Historical information
This note book comes from the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. It contains the names of the firm’s collectors, (called ‘outside collectors’) and the names of those in the Warrnambool district from whom they had collected cash in 1923, 1924 and 1925. It is presumed that the cash was owing to the Swinton business for goods supplied. The notebook also includes some details on employee sick leave in the 1940s and 50s. 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, Warrnambool selling groceries, china and glassware and hardware. By 1888 the business was known as William Swinton and Sons. Branch stored 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, produce and hardware. Today the Swinton family still operates a furniture and bedding store in Timor Street.
Significance
This note book is of interest because it gives details of some business dealings of Swintons Pty Ltd in the 1920s. It will be useful to researchers. The current Swinton business in Timor Street is the oldest family business in Warrnambool and, with the name Swinton associated with businesses in Timor Street for 152 years, it is amongst the oldest family businesses in Australia.
Physical description
This is a note book with a black cover with red binding. The cover which is creased and partly torn has a label affixed with handwriting in black ink. The label is torn and the writing is faded. The pages are white with printed blue lines. The entries are handwritten in black and red ink and red lines have been ruled on some pages. Some entries have been made at the back of the note book at a later date.
Inscriptions & markings
‘Cash Book From Outside Collectors, 8 May 1923’
