eHive Object Details

Name/TitleLiving in a tree home, Fumina

About this objectThe Penny family lived in a hollowed out tree on their selection for nine months whilst building a more permanent house.

At the opening to their tree home there are two young children and two men seated, and the mother (mostly obscured) in sitting within the hollow tree holding a baby. They lived inside the tree for nine months before building a more permanent home. It was surprisingly roomy inside. Outside are the trappings of basic living - a straw broom, bucket and pan.

'The family lived in the hollowed-out butt for nine months in 1906-1907. It was 20 feet across at floor level with 12 feet of head room inside. Nicholas Penny ring-barked the tree in 1905, with it being 130 feet high with the top broken off. The fires the following year destroyed the tent in which he was living and hollowed out the tree. After "making a few alterations" Penny moved in and brought his wife and children across from Outtrim. They later built a more permanent home. The tree was destroyed in the 1926 bushfires.'

The people have been identified as Nicholas Penny, Eva Penny, Charlie Penny, May Penny, George Penny, John Green. Nicholas Penny is stroking a large dog.

https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/768658

MakerM Lowenhardt Studios

Maker RoleCreator Studio

Date Madec. 1907

Inscription and MarksHandwritten on verso: "The Penny Tree House"
Red spot on verso: "17.4/1107"

Measurements11.8 x 16.8 cm

Period1910-1920

Subject and Association KeywordsSelectors

Subject and Association KeywordsPioneers

Subject and Association KeywordsPioneer life

Subject and Association KeywordsFamilies

Subject and Association KeywordsDwellings, houses and homes

Subject and Association KeywordsDomestic life

Named CollectionImages collection

Object numberPH-990091

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved