The original painting forms part of a multipage book held by the Mitchell Library in Sydney.

The images were painted by Mr. G. Simkey who preferred to work in pencil and watercolours, as well as ink.

Two Bathurst scenes were included in the sketchbook that also contains views of Queensland towns, including Charleville, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Sandgate.

On the fly leaf of the book is written "G. Simkey, c/o Mrs. Mumford, Howick Street, Bathurst."

When Mr. Simkey was in Bathurst to do his paintings he stayed in Mrs. Mumford's boarding establishment, named 'Clearview or Clear View', on the corner of Howick and Bentinck Street. Mrs. M. Mumford operated her boarding house from the very early 1880s.

Her building had originally been used as the Bull Inn when it was constructed by Joseph Matthews in 1841.

Then in 1845 James Haynes became the licensee and he decided to change the name to the Black Bull Inn. He later had a set of timber stockyards constructed which fronted the Vale Creek.

The building was originally surrounded by a reasonable amount of land and at some stage a flour mill was built on the extra land for one licensee, Thomas Mockett.

By 1873 Cobb & Co had their first coach factory on the site.

From time to time Mrs. Mumford advertised in the various Bathurst newspapers pointing out her clean accommodation and home cooked meals served in the large dining room. Supper was also served at 9pm nightly.

There were two bathrooms on each floor, a massive comfortable lounge room, a smoking room and two commercial travellers' rooms.

One case was in February 1888 with Mrs. Mumford advertising "VACANCIES for BOARDERS and VISITORS at CLEARVIEW HOUSE. Mrs. MUNFORD, Howick and Bentinck Streets." Then again in September 1890 - "Mrs. Munford's Clear View House, Howick-street, Bathurst."

In late February 1891 Mrs. Mason, (of Sydney) the "successful medical clairvoyant and herbalist was to re-visit Bathurst on Tuesday next, 24th inst., and may be consulted at Mrs. Munford's 'Clear View' House for about two weeks from that date.

She possesses the very remarkable gift of being able to tell persons, (without questioning) from what they are suffering, and supplies the remedies necessary for the cure of same, pure herbal medicines only used, also electric appliances when necessary (tor ladies and gentlemen) consisting of belts, &c." Mrs. Mason would have used one of the traveller's rooms or specialist rooms.

With a large number of tenants passing through Mrs. Mumford was always redirecting mail for her tenants and it seemed she corresponded with numerous others.

In June 1915 Private Roy Mumford, 3rd Battalion AIF, was writing to Mrs Mumford though I can't find if he was her son or any other relation. By September Roy was listed as wounded. In July 1918 Private Gus Treagear wrote a letter to Mrs. Mumford, who still lived in Howick Street.

He stated, "After leaving the hospital with trench fever I just got back to the battalion to take part in the big Battle of the Somme.

After three days hard fighting, I was gassed and sent on to England. I am now waiting further orders. This is the third time the Hun tried to get me, but his cake is dough and he cannot last much longer.

It is about time we crushed such a terrible enemy, and it is only we soldiers in active service know the misery he has caused. This pen could never write, or tongue can ever tell of the horrors of war.

Remember me to any friends of mine and tell them that I am still doing my bit for Australians freedom."