The Doncaster Electric Tram
Doncaster was the location of
the first electric tram to run in Melbourne in1889. The tram started in Doncaster and ended in Box Hill (about 3.5 km
away). Consequently this was named "Tram Road". However, the service did not earn any profit, so it ended in 1896 due to feuds
with land holders and financial problems.
The main road through the suburb, Doncaster Road, was formally named Main
Street.
The Doncaster Tower
This
tower stood on the top of Doncaster Hill, near the present-day Westfield Shoppingtown and was built in 1879 -
height was 285 ft. It was demolished in 1914.
This is an extract from an advertisement in the Argus, January
14,1888, where land was being auctioned next to the Tower:
"On Saturday, 14th
January, 1888, at three o'clock, on the ground, 55 splendid allotments will be offered by auction. A railway is to be constructed from Canterbury to Doncaster shortly, and is likely to run through
the land now offered for sale, or terminate thereon.".
(Author's note: stilll no railway, 2013!)
NOW! 2013 - Doncaster
Tower Reconstruction
Many local residents and historical societies have suggested constructing a
replica of the original Doncaster Tower atop Doncaster Hill. The proposal suggests it be constructed of reinforced concrete
clad in timber to replicate the original construction. This would provide another man-made drawcard to the area, provide 360
degree views of Melbourne and its surrounding environment as well as increased telecommunication installation opportunities.
Argus article of January 6, 1914, notifying the demolition of the Tower :
"DONCASTER TOWER. After having stood for the best part of half a century on the
highest point of Doncaster hill, the pride of residents and the wonder of visitors, that ancient landmark the
Doncaster Tower, having shown signs of the ravages of time and dry rot, is now in "the hands of
the destroyers."
A crew of experts with an up-to-date plant having commenced operations praparatory
to "falling" the immense structure, which it is intended shall "measure its length" toward the north from which
quarter "many a fierce gale has howled o' winter nights thro' the staunch stays and rigging."
Great local interest is being taken in the removal, and many expressions of regret are heard
that the old building is [?]. But it appears that after all Doncaster is not to be long without
a "tower," it being the intention of the proprietor of the Tower hotel to erect an even finer building on this
site, this time of steel, with which ob ject in view it is understood that he has arranged to purchase an immense
quantity of disused railway lines, fish plates, etc. The new tower, which is being designed by a
leading firm of architects in Melbourne, is to be 10 feet "nearer the sky" than its pre- decessor, and the plans include provision
for an afternoon-tearoom in the base"
(Author's note - the replacement tower was
never built!)
