This is a photograph of three men in a heavily laden boat. The boat is tied up to a stick inserted into the bank. There is a black cocker spaniel dog also in the boat. The man in the middle back is believed to be John Trestrail Freeman. The card has been addressed to his wife. Dolly Freeman née Dolly Dean. The other two men , Bot and Paddy cannot be identified. The men are obviously travelling up the river. There is a motor on the back of the boat. The luggage includes a Gladstone bag, suit cases and boxes, indicating they have been travelling a long distance.This photograph is significant because it shows the type of transport available in the 1920's. Also it shows the conditions the three men travelled in. The boat was small, heavily laden with a simple motor. River traffic in 1920 would have been sparse. Also a journey from Echuca to Mildura would have taken weeks to complete.A rectangular black and white postcard showing three men and a dog in a heavily laden boat, which is tied up to the bank.On the back is printed W. GRIMWOOD/ POSTCARD/CORRESPONDENCE/ ADDRESS ONLY/KODAK AUSTRALIA . Handwritten in ink on the back are the words "To Doll from Bot, Tress, Paddy, River Rovers on Trip to Mildura Feb. 1920." Written on the front of the card in green ball point ink are the words "River Rovers Bot Tress Paddy 1920". In the bottom right hand corner in green pen is written "Echuca to Mildura. Tress Freeman."freeman, john trestrail (jr.), mildura, murray river, river rovers, freeman, dolly

John Trestrail Freeman was an engineer who in 1889, with a partner named Olsen, established Freeman's Border Foundry in Murray Esplanade, Echuca. The Foundry later became known as Freeman Brothers when sons Harry and Tres took over the business. This business played an important part in shipbuilding in Echuca, fitting engines, building paddlewheels and carrying out repairs. It is thought this photograph is of Tres' mother or it could be his wife (Dolly Dean).The Freeman family is an important family in the history of Echuca boat building and engineering in the early 20th century. The business produced paddlewheels, fitted engines and conducted repairs on riverboats in the area. After the riverboats ceased the foundry went into engineering works producing agricultural implements and other general foundry works. It is thought that this photograph is of Tres junior's mother but the dates of the photograph would indicate it is more likely to be his wife, Dolly.Black and white photographic postcard of a woman dressed in a vibrant floral dress with string of pearls and another longer necklace. She has a brooch attached to her blouse. She has cropped straight hair and is wearing circular metal framed spectacles.On reverse: Printed "Post card/ Correspondence/ address only/Kodak Austral". Handwritten in pencil:" Member of Freeman family. Tres' mother?echuca boatbuilding, freeman family, freeman brothers foundry, echuca.