The Camden Cottage Hospital, opened in April 1899, initially struggled with low patient admissions due to community reluctance. Early cases included accidents and serious conditions, leading to treatments and surgeries like amputations. By early 1900, there was increasing community trust and the permanent facility opened in May 1902.
Category: Built Heritage
Camden Cottage Hospital – foundation and early days
By the 1890s, Camden's economy depended on dairy, but health concerns arose due to contaminated water and infectious diseases like scarlet fever. In response, the community pushed for a cottage hospital, leading to its opening in 1899. Local efforts highlighted the crucial link between health and the dairy industry's sustainability.
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Dr Crookston’s Estate: A New Chapter in Camden’s Heritage
Dr Crookston's house and garden in Camden has been revitalized into an entertainment venue, preserving its rich history. New owners Shane and Rhiannon Smith manage this adaptive reuse, offering various activities that enhance heritage tourism. The estate now fosters local pride while contributing to economic growth, transforming the once-closed site into a vibrant community asset.
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Exploring Studley Park: A Victorian Italianate Heritage Site
Studley Park House, located in Narellan, NSW, exemplifies Victorian Italianate architecture and holds state significance for its aesthetics and historical associations. Constructed in 1889 by architect firm AL & G McCredie for William Charles Payne, it served various purposes, including a school and military quarters, before becoming a private residence.
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Rediscovering Forgotten Australian History Books
The blog post discusses three historically significant Australian books from the 1980s, which have become neglected items. Heaton’s work is a reference on early Australian history, while Smith’s volume showcases historical sites through photography. Morrison and Irving focus on historic towns and architectural heritage. Collectively, they reflect on popular historiography in Australia.
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Explore Belgenny Farm: A Journey Through Time 2024
The 2024 Back to Belgenny festival showcased living history at Belgenny Farm, featuring reenactments, traditional trades, and various activities such as sheepdog trials and guided tours. The event included a demonstration by Governor Macquarie’s regiment and highlighted the farm's historical significance, providing visitors with an immersive glimpse into colonial agricultural life.
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Future of the former Camden police barracks: community concerns
The former Camden police barracks, now vacant since 2011, represents a risk of neglect and disrepair. The Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, which acquired the site in 2020, has yet to disclose plans for its future use. The community seeks clarity on whether the building will be utilized or sold.
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Revitalizing John Street: A Vision for Community Placemaking
The proposal advocates for transforming John Street in Camden into an Italian-style piazza, enhancing community bonding and social capital. By activating and enhancing various existing and under-utilised elements this revitalized space could foster deeper connections among residents and serve as a vibrant, meaningful heart for the town.
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Unveiling Hardy Wilson’s architectural legacy and his influence on Camden’s aesthetics
William Hardy Wilson, a largely unrecognized architect and artist, authored The Cow Pasture Road in 1920, impacting Camden's cultural narrative. His work celebrates colonial architecture and aesthetics, leading to a recent exhibition at the University of Sydney Library, which explores his dual legacy as both a visionary artist and controversial figure in Australian history.
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Mid-Century Modernist Homes in Elderslie
In the 1960s, modernism significantly influenced the community of Elderslie, where miners sought contemporary homes. Innovative house designs reflected mid-20th-century trends, including American Ranch styles. Australian architects, like Robin Boyd, contributed to housing projects across the country, merging modern aesthetics with traditional Federation-style homes. These trends influenced the design of local mid-century housing style, resulting in a unique urban landscape.
