United Dairies was formed in 1915, and this looks to be an early sign from that period. Milk was big business at this time, and they had operations across Carshalton, Wallington and Sutton.
The building in Stafford Road looks to be circa 1920s in age, and this could be the original sign from when it was first built.
The sign is carved in wood with recessed serif lettering, which has been painted white.
Perhaps the sign once had glass over the top and enamel decoration around the edges.
In the 1950s United Dairies was the largest milk distributor in the UK.
The company merged with Cow & Gate in 1958 to become Unigate. Today you will know it as Dairy Crest.
Secret Carshalton spoke to the current owner of the building, who lives in Balham. He has a takeaway in South Norwood, and will be opening a Chinese takeaway here in Stafford Road in about 4 weeks time. From what we understand, the sign will be covered over once more.
This building is next to 322A Stafford Road, and the address is 1 The Parade, Stafford Road near the corner of The Chase. This is close to the border of both Wallington and Croydon.
Note from Facebook
“Croydon newspapers note that a lot of the local dairies had been bought up by United by 1933. The 1921 street directory shows nothing on United Dairies in Croydon.”