and I live in". Counsellor Remington claimed that council had been carried away in this case and felt the $800 cost to remove the tree should be a cost to the developer "to have the thing pull down".
East Yarra News 20 Oct 1970
MINUTE BOOK FROM 1870
At the recent centenary of the Doncaster Independent Order of Rechabites, Mr. L. Hobbs read the minutes of the first meeting held in 1870.
The original minute book is still in the possession of the secretary.
One hundred and thirty people celebrated the centenary on October 4.
East Yarra News 17 Nov 1970
ast Yarra News 17 November 1970
70th year at Christ Church
The 9.30 a.m.Service at Christ Church, Templestowe, on the second Sunday of November will long be remembered.
It was the 70th anniversary of the opening service in Templestowe's second Anglican Church building.
At 3p.m. on November 8, 1900, a Thursday, Bishop F.F. Goe, the then Lord Bishop of Melbourne, came to the new "Church on the hill" and preached at the service.
Present in the Anniversary congregation at morning prayer were not only members of some of the early pioneering families , but also Miss Ethel Aumann, who in 1900 as an infant was the first person baptised in the new Christ Church.
Mr R.W.Mundy and Mr A.W. Mal read the Lessons.
Mr Mal,as a lay reader, has been taking services at Christ Church for 36 years.
He said that Mrs B. Ubergang, who was at the anniversary service was probably in the first congregation that he led in worship.
The vicar, the Rev.Edwin Richardson, gave some interesting and even amusing sidelights on the history, referring to the vestry minutes, which were on display, dating from 1877.
He made a special point of thanking the large group of choristers from the Bulleen Presbyterian- Methodist Church, who assisted in singing the magnificent musical settings for parts of morning prayer.
Doncaster Mirror 8 Apr 1971
DONCASTER GROUP TOUR OF PARLIAMENT
Members of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society
visited Parliament House as guests of the President of the
Legislative Council, Mr. R.W. Garrett, and Mrs.Garrett. Both
Houses in session were visited and members were hoping they might be able to have access to the wonderful library and collection of books. The president of the society, Mr Irvine Green was given information, by the librarian, concerning his grandfather who was a Member of Parliament in the ninth, 10th????? from 1878. Pictured in the President's ????
Left to right, Miss V. Crouch, Mr.W. Read, Mrs Green, Mrs.A.Craig, Mrs.R.W.Garrett, Mrs. M. Stace, Mr.K. Smith, Mrs. T. Mullens, Mrs.McMillan, Mrs L. Sargent.
East Yarra News 8 Jun 1971
Cairn restored at gold spot.
A restored cairn marking the first discovery of gold in Victoria, at Warrandyte, was unveiled last Saturday at the opening of Jaycee Week.
Present at the opening ceremony was Mr. Louis Michel, great- great grandson of the Louis Michel, who discovered the gold on June 30,1851.
Doncaster Jaycees, with financial assistance from Mr. Michel's mother, restored the plaque on the cairn and renovated the vandal-damaged cairn.
Mr Michel travelled from Nathalia for the ceremony performed by the Mayor, Cr. Ken Buxton.
Jaycees have also cleared a picnic area around the cairn, built steps leading to it, erected a barbecue and graded the road.
At the time of the discovery of gold, much controversy surrounded the claim of "first", with counter claims coming in from Clunes, near Ballarat and other areas.
However, Louis Michel shared in the reward offered by a Melbourne committee of business men for the first discovery of a workable gold field in Victoria.
Unknown 1971
TOWER FLAGPOLE IS UNEARTHED
Guide Sandra Neal stands between the top of the flagpole and an ironbark log from the foundations of the Doncaster Tower.
East Yarra News 14 Dec 1971
Save this Homestead
The National Trust has asked Doncaster and Templestowe Council"to give a lead" in the preservation of Finger's Homestead in George St.,Doncaster
The Finger homestead in George St.
The trust has given the building a "C" classification, denoting a building of considerable interest; preservation should be encouraged.
In a letter to council the trust asked for early warning of any proposal to sell the site for subdivisional or other purposes.
It expresses the hope that the city will lead the way in preserving the house.
The homestead is withn the Reserved Living Zone in the Metropolitan Planning Scheme and in the Residential Medium Density Zone in the council's scheme.
East Yarra News 21 Sep 1971
3 3/4 acres sold for $330,000
One of Doncaster's historic landmarks was sold at auction last week for $330,000
The T & G Mutual Life Society was the successful bidder for the 3 3/4- acre site in Doncaster Rd., just east of Doncaster Shoppingtown.
Included in the sale is the Historic Serpell house (pictured) built in 1883.
Assistant general manager of T and G, Mr. Douglas Coventry, said last week that the property would be used for future extensions to Shoppingtown.
T and G own the Shoppingtown development.
An official of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society said yesterday there were no plans to have the house restored.
The house is in a run-down condition.
