Historical information

Mary Lynch was the daughter of Matthew and Mary (nee Loorham) Lynch. She became Mrs Ivell. she was a noted horse-woman having ridden the Nixon Bros hack, "Gold Dust" at the Melbourne Show coming first in the 10 stone hack and first in the Eagley Hunting Contest. (info. Mary Gilbert)
Horse racing was a popular past-time in early Orbost. The Nixon family was involved through Keith Nixon. Some of the earliest horse races were held on a course in a paddock belonging to Mr James Cowell at Jarrahmond. For a long time horse races were part of the Marlo Picnic Races.

Significance

This item is connected to an activity once popular in the Orbost district. The Nixon family were prominent early settlers in the Orbost district.

Physical description

A black / white photograph of a lady dressed in a a tailored hip coat, bowler hat, knee breeches and boots. She is holding the reins of a saddled horse. There is a copy.

Inscriptions & markings

on front at top - " 1st 10st hack - 19 entries 1st "EAGLEY" Hunting Contest - 22 entries. Still the only horse to win the double."
on front at bottom - " MELBOURNE SHOW 1918 "GOLD DUST" owned by Nixon Bros ridden by Miss MARY LYNCH"