Historical information
George Dickie arrived in the Bacchus Marsh area around 1857. In 1863, he married Ellen Ross Anderson, and after five years of farming in Coimadai, they moved into Bacchus Marsh and established a business. In 1866 he bought the bakery business which had been established by James Boatwood and later conducted by William Watson. This business was in Main Street and is shown in this image during the time it was owned and operated by George Dickie. Ellen and George Dickie had seven children, two sons and five daughters. In his later years he changed the business into a general store and also engaged in grain dealing. He died in 1904 but the business was carried on by his sons until sold in March 1916 to a Charles Medling from Numurkah. The building was later demolished in 1927 to make way for four new shops.
Physical description
Small sepia 'carte de viste' style unframed photograph on card with gold border framing photograph. Housed in the Jeremeas Family Album which contains photographs of Bacchus Marsh and District in 1883 by the photographers Stevenson and McNicoll. The picture shows the business of George Dickie which was located in Main Street Bacchus Marsh. The building is a brick or stone structure with a verandah along the entire frontage of the building. Standing in front of the building is a group of adults and children. On the far left is a man wearing a dress coat and hat. He is possibly Mr. George Dickie the owner of this business. To his left are some younger and older children, and a woman, possibly Mrs DIckie. In the background in the doorway is a young boy with woman behind him. On the right of the picture on the street is a man standing alongside a horse and cart. Some advertising signs are leaning against the shop, footpath and verandah pillar. One of them says 'Chaff, Oats, Bran'.
Inscriptions & markings
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.
Subjects
References
- Stevenson and McNicoll photographers visit Bacchus Marsh
- Stevenson and McNicoll photographers have left Bacchus March for Myrniong and Ballan
- Reproduced in Bacchus Marsh: A Pictorial Chronicle, by Jean Oomes and Gwyn Moore, BMDHS Publication, 1986, page 42.
- No title (Obituary for George Dickie) (1904, September 24). The Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic. : 1866 - 1943), p. 3, Column 1.http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9058130