Image courtesy Leo Keegan (Drusilla 63)
In September, 1836, Major Thomas Mitchell, the NSW Surveyor-General, and famous explorer of Victoria, climbed a mountain from which he hoped to see across the volcanic plain to the south, and the waters of Port Phillip and Western Port. From the top of this mountain, which he named after Philip of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great for whom he had great admiration), he was enthralled by the beautiful panorama of the plains to the south.
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At the foot of this mountain (1013m high), lies "Drusilla" residence of the Grimwade family and the training centre for the Marist Brothers (1948 till 1976).
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In the 1880's Johanna 'Madam' Weigel, of pattern and fashion fame, began the laying out of what was a beautiful property of approximately 14 hectares. She planted the large oak trees, now over 100 years old, which graced the front and northern sides of the present building. Her house was between the oaks. The property was next owned by a Mrs Murray, who had extensions made to this building. But in the mid-1920's, the house was destroyed by fire caused by faulty electric wiring.
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The location was bought by (Edward) Norton Grimwade and his wife, Phelia Maude. He was the eldest son of Frederick Grimwade who in 1867 co-founded the firm "Felton, Grimwade & Co" with Alfred Felton (of Felton bequest fame). This company was the largest chemical importers in Australia and also held many shares in ICI Australia and Australian Fertilisers. The Grimwades were one of the many millionaires who bought beautiful properties and built mansions in the Mount Macedon area, so making it a picturesque garden area. Some of these property owners included: David Syme of the "Age"; Nicholas of "Aspro" fame; Essington Lewis - BHP managing director; G. J. Coles; Cameron - the tobacco importer; and Arthur Rylah - politician and lawyer. It was Cameron who had the Memorial Cross erected during World War 1 as a war memorial - his son had been killed in action.
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Mrs Phelia Maude Grimwade commissioned architects Godfrey and Spowers of Melbourne to draw up the plans for "Drusilla" in February 1931. The Great Depression allowed them to obtain highly talented craftsmen and the best of materials rather cheaply. Hence the beautiful rosewood panelling, the wrought iron work, the unique chimney stacks, the leadlight windows, the cedar venetian blinds, the Flemish carved panelling above the fireplace in the main hall, and the chandlier. The woodwork and brickwork were outstanding. Mrs Grimwade was an arthritic cripple so the lift was installed for her sake. The Grimwades employed about a dozen men including gardeners, butler, chauffeur and five maids, and entertained on a lavish scale.
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The Queen Anne style mansion was furnished on a similar lavish scale with picturesque and beautiful objects of art acquired in England and Europe, and from many of the important Australian collections.
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World War 11 brought about a big change at "Drusilla". Servants joined up and so the Grimwades in 1942 had perforce to close up the mansion and live in one of the three cottages previously used by some of the servants. Mrs Grimwade died in 1943, as did the spaniel "Della" buried under the Japanese lilac with a marble, lead engraved tombstone near the front gate. Mr Grimwade died shortly after in 1945, so the executors of their estates and trustees sold the property, the antiques, furnishings and works of art by auction beginning on Saturday 24th November 1945 and continuing through the week until Monday 3rd December. Special trains ran from Melbourne for the auction. The building had cost thirty-nine thousand five hundred pounds in depression times, and the art collection was invaluable.
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The "Kyneton Guardian" of 27th November 1945 has this par: " The Marist Brothers have bought the estate of the late Phelia Maude and (Edward) Norton Grimwade, the well known Macedon Mountain mansion "Drusilla" for fourteen thousand seven hundred pounds. Brother Andrew, the Australian Provincial, negotiated the purchase".
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Various caretakers were in charge of "Drusilla" till July 1947. Then Brothers Flavian and Eusebius undertook to prepare the mansion as a training centre. It was during their time that they had the back stairs built and the underground concrete tank installed to collect rainwater, along with many other improvements.
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The Marist Brothers used "Drusilla" as a training centre from 1948 until 1976. It then was used as a Retreat Centre until it was sold to private enterprise in late 2003.
Posted (reviewed) June 2022
2003 - FAREWELLS at "DRUSILLA"
FROM BR. JACK SKEHAN, JANUARY 2004
On 6th November 2003, former and present staff of the Marist Retreat Centre gathered at Drusilla for a farewell dinner. It was pleasing that Brothers Noel Hickey, Austin Redden, Linus Meehan, Harry Prout, Tom Maher and David Blay were able to attend. Br Paul Gilchrist (Provincial) was unable to attend on account of Br Quentin's (former Assistant General) funeral in Brisbane.
Br Mick Sexton spoke of the work of the Centre over the past 27 years and of the Juniorate and Novitiate days before that.
Macedon "Old Boys" gathering.
