City Recognizes Milk Bar Pioneer With Historic Plaque at Original Site

Sydney, Australia – In a victory for history buffs and milkshake lovers alike, the City of Sydney today unveiled a green plaque commemorating the “Black & White 4D Milk Bar”, Australia’s first modern milk bar, at its original location of 24 Martin Place.

The unveiling marks the culmination of a seven-year campaign spearheaded by the authors of “Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia,” Leonard Janiszewski and … Their research uncovered irrefutable evidence that Mick Adams (Joachim Tavlaridis) established the iconic establishment in 1932, dispelling previous misconceptions and cementing his place as the father of the Australian milk bar.

“This plaque acknowledges not just a business, but a cultural phenomenon,” stated Lord Mayor Clover Moore at the unveiling ceremony. “The milk bar, with its signature blend of milkshakes, sundaes, and community spirit, became an integral part of Australian life, its influence stretching across generations and continents.”

The event saw descendants of both Mick Adams and the Tzannes family, who owned and operated the milk bar in the 1950s, gather to celebrate the momentous occasion. The atmosphere buzzed with emotion as they viewed the plaque, a permanent reminder of their ancestor’s legacy.

“For years, the story of my grandfather’s innovation was fading,” shared a grandson of Mick Adams, visibly moved. “Today, we reclaim that narrative. This plaque is a testament to his vision and the lasting impact he made on Australian culture.”

The “Black & White 4D Milk Bar” plaque stands as a tribute to a bygone era and a potent symbol of the milk bar’s enduring legacy. It serves as a delicious reminder of the power of historical research and community activism in preserving the stories that shape our cities and our lives.

photos © Effy Alexakis