This view is of the central business area and nearby houses of Bacchus Marsh looking east towards Melbourne. The date of the image is unknown but the Pearce Brothers store in the central foreground was opened in January 1887. It was was located in Church Street, close to the Bacchus Marsh Express building. To the right of the image Main Street can be seen. The house to the left of the picture, with a front verandah, chimney and picket fence is Parkside Cottage, 82 Main Street which still stands in 2026. See entry VC621 Parkside Cottage in the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society collection for information about this building.An important panoramic view of the main business area of Bacchus Marsh taken sometime in the late nineteenth century or possibly early twentieth century.Original format: Black and white photograph. Undated. Format displayed: Digital image of original photograph.bacchus marsh views, bacchus marsh roads and streets

This view of Bacchus Marsh is undated. It may have been taken around the 1900s. A house on the left of the picture with a side and back chimney is probably the cottage known as 'Parkside' at 82 Main Street Bacchus Marsh. This house is known to have existed prior to the 1890s. A substantial house on the right of the picture which has a large front verandah may the the house known as 'Pentland', which was built in 1892 for Shire Engineer and Secretary David Little. Its location is 85-87 Main Street. The image appears to have been taken from a location close to the present day Lidgett Street and Main Street intersection.Original format: Black and white photograph. Undated. Format displayed: Digital image of original photograph.bacchus marsh views

This view of Bacchus Marsh is undated. Judging by the number and type of buildings which can be seen it probably dates from around the 1870s. This is one of the earliest street scenes of Bacchus Marsh. It is therefore of great significance in providing a photographic record of the township in its formative years.Original format: Black and white photograph. Undated. Format displayed: Digital image of original photograph.bacchus marsh views, bacchus marsh main street 19th century

This fold out series of black and white images shows scenes of Bacchus Marsh in the late 1930s or during the 1940s. The date of the set of images is not stated but it shows the Bacchus Marsh Swimming Pool constructed in 1938. The general purpose of the images to promote tourism suggests the collection may date from the post war period of the late 1940s or early 1950s when petrol rationing and other wartime restrictions were being discontinued. The eight scenes are: Railway Station Bacchus Marsh; Bacchus Marsh Post Office; Main Street Bacchus Marsh; The Avenue Bacchus Marsh; Maddingley Bridge; Swimming Pool Bacchus Marsh; Rustic Bridge Maddingley Park; View Across Maddingley Flats. The cover illustration of the fold out envelope shows a happy family in a new model car. The message of the image clearly being to encourage people to travel by motor car to places like Bacchus Marsh for recreation and to engage in the general pastime of tourism.One set of 8 fold out black and white photos showing various scenes of Bacchus, with a cover illustration of a family traveling in a motor car. Measurements: 112 x 90 mm folded; 112 x 750 mm unfoldedSouthern Series Registeredbacchus marsh history, bacchus marsh views, bacchus marsh postcards

A whole of town and nearby area aerial image of Bacchus Marsh produced for display in the Arbee Real Estate Agency premises in Main Street, Bacchus Marsh.A large framed colour aerial photograph showing the township of Bacchus Marsh, the neighbouring smaller community of Darley, and the nearby areas of both places. "Bacchus Marsh - Darley. Aerial Photo 27 November, 1994. Presented by Arbee Real Estate "Professionals"'arbee real estate agency bacchus marsh, aerial views bacchus marsh vic.

The Main Street of Bacchus Marsh underwent significant change from the early 1960s. Many older buildings began to be demolished after the early 1960s and into the 1980s. This view shows a central section of Main Street before this transformation took place. Produced as part of a series by the Murray Views Postcards and Souvenirs Company.Black and White postcard image of Main Street, Bacchus Marsh dated around 1950. View is looking towards the West.Murray Views No.7, Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, Vic.roads and streets bacchus marsh vic., main street bacchus marsh vic.

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in this location was first opened in 1877. An earlier nearby prefabricated Church building known as the 'Iron Church' had served as the Anglican place of worship in Bacchus Marsh from around 1855 until 1877. The 1877 sandstone Church with a slate roof was intended as a permanent structure for Anglican worship in Bacchus Marsh and still stands in 2024 and continues to function as an Anglican Church. The building was designed by Frederick Wyatt and is described as early English Gothic in style. It was opened on 5 June 1877 by Bishop Moorhouse of Melbourne. The sandstone was acquired from Grant's quarry at Maddingley.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album, which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll. The photograph depicts the recently constructed Anglican Holy Trinity Church in Gisborne Road, Bacchus Marsh. The view of the building is from Gisborne Road looking west. From this angle the rear and southern side of the building can be seen. A picket fence along the entrance to the Church grounds can be seen in the foreground.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 churches bacchus marsh, holy trinity anglican church bacchus marsh, holy trinity church of england bacchus marsh, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