Unknown 1971
Lutheran special services.
In connection with the open day visit of the National Trust on October 24 to places of historical interest in Doncaster,the Lutheran Church of Victoria St. is holding a special service of thanksgiving for blessings which have come to the area through the pioneers.
The mayor of Doncaster Mr. Les Cameron and the Mayoress Mrs. Cameron as well as the councillors of the city of Doncaster-Templestowe, have been invited.
On that day Catherine Aumann, a fifth generation descendant of the pioneers of the district will be baptised.
The service is scheduled to start at 10.30, and visitors, particularly descendants of the pioneers will be welcome.
The first Lutheran Church was built in Victoria St.in 1858 and the present church in 1892.
Unknown 1971
COTTAGE FATE IN BALANCE
'Save Schramm's'
The future of historic Schramm's cottage could hinge on the outcome of a public meeting at the Athenaeum Hall tomorrow night.
The cottage, which has stood on its present site adjacent to the municipal offices since 1874, will have to be moved because of the widening of Doncaster Rd.
The Mayor, Cr Ken Buxton, will chair the meeting which starts at 8p.m.
There appear to be two factions in the fight to save the cottage.
*those who want Doncaster Rd. re-routed to allow the cottage to remain where it is, and
*A group who want the cottage rebuilt on another site and used as a local museum.
The cottage, classified "C" by the National Trust, is named after Max von Schramm, one of the first teachers in Doncaster.
Mr Schramm came to Doncaster to teach at the Lutheran Church school, in 1860.
By 1863, a larger school was needed.
Mr. Schramm built a combined school and house on Doncaster Rd. This later formed part of the old E.S.& A.bank.
The Education Department took over the building in 1876 and used it as a State School.
When the department took over, Mr.Schramm conducted a private school in his own home, now known as Schramm's Cottage.
Mr. Schramm was made a Pastor of the new Parish of Doncaster in November 1876, and ministered at the Lutheran Church until 1907.
The secretary of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society, Mrs. Muriel Green, said she would like to see a big attendance at Wednesday night's meeting.
"GO ALONG"
She she had received many inquiries from people wanting to know the future of the cottage.These people should go to the meeting and voice their opinion.
Mrs. Green said it would be a shame if the cottage was demolished and forgotten.
Sir,-I would like to give my view concerning Schramm's cottage.
This fine piece of craftsmanship and architecture of the early settlers, should remain on it's present site, along with the big Bunya-bunya pine tree growing nearby.
A good example of what could be done with this historic building, can be seen at Schwerkholt's cottage in Mitcham.
About 20 feet could be added to the road by building the footpath up alongside the cottage and moving the embankment in closer.
If the road is to be widened to the extent that the cottage must be moved, can this width be maintained for any great distance without cutting a slice off property further along the road.
A wider road at this point would not be much advantage if it only went a few hundred yards.
Thank you for invitation to write on this question. K.Rowe, 193 Dorking Rd., Box Hill North.
Unknown 1971
IN MEMORY OF A TREE.
This near century-old Bunya Bunya Pine tree, below, growing near Schramm's cottage, will have to to make way for the re-making of Doncaster Rd.
But council may use the wood from the tree to erect a memorial, possibly in the municipal gardens, to it's historical signifigance.
The first suggestion that this could be done came from the secretary of the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society, Mrs Muriel Green.
As a result, the Mayor, Cr.Ken Buxton, has asked the curator, Mr.Max Holmyard , to investigate the possible uses of the wood from the tree.
Mr. Holmyard said last week that the thickness of the bark would have to be known before he could say what the timber could be used for.
He said Bunya Bunya pine grows mainly in Queensland, and its timber was generally used for interior furniture.
He said it could be teated for use outdoors but it would loose its colour and texture.
The city engineer, Mr. Fred Andrew said that council had no intention of removing three 100 year old orange trees growing behind Schramm's Cottage.
It had been reported that council needed the land on which the trees are growing for a car park.
Unknown 1971
FEW BUNYA BUNYA LEFT.
Along with the announcement that Schramm's Cottage must be moved from Doncaster Rd. to make way for a new road,is the news that one of the few
Bunya Bunya pine trees in the location will also go.
Mrs. Muriel Green, writing in the current issue of the local historical society's newsletter says there are seven such trees in the district and all are closely related to the history of the district.
But she fears that next year only five will remain and in a few years maybe there will be only three or none at all.
One such tree stands outside the municipal Offices.
It was in the garden of Schramm's Cottage and its history goes back to the days when Baron von Mueller, the designer of the Royal Botanical Gardens, lived in Doncaster.
Mrs. Green says other bunya bunya trees are east of the Eastern Golf Club link clubhouse, at the corner of Bayley Grove, in front of Mr E. Theile's home in Church Rd., one in Waldau Court and there are two in Ruffey's Creek area that is now the municipal gardens.
