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

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

This building was part of a range of shops known as Victoria House, built by Vere Quaile, blacksmith, in 1857. It consisted of a shop, a blacksmith's forge and wheelwright, and was located to the east of the blacksmith's forge in Main Street. Between 1874 and 1892 Francis Timmons operated a clothier and drapers business in this building.Small sepia unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. The name of the business can be clearly seen above the awning. Less clear is the name "Victoria House', also above the awning. Housed in the album, 'Photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by Stevenson and McNicoll'.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. In handwriting: 'Victoria House'. Clothier + Draper. Main St. c.1857. Next to Blacksmith Cottage. Courtesy Mrs. Jeremeas. Photo 1883.stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, shops bacchus marsh vic., clothing shops, drapers bacchus marsh vic

Bacchus Marsh Dairymen's Co-operative Association factory began in 1910. The Co-op, as it was known locally, also had a store in Main Street. This butcher's shop was opened in 1923 and was located at 160 Main Street. The Co-op purchased milk from local farmers and trucked the milk direct to a factory in Melbourne. Due to financial difficulties, the Co-op ceased trading in the early 1980s. Records show that this site was in continuous use as a butcher's and allied industries from 1856 to 2011. The original building underwent several changes and additions until it was sold in 1922 to the Dairymen's Co-operative, who erected a new brick building in 1923. This building housed the Hospital Opportunity Shop from 2011 until 2016 when it was taken over by Natural Health and is still in use by this business.Black and white photographic print mounted on grey cardboard with decorative borders. Photo shows staff standing in front of the shop with two store signs. Along the top the verandah a sign reads: CHOICEST MEAT SUPPLIED. The lower sign along the top of the shop frontage reads: DAIRYMEN'S CO-OPERA. This sign is incomplete, indicating that the butcher's shop was part of the Dairymen's Co-operative Association store. At the front of the store six members of the staff stand in a line. There are five men, all wearing the traditional blue and white striped butcher's apron and one woman who is probably the cashier. At the top of the cantilever verandah, two rolls of canvas awning are tied up, ready to be let down on a hot day. On the left of the photo a portion of the brick Baptist Church can be seen. The store frontage continues to the right. The reflection of the store on the opposite side of the street can be seen in the window. The store frontage is finished with tiles along the bottom of the display window and an inset of leaded glass along the top of the window. On the footpath there is a scattering of sawdust, once used traditionally in butcher shops to soak up blood from the meat. The end of a 1920's vehicle has been captured as it passes in front of the store. On the back: On a printed label: OPENING OF BACCHUS MARSH DAIRYMAN'S CO-OPERATIVE BUTCHERS SHOP. 1923 L. to R. Norm Farrow, Sheila Muir, Bill Bence, Norm Mathews, Jim Cash and Ern Coe, (Manager). shops bacchus marsh vic., bacchus marsh dairymen's co-operative association, butcher's shops, main street bacchus marsh vic.

This map was one of a number of similar maps produced for advertising purposes by a company called, 'The Unique Advertising Combine'. The company was located in Melbourne on Queens Walk. A brief item in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper on 29 March 1890 , page 2, indicated that subscribers to the Bacchus Marsh Express could obtain a copy of this map in the next issue of that newspaper. On the map is the detail that it was compiled by W.H. Bonney from official records supplied by D. A. Little, hire Secretary, (of Bacchus Marsh Shire).This map with its accompanying illustrations of local businesses and shops in Bacchus Marsh is an important documentary and visual snapshot of the town and district of Bacchus Marsh in the later part of the nineteenth century. The illustrations for some of the local businesses are the only known visual record of those particular buildings. The map is a rare surviving example of the material produced by The Unique Advertising Combine. Another similar example for the Shire of Mornington is held by the State Library of Victoria,A map of the Shire of Bacchus Marsh produced in March 1890. The map is mounted on a board and enclosed within a timber frame. The map includes an inset detail section showing the central part of the township of Bacchus Marsh including the main shopping and business streets. Land holdings with the first European land holders names indicated are included on the map. Rivers, creeks, major roads and the railway line are also shown on the map. Around the edges of the map are illustrated advertisements mostly for Bacchus Marsh businesses but which also includes some businesses located in Melbourne. maps bacchus marsh shire, shops bacchus marsh