The 1930 Back to Bacchus Marsh celebrations were held on 23 to 28 October 1930. The committee were Cr L.M. Gugdale (president), A.W. Bond (General secretary), W. Grant Morton, J.G. Wells, Dr E. McDonald, Charles Dickie, G.H. Anderson, F.M. Crisp, W.R. Vigor. Bacchus Marsh State School No. 28 was established in 1851 as a National School in a rented building on the right-hand side of Bacchus Marsh-Melbourne Road, just beyond Woolpack Inn. Several willow trees mark the site. H.G. Ball was the first Head Teacher of the school, and the enrolmen towas 34. In 1854 Governor Charles Hotham visited the school. In 1855 two new schools, East and West, were recommended. School No. 28 closed in 1862 and the sitre was sold. The present school site was purchased in 1865 for 67 pounds. The cost of the building was 782 pounds. (Visions and Realisations, Vol 3., 1973) A clock purchased by public subscription was placed in the front of the building to the memory of scholars who served during World War One. (Back to Bacchus Marsh, 1930)Brown covered book of 44 pages. Contents include Bacchus Marsh and its soldiers, Red Cross, Lerderderg Gorge, Werribee Gorge, Lerderderg Park, Coimadai, Darely Firebrick Co., Myrniong, Underbank, Balliang, Rowsley, Parwan, schoosl, churches, Shire Council, Federal Milk Pty Ltd, Bacchus Marsh Milk, Old Maddingley Bridge Images include: * Bacchus Marsh looking east, 1930 * Bacchus Marsh Looking West, 1872 * Bacchus Marsh Looking West, 1930 * Aerial View of Bacchus Marsh Township looking east * Aerial View of Bacchus Marsh Township looking south * Bacchus Marsh Agricultural Society & Pastoral Society, 1893 (named), * Original Bacchus Marsh State School No 28 * Holy Trinity Bacchus Marsh * Bacchus Marsh Baptist Church * St Bernard's Catholic Church * Bacchus Marsh Methodist Church * St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Bacchus Marsh * View of Maddingley Park, showing Original Courthouse, 1890 * Werribee Gorge * Underbank Stud Farm * Ballarat State School Number 28. Signed 'C. Hodgson'bacchus marsh, maddingley, maddingley park, underbank, lerderderg park, coimadai, darely firebrick co., myrniong, balliang, rowsley, parwan, schoosl, churches, shire council, federal milk pty ltd, bacchus marsh milk, old maddingley bridge, police, police paddock, maddingley gates, crisp, mccormack, cain, harkness, howe, bence, mcdonald, mcfarlane, cosgrave, flagg, burnip, scott, lodge, cameron, vallance, bacchus marsh state school, bacchus marsh state school no 28., geology, r.w. thompson, lederderg gorge, weribee gorge, comadai, darley firebrick company

This photograph is of Main Street Stawell looking East around c 1920's. The photo was taken from just below Main & Wimmera Street corner. On the left side is the two story Post Office building. The photograph shows the telegraph poles in the street. Also Copley Post Office Hotel 1912- 22 and other business. On the road are a few people one pushing a trolly, one on a bike and two people in a horse drawn cart. Gustav Mahnke's Bakery is on right.Two Black & White photographs depicting the main street in Stawell's commercial business area in c 1920's. The view shows some two story buildings, shops with verandah's. One horse drawn vehicle, a person on a bike and a few people in the street. There is also a paper print of the photograph donated by Robyn Mackenzie Bacchus Marsh in 2009 The Rose series, P 1639 Main Street, Stawell, Victoriastawell business shops streetscape

