This plan of land allotments for sale indicates the property once owned by the Bacchus family in and around the township area of Bacchus Marsh. The Bacchus family sold their property in Bacchus Marsh to John Aitkins and Robert Nalder Clarke in March 1851. Aitkins and Clarke kept the property for a number of years until April 1856 when these allotments were put up for sale.

This is a very early land sales plan for the township of Bacchus Marsh and it therefore provides some clues as to how the early urban development of the township took place. Upon seeing the map in 1911 Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper editor Christopher Crisp wrote "The sale appears to have created the present township, which had a nucleus in earlier times further east", Express, 30 September, 1911, page 3.

A single page paper plan showing allotments of land for sale. The subdivided shown was owned by John Aitkins and Robert Nalder Clarke, but previously owned by the Bacchus Family and was in and around their Manor House (Mansion) property in Bacchus Marsh.There are 5 portions of land further divided into numerous small portions. The land for sale is bounded by the present day streets of Main Street, Young Street, McFarland Street, Morton Streets, Crook Street, and part of the eastern section extends to the Lerderderg River. The plan is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. BMDHS Loc: AR/B12/S4 Bacchus Marsh Township and Nearby Districts Maps Volume In-house Digital copies: BMDHS, Computer Network: Maps\Bacchus Marsh Township and Nearby Districts Maps Volume

Heading: Plan of the first portion of land. The property of Messers Atkins and Clarke situate at Bacchus Marsh. To be sold by W.M. Tennent & Co. at the Mansion on the Ground on Saturday the 19th April 1856. Below heading: Jas Ferguson, Lithographer On upper right side: Subdivided by R.C. Bagot London and Liverpool Chambers, Melbourne.

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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.

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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. The Catholic school in this picture was located in Fisken Street, Bacchus Marsh. It was opened in 1863 and operated until about 1890 when the pupils transferred to another school at St Joseph's Convent.

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'. The image shows a group of about 45 school children facing the camera along with two adults. A female adult stands at the far left of the picture. An adult man stands second from the right. The older children stand in two rows and in front of them are seated younger children. What is presumably the school building is directly behind them.

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.

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A booklet of 53 numbered pages. Stapled binding. Contains black and white photographs and illustrations. BMDHS Loc: AR/SU5/Pamphlets Box 4

According to this publication a place of Anglican worship in Bacchus Marsh is said to have existed since at least 1847 when an early Bacchus Marsh colonist George Hobler recorded attending services in his journal. This short book is a record of the Anglican or (Church of England) in Bacchus Marsh from that time up to 1977 when the centenary of the Holy Trinity Church building was celebrated in Bacchus Marsh. A earlier smaller edition was published in 1971 and this work expands upon that edition. The 1977 edition includes photographs of some of the early significant identities in the Church's history. Also included are a number of appendixes which includes a list of the Clergy from this parish from 1849 until 1977, a list of people buried in the Church graveyard, a record of the first baptisms and marriages and detailed notes about the Church windows and Memorials. Pages 51-53 are notes on sources cited in the work. Citation: A History of Holy Trinity Church of England Bacchus Marsh by Betty Osborn. Published by Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 1977.

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A small booklet. 36 unnumbered pages. Stapled binding. Contains black and white photographs, maps and facsimiles of documents. BMDHS Loc: AR/SU5/Pamphlets Box 4

Rowsley is a rural locality 6km south-west of Bacchus Marsh. It is a very small community and the Rowsley Hall has been a community meeting place for over 100 years. This history tells the story of the origin of the Hall and its place in the community's history for its first 100 years. Citation: Rowsley Hall, 1894-1994, by Dorothy Pedretti. Published by Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 1995?

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Soft cover foolscap size book. 96 pages with b & w illustrations, images and maps (some folded). Part of Occasional reports series (Victoria Archaeological Survey) ; No. 27. Published by Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne, 1990. Author, Hilary Du Cros. BMDHS Loc. AR/SU5

This study aimed to locate and document Aboriginal archaeological sites in the western region of Melbourne. This area was defined by the study as extending out from the western suburbs of Melbourne to the Brisbane Ranges and north beyond Bacchus Marsh. The specific aim of the study was to investigate the Aboriginal archaeology of the Western Plains area in the vicinity west of Melbourne. The Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Werribee shire boundaries of the time defined the areas of the study. The study contains extensive lists of the types of artifacts found the the locations where they were found.

