Historical information

John Simpson arrived in Bacchus Marsh around 1848. In 1850 he established a butchery business. He continued to operate this business in Main Street Bacchus Marsh until his death in 1890. His son John Simpson and one of his brothers, Edward took over the business and operated it until 1923. John Simpson the younger died in 1940 having lived all but a few months of his 92 years in Main Street Bacchus Marsh. Edward L. Simpson died in Corowa, NSW in 1937. The younger John Simpson's recollections of Bacchus Marsh in the 1850s to 1870s were published in the Bacchus Marsh Express on the 25 June 1932.

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'. The image shows a butchery shop in Main Street Bacchus Marsh in 1883. The front of the building is shown. It is a solid brick or stone structure with a shingled roof and verandah. Hanging under the verandah are numerous carcasses and portions of meat. Two men are standing close together in front of the shop. One is wearing a butcher's apron. Another man to the left sits upon a horse. In the doorway behind the men stands a woman.

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.