The tree near the golflinks clubhouse marks the spot where David Mitchell, father of Dame Nellie Melba, built a cottage in 1860 says the article.
Mrs. Green makes the suggestion that if the tree must go that some suitable memorial be made of its timber. A seat or a piece of furniture suitably inscribed.
Mrs green is secretary of the historical society, and is currently leading the fight to save Schramm's Cottage.
Doncaster Mirror 1971
When will it be moved ?
Who will move Schramm's Cottage and when?
The cottage on Doncaster Rd. must be moved soon to make way for road widening.
Schramm's Cottage Preservation Committee says it is waiting on the answer from the city council.
In the meantime, the committee will seek expert advice of such removals.
It will write the director of Swan Hill Museum, Mr. R. Holloway.
Site for the cottage at the Lutheran or Waldau Cemetery has been approved.
Council has set aside $2,500, and the committee is raising funds through a public appeal and other means.
Latest donations include $10 from Mrs Gertrude Petty and $3 from Mr.David East.
The total in hand is $311.
The committee appeals for more donations and asks citizens to support the appeal.
Establishment of the cottage in the cemetery grounds is part of a plan to establish a museum.
The committee plans a visit to historic homes in the district later in the year to assist proceeds.
One such home is Friedensruh, the Theile family home in Victoria St.
Unknown 1971
Unknown 1971
Dame Mabel at Schramm's
Dame Mabel Brookes will open an historical display at Schramm's Cottage on Feb.14, at 2.30 pm.
Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society is holding the display to raise funds for the preservation of the building.
A new site for the cottage must be found because of road widening to Doncaster Rd., due to start in April.
Most rooms of the cottage will be fitted to resemble the pioneer days of the area, while in other rooms, pictures and details of the city's history will be on show.
To gain further interest in the preservation of the cottage, the society is running an essay competition for high and primary school students.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the two best essays titled "Why I wish to see Schramm's Cottage preserved".
Unknown 1971
Unknown 1971
This was the beautiful setting outside Schramm's Cottage on Sunday when Dame Mabel Brookes opened the historic display.
It will be the last function held in the cottage which must make way for road widening of Doncaster Road.
This photograph, like the one on page 3, was arranged by Mr.Irvine Green, a professional photographer, who is also president of the Doncaster Historical Society,for the Mirror
Dame Mabel is seen at the microphone performing the opening.
The dais was arranged under the 90 year oak tree that was once part of the garden of Pastor Max von Schramm.
To the right of Dame mabel are the Mayor, Cr.K. Buxton, The Mayoress, Mrs.Buxton, and on her left the President of the society, Mr. Green.
Dame Mabel later inspected the display and had afternoon tea with the official guests.
Unknown 1971
300 AT FINAL DISPLAY IN SCHRAMM'S
Two great grand daughters of Pastor Schramm were among guests of Doncaster Historical Society at the opening of an historic display in Schramm's Cottage on Sunday.
They are Mesdames Craig, Doncaster, and Hone, Nunawading.
There were between 250 and 300 persons at the opening of the display which will be the last in the cottage. It is being moved to make way for road widening.
The opening was performed by Dame Mabel Brookes, who said that one of her forefathers had a close association with this district.
Dame Mabel stressed that the building would be of the utmost importance to the district in the years to come.
Dame Mabel was presented by the society secretary, Mrs. Muriel Green, with a basket of fruit, most locally grown, and all of which represented a product of the past of this area.
THE GUESTS
The official party and guests were welcomed by the society president, Mr.I. Green.
The party included the Mayor, Cr.K. Buxton, Mayoress Mrs. Buxton , Mr N. Brown, MHR, Mr R. Garrett, MLC, and Mrs Garrett, Mr.J.W. Manson, seven Doncaster-Templestowe councillors and their wives, members of the National Trust, representatives of historical societies throughout the metropolitan area, relatives of pioneer families, and the Town Clerk, Mr.J. Thompson, and Mrs.Thompson.
Mr. Garrett thanked Dame Mabel and recalled the fight for the preservation
of the cottage when he was a Doncaster-Templestowe councillor about 10 years ago.
APPEAL OPENS
Dame Mabel also opened an appeal for funds to help finance the preservation of the cottage, and the society on Monday acknowledged donations from Carlton & United Breweries, $100;Padbury Funeral Parlors, $90, Cr. Buxton $25; The Rev. Father J. W. Spillane, $10; Mr. F. Rogan, first society president who was unable to attend the ceremony, $3.
The official party then inspected the cottage which was furnished as in the early days.
One was a sitting room or parlour, another a child's bedroom with a magnificent display of dolls, photos were featured in another room, and in others were photos of the women pioneers of the district, hotels and Local Government.
Of intense interest were possessions of Louis Michel, the first man to discover gold at Warrandyte.
Members of the official party were guests of the society at afternoon tea served in the council building opposite.
Hosts were society members and girls from 1st Doncaster Rangers.
