Dove Cottage - A piece of history Traditional Cache
Bunjil: Unfortunately there does not seem to be any evidence that indicates that steps have been taken to resolve the issue/s associated with this placement or an indication as to when this might take place
It would appear the owner of this cache listing is no longer interested in the cache and the cache has been abandoned.
As such the cache is being de-listed (Archived). If there are components or remnants of the cache, please recover them as we don't want to litter our environment with Georubbish.
If you wish to contact me regarding this cache, please send an email via my profile - Bunjil, and quote the cache name and GC number.
Dove Cottage - A piece of history
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(small)
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Dove cottage This circa 1890s miner's cottage is possibly the last of its kind in Alexandra. The dwelling is on the banks of Ultima Thule (UT) Creek, on Crown Land in the heart of Alexandra, a stone's throw from the original Red Gate. It was restored in early 2010 by Alexandra Historical Society. Dove Cottage came under the protection of a Heritage Overlay by Murrindindi Shire in late 2013.
Early Lands Department correspondence indicates the house may have been originally erected under a Miner's Right.
The earliest owner on record is James Hodson, who died December 16th 1937 and is buried in Alexandra Cemetery. On his death the property passed to his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth died in August 1945 and her estate was administered by Mr L. Simpson.
During his ownership, Mr Hodson rented out this property. The earliest tenant of whom we know was Mrs Gertrude Ellen Morris. It is thought that Mrs Morris came to the cottage in the mid-1920s. Mrs Morris operated a laundry service from the house. Her main client was the Alexandra Cottage Hospital. Mrs Morris raised 4 children in the cottage while conducting her laundry service. Mrs Morris left Alexandra around the outbreak of WWII and worked for the war effort in a Melbourne factory, returning to Alexandra just as the war finished. This time she resided in Webster St and remained there until about 1951, when she moved to Donald. Mrs Morris stayed in Donald about 2 years and again returned to the district, this time Marysville, working as a cook at various guest houses, until passing away August 26th 1958.
The Norris family lived at the cottage 1935—1939. Parents Jean and Joseph Norris and children Nancy, Edith, Ray, Noel and Ted. Mrs Sarah Dove and Mrs Jean Norris worked at McNairs Hotel in Alexandra together.
After the Norris family, Mrs Sarah Jane Dove commenced renting the cottage for 10/- per week. An inspection of the land by Crown Land officials in 1944 found that the land was being held illegally by Mrs Elizabeth Hodson, but Mrs Hodson passed away before the issue could be resolved. Mrs Hodson's estate sought to have some tenure over the land, otherwise the cottage would have to be sold for removal and Mrs Dove deprived of her residence. Eventually the Department of Lands & Survey agreed that if Mrs Dove purchased the cottage she would be granted Permissive Occupancy until she died. Mrs Dove agreed to pay Mrs Hodson's estate £75 for the building. Mrs Dove paid a deposit of £10 and subsequent monthly instalments of £2/3/4. On July 28th 1948 Mrs Sarah Jane Dove was granted Permissive Occupancy on the land for £1 annually. Mrs Dove remained at her cottage until 1983.
Since then it has been known as "Dove Cottage". Dove Cottage had a short life as the Citizens Advice Bureau and a staff office for Alexandra Shire. In these later years, the "Friends of Dove Cottage" was formed, a dedicated group of local enthusiasts who maintained the cottage and garden. Without their dedication and care Dove Cottage would have vanished, just like the rest of Alexandra's early mining history. When Alexandra Historical Society looked at the cottage as a possible base, the cottage was derelict, unlocked and being used by unknown persons. The garden was overgrown and had an abandoned feel. Sadly, many of the earlier Friends of Dove Cottage had since passed away or become unable to look after the property with the care they had shown years earlier. With that in mind, and the historic value of the property, Alexandra Historical Society sought approval from Murrindindi Shire to assume responsibility for Dove Cottage. Murrindindi Shire have been very supportive and leased the property to the Society, who plan to maintain this important cottage for many years to come.
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