This plan of town allotments in Lerderderg Street and Bennett Street also includes the location of many of the buildings, shops, businesses and houses which were present in the retail and business area of Bacchus Marsh in the 1890s. The precise date of the plan is not known but it must be sometime between 1891 and 1897. The Post Office and the Wesleyan Church are both shown on this plan. Both of these were constructed in 1890. The plan does not show the Baptist Church in Main Street which was constructed in 1898. Hence the date is sometime between 1891 and 1897.This plan of Bacchus Marsh is one of the most detailed visual representations of the location of shops, businesses and houses in the central part of Bacchus Marsh. It provides very precise locations of most of the shops and houses in the town in the 1890s. A single page paper plan showing allotments of land fronting Lerderderg and Bennett Street. Buildings, businesses and houses along most of the streets are identified by hand written annotations. Streets identified on plan: Lerderderg Street - Bennett Street - Main Street - Gell Street - Young Street - Graham Street. Physical boundaries of the map are: North border - Lerderderg Street - South border - Main Street - West border Gell Street - East border - Young Street. The plan is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. bacchus marsh victoria maps, shops bacchus marsh

The Little Wonder Store was built in 1883 from materials of the demolished Maddingley School. It was located on the corner of Grant Street and Labilliere Street. In 1886 James Alford obtained a licence to conduct the Railway Hotel and General Store there. A second storey was added later and the building continued to operate as the Railway Hotel. It was destroyed by fire in 1998. The photo also shows the covered wagon of a travelling salesman, who were known as ‘hawkers’, who were significant in the supply of goods and news to outlying towns and districts before the development of road and rail networks. Small sepia 'carte de viste' style 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 the photographers Stevenson and McNicoll. The photo shows a single-storey building of bluestone and brick with two signs on the front and side, the front sign reading “THE LITTLE WONDER” and the side sign “GENERAL STORE”. Above the door is a sign with the name ‘James Alford’. The windows display the merchandise of the store. Outside the store is a travelling salesman’s cart pulled by two horses. The salesman sits in the cart ready to drive off. Standing along the street outside the store are three men, three women and two young children.Printed 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, general stores bacchus marsh vic., hawkers, hotels bacchus marsh

This image is one of a series of photographs taken by Melbourne based photographers Stevenson and McNicoll who visited Bacchus Marsh and its nearby districts between September and November 1883. William Marshall opened his new premises in Main Street in June 1869. In the following November he opened a wheelwright shop adjacent to his smithy. Mr T. Carlton was the wheelwright. The Marshall Blacksmith building was located next to the ANA Hall in Main Street. It was demolished in 1910 to make way for a new building known as the Chambers Building. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the blacksmith played an essential role in the functioning of the whole community. Before the industrialisation of manufacturing, all metal objects, including farm implements, building requirements and domestic utensils were made by hand. As mechanisation of industry increased, the smith commonly performed the role of farrier in the times when horse power was pivotal to all aspects of society. Complementing this work, the forge was often allied with a wheelwright's shop. These premises also acted as a meeting place for the men of the town, where news was shared and friendships forged. Small sepia 'carte de viste' style 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'. William Marshall opened his new premises in June 1869, and in the following November opened a wheelwright shop adjacent to his smithy. Mr T. Carlton was the wheelwright. The photograph shows a brick building with two gables and two large doors, indicating that a second workshop has been added to the original building. Parts of a picket fence and two cartwheels lean against the wall. Three men stand at the front, two wearing the distinctive farrier’s apron slit between the knees. The third man is wearing more formal clothing. Two of the men hold the reins of two horses. A picket fence runs along the front of a spare block at the side of the building. The deep gutter is straddled by two crossing points. Printed 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. blacksmiths, shops bacchus marsh vic., william marshall 1839-1914

This store in Main Street Bacchus Marsh was first opened by James Young in November 1866. In October 1869 it was purchased by William Anderson and was operated by members of the Anderson family until 1971. The site of the store was on the southern side of Main Street on the eastern side of Eddie Toole Park. On the opposite side of the street was the site of the former Post Office on the northern side of Main Street. The store was first named the Border Mills Store during James Young's ownership and was later known as the Border Store (Anderson & Co.).Small black and white photograph showing Anderson’s store. It shows a large stone building with a corrugated iron verandah which bears a painted sign of the name of the business: GROCERS. ANDERSON & Co. DRAPERS. Behind a brick parapet rises a hip roof with one chimney visible. Four men stand in casual poses ranged along the verandah. A post and rail fence runs along the road frontage. A tree is planted in an ornamental wrought iron plant protector on the inside of the fence.On the back in decorative print: “ New York Photographic Adelaide Travelling Brand Chas. F. Husband Manager.” In handwriting: Border store built by James Young 1866 owned by Anderson 1869-1972. BMDHS stamp and no. HS 411.shops bacchus marsh vic., anderson's store bacchus marsh, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

George Dickie arrived in the Bacchus Marsh area around 1857. In 1863, he married Ellen Ross Anderson, and after five years of farming in Coimadai, they moved into Bacchus Marsh and established a business. In 1866 he bought the bakery business which had been established by James Boatwood and later conducted by William Watson. This business was in Main Street and is shown in this image during the time it was owned and operated by George Dickie. Ellen and George Dickie had seven children, two sons and five daughters. In his later years he changed the business into a general store and also engaged in grain dealing. He died in 1904 but the business was carried on by his sons until sold in March 1916 to a Charles Medling from Numurkah. The building was later demolished in 1927 to make way for four new shops.Small sepia 'carte de viste' style 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 the photographers Stevenson and McNicoll. The picture shows the business of George Dickie which was located in Main Street Bacchus Marsh. The building is a brick or stone structure with a verandah along the entire frontage of the building. Standing in front of the building is a group of adults and children. On the far left is a man wearing a dress coat and hat. He is possibly Mr. George Dickie the owner of this business. To his left are some younger and older children, and a woman, possibly Mrs DIckie. In the background in the doorway is a young boy with woman behind him. On the right of the picture on the street is a man standing alongside a horse and cart. Some advertising signs are leaning against the shop, footpath and verandah pillar. One of them says 'Chaff, Oats, Bran'. Printed 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, bakeries, shops bacchus marsh, george dickie 1831-1904, dickie family bacchus marsh

Bacchus Marsh Express of 7 November 1874 reports that this building was designed and erected by Mr Jeremiah Ryan for Mr H. G. Salter, draper. Mr Salter gave the name of "Hall of Commerce" to the building, a term in common usage at the time. The building was of a substantial size. In the Express of January 4 1879 Messrs Basham and Bradley advertised a wide variety of goods including drapery, millinery, ready-made clothing, boots and shoes and furniture. At the front of the building was the first pavement in the township. This photo forms a contrast with the photograph (also taken by Stevenson & McNicoll in 1883) of Timmons Clothier and Draper, but depicting an older building from 1857. This business was on the verge of closure, Mr Timmons conducting his business as a travelling salesman, taking his goods by horse and cart to outlying districts. The image provides an example of the growing scale of retail development in Bacchus Marsh in the late nineteenth century.This photograph is a record of a prominent commercial building that has undergone substantial change. The image shows the original upper floor which was destroyed by fire in 1928.The building retains its usage as a commercial 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'. Photograph of a two storey brick building with a front verandah. Various signage on second storey front and side, and on verandah, including: Hall of Commerce. Boots & Shoes. Men and Boy's Clothing. Furniture and Bedding. J. Carter Outfitter. Basham & Bradley. Milliners and Dressmakers. General Drapers. General Drapery. Warehouse. Latter signage obscures earlier signage. The photographer has captured a young girl sitting on a bench at the front of the store.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. Handwritten: Hall of Commerce. Cr. Main + Graham Sts built 1874 by Jeremiah Ryan. Destroyed by fire 1928. Courtesy Mrs. Jeremeas. Photo 1883.stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district, shops bacchus marsh vic., bacchus marsh hall of commerce