This photograph shows Theresa Joy Hodge wearing the fox fur coat her father made, which is now part of the National Wool Museum Collection, NWM-9090. "The foxes were shot in the 1950's by my Father, Charles Winnet Daniel Allen at two properties around Bacchus Marsh. One was Greystones at Glenmore, owned by the O'Keith family and the other was at Parwan, owned by the Miles Family. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the Government put a bounty on the fox head. A pair of ears were sent to the Council and you were paid 2 pennies and the skins were sold to a skin buyer. My Father would go out on moon lit nights and shoot the foxes then skin them, which he would peg on a board to dry. He took 21 fox skins to Nettlebergs Pty. Ltd., Furriers at 173 Elizabeth Street Melbourne, Victoria, to have this coat made for my Mother, Gladys Eileen Allen. It cost Twenty Pound and Nine Shillings to have the skins made into this coat. My Father died on the 1st July 1982 and my Mother on the 15th October 1993, aged 76. This coat was inherited by me Theresa Joy Hodge (nee Allen) on the passing of my Mother. I have worn it on cold days, but seeing that I am 84 and the coat is 74 years old, I would like to donate it to you, as I have no-one to leave it to and hope that you and the visitors to your Museum will enjoy looking at it." Theresa Hodge, 2025 Theresa was a dairy farmer, who grew up in Bacchus Marsh with her parents, before moving to South Australia in 1980 to a 167 acre farm in Burrungale.Colour photograph showing an interior view of a woman wearing sunglasses and a fox fur coat. She is standing in front of a doorway, and beside a dresser which has a mirror, ornaments and a photograph.back: [handwritten] 1995 Winter / Theresa Allen back: [printed] Kodak / Official Sponsor / of the / Olympic Gamesfox fur coat, fashion, hunting, pest eradication, farming, rural life, bacchus marsh, greystones, glenmore, parwan, fox, nettlebergs pty ltd, furriers, clothing, theresa hodge, charles allen, gladys allen

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities

David McKenzie obituary, Romsey Examiner 1928 Another of Australia’s very old pioneers in the person of Mr McKenzie, passed away last weekend at his daughters residence At regent at the ripe old age of 92 years ( he would be 93 in November) Born at Berwick of Tweed Scotland, the late Mr McKenzie arrived in Australia with two of his uncles in 1855 by the ship “Red Jacket”. A stone- mason by trade he worked about Melbourne and at Geelong until attack by “gold fever” but met with no success at this venture so he returned to his trade, arriving at Melton about 1860. There he married and settles for about 20 years. In 1880 the Cherokee Heights with its subdivision was famous and Mr McKenzie moved there with his daughter. He continues in his trade, his work extending to Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh, Romsey, and Springfield and other places, where to this day, may be seen monuments of his skill and through tradesmanship as a mason. During his residence in the Mount, he took a keen interest in all the affairs of Kerrie and Cherokee, and he was a familiar figure at all the public gatherings at which he nearly always filled the position of Chairman, because of outstanding qualifications. He was a man of those sterling qualities possessed by those men who laid the foundation of this country so well and truly. Loyal, broad of vision, just in thought and deed, honourable to the extreme in all dealings, fearless in the cause of right, a lover of home and family, and ready to lend a hand to all progressive movements. To the memory of those grand men the youth of today should lift their hats in reverence. Mr McKenzie was a prolific reader of educational works, and the wonderful knowledge he retained upon a variety of subjects was a source joy to those who associated with him. His wife predeceased him by 43 years ago soon after arrival in Cherokee. A Pioneer of Melton There are probably some residents left at Melton and Bacchus Marsh who will remember the late Mr McKenzie, one of them has written as follows:- I knew the late Mr. McKenzie since I was a little boy – over 50 years ago- and no better man ever lived than he, he was a good man from every point of view. The late Mr McKenzie was born on the November 25th, 1835 at Montrose, Scotland. He came to Australia in 1853 and resided for a time with his uncle the late Mr. Gibson on the Kororoit Creek near Melton. A few years later he settled in Melton. In 1861 he was married to Miss Mary Buchanan, the eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Buchanan, one of the early settlers of Melton. Deceased resided on the main road to Bacchus Marsh one mile from Melton. He was a stone- mason by trade, and some fine buildings in Melton and surrounding districts to this day, stand to his credit. He built the Presbyterian Church Melton. The old school, the Shire Hall, many private dwellings and numerous bridges. He was highly respected, as he was well known for the good work he put into all he had to do with. He also took numerous contracts in the Melton Shire, and was also employed by the Shire as Clerk of Works. He was a most conscious man. In his day he took a prominent part in all public affairs, and was a leading spirit in the old school Board. He was one of the pioneers of the Melton Rechabite Tent. He was one of the earliest workers and supporters of the Melton Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder, and for a great number of years, its Sunday School Superintendent and Teacher. He also lead the singing for many years before the days of the organ, as he had a splendid voice, and could sing his old Scotch songs and hymns up to within six months of his death. For the past five years he has resided with one of his daughters at north Preston, where he died. He had good health up to within six months of his death and could well remember all the early happenings at Melton and surrounding districts. There are five daughters and one living son:- Margaret Mrs. Walter Wyatt Twose of Burnley Elizabeth Mrs George Shebler of Brunswick Georgina Mrs Jack Sinclair Isabel Mrs H Knight of North Preston Jane Mrs William Gibson of Warragul John W. of Fremantle - Western Australia Letter from Margaret to the Melton Presbyterian Churchchurches, local architecture