DISPLAY TIMES
Society officials were high in their praise of the co-operation and work of the city council, its officers and employees.
The display will continue this week and next.
Times are week days 7.30 pm.to 9.30 and on Saturday and Sunday 2pm. to 5pm.
It is expected that many school children will be taken on a tour of inspection of the cottage.
Unknown 1971
Show at Schramm's is popular
More than 750 school children are expected to have visited the historical display at Schramm's Cottage by the end of this week.
The secretary of Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society, Mrs. Muriel Green, said she had been surprised but delighted at the number of schools interested at sending parties of students through the cottage.
RIGHT: Peter Craven and Julie Butler, of grade 5 at Doncaster Primary School, play at cooking on an old wood fire at Schramm's Cottage last week.
Unknown 1971
Schramm's cottage is open.
Schramm's Cottage will be open for a further week to enable more to see the historical display. It will end on March 7. The Cottage opens at 7.30 at night. On Saturday and Sunday it is open all afternoon.
AID FOR SCHRAMM BUILDING
Cr.Ivan Peter-Budge told Doncaster- Templestowe City Council last meeting that the Country Roads Board had provided $9,000 towards the re-erection of Schramm's Cottage.
The cottage was moved from Doncaster Rd. near the Municipal offices to make way for road widening.
Schramm's Cottage project
Sir,- We would like to extend thanks to the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society for the wonderful co-operation received in respect to the Schramm's Cottage project.
In the first instance, the society raised $476 from a display in Schramm's Cottage in February.
A further $425 has been donated by individual members and, as a result of a recent display mounted by members at an arts and crafts day, $93,70 has been received.
Further thanks are due to Pastor Zweck, who conducted an Easter service; Mrs Loris Webster, who gave a luncheon; and Irvine and Muriel Green, who organised two tours in the district.
The amount due to their efforts was $1,149.70. Thanks and congratulations to the society and other voluntary helpers.
Muriel Green, -hon. sec., Schramm's Cottage, Project Committee.
Expert for Cottage
A local stonemason has been engaged for the removal and restoration of Schramm's Cottage.
This was announced by a committee official.
The official also revealed a donation of $100 from a local resident who wished to remain anonymous.
The donations, together with a city council grant, will go toward meeting the cost of the work.
Further donations would be appreciated.
Upward of 20 people have attended the various weekend working bees to pull down the cottage and prepare it for removal.
Volunteers should contact Mr. I. Green or his wife Mrs. M. Green, and indicate their willingness to assist.
The cottage, former home of Pastor Schramm, must go to make way for road widening of Doncaster Rd.
Unknown 1971
"This way, please", said the photographer, and Dame Mabel Brookes obliged.
Dame Mabel was accompanied by the Mayor Cr. Ken Buxton, on a tour of inspection of Schramm's Cottage historic display on Sunday.
They were looking at the section set aside for the pioneer women when the photo was taken.
Unknown 1971
SCHRAMM MEETING FRIDAY
Doncaster -Templestowe Historical Society will ask the Mayor, Cr. K. Buxton to call a public meeting to hear a progress report on Schramm's Cottage removal.
A special meeting between Doncaster-Templestowe City Council and Schramm's Cottage preservation comittee will be held at the council chambers tomorrow, Friday.
The meeting will finalise plans for the removal of Schramm's Cottage on Doncaster Rd. in front of the council offices.
The cottage must go to make way for road widening, and work will start within a few weeks.
The preservation committee recently received a letter from council advising that the cottage would have to be moved and asked the committee to get the work done.
Council has offered $2,150 toward the cost of removal.
At a largely attended public meeting to discuss the future of the cottage, and in all discussion since, a figure of about $30,000 has been mentioned as the likely cost of removal, storage and re-erection of the cottage.
But now the preservation committee has stated that, from information received, with careful study and planning the work could be done for between $6,000 and $7,000.
Don't store.
But one strong point that the committee will put to the Council tomorrow is that the cottage not be stored but dismantled and taken straight to the cemetery site and re-erected immediately.
It is looking forward to- and is confident it can get- strong public support in the way of volunteer workers for the project.
The work would be done under supervision of an expert.
It is expected that the service clubs and others in the city will be approached for assistance.
No Date
Until tomorrow's meeting , no date for such a monster working bee will be known.
But the Mirror will give wide publicity to the date when it is known.
The preservation committee also seeks strong financial support to help finance the removal and re-erection of the cottage.
It acknowleged recent donations of $200 from Westfield, $25 from Eastern Golf Club, $10 from Mr. and Mrs.R. Lane and $5 from W.K. Tierney.
The total is $1,082 plus the $2,150 from the council.
Schramm's Cottage is the former home of Pastor Schramm.
Recently it was thrown open for an historic display and attracted visitors from right throughout the metropolitan area.