This store was built in 1881 and opened as a branch of Pearce Brothers main store which was further along in Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. The store in this image opened around early June 1881 and was described in the Bacchus Marsh Express as "quite above the usual standard of stores in towns of a similar or even much larger size. The building is most substantially built of brick, and measures 58 feet by 26 feet, with walls fourteen feet high inside. The interior is most elaborately fitted with shelves and glass cases covering both side walls and two ends formed by small offices separated from the main store by glass and wood panelled partitions, with a passage way between to the storeroom at the rear", Express, (Bacchus Marsh, 11 June, 1881, page 2). The building was designed by one of its proprietors T. G. Pearce and was entirely constructed by local contractors and workers.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 depicts a general store with a double-front of windows. Goods such as spades, shovels, tubs and wringers are arrayed on the footpath in front of the store. At the front of the shop under a verandah stands a man, possibly one of the Pearce brothers who owned this business. Next to the store is a vacant block of land with a white picket fence. A sign erected above the fence advertises: “ Pearce Bros. Chaff. Hay & Oats. Produce. Dealer. “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. pearce family bacchus marsh, general stores bacchus marsh, shops bacchus marsh, pearce brothers general store bacchus marsh, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

Samuel Painter, saddler, enlarged George Taylor's premises after buying the building in 1888. He carried on the saddlery while his wife conducted a fancy goods shop. The building on the left was occupied by a bootmaker, Abraham Tracey. The 2025 location for this site is 136 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. By around 1894 the saddlery and fancy goods business operated by the Painters had ceased. The premises were then used as a greengrocery and confectionery business for some years until this business ceased and the site became the location of a branch of the State Savings Bank of Victoria for many years. Copy of photograph of S. Painter's Saddlery, showing a group of buildings in Main Street, Bacchus Marsh in the later part of the 19th century, post 1883. On the left can be seen part of a building which bears the sign A. Tracey. The middle building carries a large sign advertising the proprietor and his business. It has a large double window, flanked on either side with a doorway. A variety of goods can be seen in the window. On the right is a weatherboard building also set up as a shop. At the front of this complex can be seen two men both wearing work aprons and three children standing on the footpath. Two buggies are pulled up in front of the complex, one four-wheeled, one two wheeled, the smaller vehicle pulled by a pony. The deep gutter is bridged by boards giving access to the unmade road. On the front: Sign above central building: S.PAINTER. SADDLE HARNESS & COLLAR MAKER. COLLARS CAREFULLY FITTED. On the central window can be seen a sign reading Stationery & Fancy Goods. On the window above the door: Bacchus Marsh Emporium. On the back: Handwritten: Bought by Bowden. Old building on left replaced by W.J.Wilson Hairdresser 1896. Painter Main Street now State Bank.saddlery, shops bacchus marsh vic., small businesses bacchus marsh, fancy goods, george taylor, bootmakers, samuel painter

Gulline Brothers was a general store in Bacchus Marsh located in Grant Street, on the corner of Grant Street and Sydney Street. The store was originally opened by John Jory in about 1890. At that time it was advertised as being located on Maddingley Road. It was later taken over by Horace Hussey and William Grant Morton trading as Hussey and Morton, and later solely as Morton's. In the early 1920s it was sold to the Gulline Brothers and traded under this name for many years. The building has had multiple uses and occupants since the Gulline Brothers ran their business there. The building is still standing today (2024) and is shared by three different businesses.An image of a significant late nineteenth century commercial building which still survives in Bacchus Marsh.Black and white photographic printroads and streets bacchus marsh vic., maddingley road bacchus marsh vic., grant street bacchus marsh vic., shops bacchus marsh vic., gulline brothers general store bacchus marsh vic., general stores bacchus marsh vic.

