Historical information

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.

Significance

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.

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'.
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.

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.

References