The Camden Museum showcases the Golden Fleece Globe Light, a plastic ram, symbolizing Australia's wool industry and its historical significance. Donated by Milton Ray in 2002, it highlights the Golden Fleece brand's marketing legacy. The ram, based on a prized merino, represents both local history and broader national heritage.
Category: Business
Camden’s Treadle Sewing Machine: A Revolution in Women’s Agency
The Camden Museum's treadle sewing machine symbolizes the significant role of sewing in women's lives from the 19th century onwards. Sewing machines democratized work, enhancing women’s agency by saving time and allowing for business opportunities. Women contributed immensely to the war efforts through Red Cross circles, producing thousands of items during both World Wars.
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Discover the Hidden Signatures of Camden’s Former Bank
In Camden's old bank building, a hidden strongroom features signatures of former bank employees, each telling a unique story. Now part of Camden Markets Collective, these signatures are viewed as graffiti art, reflecting local history and culture. The community seeks to preserve this unique public art for future generations.
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Privacy, piety and power at Camden Park: 1905 Vickery-Ellis marriage
In mid-1905, a private wedding took place at Camden Park between 82-year-old Ebenezer Vickery and 52-year-old Deborah Louise Ellis, a teacher and charity worker. Despite gossip in The Bulletin magazine, which wrongfully described Ellis's age and referred to her as Vickery's 'typewriter,' the wedding was attended by notable figureheads. Vickery, known for his wealth and philanthropy, held positions in various corporations and was involved in mining ventures. Ellis, active in philanthropic circles, played a role in social issues. Their marriage highlighted a complex interplay of privacy, power, and community, reflecting societal attitudes of the era.
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The Celebration Society: Revitalizing Picton’s Retail Scene Through Adaptive Re-use
The Celebration Society opened in 2024 in the former Corbett hardware store, revitalizing Picton's retail scene. Owners Deborah and Michael Quinn, along with business partners, preserved the building’s historic integrity. The venue includes a café and space for events, enhancing community engagement and contributing to the area's renewal.
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Understanding the Camden Story: History, Community, and Identity
The Camden story encapsulates the rich tapestry of tales and histories that define the Camden community, including dreamtime legends and settler accounts. It offers insight into the community's values, identity, and resilience, serving as both a historical narrative and a tool for local businesses, fostering deeper connections among residents.
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Burragorang Coalfields: From Prosperity to Closure
The Burragorang Valley's coal mining history spans from the early 1800s to the closure of the last operational mine in 2000. The community relied on coal for jobs, but the inevitable end affected the region. International mining companies became involved, and the introduction of electricity transformed mining processes. Many mines opened and closed throughout the years, leaving a rich and complex history documented in various sources.
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Narellan ‘Gayline’ Drive-In Movie Theatre, a touch of modernism
The Narellan Gayline Drive-In Movie Theatre in Camden was a defining feature of the local 1960s-1980s culture, offering a relaxed, family-friendly movie experience. The drive-in's success peaked in the early 1970s but eventually closed in 1990 due to changing lifestyles and real estate development. It provided a memorable experience for many local residents, offering a nostalgic look back at a bygone era.
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Narellan’s Built Heritage
The former colonial village of Narellan originally located in the Cowpastures has some fascinating surviving built heritage.
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Ferguson’s Nursery, the post-war years
During the post-war years, Ferguson's Nurseries continued to be located on Sydney’s urban fringe as the metropolitan area expanded into the rural surrounds.
