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. The house was built for Dr. Rae in 1880 following his retirement from his medical practice due to ill health. He lived there until his death. Dr. Vance then occupied it for a short time. It was bought by the sisters of St. Joseph in 1890 and formed the nucleus of St. Joseph’s Convent. It was demolished in the early years of the twentieth century, when a new two-storey brick convent was built.

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 is of a large single-storey brick house with a return verandah supported by simple columns. Five chimneys can be seen. The house sits on a large block of land in a bush setting, with a hedge separating the house and garden. A picket fence runs across the block, with a paling fence along the northern side.

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