Moustache - HIDING A STIFF UPPER LIP FOR OVER 37 YEARS.

I passed this sign in Hampton Street the other day and it took me back to my younger years. 

Whelan the Wrecker signs were all over Melbourne during the 50s, 60s and 70s. And well before that as well apparently. 

They adorned vacant blocks or partly demolished buildings that represented Melbourne’s architecture, culture and history. 

This family owned business was established in 1892. They advertised their presence with the signs; ‘Whelan the Wrecker is here’ and then, ‘Whelan the Wrecker was here’.

It is believed that the company was responsible for demolishing 98% of the buildings in Melbourne, that were marked for removal, between the First and Second World Wars.

This was an era of growth for the city and the average person saw their demolitions as a positive and progressive outcome.

The demolitions then continued after WW2.

It was during this period that I spent a lot of time in the city and became used to seeing their notorious signage everywhere. 

And I’m still seeing them today.