Historical information
The Commercial Bank of Australia building was constructed by J. F. Taylor in 1907 and shortly after commenced operations as a bank. The building was in use as a CBA bank until 1976 when it was demolished and a new building erected. The CBA continued its operations at this location; subsequently, various banks, such as the Bank of Melbourne and Westpac operated there. Part of the new building is now in use as a newsagency. The original architectural plans for this building designed by Walter Butler are held by the State Library of Victoria and can be viewed online through the Library's website: Citation: Butler, W. R., & Taylor, J. F. (1906). Design for banking premises at Bacchus Marsh for the Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd. URL: http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/473561
Physical description
Black and white photographic print. Photograph of the Commercial Bank 138 Main Street Bacchus Marsh. On the left is a smaller brick building adjoining the bank. On the right there is a partial shot of a shop called The House of Hodgson. The bank building itself is shown as a substantial two-story brick building, the top storey appearing to be a dwelling with three ornamented windows furnished with curtains and blinds. The storeys are divided by a white panel bearing the words "The Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd". The lower storey has a central entrance with a panelled door. The door is flanked by two windows with reinforced lattices. The windows and door are surmounted by decorative arches reminiscent of Spanish Moorish architecture. A car (possibly a 1937 Dodge) is parked on the street. A lone girl stands on the footpath waving at the photographer.
Inscriptions & markings
On the back: In pencil: 1937 Dodge?
Subjects
References
- Moore, G and Oomes, J. Bacchus Marsh A Pictorial Chronicle. BMDHS 1986
- COMMERCIAL BANK BUILDING, BACCHUS MARSH. (1907, September 14). The Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic. : 1866 - 1943), p. 4. Columns 1-3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90167252 A very detailed report about the design of the Commercial Bank in Bacchus Marsh
- Butler, W. R., & Taylor, J. F. (1906). Design for banking premises at Bacchus Marsh for the Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd.