Summary

This photograph shows how John Joseph 'JJ' O'Connor and Dr. Pern would get cattle across to St Margaret Island from the mainland, circa 1910. When the tide was low it was possible to walk the sheep across but once the tide rose they would swim the cattle and horses across. The O'Connor family leased the island for a period of time in the early 20th century to graze their cattle in the summer. There was only one shack on the island, however the O'Connors would invite friends and family to visit over the summer to camp.

The photographer of this image, Doctor Sydney Pern, was a friend of the donor's family, who lived in Yarram. In addition to his duties as the local GP, he was an enthusiastic amateur photographer.

Description of Content

View of cattle swimming to an island. There is a row of wooden fences half-submerged to the left, and the photograph is taken from a wooden boat, the prow of which can be seen in the foreground.

More Information