RDO Melbourne: Schramm's Cottage, Doncaster

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Schramm's Cottage, Doncaster

We finished a big walk around Ruffey Lake Park and decided to check out the Schramm's Cottage Complex across the road. Although it's only open on Sundays and Public Holidays, I still think it's worth a mention in a blog post, and a visit, for those interested in the history of the area.

Schramm's Cottage, built in 1874, was originally located on Doncaster Rd, but was moved to the current site when the road was widened in the 70's. It houses memorabilia, photographs and other historical items, as well as the site office.

The old world garden outside is currently aglow with bright Spring blooms.

Other buildings on the site include Atkins Cottage, built in 1863 and relocated from Templestowe.

..and the Sloyd Room, where the art of woodwork was taught to boys in the early 1900's.

The old Waldau Cemetery is the final resting place for 45 adults and 80 children, who died between 1854 and 1888. The gravestones bear the family names of many of the early pioneers in the area. There are a few other graves around the grounds as well.

A replica of the Box Hill - Doncaster Electric Tram that used to run down Tram Rd from 1889 to 1896.

The Wheelwright's Shop contains items from the 1882 shop on Doncaster Rd and the blacksmith's forge came from Templestowe. The local teenagers would bring their ponies in to be shod and write their names on the forge when they were done. Flicker, Goldy and Dark King not only got a new set of shoes, but had their names historically archived at the same time.

The Orchard Machinery Display has a range of machinery used on the local farms and orchards.

I especially liked seeing an apple cart, with crates from the orchards that once dotted the area. Famous local Orchardist's names like Petty, Aumann and Thiele are printed on boxes and apple crates.

Finger's Barn and Orchard Museum contains a manual fruit grader in working order and an array of items used in the workings of a commercial orchard.

The grounds of the complex were nice to wander around, with perfumed gardens and old trees like Monterey Pines, Bunya Pines and this beautiful Kashmir Cypress adding to the ambience of the place.