Caldwell of Dromana

Robert Caldwell and his wife Elizabeth (daughter of Horatio Cooper and Jane Ramsdale) lived at 'Dromana Hill' in the 1860's.
I am researching where the property especially the homestead was located. Very scant on information so far.

I believe CS Ross (?) wrote a diary describing walking all the way through bush from St Kilda to Dromana to stay with Lizzie. He described the view and the meeting of artist? on his journey.

Letter from Elizabeth Caldwell to her husband Robert:

10th July 1864

"My dearest Robert,

Aunt Emma sent up from Dromana a whole batch of letters from you much to my great joy.

I am going home on Wednesday I have been up here for more than three weeks but I could not go home sooner as I do not like leaving mother.
I am afraid she will be dull and low spirited when the excitement and hurry is about over.

Thinks of going out to the Creek to live soon for a time and let this house.
I am very much afraid they will not have too much to live on but one good thing father had all his business matters in good order I think myself he has had an idea that he would not live over this illness, and so got things arranged as nearly as he could but mother has often wished you had been here but now she says you must not think of coming away till you can leave with an easy mind and leave things in good order.

Harry cannot come as it was dear father's wish that he should remain in this Colony to be near mother.

So you must not feel vexed at his not coming I think if you could get Patrick he would do his best to please you.

Father spoke to him shortly before died and I believe Harry sent you his letter.

I am going to enclose you a letter from Mrs N.P.C.? I think her a most impudent creature writing to you in that manner.
I had a great mind to write and scold her.

I do so wish you would have nothing more to do with any of them but Lindsay.

I am sure it will end in trouble and you have a wife and five children of your own to think about.

I believe she is a cunning wicked woman you must forgive me Robert dear for speaking so strongly but it is just what I feel as I cannot help saying anything about it.

We are all beginning to feel our dear father's loss but still is feel like a dream.

I am so glad I was here to see him poor Emma will feel it very much so far away.

Harry wrote you more than three weeks ago telling you he could not come, so we all think it of no use sending a telegram as you will have received his letter by this time if not sooner.

I have engaged a man to prune the vines.

We are to pay him a pound a week with board and lodging and if he gets on well he is stay on for a little less he is a Swiss and speaks very little english, but I think he will get on, he goes down tomorrow.

I sold 9doz and 4 jars of honey for 3 pound 10 shillings the first money I have made myself.

You had better send me down a cheque for what you took away, also some to bank for I had to borrow some from father just before his death, poor dear it was almost the last thing he signed.

I must say goodbye for the present with best love and kisses believe me your loving wife Lizzie. "

Photo taken near the top of Caldwell Road Dromana, taking in the view. (c 2010)