This image of a digitised ‘Newcastle & Suburban Co-Operative Society (known as The Store)’ token ‘Y92’ was donated by Melda Younger, the token belonged to her father-in-law the late Henry William Younger who came to Newcastle in 1921 as a tram driver. 

This donation came about during The Store Oral History Project, a collection of stories gathered from members of the Newcastle community, sharing their thoughts and memories of the Store. We thank all of the interviewees and those who have contributed in other ways, such as sharing photographs and other sources and memorabilia.

The Newcastle and Suburban Co-operative Society Ltd, known locally as 'The Store', was a co-operative based in the city of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The Store was described as "the biggest and most successful co-operative venture not just in Australia but in the entire southern hemisphere".

The co-operative was established in 1898, based on a co-operative tradition brought over from Britain by immigrant coal miners. At its peak, the Store had 98,000 members and employed 1,450 workers in 15 retail stores and 11 petrol stations. As well as food and retail goods, services included "health fund, funeral fund, travel agency, credit union and a barber shop." The Newcastle Herald states that in 1942, the Store was "reputed to have the largest bakery in Australia, making about 62,800 loaves a week". Many of its members recall the 'divvy' system, which rewarded loyal customers. Eventually, increased shopper mobility and competition from suburban shopping centres saw the Store close on April 10 1981 after 83 years of service.

This project is sponsored by DOMA Group, and managed by Artefact Heritage artefact.net.au, with GLAMx Living Histories Digitisation Lab at the University of Newcastle livinghistories.newcastle.edu.au and the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund uoncc.wordpress.com/vera-deacon-fund.

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When we have sufficient funds in the Vera Deacon Regional History Fund, we are able to give our volunteers some paid employment. If you would care to make a tax-deductible donation to this fund, please see http://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/benefactors/new for more information and a link to the donation form.