"Russian Jack" accompanied by Grant and Diane Edwards

Description

Barrett Crumen (1878-1968), known as "Russian Jack" is often called "the last of the swag men." He was reportedly born in Latvia on 26 March 1878. After several years at sea, he arrived in New Zealand in 1912 on the British ship Star of Canada. For the next 53 years he tramped around the North Island, particulary the Wairarapa and Manawatū regions, picking up itinerant work, food and lodgings wherever he could. As seen in this photograph, he travelled with a strong walking stick, a kerosene tin billy and two large sugar bags filled with his belongings.
This image is derived from a copy negative made from a photograph that was loaned for copying. The original photographic print is not held by the Ian Matheson City Archives.

Identification

Identifier

2014N_Z5213_009686

Archive

Ashhurst Historical Photograph Collection

Date

circa 1960

Digitisation id

2014N_Z5213_009686

Format

B&W negative