Historical information

These documents come from the Warrnambool business of Swintons Pty Ltd. They are 1947 life insurance documents related to the insuring of Swinton employees, payable following retirement or death. 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, glassware, china 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. Following William Swinton’s death 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

These documents are of interest as they contain information on the insurance policies taken out by Swintons Pty Ltd on behalf of their employees. 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 business in Australia.

Physical description

.1 This is a document in four parts concerning the insurance for employees of Swintons Pty Ltd. in 1947. The pages are copies and have both printed and typed material
.2 This is a policy document, a sheet of paper folded in two to make four pages of printed and typed material. It is a copy. The first page has a red seal.