Yesterday I posted a 1938 photo of Parramatta Road at Five Dock. In the forefront of the photograph was a sign bearing the word "Plume", causing Byter Steve to send me an email asking what it represented.
Plume was a brand of petrol which played a significant role in Australia's development.
In 1895 the Vacuum Oil Company established in Australia, 30 years after setting up operations in the US. This was the first oil company with operations based in Australia, rather than selling oil products in in Australia by Australian agents for American companies. The company introduced its Plume brand of petrol in 1916.
In the US the Vacuum Oil Company eventually became Mobilgas and then Mobil. In Australia the Flying Red Horse logo was introduced for Plume in 1939, with the name being changed to Mobilgas in 1954.
There has never been any mention of this from my relatives. All this is new to me, but fascinating. Just to think I could have been an oil millionaire ! Plume is a French name and early motor cars were big in France
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