Historical information

This ledger was used in the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. It contains the records of financial statements for the years 1969 to 1978 – rates and taxes accounts, trial balances and accounts for light and power, wages etc. William and Ann Swinton migrated to Australia in 1854 and for a decade William Swinton worked as a builder and carpenter in the Warrnambool area, erecting many buildings including the Wangoom Presbyterian Church. In 1865 he opened a store in Timor Street Warrnambool, selling groceries, china and glass ware and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Nullawarre, Wangoom, South Warrnambool and West Warrnambool. After 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, produce and hardware. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street.

Significance

This ledger is of considerable interest as it contains much important information on the financial operations of Swintons Pty Ltd in the 1960s and 70s. This information will be very useful to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the name Swinton associated with Timor Street businesses for 152 years, it is among the oldest family businesses in Australia.

Physical description

This is a hard cover book with a green cover and a green mottled patterning inside the cover. The pages are held in the cover by two metal studs. There are white and yellow pages which have A to Z tabs on the side. The pages have printed blue lines. The entries are handwritten in blue ink with some pencil entries.