Historical information

This photograph is from the McKenzie family sawmill in Avonsleigh (on what is now 1 or 2 Avon Road, at the corner with Macclesfield Road). Four of the men pictured are known: Bob Welch, Ralph Welch, Cliff McKenzie, and Ian McKenzie. It is believed that this photograph was taken in the mid 1940s.

There are two other unaccessioned copies of this item in our collection; both are with it in its folder.

Significance

This image represents the historical timber industry, which played a very significant role in local economies for decades.

Physical description

This item is a printed black and white photograph. The photograph is centered, with decorative framing forming a 10-15mm margin around it. The photograph depicts five men working at a sawmill; one in the foreground operating a saw, and four in the background moving a large log. They are under the cover of a tin roof, but with open walls. The reverse features handwritten annotations in pen and pencil - the handwriting in pen appearing to be older - and a handwritten accession number. There are minor marks across the surface of the paper.

Inscriptions & markings

Pencil: "1940s mid. / Cnr Avon & Macclesfield Road. / Men working / 2 Welch: Bob. - Ralph / 2 McKenzies Cliff & Ian."
Pen: "Mc Kenzies / Timber Mill / Avonsleigh"