In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village

In 1873, English grocer James Griffiths migrated to Melbourne with his wife and cousin in order to start a tea business. By 1875 Griffiths Brothers Teas had become a sensation, providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate all over Australia. The Sydney outlet of the Melbourne-based company was built in 1915. In a memorable advertising campaign, a series of Griffiths signs were situated at varying intervals along the rail lines on fences and building, designed to allow travellers to count down the miles until they could drink up. In 1925, James Griffiths was killed by a train and the tea company was sold to Robur Tea, which itself lasted until 1974. Griffiths’ death meant downsizing within the company with the Sydney building being transferred to the Sydney City Council, who then leased it back to Griffiths Teas. The tea craze was over by 1965, and Griffiths relinquished control of the building to a variety of tenants. Griffiths tea became an intrical part of Australian life, during the late 19th to mid 20th century. The company became a household name through the clever use of outdoor advertising with their blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” signs. These were visible Australia wide on railway fences, stations and other buildings. Griffiths signs let the rail travelers know the distance to where their tea could be enjoyed, with distances being shown as “miles to Griffiths Tea”, These signs were well known along the eastern states railway lines. Tea container tin Griffiths blue tin with round lid, not hinged. 7lbs net Choice Tea Griffith Bros 7lb net in white on a blue labelflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, griffiths bros, tea container, tin tea container

The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. Percy and Myrtle Uebergang's children were twins, Ray and Joyce born in 1926 who lived at Tooram Park until their deaths, Ray in 1986 and Joyce in 1992. Neither Ray nor Joyce married and following the death of her brother Joyce set up the Ray and Joyce Uebergang Foundation which supports the local community. This tea tin is part of the collection of items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum. Uebergang catalogue No.A16.1 Squat square base Griffith's tea tin. The front has a label printed with a dark blue background and silver writing. A small label is affixed at the bottom. Remnants of a white stick-on label at the bottom. A round push-on lid with lip is on top. Full of pink dairy rubbers.CHOICE TEA 7LB net/GRIFFITH'S BROS LTD/Tea, coffee, cocoa & General Merchants/MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, ADELAIDE & BRISBANE/ Trade mark 'SIGNAL' [includes sketch of signal tower]; EXTRA PEKOE FLAVOURD [label on base] Uebergang No.A16.1

In 1879, James Griffiths established one of Australia’s first tea and coffee distribution companies at 30 Flinders St, Melbourne, which is now, occupied by the boutique Lindrum Hotel. Established with his brother John, recent immigrants from England, Griffiths occupied the highest position in the commercial world during their many years as distributors of tea, coffee, cocoa and other products throughout Victoria and Australia. The Griffiths brand was a guarantee for quality of product and service as it still is today. This extensive service was provided to customers via horse drawn carts serviced by rail from Melbourne. As a spirited entrepreneur, Griffiths made his company a household name through his pioneering use of outdoor advertising by installing the infamous blue and white enamel “Griffiths Tea” promotional signs affixed to the railway boundary fences highlighting to travellers the distance to or from Melbourne, indicating so many “— miles to Griffiths Tea”. These signs, much sought after today, were well known through out the eastern states. Photographs have been published of a sign erected by a Digger in France during the First World War with the words “1100 miles to Griffiths Bros”. Tragically, James and his wife Emily with friends died in a level rail crossing accident at Bayswater in 1925. Despite this unfortunate accident, Griffiths and its culture of innovation has survived as one of the few 100% Australian owned coffee roasters, with only three owners in 128 years. http://www.griffithscoffee.com.au/about-us/back-to-1879/ Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 MilesHistoric - Sign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - used along side of Victorian Railway lines and at StationsSign - Advertising - Griffiths Tea Sign - 30 Miles Griffiths Tea sign made of Enamel paint on metal sign30 Miles to Griffiths Tea Sign puffing billy, sign - advertising - griffiths tea sign - 30 miles