Historical information

This ledger comes from the Warrnambool firm of Swinton Pty Ltd. It contains the business trial balances for the years 1953 to 1980. 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 glassware and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stores were opened in Cudgee, Wangoom, Nullawarre, West Warrnambool and South 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, hardware and produce. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding shop in Timor Street.

Significance

This ledger is of considerable interest as it gives important information about the operations of the Warrnambool firm of Swintons Pty Ltd for the years 1953 to 1980. This information will be useful to researchers. The current Swinton shop 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 amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia.

Physical description

This is a ledger with an orange-coloured cover which is partly detached from its binding and somewhat scuffed. The pages are white with printed red and blue lines. The entries are handwritten in blue and black ink.

Inscriptions & markings

‘27’ (on spine)