This building on the corner of Main and Gell Streets, comprised of two shops, a residence and sheds at the back, was built by Jeremiah Ryan in 1886-7. It became known as "Ryan's Corner". The first usage as mentioned in the Bacchus Marsh Express was as a jewellery in one shop and a fish and oyster shop combined with Watson's agency business in the other. Over the years, a variety of businesses operated in the two shops, including a barber shop, auctioneer and land agent premises, a hairdresser, solicitor's, costumiere, and bootmaker. Joseph Burbidge operated a greengrocery on this site for several years until the corner store was purchased in 1903 and became an ABC Cafe. Various businesses continued to operate on the site, with the neighbouring ABC cafe continuing in business with a number of different proprietors. The cafe was taken over by Miss Mary O'Donnell in 1922, assisted by Mr "Bill" Day, who became a business partner in 1924. In 1935, Miss O'Donnell sold her share of the business to Mr Day, who continued to operate the tea rooms with his wife. He remained the sole proprietor until his death in 1963. Because he was a well-known shop-keeper in the town over a period of forty years, his establishment became known locally as "Bill Day's Corner". In 1968 the building was demolished for the Commonwealth Bank, which continues to operate on this site.Black and white photograph mounted on brown cardboard. Photograph of M. O'Donnell A.B.C. Refreshment Rooms with a young woman and a gentleman standing outside on the footpath. They can be identified as Virgie McCusker and W.J "Bill" Day. The corner brick building has a corrugated iron roof with a verandah supported by pillars featuring wrought iron corners. The corner pediment bears the name : Ryan's Corner 1887. The space between the corner pillars has a large sign reading: Miss M. O'Donnell. A.B.C. Dining & Refreshment Rooms. Board & Residence. Motors Catered For. The front window has an advertising sign: Cadbury's Chocolate. A sign on the door reads: Luncheon Please. Items can be seen in the window. At the corner stands an ornate iron gas lamppost.On the back: Handwritten: Corner Main & Gell Sts built by Jeremiah Ryan 1)Day. demolishe 19 (incomplete date) Site now Commonwealth Bank. C.B.A. opened 1963. Virgie McCusker, niece of Miss O'Donnell. 21/3/23.shops bacchus marsh, small businesses bacchus marsh, refreshment rooms, w.j. "bill" day 1887-1963

Charles Grant opened a boot makers business on the northern corner of Grant Street and Waddell Street in 1907. The business was advertised as being in Maddingley Road. By early 1910 the business had moved to 'Ryan's Corner' on the corner of Main Street and Gell Street, Bacchus Marsh. The brick house behind the boot maker's shop was built for Alexander Murdoch in 1869. It was used as a residence, a boarding house and as part of a business by a number of different owners over many years. It was known as the Murdoch house and also as 'Links Cottage' when it was used as a boarding house. For most of the twentieth century it was used as a residence. It was demolished in 1997 to make way for new residences.Black and white photograph print. A reproduction of an original photograph which is mounted on board. The image shows a boot maker's business and a brick house behind it. Standing in front of the shop on the footpath are three men wearing aprons.boot makers bacchus marsh victoria, shops bacchus marsh, houses bacchus marsh

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

This building, located at 97 Main Street Bacchus Marsh, was built by Mr George Muir in 1920 using bluestone walls from Landsberg House, a former boarding school at Mt. Blackwood. In 1946 Mr W. J. Wilmot opened a car sales business which was sold in 1954 to trade as Stamford Motors. Subsequently, various businesses operated on this site, and is still in use, presently as an accountancy business.Black and white photographic print. Photograph dates from the 1940s and shows a bluestone building with lintels of local sandstone supporting a pediment with a sign advertising Austin cars fixed on top. Signage on the pediment reads: W 1930 WILMOT & SON AUSTIN SALES & SERVICE PHONE 206. The frontage is divided in two, both sections topped by an arch. The left-hand section is glass-fronted, the right section open for vehicle access. The door between the two sections is also arched. Two vehicles are parked at the front, a sedan and a ute, presumably both Austins. The bluestone building materials are visible at the side.shops bacchus marsh vic., main street bacchus marsh vic., garages, landsberg house, w j wilmot

H. Moffatt, blacksmith, opened new brick premises in 1899 on the site of a similar building burnt down the previous year. He continued to operate as a coachbuilder and blacksmith on this site until 1927 when he retired. Since then, the premises have been used for coffin making, a hardware store, furniture store, bathroom supplies among other things. It is now operating as Lola's Restaurant.Black and white photographic print. Dating from the early 1900s, this photograph is of a substantial brick building opened in 1899 by Mr H. Moffatt at 110 Main Street on the site of a similar building which burnt down in 1898. A sign at the front reads: H.MOFFATT COACHBUILDER GENERAL BLACKSMITH. A number of horse-drawn carriages, two and four-wheeled, stand on the footpath, roadway and on the vacant block next door. The road appears to be unmade and is separated from the elevated footpath by barge boards. Advertising signs line the side wall of the building. Four men stand on the road, three wearing the leather apron worn by blacksmiths, one wearing a long white apron as was often worn by shop assistants. Horse droppings, a common sight in those days, can be seen on the roadway. shops bacchus marsh vic., main street bacchus marsh vic., h. moffatt, coachbuilders, general blacksmiths

A black and white image of a shopping strip in Bacchus Marsh.