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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. The house in the image is located at 82 Main Street Bacchus Marsh and as of 2024 is still occupied as a residence. The house was built in 1860 by William Watson for William Grant who leased the property to various tenants. From 1867 it was mainly leased to local doctors. The property stayed in possession of the Grant family for many years after this and was leased to many residents of Bacchus Marsh. The identity of the people in this 1883 photograph has not been established.

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'. In the foreground are two women and two girls standing in front of a brick cottage. In the background on the verandah of the house is another woman holding a baby.

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.

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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. The Presbyterian Manse was built about1858, when the lean-to residence at the rear of the Scotch Church in Main Street became too small for the family of the minister, Rev. A. McNicol. This photograph was taken during the ministry of Rev. J.M.Innes. The gentleman standing at the front of the manse appears to be wearing an ecclestiastical collar, and is possibly the Rev. Innes. The driver of the jinker also appears to be wearing a similar collar, and may be an assistant minister.

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'. Photograph of a substantial one-storey dwelling with a wide verandah. At the front of the manse is a horse-drawn jinker with a driver. Standing nearby is a formally clothed gentleman, possibly Rev. J.M.Innes.

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.

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William Watts arrived in Bacchus Marsh in 1862 and for many years conducted a boot and shoe makers business in Main Street.

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 the frontage of a boot and shoe makers premises.Signage on the upper part of the building reads 'Boot and Shoe Maker - Importer - Watts - Leather - Grindery'

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.

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The Bacchus Marsh Police Barracks shown in this image were located in Main Street on the site of the present day Police Station. The Barracks were constructed around 1857 or 1858. Prior to this the Police were stationed in the Police Paddocks at Maddingley in the area where Maddingley Park is now located. This building was in use by the Police until 1930 when it was replaced by a new building. This later building was in use until the early 2000s but was demolished in 2003 and replaced by a larger Police building.

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 the Bacchus Marsh Police Police Barracks and stables in 1883. Two uniformed male police officers wearing helmets can be seen standing on the footpath in front of the building. Next to them on their left appear to be two boys. The Barracks is a sandstone building with a chimney on one side and appears to have a slate roof.

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.

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This building was constructed by James Elijah Crook in 1865 as a residence for Doctor Bone. Between 1874 and 1890 it was in use as a Post Office. From around the 1920s F.C Pearce sold motor cars from this site for a number of years. The site is now occupied by the Bacchus Marsh News-agency and Stationers located at 138 Main Street.

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'. Image shows a brick cottage with a verandah attached to part of the building. Four brick chimneys can be seen extending from the building. Part of the building has a white picket fence in front of it.

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.

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This property was located near Bacchus Marsh not far from the Racecourse. The photo shows members of the Dickson family. The oldest man on the left is possibly George Dickson who died in 1885 aged 92. The man second from the right is possibly the younger George Dickson who died aged 77 in 1900. The girl or the woman in the image is possibly Margaret Dickson.

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'. In the foreground of the image are members of the Dickson family. In the background are yards, farm sheds, which are possibly milking sheds. Behind the sheds is the family home.

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.

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The precise location of this house and the identity of the two people in the picture has not been established. It is possible it is a house within the township area of Bacchus Marsh. The image only includes the house and the garden area and does not depict any surrounding farm land or farmyard buildings indicating a probable township location.

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 house with a man and a woman standing in front of it. The house has a well-established creeper present across much of the front of the house indicating it had been occupied for some time when this photograph was taken.

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

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This building on the corner of Court House Place and Main Street Bacchus Marsh has been a licensed hotel since 1864. Prior to 1864 the building was in use as a saddlery business. By 1911 the hotel had been re-built in brick and a second storey had been added. The identities of the five men and one woman in the photo are not known. The woman at the left of the group is possibly Ann Tanner who was the licensee around the time this photograph was taken.

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'. A group of five men and one woman can be seen standing in front of the Court House Hotel building, Main Street Bacchus Marsh.

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.

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The family group in this image is the Burnip family. George Burnip came to Australia in 1854. In 1856 he married Juliette Grant. Sometime after this he came to the Bacchus Marsh area and purchased a farm near Coimadai and named it 'The Pines'. George Burnip was active in public affairs as a member of School Board of Advice and the Agricultural Society. One of the two men in this image is likely to be George Burnip, probably the man on the right. The woman second from the right of the picture is possibly Juliette Burnip. The children pictured are likely to be the Burnip children.