Unknown 1971
THE LAST MEETING
The last meeting of Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society to be held in Schramm's Cottage was well attended. Mr. Peter Williams, President of Heidelberg Historical Society, can claim the distinction of being the last guest speaker. He gave an interesting and informative outline of the history of Heidelberg. A vote of thanks was extended by Cr.Ivan Peter Budge. Mrs Green thanked everyone for their support during the last four years, and reported that the society now has 59 financial participating members, including four junior members, an honorary life member and four life members.
MIRANDA AT HISTORICAL EXHIBITION AT DONCASTER COTTAGE.
Dear Readers-I wonder if any of you managed to get along to Schramm's cottage at Doncaster last month to see the historical exhibition "Bush Banksia" told us about in a letter to our pages recently?
It was a most interesting display, and I especially enjoyed seeing the children's room which "Bush Banksia" herself had arranged.
There was one of those quaint old teddy bears on wheels-a muched loved toy in the late 19th century.
Another interesting feature in the children's room was a quilt that had been made in 1909 to raise money for a kindergarten.
People paid 6d each at the time to have their names embroidered on the quilt which was completely covered with names.
There were children's books by Raphael Tuck, of 1899 vintage, and a set of Victorian miniature furniture, brought to Australia originally by sailing ship.
Several antique dolls from "Bush Banksia's well known collection were on display. One, a wax doll made in 1838 lay in an antique iron cot with a coverlet of knitted white cotton, 80 years old.
In other rooms of the cottage, relics of early Doncaster were on show.
There were photographs of early schools, churches and homes in the district, and the first minute book of the Athenaeum Hall,Doncaster dated 1870 was there to see.
The history of Doncaster's original store was also told in pictures, starting with a photograph taken in 1890 when it was called "The Corner Store". By 1910 it was known as Serpell's Store.
Eventually, when the building was pulled down, the Doncaster and Templestowe Historical Society paid $20 for 1000 of the bricks and gave them to Shoppingtown for a commemorative walk.
Final touch
A picture of the walk, hung alongside those of the old store, added a final touch to the story.
Portraits of pioneer women of the district also formed part of the display, and it is interesting to note that quite a few members of the present Historical Society at Doncaster are among their descendants.
Families like Serpell, Read, Pickering, Petty and Crouch all have descendants still living in the area.
Lace handkerchiefs belonging to pioneer women,and lent by present members of their families, were on show, and a lace making machine lent by the Serpell family, and still with a piece of work on it, attracted the attention of visitors to the exhibition.
Pastor Schramm's cottage, which is classified"c" by the National Trust is to be pulled down for the widening of Doncaster Road near Shoppingtown.
In 1961 a petition signed by 754 local residents saved the old home from demolition.
In 1970, eight people including five members of the Doncasteer -Templestowe Historical Society, formed a Schramm's Cottage Committee. Since then they have been negotiating to have the cottage moved to another site.
To raise funds.
The exhibition was put on by the Historical Society to help raise funds that will be needed for this project.
Mr. von Schramm lived in the cottage for over 30 years and during that time history records that he did more than anyone else for the good of the district.
He originally came there to teach the settlers'children, and for years he conducted a school in his house.
In 1876 he was ordained as the first pastor of a new parish the Lutheran Church formed at Doncaster, and he was also Honorary Secretary of the Doncaster Church of England.
In 1870 Mr.von Schramm called the inaugural meeting of the Doncaster Athenaeum and Library and became its chairman, a position he held for over 30 years .
Weekly Times 1971
Births ,deaths.
In addition he was the Registrar of Births and Deaths at Doncaster for many years.
How fortunate that we have organisations like the Doncaster - Templestowe Historical Society and the Schramm's Cottage Committee to help us preserve the story of towns and the people who helped to shape them.
By all means let us have magnificent places like Shoppingtown, which has given such a boost to the district. But in doing so, don't let us destroy the few valuable relics we have left of places as they were long ago.
Goodbye now Miranda.
Births ,deaths.
In addition he was the Registrar of Births and Deaths at Doncaster for many years.
How fortunate that we have organisations like the Doncaster - Templestowe Historical Society and the Schramm's Cottage Committee to help us preserve the story of towns and the people who helped to shape them.
By all means let us have magnificent places like Shoppingtown, which has given such a boost to the district. But in doing so, don't let us destroy the few valuable relics we have left of places as they were long ago.
Goodbye now Miranda.
Unknown 1971
A HANDSOME TREE REDUCED TO THIS
LEFT:The Bunya pine as most Doncaster residents knew it. The tree grows mainly in Queensland
ABOVE: Now only the stump remains. The Bunya pine stood proudly near the old Schramm's Cottage. Council workmen cut it down last week to make way for the widening of Doncaster Rd.
A near century old Bunya pine tree was cut down by Doncaster and Templestowe council workmen to make way for the widening of Doncaster Rd.
The tree which stood near the old Schramm's Cottage, was a landmark in Doncaster.