Drusilla came alive over the weekend of 7-9 November when former trainees of the Juniorate and Novitiate returned with their spouses to celebrate and reminisce. Representatives from WA, SA, ACT, NSW and Vic and were delighted by the return of Brothers Noel Hickey, Austin Redden, Brendan Feehan, Maurice Bainbridge and Red Casey from the Red Centre, Majella Fitzpatrick, Hilary Peterson, Terry Orrell, Julian Casey, Anthony O'Brien came from afar. Brothers from the Melbourne houses also attended.
The weekend was very well organised by John F Kelly, Brian Philp and Brs Gerry Rush and Mick Sexton. Saturday was casual until pre-dinner drinks were served in the late afternoon at Drusillla and 84 guests sat down to dinner at the the Macedon Hotel. This proved to be a most relaxing evening with two excellent speeches from Brian Philp (see below) and Br Paul Gilchrist. For many this turned into a very early morning shared drinks back at Drusilla.
St Patrick's Parish Church at Macedon on Sunday was packed.
Back at Drusilla for more chat, nostalgic walks around the grounds, stories featuring Brothers Canice, Methodius, Boniface, Anastasius, Ludovic, Augustine, Terry Gleeson in the early days, then about Brothers Nilus, Bernard, Donald, Finan and Clem Terry in the Novitiate and Retreat Centre days.
There were stories of the laundry fire, wood drives, bushfires, painting the tank, morning 'physical jerks' before classes, sports days, 'competitive ' basketball, cricket and hockey duels, tone deaf novices intoning the Salve Regina ... and so it went on.
Macedon provided beautiful weather for the outdoor barbeque. Rosemary Moait, Anne de Hass and Margaret Sparkes provided salads, desserts, fruit and cheese platters. while several cooks assured that 140 people were well fed.
The group photo was taken and Kevin Lane conducted the group in the singing of the Salve Regina and Sub Tuum much to the utter astonishment of the spouses and offspring attending.
People then headed off on their separate ways very appreciative of their days at Macedon, and thankful for the chance to say good-bye, and grateful for the bonds of friendship and sharing that remain.
Acknowledgement: Thank you Br Jack Skehan for this account of the farewell.
Posted: September 2022
BRIAN PHILP'S ADDRESS
at the Farewell Dinner (7th Reunion 2003).
Wonderful memories of life at 'Drusilla' : 1948 - 1954.
On behalf of the organizing committee I welcome you all to the farewell reunion and our "gaudeamus igitur" at "Drusilla" Macedon.
I wish to pay tribute to Bro. Canice and the staff of Brothers for the caring role they played in educating, caring and developing us through our teen years. With his good humor, energy and dedication to us all Bro. Canice set an example for everyone to follow. Living with us for 52 weeks of the year would not have been an easy task and there must have been times when we tested the patience of those in charge.
Let us not forget Father O'Callaghan, our Chaplain, for caring for our spiritual needs, and for his prayer example.
Out time at Macedon was an unique and treasured experience for us all. Where else would we have hands on access to cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chooks and caring for the vegetable garden. We learned to use the cross-cut saw, chop wood, cut hair, clean grease traps, carry out maintenance repairs, wash, dry and iron clothes (we even added scorch marks to prove it), set tables, serve meals and wash and dry dishes by hand. [Ma Scanlon prepared our meals and put up with a great deal which included some horse play in her kitchen. When an individual crossed her, one had to watch for a saucepan lid or equally dangerous object coming in our direction!]
Sport played an important role in our lives. We all played the more common games plus a few we were less familiar with, and the weather was too inclement for outside activities we got out a pack of cards for 500, or there was chess, drafts, billiards, snooker or table tennis. Other odd activities took as to Daylesford on the back of the Assumption truck, kept in by the high cattle sides, to Bullengarook for a picnic, a walk up the mountain to the Cross, snow ball fights on the front lawn after the fall, and assisting the locals fight bush fires. In summer the lake became our swimming pool. The ecoli measure was never taken - we survived.
Our annual concert was a highlight of the year, and who can forget such productions as Cinderella, the Bishop's Candlesticks, the Monkey's Paw, the Ugly Duckling, and of course the Harmony Quartet singing "Polly Perkins of Paddington Green".
At the front gate was a plaque which read "Marist Brothers Training College". It was regularly suggested by a certain staff member that it be changed to " Marist Rest Home for Mental Derelicts". In hindsight he may have been right.
Religious training and development was a part of every day. We studied the Gospels, Epistles, Our Lady, the Companion of the Catechism and Apologetics; daily Mass, Morning and Night prayers were attended; we had retreats and did meditation.
In the days and years ahead when we reflect on our time at Macedon let us remember our parents and the enormity of the sacrifice they made in encouraging us to try the Marist way of life. Let us remember the dedication of the Brothers and what they have done for us and finally, let us remember each other and the bonds of friendship we developed and maintain, and remember in your prayers the faithful departed of our rank.
In conclusion I quote the last line of the Irish Blessing:
"And until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hands."
Thank you Brian for these memories. Rest in peace Brian.
Posted: September 2022
Corrections: December 2023
