George Street 1858, at King Street

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Original

Today (Google)

This is one of the earliest known photos of George Street, which I dated to no later than 1858 using Sands directory. I chose this one as the condition of the original is so poor, and it's rare to find such early views. I liked the challenge of getting its details refined.

The earliest view of George Street I've ever found is only a couple of years earlier, and is basically the same view as this but looking south from the other side of the Post Office. I didn't restore it as this one above has more interesting details. However, I have included it after the jump, along with some hints on dating photos.

pre-1858 - The house next to the post office on the other side, and the large building beyond, were all owned by Mary Reiby. In this photo, the house is semi-detached with a double-storey veranda and a shopfront added on the groundfloor.

Here, that shopfront on the south side of the semi has been extended up to the first floor. This photo is positively dated to 1858, so the previous one obviously predates.

1859c - And in this one, showing Mary Reiby's commercial buildings, the southern end has had its attic converted to a photography studio. However, the shopkeepers are mostly the same as 1858, before more changes will appear in 1860.