Deputy City Engineer, Mr. Bob Craigie, said the tree had been milled at the council depot.
When the wood dried out it would be used for a council project, he said.
It has been suggested that the wood be used to build a memorial in the municipal gardens or the historical park planned for the old Lutheran cemetery.
The Bunya Pine is uncommon in Melbourne. It grows mainly in Queensland and its timber is generally used for interior furniture.
Unknown 1971
EXPERTS FOR SCHRAMM"S
The stage had been reached where expert advice and assistance was required with the removal of Schramm's cottage, Cr.Ivan Peter-Budge told Doncaster-Templestowe Council.
He said that the work had progressed satisfactorily.
The committee had about $3,600 in hand to help finance the work.
Cr. Peter-Budge was speaking to a report of a meeting between Council and Schramm's Cottage Committee.
That meeting agreed that Council accept trusteeship of the Lutheran Cemetery site to where the Cottage will be moved when asked to do so by the Public Health Commission. It will conduct the area as a memorial to the pioneers; meet legal costs related to the transfer of the title certificates; sponsor a public appeal for $25.000 to finance the work and the laying out of the new site as a pioneer memorial; make formal appliction to the National Trust requesting tax deduction for donations.
Cr. Peter-Budge is shown on the roof of the building at left wearing a hat during a working bee. Next to him is Eric Collyer, vice-president of the Historical society, and Mr.J.Young a Tempestowe builder.
Below is ANZ Bank manager Mr I.Bruns talking to Ken Andrew, son of the city engineer.
Unknown 1971
Schramm's should draw the tourists.
The Schramm's Cottage and pioneer garden project could become a tourist drawcard.
Council is expected to call tenders soon for re-erection of the cottage. Work is planned to start early in the new year.
When complete, the project will include the cottage, furnished as a live museum; an outdoor kitchen and bakehouse, stables, blacksmith shop, orchards' museum and a pioneer memorial with winding pathways restored through the old burial grounds.
The site of the old Lutheran Church and cemetery was donated by the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Fine View.
The land is on a hill at the head of the new municipal gardens, commanding a magnificent view along the valley of Ruffey's Creek.
The first wattle and daub Lutheran Church was built there in 1857.
When the cemetery was closed in 1888, it contained the graves of more than 100 adults and children.
The stones of the cottage, cut from Ruffey's Creek in 1874 are numbered and laid out on the site ready for re-erection.
$25,000 job.
The restoration and pioneer garden project has been estimated to cost $25,000.
The committee has more than $2,000 in hand.
The National Trust has agreed to contduct an appeal for funds. Gifts of $2 or more are tax deductable.
Unknown 1971
HISTORICAL COMPETITION
Details of the competition to be conducted by Doncaster -Templestowe Historical Society have been announced.
The competition is for models of the old tram which used to run to Doncaster or the lookout tower.
There will be three sections, under 13, under 18 and open.
The models may be made from any material.
Another section will be for anything of historical interest in any area of this district.
Some ideas are Pound Bend, Gold Memorial, Finn's Pub, which is now demolished, Blacksmith's shops, Warrandyte Hotel, schools, mines, Schramm's and other houses, the Athenaeum Hall and the municipal Offices.
Models can be in any media, paintings, models, pottery, wood, meccano, clay and blocks etc.
Prizes so far have been donated from Mr.W. Read, $50, Mrs E. Collyer, $25 and three third prizes from Mr O'Neill, Collins Book Shop ,Shoppingtown.
All schools are being notified.
Judjing will be held next June and winners will be announced next July.
Judjes will be representatives from the Council, Historical Society, and the arts and crafts group, as well as a teacher and an engineer.
Doncaster Mirror 26 May 1971
The Mirror 26 May 1971
"NEW GOLD CAIRN TO BE UNVEILED"
This completely renovated cairn marking the discovery of gold in Warrandyte will be unveiled on June 5 at 2.30.pm. by the Mayor, Cr. K. Buxton.
The ceremony will mark the opening of Jaycee Week.
Doncaster Jaycees have devoted many man hours to renovating the memorial and cleaning up the area surrounding it.
Mrs. Michel, a direct descendant of Louis J. Michel, who made the discovery, forwarded a substantial donation toward the renovation work.
Her son Mr. Louis Michel will come from Nathalia for the occasion.
A spokesman for the Jaycees extended an invitation to the public to attend.
Barbecue facilities will be available.
Louis J. Michel came to Port Phillip from London in 1839. In 1851,he was leasee of the Rainbow Hotel, Swanston and Little Collins St. Melbourne.
He led two parties seeking gold.
When returning from the second to the plenty Ranges he found a quartz near a creek on Major Newman's land.
It showed traces of gold but the assayer could not determine whether the reef contained gold.
Michel returned later with a man named Haberlain and made the discovery on June 30,1851.
Doncaster Mirror 30 Jun 1971
Doncaster Mirror 30 Jun 1971
FAREWELL TO DONCASTER RD.
The last orchard on Doncaster Rd., Doncaster, is slowly disappearing this week.
It is the 2 acre holding of Mr. George Beavis who is seen driving his axe into one of the last remaining, still fruit bearing peach trees. The land was originally bought by Mr. R. E. Petty, now deceased.
The land bounded by Doncaster Rd. Church St. and Queen's Avenue will be subdivided into 10 blocks.
The story behind the decision of Mr. Beavis to clear the land is one of history, progress, romance, and sadness as another link with the past disappears.
Mr. Beavis, now 68, went to work on the orchard in 1933.
The property was owned by Mr. R.E. Petty, now deceased, who had paid 15 shillings a foot for it.
Today the value of the land has been mentioned round the $ 90,000 mark.
Young George Beavis was paid 3 shillings a week, and he got nothing extra for rising at 2 am.and driving the horses to Melbourne market.
There were orchards everywhere then. Some of his neighbours he recalled, were Bill Darcy, Len Bullen, Fred Petty, McDowell's, Zanders and up opposite Shopping town, were Serpells.
George Beavis used to plough the land from the present two acre site right up to opposite Toll's estate agency.
TO WAR
War intervened and George Beavis went away with the 8th Division in the 4th Motor transport.
He was a prisoner of war, he worked on the Burma Railway and he was in Nagasaki when the bomb was dropped.
It was only this week that he went to Shepparton to meet up with some of his POW friends at their annual reunion.
George Beavis returned to Australia to carry on his work on the land.
Romance had blossomed over the years, and in 1948 he married the boss's daughter, Jean Petty.
They have no children , but with them is Mrs.E.L,Petty, who is in her 92nd year.
OLD TREE
That's a grand old age, but George Beavis showed a Mirror reporter and photographer a tree much older and which is still bearing fruit.
Also to go with the fruit trees are the old barn and stables.
Some old harness hanging on the wall is over 70 years old. That is some of it hanging on Mr. Beavis's shoulder.
Just how long it hung in the barn was evidenced by the great cloud of dust
when he agreed to get it down.
And that single furrow plough was virtually the first one made by Dan Harvey at Lower Templestowe.
The first actual one was scrapped; The second one was bought by Mr. R.E.Petty.
There are other farm implements in that old barn.
RETIRE?
They won't disappear, Mr. Beavis has donated them to the local historical
society.
And Mr Beavis, will he retire?
"Not on your life, I've got 4 acres of land out at Park Orchards where I'll grow lemons," he said with emphasis.
Doncaster Mirror 24 Aug 1971
This is not unknown to many of the senior citizens of Doncaster-Templestowe.
It's Beaconsfield Tower, Doncaster Hill.
Those same residents have probably not only seen the actual tower but have since seen hundreds of photos of it and read thousands of words about it.
What they will be pleased to learn is that another photo and story has earned space in The Australian Sketcher of 1880.
It has just been reprinted and is available at Collins Book Depot, Shopping town.
And the price has been slashed from $19 to $9.99.
The sketcher, noted for its brilliant reproduction, particularly of its illustrations done on wood, is also noted for its lengthy but accurate
accounts of happenings in our history.
The Kelly gang gets its share of the space, so do world wide events of the year.
The story of the tower at Doncaster appears in the issue of Saturday, August 14 and tells of the "immense wooden construction 200 ft. high erected by its proprieter Mr Hummel for the sole purpose of obtaining the extensive and magnificent view which it commands".
It is also interesting to read in the report that "cabs run from Kew to Doncaster two or three times a day in the season, but good pedestrians will find the distance ( five or six miles) a pleasant and exhilarating walk through grassy undulating country about."
One of the most outstanding works in the Sketcher is a double page illustration of the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.
The detail is outstanding. It must have taken hours to prepare.
East Yarra News 13 Jul 1971
An old style musical evening was held by the Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society last Wednesday at "Friedensruhe", Waldau Court, Doncaster.
"Friedensruhe" was built by Gottleib Thiele in the 1850s and the Collyer family, direct descendants, live there now.
Further programs for the year will include speakers, film night, a talk on paddle steamers and dinner at Potter's Cottage.
Doncaster Mirror 21 Sep 1971
A TALK ON MURRAY STEAMERS
Anyone who has lived along the Murray River and who knows of the paddle steamers like the Marion, Gem, and Ruby of days gone by will be interested in a talk to Doncaster-Templestowe Historical Society next meeting.
Meeting is in the lodge room of the Athenaeum Hall on October 6th.
The speaker is Mr.A.E.Tonkin, of Mont Albert.
He will illustrate his talk with slides.
Details from 846-1091.
Melbourne Herald 25 Sep 1971
THAT'S HOW IT WAS
This is how White's Corner looked until a few years ago when the 80-year old general store was pulled down to make way for Shoppingtown. The "emporium" on the corner of Doncaster and Williamson's Rds., was a well known landmark.
