The white concrete mileposts in Camden, remnants of the Hume Highway, mark distances to destinations like Sydney and Mittagong. Originating from Roman times, these posts were part of a 1934 initiative to standardize road markers in NSW, aiding both travelers and road maintenance. They reflect Camden's cultural and engineering heritage.
Category: Engineering Heritage
Mundane objects tell an interesting story
Utility covers are mundane objects that tell interesting stories about the past in an area. Others consider then to be a form of street art and street aesthetic.
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The Cowpastures bridge at the Nepean River crossing
Access across the Nepean River has been an issue since European settlement. The problem was solved by building a bridge with the first in 1826, the next in 1860 followed by 1900 and 1976.
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Understanding Bellman Hangars: Camden’s WWII Heritage
Camden Airfield's Bellman hangars, erected during World War II, served as transportable structures for the RAAF Central Flying School under the Empire Air Training Scheme. British-designed by NS Bellman in 1936, these hangars represent Australia's aviation heritage and were crucial for pilot training. Over 280 were supplied across Australia and New Guinea and are part of the country's aviation archaeology.
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Traditional trades, the legacy of Camden’s carpenters
Carpentry, vital in Camden for centuries, began with Aboriginal bush carpentry using local materials for survival. European settlers adopted this craft, creating simple structures and relying on ingenuity. Formal carpentry evolved with guilds and apprenticeships, maintaining traditional techniques and tools, shaping Camden's architectural landscape with lasting quality.
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Campbelltown City Council office extension 1982 – an example of mid-century modernism
In 1982 Campbelltown City Council had the official opening for the brutalist administration building. Combined with the adjacent 1964 modernist office building they are an outstanding example of mid-century modernism in the Macarthur region
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The mysteries of a photograph
How the mysteries of a pretty picture from yesteryear allows you to peel back the layers of the past. Each layer has a meaning and a story that is told by the historian. The stories provide context for the photograph and give it greater meaning.
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The Rotolactor, a Menangle milking marvel
The Rotolactor was Menangle's milking marvel. A rotating dairy that was a tourism attraction and an example of industrial modernism on the colonial property Camden Park estate.
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The Bennett wagon, a piece of transport history
The historic Bennett (Percival) Wagon is a cultural icon of a different time when horse and bullock teams were kings of the road.
