Historical information

Elaine Mann was married to David Mann, a successful Wodonga businessman and community leader who passed away in Wodonga in June 2012. David was a member of the Mann family who began their business in Wodonga in 1920. Elaine was a teacher in Wodonga for many years and an active member of the community.

Significance

This photo collection is of significance as it documents how the businesses and buildings in Wodonga have evolved and contributed to community throughout the late 20th century

Physical description

Businesses from Left to right J. McSwiney & Co Chemist, Dempster’s Café and Pilkington’s Shoes. This building is still standing and now includes business High Exposure, Junction Pizza, Greg’s Takeaway and Barbers Quarter Haircuts and Shaves.

Born in Chiltern in 1875, John T McSwiney moved into his premises in High Street, Wodonga in 1901. He operated his pharmacy from this site for over 64 years. At its peak, John put the Wodonga store under the care of a manager and moved to set up a second pharmacy in Wangaratta. He later returned to his Wodonga pharmacy where although semi-retired John continued to go to work each day up to his 90th birthday. His chemist shop was sold about 1967.