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 'National Bank of Australasia' but this bank had vacated this location by 1865. 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

This photo of the National Bank of Australasia dates from 1883. The Bacchus Marsh Branch of the National Bank was established in 1862 and moved into its own premises at 127 Main Street in 1865. The building was designed by Leonard Terry and built by J.F.Taylor Snr. Additions to the building were made in 1869 and a banking chamber, in Roman Villa style, was added in 1904. This two storey bank was built with accommodation for the manager and his family who occupied part of the ground floor as well as upstairs. The bank sold these premises to solicitor Pauline Madden in July 1987 and is her current business premises.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 shows an elegant two-storeyed building, with a sign ‘The National Bank of Australasia’ running between the two levels. The ground floor has two doors and two windows, the larger one appearing to have a grille open to the public. The upper floor has four windows and looks to be an apartment. Two men stand at the front of the building, one with a dog. A horse is attached to the hitching rail on 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. bacchus marsh vic. history, national bank of australasia bacchus marsh branch, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district