Historical information

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. In 1850 a new Woolpack Inn was built for Mr. J.E. Crook, replacing the original slab building of 1845. Stables for twenty horses was also built in 1850, and in 1851, Crook established a coach service to the goldfields. After 1862, Crook pursued an interest in horse breeding, using the stables to accommodate his horses. The most notable of his horses was Saladin, which won the Australian Cup in 1872 after two dead heats with The Flying Dutchman. James Elijah Crook died in 1889.

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 photo shows a group of men and horses from The Woolpack Inn stables, seven horses and six riders, one horse being held on a short rein by a rider on a white horse. Most of the horses are heavily clothed in winter rugs while the riders are clothed in sports jackets and hats. The scene is a winter one.

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.

References