This album of ephemera contains a variety items such as invitations, tickets, brochures and cards for businesses and shops in Bacchus Marsh and district. The items range in date from the 1890s through to the late twentieth century. Vinyl and plastic covered album housing small card and paper ephemera items in plastic sleeves and pockets.bacchus marsh history, ephemera bacchus marsh, bacchus marsh social history

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 Grantbank Estate was a parcel of land close to the centre of the shopping area of Bacchus Marsh which was sub-divided and offered for sale in 58 lots on the 13th September, 1924. It comprised an area of 15 acres, being a portion of the Millbank Estate which had been in the hands of the Grant family for 75 years. The lots had frontages to Gisborne Road, Patterson, William and Sutherland Streets. This was a significant sub-division of land and represented a major expansion of residential housing in Bacchus Marsh in the early 20th century.This land sale map is a typical example of housing estate land sales advertising maps produced by real estate agents in this era. The map is significant for the detailed information it provides about when and where land was sold for new housing estates in Bacchus Marsh in the early twentieth century.Printed paper mapland sales bacchus marsh, land subdivsion bacchus marsh, housing estates land sales bacchus marsh, grant family bacchus marsh

John Simpson arrived in Bacchus Marsh around 1848. In 1850 he established a butchery business. He continued to operate this business in Main Street Bacchus Marsh until his death in 1890. His son John Simpson and one of his brothers, Edward took over the business and operated it until 1923. John Simpson the younger died in 1940 having lived all but a few months of his 92 years in Main Street Bacchus Marsh. Edward L. Simpson died in Corowa, NSW in 1937. The younger John Simpson's recollections of Bacchus Marsh in the 1850s to 1870s were published in the Bacchus Marsh Express on the 25 June 1932.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 butchery shop in Main Street Bacchus Marsh in 1883. The front of the building is shown. It is a solid brick or stone structure with a shingled roof and verandah. Hanging under the verandah are numerous carcasses and portions of meat. Two men are standing close together in front of the shop. One is wearing a butcher's apron. Another man to the left sits upon a horse. In the doorway behind the men stands a woman. 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, butcher shops, butchers, john simpson butcher 1848-1940, john simpson butcher died 1890

The Millbank Estate was a parcel of land close to the centre of the shopping area of Bacchus Marsh which was sub-divided and offered for sale in 62? lots on the 4th October 1888. The lots had frontages to Ballarat Road (Main Street), Maddingley Road (now Grant Street), Turner Street, Millbank Street, Clarinda Road (now Clarinda Street), and an unnamed street south of Turner Street (possibly known as Grant Street at this time) which connected to Maddingley Road through the vicinity of the present day Bacchus Marsh Hospital. This was a significant sub-division of land and represented a major expansion of residential housing in Bacchus Marsh in the late 19th century. The map includes a wealth of detail about the time of the sale, where it will take place, who the selling agents were, the deposit terms for purchases and details of a special train from Melbourne to Bacchus Marsh on sale day. The location of the allotments in relation to the shopping and commercial area of Bacchus Marsh, Maddingley and the railway station are indicated on an inset map within the overall map and poster. The Millbank Estate area was an area which had once belonged to the Grant family who were prominent early citizens of Bacchus Marsh and lived in a house in this area known as 'Millbank'.This land sale map is a typical example of housing estate land sales advertising maps produced by real estate agents in this era. The map is significant for the detailed information it provides about when and where land was sold for new housing estates in Bacchus Marsh in the late nineteenth century.Single page map showing land allotments for sale at auction in Bacchus Marsh in October 1888. A significant portion of the map is missing from the bottom right side. land sales bacchus marsh, land subdivsion bacchus marsh, housing estates land sales bacchus marsh, grant family bacchus marsh, millbank estate land sales