Unknown 1971
Open day for Schramm's
The Schramm's Cottage Project Committee will hold an open day in Doncaster on Sunday, October 24.
Features of interest will be the old German Settlement of Waldau and two old homesteads both classified "C" by the National Trust.
Parking directions will be given at the corner of Victoria and George Sts.,Doncaster.
Proceeds will go to the Schramm's Cottage Appeal.
Unknown 1971
WALDAU OPEN DAY PLANNED BY SCHRAMM COMMITTEE.
An open day will be held by Schramm's Cottage Project Committee on Sunday, October 24, from 1.30 to 5.30 at Waldau, the German Lutheran Settlement, Victoria St.,Doncaster.
Two homes classified by the National Trust as "c", will be open, as will the site for Shramm's Cottage and Lutheran Church.
There will be a display by the Historical Society in the church hall.
Devonshire tea and a festival style stall will be arranged.
Visitors should travel to the corner of George and Victoria Sts., for directions and to pay a small admission.
The organisers ask that drivers exercise care when pulling up at that corner.
They say there is ample parking at the corner, and that officials will be on duty to direct traffic.
Secretary of the project committee, Mrs. Muriel Green, said, "we are hoping that this will prove to be a day people in our community will feel proud of our district as we welcome visitors including National Trust members and those from other historical societies".
Mrs. Green said that donations of cakes or other items for the stall would be appreciated.
In 1853, German pioneers formed a settlement in the vicinity of Victoria st.
They called the area Waldau.
Four years later a wattle and daub Lutheran church was built on the hill at Waldau.
The north west corner of the church grounds was set aside as a burial ground.
By 1888, when the cemetery was closed, over 100 children and adults were laid to rest there.
The old church began to fall into disrepair, so in 1892 a new brick building was erected on a more central site. Only the cemetery was left in the church grounds.
In this photo by Irvine Green, Mr Clive Green checks barbeque equipment in readiness for the barbeque to follow the open day at Waldau. Full details of the day are available from Mrs Green, 842-1807.
Unknown 1971
Here you'll see local history.
A conducted tour of places of historical interest in Doncaster and Templestowe next Sunday will feature a visit to the new site of Schramm's Cottage in the old German cemetery.
The cottage, now in Doncaster Rd., is being dismantled to make way for road widening.
The two hour tour is now being organised by Templestowe Jaycees in conjunction with the Historical Society during Jaycee week(June 7 to 13.)
Unknown 1971
Unknown 1971
Crowds flock to Waldau
Cars carrying nearly 1000 visitors converged last week on the Victoria St-George St intersection, Doncaster, for "Open Day at Waldau"
THE FINGER homestead in George St. People flock to see it.
Two old Homesteads, both classified by the National Trust as category "c", the Trinity Lutheran Church and the site of the Waldau Church and cemetery where Shramm's Cottage will be re-erected, were open to inspection.
Friedensruhe, in Victoria St., the home of the Collyer family and Miss Elsa Thiele, was built in 1853 by Johann Gottleib Thiele.
Nestling in a glorious garden setting still almost encircled by orchards and adjacent to Ruffey's Creek Botanic Gardens, this well preserved and beautifully furnished old homestead was a showplace worthy to draw the crowds it did from all over Melbourne and even as far as South Australia.
Some of the trees and shrubs were presents of Baron von Mueller, who designed the Melbourne Botanic Gardens and was a friend of the first Thieles.
To add even more atmosphere, Miss Annette Radke, Mrs. Dell Haake and Penelope Webster wandered through the house and gardens in heirloom gowns.
A horse and cab waited by the entrance gates and trotted between the display sites.
The house consists of two merged sections- the original wattle and daub, shingle-roofed hut of two rooms,attic and detached kitchen and the later additions which now form drawing and dining rooms.
Some of the later section was built from stone quarried from Ruffey's Creek.
Inside the house itself visitors were intrigued by the everyday household gadgets of yesteryear- a warming pan, mangle, a variety of ironing implements, rose painted wash basin and jug, jars used as hot water bottles, bread crocks, candle makers and a pestle and mortar used for preparing do it yourself drugs brought from Germany's Upper Silesia by the first pioneers.
A short drive away in George St., once known as Walau Lane, is the Finger Homestead,now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Rieschek, grandson of Carl Henry Finger who built the house from bricks he baked on site in 1870.
In the living room, peple crowded round the huge dining table to browse through "Dr. L.L. Smith's Medical Almanac" of 1898.
Miss Annette Radke and Mrs Dell Haack stroll through the garden of "Friedensruhe" in wedding gowns 60 years old, with Miss Penelope Webster who wears a 70 year old frock.
Waldau was the name given to the pioneer German settlement grouped around the Lutheran Church.
Source: Various Newspapers. Transcription: Marion McNeil (2021)
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