The Camden Motorcycle Club, founded in 1919 and led by Dr. Francis W. West, played a pivotal role in local motorcycle culture in early 20th-century Australia. Members,. like Laurie Kelloway, engaged in adventurous overlanding, promoting camaraderie and the excitement of the open road. The club also provided community support, such as raising funds for disabled veterans like Private Cecil Wheeler.
Category: Camden Story
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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Creative Kids: Art Play Workshops at Narellan Town Centre
Over two weeks, the Narellan Town Centre hosted 'Art Play' workshops for kids aged 5 to 12, featuring various creative activities led by artists from the Alan Baker Art Gallery. The free sessions attracted over 200 children daily, providing an engaging and stress-free school holiday opportunity for families while fostering creativity and artistic skills.
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The Role of Scarlet Fever in Literature and Film
Scarlet fever, the disease, historically depicted in literature and film, caused widespread fear and hardship, significantly impacting dairy farming communities. Numerous works illustrate its societal ramifications and personal tragedies. Notable figures who contracted scarlet fever included Thomas Edison and members of the Darwin family. Scarlet fever emerged in Camden in the late 1890s, prompting the establishment of a cottage hospital due to its severe impact on dairy farmers.
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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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Top Walking Trails in Camden: Experience Walking the Cowpastures
Camden township, located in the historical Cow Pastures, features walking and cycling paths that reflect its Indigenous and colonial history. The Nepean River Trail, integrating various public artworks, enhances the area's historic character, while memorial walkways pay tribute to Australian service members. It's a site for both recreation and cultural immersion.
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Exploring Community History: Benefits and Applications
Community history focuses on the stories and experiences of specific groups, emphasizing local and social history often overlooked in traditional research. It fosters empowerment, engages community members, preserves unique cultural heritage, and creates a deeper connection to place, ultimately enhancing social cohesion and supporting informed decision-making for future generations.
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Community Recognition Morning Tea for Camden Recipients at NSW Parliament
The NSW Parliament allows Members to submit Community Recognition Statements acknowledging community achievements, charity work, and other contributions since 2017. On May 28, 2025, Mrs. Sally Quinnell MP hosted a morning tea to honor Camden recipients, including Dr. Ian Willis, joint-author of 'A History of Camden Chinese Market Gardeners 1899-1993' published by the Camden Historical Society.
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Explore History with Friends of Belgenny Farm Events
On a cloudy day in late May 2025, the Friends of Belgenny Farm held an open day attracting over 285 visitors interested in early Australian history. The event featured various stalls, historical displays, and guided tours of the historic site, which holds national significance and showcases Australia's earliest colonial farm buildings.
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Exploring Hilsyde: A Look at Elderslie’s Historic Home
Hilsyde, originally known as Pammenter, is a Victorian single-storey brick residence built in 1888 by WC Furner in Elderslie. The property features a galvanised iron roof, bay windows, and retains good integrity. It served as Hilsyde Lodge from 1978 to 2003, catering to Christian women workers, and is heritage-listed.