TOM COLLINS–from the reel to reel tape recording at Melton 1969 In the years between 1890 and to about 1913 Melton was a quiet little hamlet alongside the Toolern Creek, once called the Pennyroyal Creek, 24 miles from Melbourne on the Ballarat Road. There was a fair amount of woodland left around it, mostly grey and yellow box with sheoak, and golden wattle, which in spring time made a rather attractive setting. Most of the premises were in the main or High Street, with its line of elm and pepper trees on each side. Unitt, McKenzie and Henry streets each contained only a few dwellings. Hotels were four in number, Minns’s, Mrs Hay licencee, now Mac’s, Golden Fleece – Sheblers. The Royal or Ryan’s as it was then called, later Graham had the licence, and the Raglan - Kilpatricks had the licence and afterwards Tom Manning. This was situated about where Mr K. Young had his residence. There was a store attached to the hotel until about 1900. Both the Royal and the Raglan were delicensed, later on the Royal being converted to a green grocery and a boarding house, the Raglan was demolished. The Royal green grocery and boarding house was kept by E Carew and after he retired, E Radford. The Post and Telegraph Office was on the opposite side of the street to the Raglan Hotel about two doors west of the Shire Hall and was kept by Mrs Ferris and Lady Farmer until her retirement, when it was carried on by Miss Lottie Ross. A store was attached to the Post Office and was sometimes used as a store and at one time housed the National Bank. There were two full time banks at Melton, the other being the Commercial which built premises about 1904 and on the corner of High and Smith Streets, which it still occupies. Mr G Egan was the manager of the Commercial and Mr Stradling and later Mr Lee of the National. However as business was not thought good enough they reverted to a part time branch operated from Bacchus Marsh. Grocer shops were Chalmers, with a news agency and drapery now Arnolds, Jongebloeds had the bakery. Mr Fox also a produce merchant, was where Melton Real Estate is now, it was later occupied by Buchanans, Atleys, and Mrs Ross. Not long after the War Mrs Ross built the Post Office, since demolished where Miss Lottie Ross was the Post Mistress and later built the store which she conducted. It was later turned into a factory and in now the barbers shop. McNichols was just west of the Minns Hotel. He travelled as far a Ballan weekly, buying calves and dairy produce for sale in Melbourne. Afterwards he sold the business and bought Minns Hotel and changing the name to Macs. Blacksmiths were three in number. Blackwoods – later James Byrnes next door to Jongebloeds. Alex Cameron who learnt his trade with Blackwoods had his shop about the rear of where Ken Youngs Garage is now he later moved to the north west corner of High and Alexander Street. He was also the Registrar of Birth and Deaths and Electoral Registrar. After his retirement he was weighbridge keeper at Melton South. Two of his sons were engaged in the carpentry trade, but both died at an early age. Whittingtons shop was a few doors east of the Mechanics Hall and it was later occupied by Gordon Macdonald who did business there until about eight years ago. The butchers of the period were George Graham, that is where Mandy Lees hairdressing establishment is now. Euan MacDonald had premises later occupied by Whittingtons blacksmith shop. Later shifting next door. He left here about 1901, he slaughtererd animals at a slaughter house right where Chas Jones now resides, it had previously been a slaughter house and butcher shop of that site. George Spring also operated as a butcher for two or three years about the 1900 or so. Ted Simpsons shop was where John Kontek now has his Estate Agency, he used it as an branch shop from Bacchus Marsh bringing meat from there by a two horse lorry. Jimmy Butler the manager was well known and loved, his son was later a steeplechase jockey. The Court House and Police Station would be built sometime before 1900. The Constables at the time were McGuire, later Wade, Riely and McKenzie after that Robert Wilson and Seinfort were here, they were a bit later on. The Mechanics Hall was first opened by Ryan of the Royal Hotel who sold it to the Hall Committee. It was on Unitt Street and it was moved by McLellans the house shifters from Unitt Street to its present site. Bluestone premises formerly occupied by the bootmaker Carew, were later demolished and replaced by the brick frontage to the Hall. Keith Orensini [?] the local bricklayer built brick portion to the Hall. In the cottage adjoining the Hall a Frenchman named Baudin, had a boot repairing business.This cottage was the later residence of J Hill, a local carpenter and builder from whom I learnt my trade. Granny Watts was the well known local nurse and operated the Mid-Wifery Hospital in Yuille Street on the Sherwin Street corner. Mrs Nissen was on the opposite side of Yuille Street a short distance nearer the township. She conducted the laundry. Carew had a greengrocers shop next door to the Post Office in the High Street for some time before transferring to the Royal Hotel site. He also bought [?] calves for killing. W Cecil was a tank maker and also had a produce round, he lived on Pyke and Sherwin Street. Later Gus Shebler, builder and carpenter engaged in tank making being well known for good workmanship. Shebler was very energetic in forming the Gun Club which met for a good number of years where the golf course now has its headquarters. Of the four churches only three are in use, Christ Church, Scots and St Dominics. The Methodist closed down but later transferred to Melton South. Monthly stock sales were held at the yards in Unitt Street at Minns Hotel by McPhail Auctioneers, later held by McCarthur and McLeod. After the Council built the pound and sale yards they transferred sales to these premises, but lack of patronage caused them to be abandoned. A familiar sight in the district was blind Bob Nixon, who lived in a tumbled down cottage in Centenary Road near W Coburns, being led by his dog down the road to Melton, that is Palmerston street, to the Post Office, butcher and baker for his supplies and then back home. He was able to do his own cooking and other chores. Sundays he would come down Raleighs Road to the back of the church and tie his dog to a tree. Someone, mostly one of the boys would guide him into the church and out again after the service, when the dog would lead him home again. State School 430, a two roomed bluestone building it was the only school in the district, none at Melton South. The nearest would be Rockbank and Toolern Vale. Scholars had a fair distance to walk in most cases. The teachers were Mr T Lang Headmaster. I put a query here, Miss Winters, I’m not certain of the name, Mrs Skinner and Miss Silke as Assistant Teachers. Miss Augusta Cecil and Miss Maud Lang were Junior teachers. One boy who attended the school about the turn of the century was Hector Fraser who resided with his parents in Keilor Road, where Jim Gillespie now lives. He was an excellent gun shot and at the age of about 17 years his father took him to France or Monaco where he won the Gran Prix for pigeon shooting and became the champion boy shot of the world. However he died there from pneumonia. He shot under the name of “Parvo”. The Melbourne Hunt Club used to meet in Keilor Road north side just east of the Toolern Creek on what was originally Pykes Run. This was also the place where the races were held and the Sports Meetings. Dave Murphy, employed at Clarke’s Rockbank Station usually provided the fox which he liberated for the Club. Greyhound coursing was usually held on Moylans property Mt Kororoit, or Mt Misery as it was known then. Later it was held at Melton Park, Mr Matt Carberry was the judge and Percy Cook the slipper. Early in the 1900’s the Recreation Park was created and the Caledonian and the ANA sports meetings were held there, they were annual events. L Paterson from Melton South was a successful competitor in all the cycling events as a young man. He later in life became the Deputy Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The present Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade is John Paterson, nephew of his, and spent his early life in Exford where his father was manager of the Exford Estate. Notes Tom Collins was born c 1895. He lived on the south side of the Ballarat Road near the intersection of Keilor Road.Historical image of Palmerston Street in Meltonlocal architecture, landscapes of significance

