Seven years after its initial pitch, the world’s first milk bar, owned by Greek Australian Mick Adams (Joachim Tavlaridis), is finally set to be honoured with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque near its original location in Sydney.

The unveiling is a joint initiative by Pembroke, the owners and managers of the ANZ tower in Sydney and the City of Sydney Council, with the plaque to be formally unveiled in a private ceremony at the end of July at 20 Martin Place.

The plaque, which is part of the City of Sydney’s Green Plaque Program, will honour the legacy of the Black & White 4D Milk Bar, which Tavlaridis opened at 24 Martin Place in 1932.

The unveiling represents the culmination of seven years of campaigning by Dr Leonard Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis, together with Tavlaridis’ descendants and representatives of Sydney’s Greek community.

Black & White 4D Milk Bar, Martin Place, Sydney, 1934. Mick Adams (back row, centre) with children from the Dalwood Children’s Health Home. Photo: courtesy L. Keldoulis, from the In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians, National Project Archives

Dr Janiszewski, who together with Alexakis have researched extensively into the history of milk bars in Australia, explained that their initial claim put forward for the plaque came in 2017 was confirmed and the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, wrote back saying they were in favour of it.

The aim was to install the plaque while Tavlaridis’ daughters were still alive but they both unfortunately passed away, with Lilian Keldoulis (nee Adams [Tavlaridis]) passing away on 24 December 2020 and Helen Gerondis (nee Adams [Tavlaridis]) passing away on 12 November 2023.

Despite the delay, Dr Janiszewski stressed that the occasion now calls for celebration.

Mick Adams (Joachim Tavlaridis) holding children from the Dalwood Health Home outside his Black & White 4d. Milk Bar, 1934. Photo courtesy L. Keldoulis, from the ‘In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians’ National Project Archive, Sydney

“Now is a time to celebrate as the plaque will finally be unveiled, public recognition of a Greek migrant-settler’s business acumen that became an iconic, Australian popular cultural symbol that was exported to the world,” he told Neos Kosmos.

Pembroke’s Regional Director, Joe Fitzpatrick, expressed pride in celebrating “the significant history of our building” through the plaque.

“As the world’s first Milk Bar of its kind, this site is not only important to the local Greek population and the descendants of the original owner, but to the Sydney community,” Fitzpatrick told Neos Kosmos.

Black & White 4d. Milk Bar interior, Martin Place, Sydney, NSW, 1934. Photo: courtesy L. Keldoulis, from the In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians, National Project Archives

“The commemorative plaque will help to ensure these powerful stories continue to be told for future generations.”

In a statement provided to Neos Kosmos, Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said: “After many challenges, I am delighted a suitable spot for the plaque has been found to commemorate the milk bar. Once in place, the plaque will give current and future generations the chance to learn more about multicultural Sydney’s past.”

The formal launch will be attended by descendants of Tavlaridis, Lord Mayor, Councillors, Greek diplomatic representatives, Dr Janiszewski and Effy Alexakis, Greek-Australian community representatives, and representatives of the building’s owners.

It will be open to the public from 1 August, making it available for all to visit and commemorate the important history of the site.