History of the Wallder family in Kilmore
Kilmore Advertiser, March 21, 1908
He has only been in business in Kilmore for the past six years, and has just completed the erection of a handsome two storey building, butchers shop and dwelling, on the site of his old premises in Sydney, having a frontage of 40’ by a depth of 60’. The buildings are erected of Brunswick machine made bricks on a solid foundation of bluestone and hydrolic lime concrete, and are undoubtedly the finest in Kilmore, giving Sydney Street’s architectural features a distinct set off. The shop which is 23’ x 20’ is one of the finest in the state, and since Mr Wallder has taken possession he has had many visitors expressing their admiration of it, together with the whole of the building.
The floor is of Kauri, with white marbled tiled walls, set off with a green border. The ceiling is of steel, and the shop is fitted up with marble counters. Under the shop is a large cellar with brine tanks and cool chambers which will prove highly advantageous during the hot summer months. Adjoining the shop is a nicely fitted up office and store room. The dining room 19’ x 14’ is on the ground floor. The private entrance is approached by a large hall 8’ in width, the staircase of arched grille. The entrance door being a special feature, the stained glass panels being of a very artistic design.
The shop is excellently lighted with two large sheets of plate glass and top windows. The doors being wire netted throughout, rendering the premises fly proof.
On the ground floor is a well appointed kitchen fitted up with a range and sink, also a pantry. All of the rooms in the first floor are 14’ high, and the second floor 12’. Upstairs is the drawing room 18’ x 11’, and four large bedrooms, the bathroom being fitted with a roman bath and leaded floor, with linen presses and other conveniences. The principal rooms have plaster cornices, giving them a pleasing effect.
There is a large balcony and verandah, supported by cast iron columns. The front rooms opening out to the balcony with French casement doors. The flooring of the balcony being of Tasmanian hardwood. The building is fitted up with electric light and electric bells.
At the rear of the main building new stables, buggy and cart shed, men’s rooms etc. have been erected.
Altogether the new building is a handsome and ornamental design and reflects credit upon Mr Wallder, whose enterprise on erecting such an imposing edifice is marked, showing his confidence in the stability of the town and district, and his example might well be followed by other citizens.
The architects were Messrs H W & F B Tompkins, of Elizabeth St Melbourne. The contractor being Mr H D McBean, Kew, and Clerk of Works Mr Owen McBreen.
Kilmore Advertiser, July 15, 1922
By the death of Mr. Charles Edward Wallder, which took place at his residence, "Bessboro," Auburn, on Saturday morning last, a former well known and highly respected citizen of Kilmore was called to his last reward, after an illness extending over two months. The deceased gentlemen, who was in his 75th year was born in Essex, England, arrived in Victoria in 1856 with his father, mother and five members of the family by a sailor named Ships Sea Park, after a tedious voyage. After residing at Collingwood (then a bush part of Melbourne) the family took up a selection at the Upper Plenty, afterwards removing to Wallan, where they lived for a number of years. In 1871, along with his brother, the late Mr. Alfred Wallder he opened a butcher's shop in Kilmore alongside the Royal Oak Hotel, where a successful business was carried on, later on, later on purchasing the premises opposite now occupied and re-built by Mr. Frederick Wallder. In the early years of 1880, deceased, who was ever an active townsman, was elected as a member of the Kilmore riding of the shire, and was president in 1885. He was a keen debater and had for his colleagues the late Mr. Thomas Bossence and Mr. John Taylor. He took a lively interest in the Kilmore Agricultural Society, Hospital and other institutions. He married the daughter of the late Mr. William Trenoweth of Glenburnie. Whilst in Kilmore Mr. Wallder was always (sic) of a speculative nature. He purchased various properties including Lake Logie. He was one the three surviving P.M's of the Kilmore Masonic Lodge. In 1887 he disposed of his business to the late Mr. Bantock, and purchased Lloyd Jones's Avenel estate, which, however, turned out a disastrous speculation, leaving him stranded. With indomitable English pluck, he started over again, and was successful in establishing a lucrative business at Albury, N.S.W., leaving there some 12 years ago for Auburn, where he continued in business up to the time of his death. The late Mr. Wallder, familiarly known as "Charlie," had a large circle of friends, who will deeply regret his death. He leaves a widow, two sons and a daughter, comfortably provided for. The funeral took place at the Box Hill cemetery on Sunday last, the services at the house and grave been conducted by the Rev G. Schofield a former Methodist minister at Kilmore, and an old friend of the family. His two surviving brothers, Messrs Alfred and Harry and his sons, were the chief mourners.
