Historical information

Samuel Painter, saddler, enlarged George Taylor's premises after buying the building in 1888. He carried on the saddlery while his wife conducted a fancy goods shop. The building on the left was occupied by a bootmaker, Abraham Tracey.

Physical description

Copy of photograph of S. Painter's Saddlery, showing a group of buildings in Main Street, Bacchus Marsh in the later part of the 19th century, post 1883. On the left can be seen part of a building which bears the sign A. Tracey. The middle building carries a large sign advertising the proprietor and his business. It has a large double window, flanked on either side with a doorway. A variety of goods can be seen in the window. On the right is a weatherboard building also set up as a shop. At the front of this complex can be seen two men both wearing work aprons and three children standing on the footpath. Two buggies are pulled up in front of the complex, one four-wheeled, one two wheeled, the smaller vehicle pulled by a pony. The deep gutter is bridged by boards giving access to the unmade road.

Inscriptions & markings

On the front: Sign above central building: S.PAINTER. SADDLE HARNESS & COLLAR MAKER. COLLARS CAREFULLY FITTED. On the central window can be seen a sign reading Stationery & Fancy Goods. On the window above the door: Bacchus Marsh Emporium.
On the back: Handwritten: Bought by Bowden. Old building on left replaced by W.J.Wilson Hairdresser 1896. Painter Main Street now State Bank.