Summary

Circular to Melbourne housewives sent by McAlpin & Sons, of 43 Charles Street in Abbotsford on 15 November in 1948, announcing that bread delivery was unable to be resumed due to a shortage of carters. A list of 23 shops selling bread in the inner Melbourne suburbs was provided as an alternative to home delivery.

The circular was found in the desk of the donor's mother, who lived in Auburn. During the cartage shortage, the donor's family received bread from a carter who was delivering bread for Fairey's Bakery in Liddiard Street, just east of Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn. The donor remembers that the cart was very colourful and was horsedrawn.

Physical Description

Single piece of paper with typed black text.

Significance

This circular illustrates the practice of home delivery of food during the 20th century in Melbourne's suburbs, a now almost obsolete practice in the 21st century.

More Information