Pair of studio portraits of a Salvation Army couple in uniform. Melbourne, late 1880s.

Two albumen print photographs, carte de visite format, 104 x 63 mm (mounts); rectos of mounts imprinted ‘Allan, 270 Smith Street, Collingwood’; both prints and mounts are in excellent condition.

These portraits were clearly taken during the same visit to Allan’s studio, probably around 1888, the year Allan commenced business in Smith Street. They were found side-by-side in a distressed album presented by Alfred William Goddard (Ballarat 1857-1910 Prahran) to his second wife Sarah Jane (Fountain) (Ballarat 1858-1925 Richmond), in 1887.

The sitters are almost certainly husband and wife. The woman is holding a copy of The War Cry (the publication’s title was deliberately made prominent and is easily discernible), while the man is holding a hymn book.

Alfred Goddard’s first wife, Dorothy Gunther (also a native of Ballarat) had died some time prior to 1879. Alfred  married Sarah Fountain, daughter of Joseph Fountain of Canadian Gully, at St. Paul’s Ballarat East, on 9 April 1879. The couple then moved to Melbourne, where they resided at Bowen Villa, 13 Donald Street, Prahran, up until Alfred’s death in 1910. The couple had three children: George Herbert, who died in 1908, Steven (“Steve”), and Stephanie. An obituary for Alfred was published in the Malvern Standard, 15 October 1910:

‘Mr Alfred Goddard. It is with much regret that we have to record the death of Mr Alfred Goddard, of Donald street, Prahran, which took place on Thursday afternoon last at the Alfred Hospital. Mr Goddard was 52 years of age, and leaves a widow, who will receive the deepest sympathy in her sad bereavement. The deceased gentleman was some years ago connected with the Post Office, but for many years he was afterwards connected with Singer’s Sewing Machine Co, and by his ability and tact prove himself a very successful agent. He was one of the earliest members of the Prahran branch of the A N.A. and the Natives will feel the loss of a valued member, friend, and adviser. Mr Goddard, senr, is a resident of Ballarat.‘

After Alfred’s death, Sarah took another husband, Mr. J. David. She died in Richmond, Melbourne, in 1925.