During the 1890s, Australia was hit hard by an economic depression that left its banking system in ruins. ... Within three years the recession was global and had caused the total collapse of Australia's economy. Widespread unemployment set in, and many Australians faced homelessness and hunger.

Alfred Boddy's photography business, at Wolfe & Hunter Streets, was possibly the first in Newcastle NSW. He travelled with his wife

Sarah by buggy to photograph clients throughout the Hunter Valley and as far away as Taree. He also travelled out on the pilot boat to

take pictures of ships at sea. At this time, the family lived at Smedmore.

The family moved to Perkins street, Newcastle and conducted their studio (known as Imperial Studios) for many years. When he died in

1913, the business was taken over by his daughters (Lottie) May and (Mildred) Ethel and the business was known as May & E. Boddy,

Photographers.

May and Ethel built a large home in Noster Place, off Wolfe Street with a good view of Newcastle Harbour.

(Biography courtesy of Newcastle Region Library Local Studies)