Adelaide Northern Districts Family History Group Inc.

17/10/2025

13/10/2025

GAWLER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Circa 1895

This enhanced and colourised photograph (State Library of South Australia, B16408) shows Robert Henry “Bob” Barnet, proprietor of The Bunyip newspaper, Ebenezer “Ebb” Marchant, and infant J. Rawlings outside 93 Murray Street, Gawler, around 1895.

Built in 1873 by the Bank of Adelaide at a cost of £4,000, the building behind the people is a lovely example of late Italianate architecture, with its inviting hipped roof, broad, shady eaves, and welcoming central entrance portico. When the bank branch closed in 1894, tailor and ladies’ costumier Duncan Dunsmore brought new life to the building, establishing D. Dunsmore & Co. By 1898, the Freemasons gave it yet another chapter, and in 1902, it found a new home with W. R. Lewis, Solicitor. In 1928, the building happily returned to a familiar purpose, housing the Union Bank of Australia, and later, from 1951, serving the community as the ANZ Bank.

The Individuals in the Photograph

Robert Henry “Bob” Barnet (1868–1917)

Born in Gawler, Bob Barnet was the third son of the Bunyip founder, William Barnet, and his wife, Hannah (née Burfield). Bob joined the paper in 1881 and later took over as Manager in 1895 following his father’s death. Under his leadership, The Bunyip remained one of Gawler’s most trusted voices. Known for his civic-mindedness and steady hand in local affairs, Bob passed away on 4 September 1917, leaving behind a proud legacy in regional journalism.

Ebenezer “Ebb” Tasman Marchant (1887–1944)

Born in Latrobe, Tasmania, Ebb was the son of photographer Philip James Marchant and Mary (née Bowering). After losing his mother at a young age, Ebb returned to Gawler with his father in 1895. As Philip’s health declined, Ebb became increasingly active in the family studio, eventually taking full charge after his father’s death in 1910. In 1922, he married Elvira Elsa Klaebe, and they later welcomed a son, Trevor. Ebb carried forward the family’s photographic legacy with quiet skill and dedication.

J. Rawlings (Infant)

The youngest face in the pram is little J. Rawlings.

The restoration and colourisation of this image were carried out by Kelly Bonato, who used Photoshop, Lightroom, and Topaz software to enhance the historical details of the original black-and-white photograph.

Sources: State Library of South Australia (B 16408), Gawler History Team, ‘Murray Street 93 and ANZ Building’, Gawler Heritage Study: Stage One, Hignett & Company, Murray Street Main Street Study, State Heritage Branch, Department of Environment and Planning, 1989, Design and Art Australia Online ‘Ebenezer Tasman Marchant, Art Gallery of South Australia, ‘Ebenezer Tasman Marchant’, Gawler Heritage Survey, Danvers Architects, 1998, Trove various articles, Australian Button History: A History of Button Manufacturing in Australia, ‘Tailors Buttons’.

© Kelly Bonato 2025. All image editing, enhancement, and colourisation are protected by copyright. You’re very welcome to share this post, but please don’t copy or repost the image alone without permission.

13/10/2025

As Promised for those who missed out on the History Month Tour. We have have some free spots, book via Email @ events@andfhg.org.au with Name and Numbers.

11/10/2025

https://mailchi.mp/1222c72401e7/bulletin-oct-2025

11/10/2025

Salisbury Council Family Fun Day - set up and ready to go.

10/10/2025

GAWLER , SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Circa 1905

Happy Saturday everyone!

I’d like to say a big thank you to all the lovely people I met last night from the Gawler and Districts 4WD Club. What a welcoming and enthusiastic group you are! It was such a pleasure chatting with everyone and sharing how my interest in family history and discovering my pioneer roots a few short years ago eventually led to the creation of A Colourful History.

To tie in with that, I thought I’d share this beautiful photograph of Essex House, located at 98–100 Murray Street, Gawler. This grand old building has been a cornerstone of Gawler’s commercial and community life for more than a century.

The southern portion was built in 1905 for draper Alfred Sheard, replacing a series of earlier shops. In 1928, the building was extended northwards to create more space, with both stages designed by English and Soward. Local contractors Taylor and Forgie were responsible for the striking 1905 façade and verandah.

Inside, Essex House was fitted out to a high standard, matching the elegance of Adelaide’s department stores. It featured pressed-metal ceilings, cast-iron columns, and even the famous “Flying Fox” cashier system, which remained in use well into the late twentieth century. These touches reflected its role as one of the state’s most significant country draperies.

Around 1920, the property was purchased by Henry Burgess Crosby, M.P., who expanded the business and promoted it as the “shopping centre of the north.”

Today, Essex House remains part of Gawler’s main street, continuing to contribute to the town’s historic charm and vibrant character.

Sources:
Murray Street 98–100 Essex House, Gawler History, Gawler Heritage Survey (1998), Danvers Architects and Associates, Gawler Heritage Study: Stage 1, Hignett & Company, SA Heritage Places Database, entry for Essex House, Gawler, The History of Essex House, Murray Street, Gawler, South Australia: The Drapery Years 1876–1999, eHive, Gawler Historic Main Street Walking Tour, Town of Gawler visitor material, State Library of South Australia (B 63870), photograph



Edited and colourised by Kelly Bonato of A Colourful History

© Kelly Bonato 2025. All image editing, enhancement, and colourisation are protected by copyright. You’re very welcome to share this post but please don’t copy or repost the image alone without permission.

03/10/2025

03/10/2025

27/09/2025