URGENT UPDATE: A captivating collection of historical photographs from 1883 will be unveiled next month at the BacchChat event in Bacchus Marsh. Scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at the Lederberg Library, this presentation promises to offer a unique glimpse into the life of the town over a century ago.
The Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society (BMDHS) will spotlight the works of renowned 19th-century photographers Stevenson and McNicoll, who documented significant moments in Victoria and New South Wales. Margaret Simpson, a member of BMDHS, revealed that an article in the Bacchus Marsh Express from September 1883 marked the photographers’ arrival in the town, where they remained until late November.
This remarkable collection, consisting of around 40 photographs, was donated to the historical society in 1973. Recently, Simpson and BMDHS vice president Tim Hogan rediscovered its value while cataloguing items for the Victorian Collections. “It became apparent it was an absolute treasure trove of historical information,” Simpson stated.
Attendees can expect to view about half of the collection, which offers a vivid snapshot of Bacchus Marsh during a time of significant social and political activity. “It tells us so much about the way people were living at that time; the way society arranged itself,” Simpson noted.
While some of the buildings featured in the photographs have been replaced, others still stand today, allowing visitors to walk the same streets and enter the same doors that shaped the community over a century ago. Simpson expressed hope that attendees will contribute insights about the individuals and locations captured in these historical images.
The BacchChat event is set to run from 10 AM to noon. Tickets are available now at this link.
This event not only serves as a window into the past but also fosters community engagement and historical appreciation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with Bacchus Marsh’s rich heritage!
