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 located close to the current day location of 192 Main Street and has been 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

The building in this image was built by J. I. Murray for use as a Bank premises. The National Bank of Australasia opened a branch in the building in 1862 and remained there until 1865. The Colonial Bank of Australasia then occupied the building from 1865 until 1872. At the time this image was taken in 1883 the building was in use as a shop, although a sign saying 'National Bank of Australasia' could still be seen on the building. Goods for sale can clearly be seen in the windows and the photographers’ wagon or cart can be partly seen to the right of the picture. At a later stage the building became part of the Royal Hotel which can be seen to the right of the building. The small building to the left of the picture was used as a printing office by the West Bourke and South Grant Guardian newspaper between 1865 and 1872.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 image shows a shop in Main Street Bacchus Marsh in 1883. Goods for sale can be seen in the windows but there is no signage on the building to indicate what type of shop it is. A sign across the upper facade reads 'Colonial Bank of Australasia' but this bank had vacated this location by 1872. Three women and a man can be seen standing in front of the shop. Two of the women appear to be shaking hands. The woman standing in the doorway is wearing an apron and may be the shop owner or assistant. Just visible at the edge of the photo can be seen a buggy with advertisements on the back and side. Letters that can be distinguished suggest that in all probability this is the carriage used by Stevenson and McNicoll, Photographers, on their trips around rural towns and countryside. 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. stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, shops bacchus marsh vic., banks bacchus marsh vic., commercial vehicles