Historical information

Len and Merle Pilkington came to Wodonga in 1947. They both gained employment with Mann’s of Wodonga where Len became manager of the Shoe Department. When the Sumsion’s shoe shop became available Len and Merle bought it in partnership with Erne Mann. The partnership dissolved a year later and Len and Merle continued as Pilkington’s Shoes.

In the 1950s, the shoe repair shop belonging to Nick Hauser was up for sale and Len and Merle extended their business. In the mid-1950s they were joined by their son Barry who continued to work there in a variety of roles including shoe repairer, salesman and accountant.
Over the life of Pilkington’s Shoes they operated from two different locations in High Street, Wodonga.
At one stage the business provided a living for six staff, but the impact of the recession of 1982 – 83, competition from chain store discount prices and a reduced demand for high quality shoes took their toll on the business and Barry Pilkington closed his doors after several decades serving the Wodonga community.

This Calendar promoted “Paddle” shoes. Paddle Bros. Shoes Pty. Ltd. was started by Joe Paddle and his seven sons, from a small shed in Carlton. Paddle then moved to a factory in Fitzroy and later in Mornington and Ballarat. In 1982 Paddle Bros. Shoes Pty. Ltd. was purchased by Rivers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

Significance

These images and calendar are significant because they document a long standing business in Wodonga.

Physical description

A coloured Calendar from Pilkington's Shoe Store Wodonga advertising Paddle Shoes. It is accompanied by some black and white images of the owners and premises.

Inscriptions & markings

Paddle Games Calendar
With compliments from
Pilkingtons Shoes
The Friendly Footwear Store
106 High St., Wodonga
Telephone: 560
Paddle for longer shoe wear - proper foot care.