Jocelyn Hall indicated in notes that the gentleman could possibly be an estate agent. This was confirmed by a grandson of the original owners. (REF: Email 1/8/2020) The original photos is thought to have been a publicity photo for the real estate agency. Carl Theodore Offszanka (1874-1944) was born in Germany. He is listed in electoral rolls at 44 Guildford Road from 1915, occupation furrier, with his wife Ida (nee Schade, 1882-1963), also born in Germany. They were married in Victoria in 1908. In later electoral rolls at the same address are Erna Helena (b 1913; d 1996) and Maria Eliese (b 1910; m Benedict Francis Rieusset in 1936). Both daughters are listed as typists. Also listed is Bernard George (b 1914; d 1987) who in later electoral rolls is described as a process worker. He served in the AIF in the Second World War. Not listed is Carl Bernard b 1909. The Offszanka family lived at 44 Guildford Road from 1913 until post-1980; they came to Surrey Hills from Richmond. Their home was called 'Westfalia' (ref: 1919 electoral roll), presumably after the region in NW Germany. It is not known when Carl and Ida migrated from Germany. This home has had a 2nd storey added to it in late 1990s. According to a family descendant (REF: Email 1/8/20 from grandson) Carl Theodor Offszanka purchased the home in 1913 for £616. He also purchased the adjoining vacant block of land at 42 Guildford Road and ran a large orchard on it before later selling it. This appears to have been between 1920-1930. The family continued to occupy the house until after 1980 when Erna Helena and Bernard George are listed in the electoral rolls. Our property register lists Erna Helena Offszanka as the last member there. She died on 5 May 1996. The Offszanka family occupied this home from its beginning for over 70 years. Such long-term occupancy by one family is unusual.Black and white photo of a ? dark-stained timber Edwardian home at 44 Guildford Road, Surrey Hills. A hooded buggy is located in the rough driveway at the side of the house. A gentleman in a hat and with a moustache is seated in the buggy. A tall building can be seen in the far distance and a street leading up the hill from Canterbury Road.edwardian style, houses, guildford road, horse drawn vehicle, carl theordore offszanka, miss ida schade, mrs ida offszanka, miss edna helena offszanka, miss marie elsie offszanka, mr bernard george offszanka, estate agent, mr carl bernard offszanka, westfalia

It is identified as the home of J B Aird. The 2 women on the left are not identified. On the right are Mr & Mrs P Falconer and son Ron. Mrs Falconer was nee Aird. Research: 1917 electoral roll lists James Bromich Aird (optician), Sarah Ann Aird (HD) and Hilda Lillian Aird (tailoress) at 'Stratford', Croydon Road, Surrey Hills. Earlier electoral roll lists him in Ringwood and later ones at Wandin North. James Bromich Aird (1854-1938) and Sarah Ann Edwards (1858-1930) had 7 children. Emily Victoria Aird (1884-1957) and Hilda Lillian Aird were 2 of their daughters. Emily married Patrick Henry Falconer (1879-1964). Their son Ronald Keith Falconer (1908-1983) was born and died in Surrey Hills. James and Sarah Aird are buried in Box Hill Cemetery. Given the collecting focus adopted by Jocelyn Hall it can be assumed that this was taken at 'Stratford' in Croydon Road, Surrey Hills. Possible identification of the 2 other women in the photo would be Sarah Aird on the left on the deck chair and Hilda Aird on the bench with the Falconer family.Black and white photo of a family group of 3 women, a man and a young boy on the verandah of an Edwardian timber home. edwardian style, clothing and dress, ronald keith falconer, patrick henry falconer, miss emily victoria aird, mrs emily victoria aird, miss hilda lillian aird, james bromich aird, mrs emily victoria falconer, miss sarah ann edwards, mrs sarah ann aird, stratford, croydon road, box hill cemetery

Date is approximate. House was built in 1910 and has been demolished. The woman on the verandah is probably Mrs P Falconer, Ron Falconer's mother. Her full name was Emily Victoria Aird (1884-1957), daughter of James Bromich Aird and Sarah Ann (nee Edwards). She married Patrick Henry Falconer on 11 December 1907 in Blackburn. The Falconer family lived in Albert Crescent for many years. Listed in electoral rolls in 1916 through to the 1950s. By 1963 the family were at 33 Weybridge Street, Surrey Hills. Emily and Patrick Henry Falconer had 4 children: Ronald Keith (b1908); Hilda Irene (b 1910); Harold Leslie (b 1913) and Hilah (b 1915). James and Sarah Aird are buried in Box Hill Cemetery.Black and white photo showing a close-up view of the Falconer family home, 'Legerton' at 15 Albert Crescent, Surrey Hills with a woman at the entrance. It is a timber Edwardian home with simple fretwork on the verandah and a mature garden which partially obscures the entrance.edwardian style, legerton, albert crescent, miss emily victoria aird, mrs emily victoria falconer, patrick henry falconer, ronald keith falconer, miss hilda irene falconer, harold leslie falconer, hilah falconer