Early member of the Bush Fire Brigade, Bon Barrie saw the need for improved speed of communication. With the formation of the Country Fire Authority by mid 1950 Melton introduced H F high frequency two way radio sets. A set was located in the Barrie home, which was an idea location to observe smoke sighting given its 360 degree view of the distant horizon. A large antenna was built to improve reception and sending strength. Author – Edna Barrie hand written notes. In its policy of creating smaller compact groups of fire brigades the Country Fire Authority Regional Officer Harry Rothsay in 1967 requested that the following 6 brigades surrounding Mt Cottrell transfer from their respective groups. Melton and Rockbank from Bacchus Marsh Group, Toolern Vale and Sydenham from Mt Macedon Group and Truganina and Werribee from Little River Group forming a new Group to the be named Mt Cottrell Fire Brigades Group. Group Headquarters was established at the Ferris road residence of Melton Captain E W Bon Barrie, who was elected Group and Communications Officer of Mt Cottrell. E W (Eddie) Gillespie and Keith Watt of the Toolern Vale brigade were appointed Deputy Group Officer and Group Secretary respectively. The Base Radio was installed at the Group Headquarters by the CFA. Brigades contributed to half the cost. A grant of $1000 was made available by the Shire of Melton in 1969 toward the cost of VHS (Very High Frequency) replacing the HF(High Frequency) Radios which has been introduced in the 1950’s. Shire of Werribee and the City of Keilor supported Werribee and Sydenham in a similar manner. The Call sign for the new group became VL3LY VHF Channel 1 163.12 m/cs. HF 3836 k/cs. Mount Cottrell Group's Wireless Licence Scheduleemergency services, local identities

In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Items selected by Wendy Barrie for viewing Melton Fire Brigade celebrationsemergency services, local identities

In 1975 the Melton Fire Station opened in McKenzie Street. In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally.Regional News Gazette article about the construction of a new fire station in Melton and an Express article with brigade members at the opening of the station.emergency services