This book came into our collection via a donation to the Book Barn, which operates as a second-hand book shop. The donor is unknown.This book was published in 1887, a time of consolidation of wealth after the initial gold rushes in Ballarat in the 1850s. Its full title is 'History of Ballarat from the First Pastoral Settlement to the Present Time.' By William Bramwell Withers, Journalist. Second Edition with Plans, Ilustrations and Original Documents. It is an invaluable history of the origins of Ballarat and its mining history, with a chapter devoted to the Eureka Stockade. Book bound in green cloth on hard cover. On cover: Title incised in black on gold: HISTORY/OF/BALLARAT In gold: REVISED EDITION In black:By/W.B.Withers/PUBLISHED/BY/F.W.NIVEN &Co/Ballarat. Front cover embossed with gold pictures, one of a spray of wattle, one of a spray of eucalyptus leaves, a picture of a miner standing at a winch, and two panoramas of Ballarat, one in its early days as a gold-mining camp, and one as a built-up city. On spine: In green on gold: HISTORY/OF/BALLARAT : BY W.B.WITHERS 1887 Picture of two miners in a lift cage descending a mine shaft. On back cover: In black, picture of an aborigine looking into the sun, which is either rising or setting. On inside front cover: label pasted in. Inscription in gold: PRESENTED TO/THE/MEMBERS/OF THE/Empire Commerce Congress/BY/BALLARAT'S PIONEER DIGGER,/MR.JAMES ODDIE,1851. Front brown flyleaf partially torn off. ballarat gold rush, w.b.withers, eureka stockade, mining history, early maps of ballarat, mr james oddie, empire commerce congress