P. W. Tomkins - Dairy, Thornbury

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40 Shaftesbury Parade, Thornbury

The Tomkins family were well known dairymen in the Thornbury area. S. G. Tomkins started his business at 40 Shaftesbury Parade in 1924. Like many local dairies, he lived in a building at the front of the property and established his milking sheds in the back of the property. 

P. W. Tomkins established a second dairy at the corner of St. Georges Road and Shaftesbury Parade around 1934. Previously he had operated a small dairy from 10 Mansfield Street Thornbury. The new dairy was hailed as a modern marvel, with the latest milking and bottling equipment. With specialised sterilizing equipment the dairy particularly catered for babies and the elderly.

City of Northcote (1933). Northcote Jubilee celebrations 1883 – 1933 : souvenir & official program. Northcote: Author.
Lemon, Andrew (1983). The Northcote Side of the River. North Melbourne: Hargreen.
Ward, Andrew (2001). Darebin Heritage Review 2000. Burwood, Vic: City Of Darebin.

Image of Tomkins' dairy in St. Georges Road, Thornbury during the 1930s

Tomkins built a model dairy in St. Georges Road, Thornbury during the 1930s. [LHRN1955]

(JPG, 144KB)

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