Thomas Heath built this shop for his saddlery business around 1875. In 1926 after 58 years operating his saddlery in Bacchus Marsh he retired and the assets of his business were sold in a clearing sale. The building was later demolished. Apart from his services in saddlery his premises was known to be a gathering place for much discussion. Heath was known to openly express his political opinions and his saddlery premises was known by many in the community as the 'Parliament'.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'. The photo is of a double-fronted weatherboard building with a shingle roof. The front gabled section stands directly on street level and is flanked by a picket fence. The door and overhead window and the side window with arched panels may indicate that this was the shop section, with a dwelling to the rear. The recessed side section of the building with a twelve-sectioned window, chimney and a back extension was probably the dwelling used by the family. In the doorway stands the saddler, probably Thomas Heath. To his left is a woman, possibly Mrs Heath, and a much younger woman, possibly a daughter of the Heaths. In front of the two women is a small dog. A hitching rail runs along the front of the workshop. Indicating the type of business Mr Heath ran. On the front: Stevenson & McNicoll. Photo. 108 Elizabeth St. Melbourne. COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ANY TIME. On the back: LIGHT & TRUTH inscribed on a banner surmounted by a representation of the rising sun. Copies of this Portrait can be had at any time by sending the Name and Post Office Money Order or Stamps for the amount of order to STEVENSON & McNICOLL LATE BENSON & STEVENSON, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, MELBOURNE. saddleries, saddlers, thomas heath 1842-1930 saddler, heath family bacchus marsh, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district