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'. An image showing a brick house with a pitched roof in three separate sections. Two chimneys on either side of the house can be seen. Standing in front of the house is a group of people, male and female, young and old. One female is older and is seated in a chair. At the front of the group is dog.

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

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The Cheese Factory in this image was opened around 1879 by Mr. G.G. Pearce. It was in Waddell Street. It was one of the first cheese factories in Victoria. It was later owned and operated by William Telford with the assistance of John Mahon. The factory was described in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper as an important business and service for the region. G.G. Pearce was reported to have spent a good deal of money in setting up the factory to ensure it was one which produced high quality cheese using modern methods of production. The factory was sold in 1889 to a Mr. H. W. King who was from Abbotsford in Melbourne. Unfortunately within a few days of Mr King buying the factory it was completely destroyed in a fire. All that was left were two large pine trees and two large underground concrete tanks.

G.G. Pearce was described as a pioneer of cheese factories in Victoria. His first factory was just outside of Bacchus Marsh at Hopetoun. Around 1879 he moved into Bacchus Marsh and opened a new purpose built factory in Waddell Street. The Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper reported that no expense had been spared in constructing this factory. The factory was completely destroyed in a fire in 1889 which makes it fortunate that this image was captured of this early cheese factory in Victoria.

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 group of men and women standing in a row in front of the Bacchus Marsh Cheese factory. One of the women is holding a small child. In front of another woman stands a young boy. Behind them is a covered wagon with a man seated upon it. Some of the men and women are wearing long aprons. In the background is the Cheese Factory. It is a large wooden structure with a high and steep pitched roof.

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

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This image shows the house occupied by Thomas Mason and his family in 1883. The man in the centre of the image holding the reins of the horse is possibly Thomas Mason. One of the two women seated in the buggy is possibly his wife Catherine Mason (nee Whelan). This house was built by grazier George Palmer Hall around 1846-1848 north of what is now Lerderderg Street, Bacchus Marsh, at a point close to the Lerderderg RIver. The house and the accompanying farm of over 5,000 hectares was leased by George Ball to George Hobler in the late 1840s and early 1850s. During this time George Hobler's daughter Emily married Henry Bacchus the son of Captain William Bacchus. By 1865 Thomas Mason had purchased the property. Mason named the property Riverton. After his death in the 1890s the property was owned by a number of different people. The house was still in use until 1999 but since this time has been unoccupied and its condition has significantly deteriorated.

This image is significant because it depicts one of the earliest houses built in the town of Bacchus Marsh. It is probably the earliest surviving image of this Bacchus Marsh pre-gold rush structure.

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 brick house, with an iron roof and with a white picket fence around the front garden. There is a buggy to the left of the image with two women seated in it. A man stands in front of the buggy holding the reins of a white horse which is harnessed to the buggy. Further to the right of the image is an older man with his hands in his pockets.

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

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James Reid was born in Scotland near Glasgow and came to Victoria as a young man in 1854. Shortly after arriving he came to Bacchus Marsh where he lived until his death in 1902 at the age of 74 years. For most of these years he conducted a wheelwrights and coach builders business in Bacchus Marsh. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, wheelwrights and blacksmiths played an essential role in the functioning of the whole community. Before the industrialisation of manufacturing, wheels and other components of vehicles for transport, 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.

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 a plain brick house with a central front door with a window on either side. There are a further two windows along the side of the house. On the left-hand side of the building there is a smaller room with its own entry door. The main roof is tiled with shingles or slate and features two substantial chimneys. At the front of the house stands a young woman with her hands clasped. A horse can be seen at the rear of the house. From the photo of the James Reid Wheelwright and Blacksmith Shop, Victorian Collections No.VC 618, we know that this house stood to the rear of the workshop. The wheel tracks which can be seen lead out to Main Street.

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

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Coimadai is a rural community located 10km north of Bacchus Marsh. The Coimadai School was opened in 1862. It was at first entirely funded by the local residents in the area. In these early years it was known as the Pyrete School after the nearby creek of that name. The building shown in this 1883 image was constructed in 1872 and replaced an earlier wooden structure. Over time the Coimadai School became a government funded and administered school. A famous pupil to attend the school was John Cain Senior, Premier of Victoria in the 1940s and 1950s, who attended the school for one year in 1893.