Beryl Knox speaking about early life in Melton. Page 1 1949 – 64 years ago. We began our married life at Melton Sth. The house on the corner of the Exford Rd and Staughton St-- dusty gravel roads, box thorns and noxious weeds everywhere and a sprinkling of houses and vacant land. It was a friendly community consisting of old family names. McDonalds, Blacks, Dodemaide, Cahill, Coopers, Minns, Tinklers, Nesbitts, Cochranes, Wickhams, Exells. Mavis Butler. The home owned by Mr. Robinson and Miss Robinson had been shifted in two parts transported from Diggers Rest and it is still standing 2013. Bruce’s father purchased the house and two adjoining blocks, the Conways built on one and the Rawlinson family on the other block. Eileen still resides there, she was only a baby in a pram and the family had not long arrived from England. The railway line was close to the house and the contents would rattle when heavy steams trains went through, and on a clear frosty night the 1am paper train would echo roar through very loudly when labouring towards the Exford Bridge. Then the two carriage motor train was introduced, this was great for the workers and schoolies who travelled to Melbourne. The train pulled up at the crossing or riding to pick up or drop off. Melva Gillespie (nee Hirt) Bill Cahill delivered the milk by the billy and then in bottles. Len Kennedy (Paul Kennedy’s father, Norma Murrays son) delivered Jongebloeds bread, he always had a sweep going for the Melbourne Cup and raffles for the footy club. Mr. Woodgate owned an old bus and pick up point was the Post Office when there was a Saturday film on a Melton. There were no doctors or dentists in the district. If we need a Doctor we had to travel to Bacchus Marsh or discuss problems over the phone. In later years a Bacchus Marsh Doctor rented the Bluestone building in McKenzie St a couple of days a week. If we needed the Dentist we had to travel to West Footscray or Footscray. We did our banking at “State Savings” then the Miss Minns had the agency and then Bardsleys Store. We travelled to Bacchus Marsh to the National and Commercial banks. Station Rd to Western Highway, now (High Street) was a narrow stretch of bitumen and gravel farmland either side and a couple of farm houses and large gum trees on the properties. Page 2 North of the Railway line Mrs Bessie Jones, mother of Chas and Betty Jones managed the Post Office, next door to her Chas and Betty had the Shell Centre, and later moved the business to Melton. Hughie Nesbitt and mother owned the grocery and hardware store, and I bought my first set of saucepans there. On the opposite side of Station road Mr Coombe owned the fruit shop, and also provided soft drinks and lollies for children. The Chaff Mill was on the corner of Station Rd and Brooklyn Rd. Mr Lumsden was manager and later years Bernie Trethowan and Jack Butler were partners. It finally burnt down and is a Service Station now. Along Brooklyn Rd there were a few houses and Victoria Hall, not a very big hall, but catered for lots of functions, Balls, Fancy Dress, Bazaars, Square Dancing and meetings. The Bacchus Marsh Baptists held Sunday School in the hall. A group of shops were built south of the railway line Molly and Len Skinner managed the Post Office and handled a few essential groceries. Tom McDonald and Ron Lunsberg were the butchers. Mary and Syd Cooper lived next door to us and often in turn would run out of something when we had a baking spree we would borrow or exchange, sugar flour etc over the fence. Mavis and Jack Butler lived there before the Coopers. Bernie and Iris Trethowan lived two doors up. Neighbours were invited into their home to view the first black and white television in Melton Sth. Bill Exell was one of the first Melton Sth farmers to sell his land to developers, the land was idle for years before housing developed. I joined the Melton Valley Golf Club in 1960. The Gun Club as our Club House, an old tin shed consisting a water tank, trestle table and forms and dirt floor. It was a 9 hole course with sand scraps and landscape putting before greens. The Common or parkland was part of the Golf Course. It was open for every ones recreation. Roy Norton an old identity trained his trotters on the Common and wouldn’t clear the track for the golfers. The golfers had to avoid him to continue to play. We had to keep clear when the young youths came in their paddock cars and motorbikes. Over the years the Toolern Creek flooded its banks, water and debri covered the course on one year our first Club house was flooded out. It took several working bees to clean it up. We lived at Melton Sth for 15 years and moved to Melton on the farm “Croxton Park.” The Nixon family farm “Mowbray” adjoined the farm. Bruce worked the land cropping the farm when Mrs Nixon died. Page 3 (page 4 on the handwritten script) Bruce had the first offer to buy, in those days it wasn’t easy to get good bank loans. Part of the land is the Golf Course now and Mr O’Shea purchased the bulk. Moving to Melton was totally different – I became involved with Committees, Scouts, Guides, Mothers Clubs, CWA, Church Op shop (8 years). Melton Amateurs players produced and tutored by Mabel Rogers exerts from Pyjama Game, South Pacific, Carousel - later years a group of ladies did gentle water exercise at Essendon and Station Road swimming pool. I was 20 or so years in Probus. The local followed the football, there was always a Gymkhana on the long weekend in June. The tennis always created a lot of interest during the finals. It didn’t matter which team played the supporters were treated to a cup of tea and leftovers from their afternoon tea. In 1978 were the first residents to move into the Jennings Estate Kurunjang and lived there 31 years and retired 4 years ago into Unit. The amazing changes I have experienced. Merrimu supplied our water, after depending on tanks. The landscape changed completely when developers came in, no more dusty plains \ typed web Sept 2013 McFarlane, Mrs Knox and Beryl Gillespie at the First Hundred Years Celebration of Melton State School 430. The event was held at Mechanics Hall, Melton.local identities, local significant events, education

Edna Barrie founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Melton Uniting Church Opportunity Shop, view from Brooklyn Road.churches

In the early l 970's , when our population was increasing rapidly and resident ministers were needed at both Melton and Bacchus Marsh, and after discussion between both denominations over many months a decision was reached , that in both areas they would unite and be known as Methodist - Presbyterian joint parishes. In 1972 Ministers were appointed, and Melton's minister occupied one of the Bacchus Marsh Manses during the building of Melton's church residence in Y uille Street. Services were held at Scots Presbyterian Church Melton. Youth Club and church meetings were held in the Methodist Church at Brooklyn Road, Melton South. At a joint Parish Committee Meeting held in May 1975 at Melton South - a major item of business was finance, to meet the repayments on the recently built Church Manse and the minister's Stipend. The meeting closed without any solution to this problem being made. As the men restacked the chairs Maisie and I viewed the building with the possibility of opening an Opp Shop on the premises. We then made the suggestion to the other members and during the forthcoming weeks investigations concerning the feasibility of this idea were made, volunteers recruited and the shop opened in July 1975. The first contribution to the Church funds of $1,600 was made in 1976 and was followed by regular contributions to the church budget each year. In 1981 a 30'x 20' steel garage costing $2,000 was erected adjacent to the original Methodist Church to provide more space. Meanwhile an Opp Shop was opened in Melton Markets and operated from 1981 to 1985. Further accommodation was needed at Yuille Street and the Atco Hall was installed at the rear of the Bluestone Church (known as Melton Uniting Church - 1977). A large proportion of finance for this project was contributed by the Opp Shop $16,000. Simultaneously finance was being built up to provide further facilities at Brooklyn Rd, resulting in the commencement of a concrete block masonry and steel extension, with facilities & fittings, being commenced during 1986 & completed in 1989. The approximate total cost of this structure was $60,000. Over the 16 years, members and friends of our church have contributed many many hours to staff the shop and many other supportive works. As an acknowledgement of their efforts, our Minister prepared Certificates for Service and Dedication which were presented to 75 supporters at a special Church Service in June 1991. The assistance that has been given to the community of Melton & District has been extensive and much appreciated by many families. In addition many appeals for goods and clothing have been received and packages sent to many outside supportive agencies. Three volunteers having a tea break in the staffroom of the Op Shoplocal identities, churches

