Len and Merle Pilkington came to Wodonga from Wonthaggi in 1946. Len had been an employee on the Victorian railways. They both gained employment with J. Mann & Son of Wodonga where Len became manager of the Shoe Department. When the Sumsion’s shoe shop became available Len and Merle bought it in partnership with Ernie Mann. The partnership dissolved a year later and Len and Merle continued as Pilkington’s Shoes. In the 1950s, the shoe repair shop belonging to Nick Hauser was up for sale and Len and Merle extended their business. In the mid-1950s they were joined by their son Barry who continued to work there in a variety of roles including shoe repairer, salesman and accountant. Over the life of Pilkington’s Shoes they operated from two different locations in High Street, Wodonga. At one stage the business provided a living for six staff, but the impact of the recession of 1982 – 83, competition from chain store discount prices and a reduced demand for high quality shoes took their toll on the business and Barry Pilkington closed his doors in 1993 after several decades serving the Wodonga community. This Calendar promoted “Paddle” shoes. Paddle Bros. Shoes Pty. Ltd. was started by Joe Paddle and his seven sons, from a small shed in Carlton. Paddle then moved to a factory in Fitzroy and later in Mornington and Ballarat. In 1982 Paddle Bros. Shoes Pty. Ltd. was purchased by Rivers (Australia) Pty. Ltd. These images and calendar are significant because they document a long standing business in Wodonga.A coloured Calendar from Pilkington's Shoe Store Wodonga advertising Paddle Shoes. It is accompanied by some black and white images of the owners and premises.Paddle Games Calendar With compliments from Pilkingtons Shoes The Friendly Footwear Store 106 High St., Wodonga Telephone: 560 Paddle for longer shoe wear - proper foot care.pilkingtons, wodonga businesses, pilkingtons shoes

Miss Olive Codling was a Foundation Member and a Life Member of the Wodonga Historical Society. Many of her prize-winning photos are held in the Society Collection. She also held a range of roles and committee positions in a wide range of Wodonga community organisations. These included the Horticultural Society, the Wodonga Arts Council, the Wodonga Camera Club and the Wodonga Lapidary Club. This photo collection is significant as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the 20th century.Wodonga, High Street West Businesses include Mylon Motorways and Pilkington shoes. 153 High Street, Wodonga in 2021is now the location of Gateway Health and other allied Health Services. In 1906 Patrick Mylon started a passenger transport service in the Albury-Wodonga border area with horses and cabs. His son Jack went into business in the late 1920s, and his grandson Bernie joined the firm early in 1970. When Patrick started with the horses and cabs, each cab carried eight passengers and he always had two horses per cab. As the business expanded, Mylons used a range of buses and coaches including Reo, Chev and Bedford vehicles. During more than 100 years if service to the Wodonga region and beyond, Mylon Motorways received many awards for Excellence and tourism. On July 2, 2008 the company, including its 31 buses and 45 staff members were transferred to the Dyson Group. On building facades on left "153 Mylon Motorways/Tours and Travel" On building on the right "Pilkington's SHOES"wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, pilkingtons shoes, mylon motorways

Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community.This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th centuryBusinesses from Left to right J. McSwiney & Co Chemist, Dempster’s Café and Pilkington’s Shoes. This building is still standing and now includes business High Exposure, Junction Pizza, Greg’s Takeaway and Barbers Quarter Haircuts and Shaves. Born in Chiltern in 1875, John T McSwiney moved into his premises in High Street, Wodonga in 1901. He operated his pharmacy from this site for over 64 years. At its peak, John put the Wodonga store under the care of a manager and moved to set up a second pharmacy in Wangaratta. He later returned to his Wodonga pharmacy where although semi-retired John continued to go to work each day up to his 90th birthday. His chemist shop was sold about 1967.wodonga businesses, high st wodonga, pilkingtons, mcswiney chemist