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 is a large group portrait of the pupils of the Coimadai State School and their teachers. There are about The older children are standing in rows and a younger group of pupils is seated on chairs in front of them. 60 pupils. One teacher stands on the right of the group of pupils and the other is on the left. The School building can be seen in the background.

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

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Bacchus Marsh State School No. 28. The number of pupils in 1883 was 172. The school has undergone a number of name changes over the years. It began as the Bacchus Marsh National School in 1850 and at the time this photo was taken it was known as Bacchus Marsh State School. Since the 1970s it has been known as Bacchus Marsh Primary. It is officially recognised as the oldest government school in Victoria.

This image is important as an early depiction of the first state school in Victoria, and is one of the two earliest images of this school.

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 five-gabled school building with a large assembly of pupils and teachers in an outdoor setting. There are five adults, probably the teaching staff.

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.

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The Harvest Home Hotel was licensed as a beer shop in 1866. Patrick Vallence was the licensee. On his death in 1874 his widow Mrs M. A. Vallence obtained the license. At the time this image was taken George Marshall was leasing the hotel. Following a decrease in the population of Bacchus Marsh by 1911 hotel had lost its license. The Vallence family still owned the building after the loss of the hotel license in 1911and it was used for some years after this as a private residence by some members of the Vallence family.

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 the Harvest Home Hotel situated in Main Street Bacchus Marsh. The name of the hotel can be seen above the verandah roof.

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.

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The number of cattle in this photo suggests that it was a small holding, at the beginning of the dairy industry in Bacchus Marsh. This industry became a major source of employment in Bacchus Marsh. By the early twentieth century, the Bacchus Marsh region was a significant contributor to the dairy industry in Australia.

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'. This is a photo of a dairy farm in an unknown location in the Bacchus Marsh district. It has been taken from an elevation looking down at the farm. On the left, the roadside can be seen running alongside a stream or river which is fenced off by a line of trees and a post and rail fence. Parked on the road outside the farmhouse is a wagon which is unhitched. The wagon has a white rooftop and on the side can be seen a professional logo, details unclear. This wagon is most likely the wagon used by the photographers to access outlying properties with their photographic equipment. The farmhouse itself faces the road with doors giving onto the yard, the six milking sheds of post-and-rail construction adjoining. In the first and fourth stalls (l to r) the farmer and his wife can be seen seated, miking cows. The rest of the herd are gathered in the yard awaiting milking. The yard is fenced with post-and-rail. A bull stands outside the fence. On the right is a shed of rough-hewn boards and a shingle roof. In the yard at the back of the house stands a cart or dray.

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.

dairy farms, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

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. Goods and advertising can be seen through the windows of the shop. Out the front of the shop under a verandah stands a man, possibly one of the Pearce brothers who owned this business.

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

Thomas Heath built this shop for his saddlery business around 1875. In 1926 after 58 years operating his saddlery in Bacchus Marsh he retired and the assets of his business were sold in a clearing sale. The building was later demolished. Apart from his services in saddlery his premises was known to be a gathering place for much discussion. Heath was known to openly express his political opinions and his saddlery premises was known by many in the community as the 'Parliament'.

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 is of a double-fronted weatherboard building with a shingle roof. The front gabled section stands on street level flanked by a picket fence. The door and overhead window and the side window with arched panels may indicate that this was the shop section, with a dwelling to the rear. Items which may be for sale can be seen hanging in the windows. The recessed side section of the building with a twelve-sectioned window, chimney and a back extension was probably the dwelling used by the family. On the footpath stands the saddler with three children, two boys and an older girl, probably Mr Thomas Heath and the Heath children. A hitching rail runs along the front of the workshop. Indicating the type of business Mr Heath ran, are a saddle placed over the rail and two horse collars and reins hanging either side of the workshop door.

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.

saddleries, saddlers, thomas heath 1842-1930 saddler

View of Main Street Bacchus Marsh 1883, showing early notable buildings on the southern side of the street, including the Courthouse, National Bank of Australasia, Border Inn, Hall of Commerce building.

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'.