Farmland from the train windowballarat - melbourne train, farms, landscape, railway, bacchus marsh, ballan

Coimodai is in the vicinity of Bacchus Marsh, VictoriaA number of photos taken to create a 360 degree view of Coimadaicoimodai, farmland, landscape

Millbank Street is a short street located close to the central business and shopping area of Bacchus Marsh. In the early 1900s works to improve the drainage of the street were discussed and planned by Bacchus Marsh Shire Council. This plan is most probably the plan discussed at a Shire Council meeting in April 1905. Single page plan showing a longitudinal section view of MIllbank Street running from Clarinda Street to Grant Street in Bacchus Marsh. The names of Millbank Street property owners, Cain, Shelley, Oliver and Ramsay are marked on this plan. Scale: Vertical 10 feet to 1 inch. Horizontal: 100 links to 1 inch Part of a set of maps which are pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. High resolution digital image stored on BMDHS computer network. bacchus marsh victoria maps, millbank street bacchus marsh

The Woolpack Estate was an area of land owned by various landowners in the Bacchus Marsh area since the early Colonial period of the 1840s. The area was located on the eastern side of the Bacchus Marsh township about 7 kilometers from the town. The Lerderderg River ran through part of the land and so did the Melbourne to Ballarat Road. The historic Woolpack Inn associated with James Crook was also located on this land. By 1896 150 acres of this land was under the control of liquidators for the Federal Bank of Australasia who instructed that the land be sub-divided and sold in lots by public auction. A successful sale was held on 24 June 1896. Most of the blocks of land were sold for higher than expected prices and most of the buyers were people from the town and district of Bacchus Marsh. The map includes various details about the land which is described on the map as an "important sale of rich alluvial irrigable flat land in the Bacchus Marsh Valley, and other properties". The auction was conducted by the local agents W. Anderson and Bence in conjunction with Pearce Brothers also of Bacchus Marsh.A single page paper map showing a plan of 150 acres of land from the Woolpack Estate to be sold in various lots in June 1896. Also shown on the map are lots for sale at Robinson's Farm on Coimadai Creek and allotments near Bacchus Marsh railway station, including lots on Government Road (East Maddingley Road), View Street and Government Road (Parwan Road). No scale provided. The map is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. High resolution digital image stored on BMDHS computer network. land sales bacchus marsh, bacchus marsh victoria maps, woolpack estate bacchus marsh victoria

This map was created as a plan for an auction of land close to the Bacchus Marsh Railway Station. The auction took place on 23 October 1888. 102 allotments of land from an area known as Lodge and Dunn's paddocks was offered for sale. The auction was conducted by auctioneers based in Melbourne and was advertised in Melbourne newspapers as well as in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper. The auction plan contains a range of details including the selling agents, Munro and Baillieu; W.P. Lockhart; and John Turner, all of Melbourne, deposit terms for purchases, price of railway passes for a return trip from Melbourne to Bacchus Marsh of 1 shilling, and a description of the land as having 'magnificent views and perfect drainage'. A single page paper map showing allotments of land for sale along the Parwan Road in Maddingley. The map is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. High resolution digital image stored on BMDHS computer network. At bottom on left side: 'Harston & Co. Lith, Melb.'land sales bacchus marsh, land sales maddingley, bacchus marsh victoria maps, maddingley victoria maps

The Commercial Bank of Australia building was constructed by J. F. Taylor in 1907 and shortly after commenced operations as a bank. The building was in use as a CBA bank until 1976 when it was demolished and a new building erected. The CBA continued its operations at this location; subsequently, various banks, such as the Bank of Melbourne and Westpac operated there. Part of the new building is now in use as a newsagency. The original architectural plans for this building designed by Walter Butler are held by the State Library of Victoria and can be viewed online through the Library's website: Citation: Butler, W. R., & Taylor, J. F. (1906). Design for banking premises at Bacchus Marsh for the Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd. URL: http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/473561 Black and white photographic print. Photograph of the Commercial Bank 138 Main Street Bacchus Marsh. On the left is a smaller brick building adjoining the bank. On the right there is a partial shot of a shop called The House of Hodgson. The bank building itself is shown as a substantial two-story brick building, the top storey appearing to be a dwelling with three ornamented windows furnished with curtains and blinds. The storeys are divided by a white panel bearing the words "The Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd". The lower storey has a central entrance with a panelled door. The door is flanked by two windows with reinforced lattices. The windows and door are surmounted by decorative arches reminiscent of Spanish Moorish architecture. A car (possibly a 1937 Dodge) is parked on the street. A lone girl stands on the footpath waving at the photographer.On the back: In pencil: 1937 Dodge?shops bacchus marsh vic., main street bacchus marsh vic., banks bacchus marsh vic., commercial bank of australia bacchus marsh

