This article discusses the concept of a "country town idyll" in Camden, an idealised version of a country town from an imagined past that uses history to construct imagery based on Camden's heritage buildings and other material fabrics. The paper delves into the origins of the idyll, examines its development, and investigates its validity in its contemporary context. It shows how its supporters have used history as a community asset to remake Camden's identity and explore how the 'country town idyll' has been used variously as a political weapon, a marketing tool, and a tourist promotion.
Category: Place making
Camden, the making and re-making of familiar places
This presentation at the WEA-RAHS Seminar Series on 28 October 2009 at History House, Sydney, explores the conflict between urban expansion and the desire to preserve Camden's identity as a country town. It delves into the tension between nostalgic ideals and the reality of modern development in the area.
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Who were the Camden Chinese market gardeners, a new book reveals the story
The book "A History of Camden Chinese Market Gardeners 1899-1993" edited by Ian Willis & Julie Wrigley tells the story of Chinese market gardeners in Camden. They faced challenges such as the White Australia Policy and local ostracism but demonstrated resilience. The book sheds light on their history and is recommended for those interested in local studies and the Chinese diaspora.
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Agave on Cawdor Road, a part of local folklore
The agave plants near Cawdor Road, Camden, have become part of local folklore, with stories spanning murder, historical colonial gardens, and Indigenous conflict. These slow-growing succulents have sparked controversy and conjecture, with their true history and significance remaining a mystery. Despite attempts to uncover the truth, the agave's legend endures across generations.
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Public Art, Young Women Artists Have Something to Say
Young women artists from the Camden area have had their artworks on public display in a program called Something to Say. The art installations were located outside the Camden Council administration building at Oran Park NSW from late 2023 to early 2024..
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Despina’s story, fond memories of living in Campbelltown
A former resident of Campbelltown, Despina Maddalena, has recalled her time living in Campbelltown in the early 2000s. She has fond memories and is quick to defend the city from stereotypes and misinformation.
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Public art in Hobart tells the story of female convicts in Van Diemen’s Land
Public art has been used in Hobart to reveal stories of female convicts that have been hidden in the shadows for decades on the Hobart waterfront and at the Cascades Female Factory.
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An embroidered silk postcard for Millie at Christmas 1916
A postcard from Frederick for sister Millie During the First World War, local soldier Frederick Kelloway sent his sister, Millie, an embroidered silk postcard to celebrate Christmas and New Year at home in 1916. The front of the embroidered silk postcard that Frederick Kelloway sent his sister Millie in 1916. (KCordina 2023) Millie’s great-granddaughter Kellee… Continue reading An embroidered silk postcard for Millie at Christmas 1916
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Public art, Camden Civic Centre
Camden Art Prize winners In the garden at the front of the Camden Civic Centre, there are two sculptures many people have forgotten about. The artists won prizes at the annual Camden Art Prize held at the Camden Civic Centre. The Camden Art Prize is an important local festival which has been running since 1974.… Continue reading Public art, Camden Civic Centre
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Camden Teamsters Memorial, when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road
Tribute to mining and industrial heritage If you wander along the John Street heritage precinct, you will come across a quaint monument with a large wagon wheel reminding you of when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road. The Camden Teamster's Memorial is on John Street, Camden. The memorial is between Macaria, a… Continue reading Camden Teamsters Memorial, when the horse was king on the Yerranderie Road