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, bacchus marsh roads and streets, bacchus marsh main street 19th century

James Reid was born in Scotland near Glasgow and came to Victoria as a young man in 1854. Shortly after arriving he came to Bacchus Marsh where he lived until his death in 1902 at the age of 74 years. For most of these years he conducted a wheelwrights and coach builders business in Bacchus Marsh. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, wheelwrights and blacksmiths played an essential role in the functioning of the whole community. Before the industrialisation of manufacturing, wheels and other components of vehicles for transport, 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'. An image depicting a wheelwright and blacksmith's shop, with a group of men, boys and a woman shown in front. Two men are wearing the work clothes of the blacksmith, including the split leather apron worn by farriers to enable them to work on the hooves of the horses needing shoeing. Two young boys are standing by the door. A portly gentleman in formal clothes stands before the shop. His proprietorial air suggests he was James Reid, the owner. The house shown at the rear was James Reid's residence. Two people, an elderly gentleman and a younger woman, are seated in a jinker on the road to the side of the shop. A collection of wheels and farm tools leans on the walls. A triple-tiered sign above the shop reads: JAMES REID WHEELWRIGHT BLACKSMITH. TIMBER - YARD PAINTS, OILS & GLASS.

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.

wheelwrights, james reid 1828?-1902, stevenson and mcnicoll 1883 photographs of bacchus marsh and district

Small pamphlet. 32 pages. Stapled. BMDHS Loc: AR/SU5/Pamphlets Box 4

non-fiction

The Bacchus Marsh district has been the location of a major apple orcharding district for well over a century. This pamphlet was produced by the organisers of the Bacchus Marsh Apple Festival as part of a promotional campaign for the Apple Festival and industry in Bacchus Marsh. The pamphlet contains a brief historical outline of apple growing in Bacchus Marsh, and a brief note on the history of the Northcote Childrens Village. The majority of the content is 104 recipes using apples. Most of the recipes were provided by people in the Bacchus Marsh community.

apples, recipes, cooking, bacchus marsh district history, orchards

This small bowl was won by Alex Todd for marksmanship at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Bazaar in Bacchus Marsh in 1935. It was described in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper as a piece of Local Objet d'Art. The Express noted that it was 'made and donated to the Ladies' Guild by Mr. Walter Simon, of Bacchus Marsh. A local osage orange tree furnished the wood for the bowl, which was one of many articles that Mr. Simon's lathe has shaped from time to time, the grain of the osage timber being especially suitable for such work', Express, 25 May, 1935, p.2.

A small polished wood bowl with unattached wooden lid.

woodworking

The 1886 Irrigation Act in Victoria introduced the first legislation in Australia designed to enable the creation of a detailed scheme for agricultural irrigation. Part of the legislation saw the use of government funds for local irrigation projects. These local projects were managed by local irrigation trusts. The Lerderderg Irrigation and Water Supply Trust] was formed in 1890. This map depicts the proposed area of the Trust.

Printed paper map of the proposed Lerderderg District Irrigation and Water Supply. Plan showing boundaries of Trust District. The Lerderderg District lies within the Parishes of Korkuperrumul and Merrimu in the County of Bourke. At the top of the map above its title is the letter 'A; in capital lettering. Scale: 40 Chains = 1 inch.

irrigation, water supply, lerderderg irrigation and water supply trust

On the 20th November 1952 SEC linesmen Stewart Aicken, Donald Odames and Desmond Veraker were working on the corner of Gisborne Road and Masons Lane in Bacchus Marsh. Veraker was in the air in a harness working on power lines when he was electrocuted. Aicken and Odames were on the ground and attempted to rescue him and revive him. Sadly Vereker died from his injuries. Aicken and Odames were later given bravery awards by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for their actions.

Royal Humane Society of Australasia certificate presented to Stewart Aicken to recognise the bravery of his actions on the 20th November 1952 in attempting to rescue fellow linesman Desmond Vereker from electrocution. It was awarded to him to accompany a bronze medal also awarded to Aicken for this act of bravery. The certificate and bronze medal are housed in a frame. Underneath the bronze medal is a black and white photograph of Aicken receiving the award from the Governor of Victoria Sir Dallas Brooks in 1953. Also in the photograph is an unidentified man and woman. The unidentified man is probably Donald Odames who was with Aicken on the 20th November 1952 and was also recognised for his bravery by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia.

awards, accidents