Castlemaine’s Dorothy Scholten celebrated her 100th Birthday milestone with an intimate gathering of family members on Wednesday.
Dorothy is set to enjoy a larger celebration with her extended family and friends this weekend.
Dorothy (nee Juniper) was born at the Castlemaine Hospital on January 11, 1923 and was raised at Chewton.
The centenarian attended Chewton Primary School and later the Castlemaine Technical College.
Dorothy has always had a love of music and remembers playing the piano at family sing-a-longs as a child.
She also loved dancing and would attend the annual Mayoral Balls.
One of Dorothy’s first jobs was working for Castlemaine Art Furnishings in Templeton Street selling furniture and carpets.
“It was operated by EV Clark,” she said.
During the war Dorothy worked at the Broadmeadows Barracks as a secretary for Captain Pearce in the Transport Division. She later worked in the basement at Myer in Melbourne selling hats.
She met her future husband Harold Scholten through mutual friends and they married and made a home in Castlemaine and welcomed three daughters Helen, Julie and Linda.
The girls said their mum has been a dedicated community member who was always willing to put up her hand and help.
“Whether it was at school or in the wider community she was always there,” Julie said.
“She was involved in the Castlemaine CWA and later the Harcourt CWA, Guides and Brownies and in later years Legacy.”
“I used to drive out to Harcourt CWA to attend meetings,” Dorothy recalls. “They are a great bunch.”
Dorothy was renowned for her garden, floral arrangements and baking and would make flowers for the CWA and other groups and cakes for weddings and special events.
“You were always guaranteed fresh scones or Neenish Tarts if you paid a visit to Mum’s place,” Julie recalls.
Dorothy and Harold were also avid bowlers with Dorothy playing pennant for many years at Castlemaine Bowling Club.
“I was president and treasurer of the club and played up until I was 92. I am proud to be a Life Member,” Dorothy said.
Dorothy is also a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren and ‘Dot Dot’ as she is affectionately known to her 16 great grandchildren.
Dorothy now resides at Penhall at Dhelkaya Health (formerly Castlemaine Health) where she is well cared for by the beautiful staff and was overwhelmed with well wishes and congratulations on Wednesday.
Dorothy was also moved to tears by a surprise visit from her niece and nephew from Queensland and her flowergirl to mark the occasion.
Dorothy’s granddaughter also made a beautiful floral arrangement and her great grandson made a treasure chest from a cardboard box complete with a tiara so she could be a ‘Queen for a Day’.
Dorothy was also chuffed to receive letters of congratulations from King Charles, the Governor and the Premier.
Dorothy said the secret to her long and happy life has been keeping her family together.
“Family is everything. And a good cup of tea. Lots of cups of tea!” she laughed.