Kilmore Free Press, June 6, 1935
On Tuesday night Kilmore lost one of its foremost citizens when Mr. Frederick George Wallder breathed his last at his home in Victoria Street, after a somewhat lengthy illness. Mr. Wallder was born at Portsmouth 83 years ago, and came to Victoria with his parents, arriving at Melbourne when two years of age. The family came almost immediately to Wallan Wallan, where the father Mr. George Wallder, engaged in the butchering business. As a child F. G. Wallder played in their innocent companionship with Ned and Dan Kelly, the three with Charles, Alfred and Harry Wallder, brothers of the first-named, being schoolmates. In his youth deceased followed the occupation of his father. In fact the family continued in the same occupation, and the grandchildren are likewise engaged. Mr. Charles Wallder established the well and favourably known butchering business in Kilmore in 1872. Other members of the family migrated to Seymour, where the same line of business was entered into. Mr. F. G. Wallder was the proprietor, and after continuing there for some years, he came to Kilmore. In the meanwhile Mr. Charles Wallder had disposed of the business to Mr D. Bantock, with the latter's son, Mr. F. W. Bantock for manager, Mr. F. G. Wallder took over the business from Mr D. Bantock, and it once more came into the Wallder family about 40 years ago.
After a period Mr. F. G. Wallder considered the time opportune to enlarge the premises, the prevailing shops and appointments being somewhat obsolete. Transferring the business temporarily to the premises now known as the Blue Bird cafe, the old butchering one storey premises was demolished, and the present two-storey shop and dwelling, with new outbuildings, stables, and other appurtenances took the former site at a cost over ?3000. Mr. Wallder carried on the business until 1915, when his son, F. J. Wallder enlisted for service in the great war, and the business was leased to Messrs Morrissey Brothers for a term of three years. Upon the cessation of the war, and the return of Mr. F. J. Wallder, the Kilmore business was resumed, and is still carried on by the latter. Some time ago Mr. F. G. Wallder was stricken with illness, and, although he made spasmodic recoveries, he eventually succumbed as previously stated.
Mr. Wallder took very keen interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare and progress of the town, but never sought public positions. He held a seat on the board of management of Kilmore hospital for a brief period, but did not care about the publicity it brought and he declined re-election. He also declined a seat at the shire council table, and also the nomination as a justice of peace. He was, however, an enthusiastic follower of coursing, and for some years kept a good class of greyhound. He was one of the principles in founding the Kilmore Plumpton, but from various reasons the venture was not a success. About the only other recreation Mr. Wallder indulged in was bowls. He established the Kilmore bowling club, and when the green was being constructed he provided horses, scoops and men at his own cost to carry out the work, and had the satisfaction of seeing the club become a success. As an employer, Mr. Wallder enjoyed the respect and confidence of the other employees. Of a vivacious disposition, he was popular with all, his honesty of opinion and business integrity being outstanding in all his transactions. His wife predeceased him a few months ago. At the shire council meeting on Wednesday reference was made to Mr, Wallder's progressiveness and value as a townsman, and a letter of condolence was ordered to be forwarded to his family. The pennant of the bowling club was flown half-mast as a mark of respect to deceased. The surviving family comprises two sons and a daughter the former being Frederick J., Kilmore; Harold, in business at West Melbourne, whilst the daughter is Alice M. (Mrs Steve Holman), Kilmore. The remains were interred in the Methodist section of Kilmore cemetery this afternoon. Rev. H. McCraw read the burial service, and Mr. G. Diggle conducted the mortuary arrangements with the usual sympathy and dignity.