Historical information

"Braemar" at 18 Suffolk Road, Surrey Hills - built c1894, demolished in1977 – and home of James Sneddon Snr. and family from 1890 until c1950. We believe it is James is at the gate and his family on the veranda. James was born in Alloa, Clackmannanshire Scotland in 1833, as was his wife Jane. He died in March 1901 and she in March 1911. They are buried in Boroondara Cemetery (Pres B0522) with their daughter Jane (1864-1928).
James Sneddon (Snr) was an important man in early Surrey Hills. He established real estate and ironmongery businesses in Union Road – first on the corner of Stirling Crescent and later over the road on the corner of Windsor Crescent. He was chairman of Surrey Hills’ MUIOOF (Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows).
James Sneddon Jnr. followed his father in the family real estate business and was an even busier community man. He was a JP and had roles in the Surrey Hills ANA, the Progress Association and the Choral Society. He lived 2 doors from his father.
The real estate business continued on the corner of Windsor Crescent and Union Road (north side) until the business was sold to the Doubleday (family) after WW2.

Significance

The Sneddon family were early settlers and business owners in Surrey Hills and remained over 3 generations. Different family members held many roles in community organisations.
This photo is also important in documenting built heritage that has been demolished.

Physical description

Image of a Victorian, weatherboard, block fronted, single storey house with decorative veranda, viewed from the front. The garden in front of the house is well established and a light-coloured picket fence surrounds the property. Four people are in the photograph, three women (two seated and one standing) on the veranda and one male, who is leaning against the gate post.