Historical information

This ledger contains summaries of trading finances for Swintons Pty Ltd and Swintons Supermarket for the years 1969 to 1978. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool district erecting many buildings including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street selling groceries, china, glass and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, West Warrnambool and South Warrnambool. When William Swinton died his son Robert became the first managing director of Swintons Pty Ltd. In 1934 the business split, with George Swinton and Sons selling furnishings, clothing and glassware and Swintons Pty Ltd selling seeds, hardware and produce. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding business in Timor Street.

Significance

This ledger is of great interest as it contains summaries of the financial records of the Swintons Supermarket and Swintons Pty Ltd from 1969 to 1978. It will be very useful to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the Swinton name associated with businesses in Timor Street for 152 years, it is one of the oldest family businesses in Australia.

Physical description

This is a hard cover book with a green cover. There is black printing on the spine and on the front cover. The pages are white with printed ruled blue lines and printed red and blue columns. The entries are handwritten in blue ink. There are two pages at the back with printed graph patterns.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Collins Analysis Book 61 Series’