The date of the scene depicted in this painting has not been identified. The painting has no artist signature or date. The view depicted is from an area close to the present day Madden Drive in Bacchus Marsh. The angle of the view suggests the artists viewpoint may have been from a spot close to the intersection of Madden Drive and Muir Street looking east over the town. Several buildings constructed in the 1860s and 1870s can be seen in the painting. These include Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church (now Uniting Church), built 1865, Stone Villa in Bennett Street, the Bacchus Marsh Court House, the former National Bank and the Border Inn, all on Main Street, and in the distance Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church. Buildings such as Simon’s Garage erected in 1913, on the corner of Main Street and Grant Street are not shown. In the foreground running horizontally Grant Street can be seen. The view of Grant Street shows very few buildings. One house in the centre of the picture is Murdoch's Cottage. A brick house constructed in 1868 on the corner of Grant Street and Waddell Street. To the right of the picture along Grant Street no buildings are shown. The store built by John Jory in 1890 at 60-62 Grant Street which survives as a building in 2025 is not shown. Some allowance for artistic interpretation must be allowed but based on what the scene depicts it suggests a scene of Bacchus Marsh in the late 1870s or 1880s. Print reproduction of an oil painting. Framed. Undated. Unsigned. BMDHS Location: AR/B12/Beside (on floor)views bacchus marsh vic., paintings bacchus marsh vic., landscapes bacchus marsh vic.

This image shows a crowd of people during a carnival or street parade in Bacchus Marsh. The people are standing in Main Street Bacchus Marsh near the Court House and the National Bank. The view of the street is looking towards the eastern end of Main Street. The style of people's clothing in the picture suggests it is from around the 1890s or 1900s. The event associated with the street parade is not known. It is possibly part of the Bacchus Marsh branch of the Australian Natives Association (A.N.A,) annual sports festival which was held over the Easter period. Newspaper reports in the Bacchus Marsh Express in the 1900s report details of the various floats, themes and characters in the A.N.A annual sports event and they align to some degree with the people and activities in this image, and other similar images of street parades in Bacchus Marsh at this time.One digital file acquired from State Library of Victoria. One print copy for BMDHS collection reproduced from digital file. BMDHS Location: Photo Album - Entertainment and Recreation parades and processions, events and activities, bacchus marsh and district images held by state library of victoria

Printed book. 112 pages in total. Pages 13 -64 numbered.non-fictionPublication details: 'Railway guide book and time table for Melbourne, Ballarat, Adelaide and all intermediate stations, also gazette for Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Melton, &c., and almanac for 1891', compiled by Christopher Crisp. Printed and published by Crisp and Lane, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 1891. SUMMARY OF CONTENT: Includes detailed timetables and schedule of fares, descriptions of stations and refreshment facilities pp.6-26; overviews of Shires of Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Melton, pp.27-30; historical, geographic, and economic background notes about places on the Melbourne to Adelaide route, pages 31-64, including descriptions of Bacchus Marsh, pp.34-42 and briefer notes on Ballan, pp.42-43 and Melton, pp.32-33. Almanac section is pp.65-95 (not numbered), containing common information in nineteenth century almanacs such as a calendar of the days, weeks, and months of the year; a record of various astronomical phenomena, climate information and seasonal suggestions for farmers, the rising and setting times of the Sun and Moon, dates of eclipses, hours of high and low tides, and religious festivals. A brief history of Irrigation in Mildura is on pages 1 and 112 (first and last pages). Advertisements, mostly for Bacchus Marsh businesses are on pp.96-111. The Almanac section is illustrated with drawings of scenic views of various places in Australia, but none of the Bacchus Marsh region. Online access is available on Trove at: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-392504046railways, railway lines, almanacs, railway lines timetables

