03 High Street - how we identify photos
Here is a sample of the process we use to identify "orphan" photos. Accuracy is everything and we do not ever just guess as this helps perpetuate false information and once it is out there, it is often difficult to correct! In this particular instance it took two years on and off to identify the location.
We were able to identify the car as a 1923-25 Overland Model 91 Touring car and because the whole family were posing in and around the car, we assumed it was newly purchased addition to the family. So the photo must have been taken during that time.
Key identifying features of the building: It was a two story building with at least one upstairs window - or a single story building with a parapet wall and a feature that resembled a window. We were looking for a building that had (or once had) a verandah with a distinct pattern on the corner brackets. That ruled out most of the buildings in New Norfolk.
The first step was to try to match it to a known location where the Traill family had conducted business. The obvious first candidate was 44 High Street because we didn't know when the Traills first opened this business. It had a verandah but no posts - doesn't mean it never did but the parapet would need to be dramatically changed to make it match. So we ruled this one out. Next candidate was the building next door at 46 High Street - definitely not a match. And lastly 43 High Street which was also not a match.
We then explored the possibility that maybe this building was not located in New Norfolk at all. We checked the various business directories and found that the Traill family lived and worked solely in New Norfolk.
The angle makes it deceptive but the windows and parapet match the 1932 photo below.
Alexander Traill (Alex) & Sons were the proprietors of the Soda Fountain. Herbert William Traill (Bert) was one of his sons.
Alex Traill is listed in business directories as a Confectioner.
The car dates the photo to the 1920s and HW Traill is listed in business directories from 1925, before he moved to 44 High Street. We don't know the date he moved but we are working on it. It makes sense that he would have started in partnership with his father before branching out on his own.
The edge of the verandah of 1 High Street can be glimpsed where you would expect it to be.
A moment of clarity - it is most likely that Alex had his confectionery shop on the left and HW Traill had his general shop on the right. The building was certainly big enough - thanks Ken for this gem of inspiration that completes the picture.
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