Admiring the grand Neo-Classical entranceway at Franklin House in Youngtown, it is easy to forget its 2017.
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The historic property and the first National Trust House in Tasmania is set to host its annual Carols and Cake event on Sunday.
With performances from the Tamar Valley Voices, and Christmas cakes prepared by the house’s hardworking volunteers, the fundraising event plays a vital role in maintaining the 179-year-old homestead.
Built in 1838 for inkeeper and brewer Britton Jones, Franklin House was literally created from the ground on which it stands.
Made from bricks mined from clay found on site and the result of convict labour, today the homestead offers visitors a rare insight into 19th century living and countless tales of Tasmanian history.
From 1842 onwards, Franklin House was used as a school known as Hawkes Academy, named after English schoolmaster Keeler Hawkes.
Known as a hard taskmasker not shy of using the cane, the school would earn a reputation as one of colony’s leading educational establishments, but a far cry from what would be expected of school’s today.
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Franklin House committee chair Julie Dineen said if the house’s walls could talk, they would share many stories.
“It was certainly a different time back then, but that is what’s so special about Franklin,” she said.
“Kids walk through these doors and it is like going back in time.
“It is a bit of a shock for them, I think, when they here about how things used to be done.”
While the school would close in 1866, the Hawkes family would continue to use it as their homestead.
Over the next century, the home would pass between numerous families until falling into disrepair.
When faced with demolition in the 1960s, the Tasmanian National Trust was formed, purchasing and restoring the home to its former Victorian-era glory.
Now open to the public seven days of the week, Mrs Dineen said the cost of maintenance and a shortage of volunteers was putting the future of the home at risk.
“A home of this age, there is always something that needs doing and the jobs are never cheap,” she said.
“Unless we get some more volunteers we will have to consider closing on some days.
“A home like this is such a unique gift.
“I think people appreciate it, but maybe don’t understand how much work goes into keep it going, especially the garden maintenance.”
Mrs Dineen said there were currently between 50 and 60 volunteers, with at least 10 more required.