A milkman

Vintage Photograph – Milkman Delivering in Flooded Edmonton (c. 1935) This striking sepia‑toned image shows a dedicated milkman of the London Co‑operative Society wading through chest‑deep floodwater as he pushes his horse‑drawn milk float along a submerged street in Edmonton. Clad in his crisp uniform and cap, he navigates past drowned kerbstones and lamp‑posts, ensuring that every doorstep still receives its daily pint of fresh milk despite the torrential rains that have crippled local traffic.

Historical Context In the mid‑1930s, North London’s suburban districts like Edmonton were prone to sudden flooding after heavy downpours overwhelmed early urban drainage systems. Yet milk delivery remained a lifeline for countless households, many of which lacked refrigeration or easy access to grocery shops. Milkmen—often employed by co‑operative societies—were celebrated for their reliability and community spirit, bravely continuing their rounds through mud, snow or flood.

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