Historical information
The family in this photograph is believed to be the Oliver family. Thomas Oliver, a farmer, advocated for a school at Parwan near Bacchus Marsh. This image depicts him and members of his family at his property, Woodside in 1883. The Woodside property was formerly owned by John Cook. The Olivers lived at Woodside during the 1870s and 1880s. Thomas Oliver retired around 1888 and moved to 'Elam's Cottage' in Bacchus Marsh. Three months after moving to Bacchus Marsh he died.
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'. An image depicting a family group in front of a farm house. There are three men, two women and two small children standing or lying on a grassed area in front of the house, which has a post-and-rail fence. The farmhouse is a simple rectangular- shaped brick house with two chimneys and a tiled or slate roof. Behind the house can be seen a second building, also one-storeyed with a tiled or slate hip roof.
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
- Reproduced in Bacchus Marsh: A Pictorial Chronicle, by Jean Oomes and Gwyn Moore, BMDHS Publication, 1986, page 47
- Parwan: A History, by Dianne Van Leuvan, page 44. Published by Parwan History Group, 2010. Notes about Thomas Oliver and family.