Historical information
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.
Physical description
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.
Inscriptions & markings
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.
Subjects
References
- Stevenson and McNicoll, photographers, visit Bacchus Marsh
- Stevenson and McNicoll, photographers, have left for Myrniong and Ballan.
- Moore, G. and Oomes, J. Bacchus Marsh A Pictorial Chronicle. Bacchus Marsh and District Society Inc. 1986. P.40.