In late 1883 the Melbourne based photographers Stevenson and McNicoll visited the Bacchus Marsh township and nearby districts. They are known to have been visiting the town in September 1883 and by November 1883 they were reported to have moved on to Myrniong and Ballan. During their visit they took numerous photographs. The images produced comprise scenes of shops and businesses in Bacchus Marsh, public buildings like the Court House and Bacchus Marsh Primary School, houses and their owners and several broader views of streets. The photos were then offered for sale. Photography businesses also sold albums for purchasers to display their photos.A unique and comprehensive set of images of people and places in the Bacchus Marsh town and district at a particular period in time, September-November 1883. This album of "carte de visites" photographs presents a rare compilation of the work of the Stevenson and McNicoll photography business. This team of photographers are known to have made several visits to towns and districts in the rural areas of Victoria and southern New South Wales in the 1880s and this album represents a very rare example of their non-portrait photography. The album is an example of the Victorian middle-class fashion to display family photographs for themselves and their visitors. These albums were often very expensive and in themselves evidence of the affluence of the family. They were made possible by the popularisation of photography as a social medium and were a forerunner of the coffee-table book. Medium sized leather-bound album, brown, front cover engraved with gold tooling in a starburst pattern. Pages are gold-lined. The inside front and end covers are in pale blue silk embossed with a gold floral pattern. The metal locking clasp is broken. The front page has a floral wreath of roses and forget-me-nots and a dragon-fly. The word "Album" is in the centre of the wreath, printed in gold in Gothic print. There are nine pages with pockets for four 65mm x 105mm sized "carte de visites" style photographs. Several feature pages have a single pocket for a larger photograph, or double pockets, possibly designed for family portraits. These portrait pages are also decorated with floral wreaths and insects, reflecting the theme of the frontispiece page. The smaller photos in the album were taken by the Melbourne photographers Stevenson and McNicoll, There are 48 of these smaller images. The images were created around September 1883 when photographers for Stevenson and McNicoll are known to have visited Bacchus Marsh and district. The images comprise scenes of shops and businesses in Bacchus Marsh, public buildings like the Court House and Bacchus Marsh Primary School, houses with their owners and several broader views of streets. References to various photos being created and being available for sale are mentioned in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper during September to November 1883. Each smaller photo has printed on the verso: Light & Truth. 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 & McNicoll, Photographers. 108 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.bacchus marsh vic. history, streetscapes, shops bacchus marsh vic., roads and streets bacchus marsh vic., stevenson and mcnicoll photographers, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

View of Main Street Bacchus Marsh 1883, showing early notable buildings on the southern side of the street, including the Courthouse, National Bank of Australasia, Border Inn, Hall of Commerce building. 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'. Several horse-drawn vehicles can be seen travelling along an unmade road. Piles of excavated dirt can be seen along the side of the road. Four substantial two-storeyed buildings can be seen along the southern side of the street.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, bacchus marsh roads and streets, bacchus marsh main street 19th century

This homestead was built by Charles Griffith on a 55,000 acre Run. It replaced an earlier dwelling which was a slab hut with a bark roof. Charles Griffith, an Irish barrister, with his friend, James Moore, settled on Glenmore Station in the Parwan Valley in 1840. Their partnership lasted until 1848. In 1846, whilst in Ireland, Griffith married Miss Jane Catherine Magee, then returned to Glenmore and later took his nephew, Molesworth Richard Greene, into partnership, which arrangement proved to be long and prosperous. In 1857, they bought runs at Mount Hope and Mount Pyramid, which they kept until the days of free selection. Griffith led an active and successful public life.He was a member of the new Victorian Legislative Council in 1851, and was later an elected representative of the Legislative Assembly 1853-1859. He occupied many important public positions, including that of magistrate for Bacchus Marsh. Griffith was a devout Anglican and hosted Bishop Charles Perry at his station near Bacchus Marsh in 1849. He died in 1863 at his home in South Yarra.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 photograph shows a view of an extensive single-storey homestead consisting of three adjoining buildings, with a further building on the left of the main property. The series of three buildings is built in an elevated position, with pathways leading through a garden. At the front there is a vegetable garden which seems to be still in a state of development. The main house, possibly of brick, is set at an angle to the other two in this complex. It has a hip roof with a concave verandah on two sides with arched barge boards and simple unadorned pillars. There appears to be a hammock slung between two pillars. Two chimneys can be seen on this dwelling.The adjoining building is of a simpler design, with a lower roof line and a verandah running along the front. Two chimneys can be seen, one emitting smoke. This middle building may be a kitchen and rooms for day-to-day use. The third building is also of a simpler design, with a gable above a verandah. The purpose of this building is less clear. The different styles of construction suggest that these buildings were built separately at different times for different purposes. To the left of the main group of buildings is another cottage, smaller and of a simpler design. A fence runs along the front, clearly separating this building from the others, suggesting it may have been the dwelling of an overseer.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, farms bacchus marsh, charles james griffith 1808-1863, glenmore station