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.
Category: Placemaking
Explore Unlock Camden 2024: Uncover Camden’s Rich History
Unlock Camden is back in 2024, offering a celebration of the town's history and culture. The event, scheduled for September 28th, will feature a variety of activities, including historical re-enactments, art demonstrations, musical performances, and guided walking tours. The event aims to promote the area's historic locations and heritage.
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Why does the sale of a local church create community angst? What is going on?
The sale of church land has sparked community angst, particularly at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Bankstown. The proposed heritage listing has led to concerns about redevelopment and closure. Similar issues have arisen in Tasmania, where the sale of local churches has evoked strong emotional and historical attachments. The opposing views between churchgoers and non-churchgoers present an unresolved ethical dilemma.
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Back to Belgenny 2024, a festival of living history
The 2024 Back to Belgenny festival at Belgenny Farm in South Camden showcased living history with reenactments, traditional trades, and stalls selling arts and crafts of the past. Activities included sheepdog trials, live music, vintage cars, and guided history tours of the site. The farm represents the settler society through the generations of the Macarthur family and their workers.
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Australia Day 1915 in Camden: Record-breaking Wartime Fundraiser
In mid-1915, the Camden Patriotic Fund took over fundraising for the first Australia Day appeal directing proceeds to the Red Cross for Australian wounded. The patriotic fund raised a substantial amount of money through various events. Meanwhile, on a national scale, the significance of the first Australia Day evolved from an idea initiated by Mrs. Elle Warton-Kirke of Manly NSW to an important Red Cross day. In Camden, the 1915 Australia Day activities were a significant wartime fundraiser, demonstrating the community's support for the war effort.
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Exploring Historical Themes: Pictorial History Camden & District Presentation Summary
This presentation examined the role of the historian and researcher and presented the importance of history and the role of a historian. Dr Ian Willis discussed the significance of historical consciousness and collective memory, emphasising the role of a historian as a researcher, analyst, interpreter, and storyteller. The presentation also highlighted "Pictorial History Camden & District," a book by Kingsclear Books, and covered aspects such as structure, select bibliography, index of names, and district maps. Additionally, various related sources and themes, such as the Whiteman and Macarthur families, were explored. The presentation concluded with suggestions for experiencing the past through community festivals, local studies, and living libraries.
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Ministering Angels, Myth and the Red Cross on the Australian Wartime Homefront
The paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Australian Historical Association at the University of Queensland in 2014 explored the role of Australian country women in supporting the Red Cross during the First World War. The paper focused on the Camden District Red Cross, emphasizing the conservative women’s empowerment in embracing the Red Cross, serving as ministering angels, and upholding patriotic values. Total words: 78
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Camden Trainee Teachers Camp 1924: Unveiling a Mysterious Journey
In 1924, a group of trainee teachers from Sydney Teachers College visited Camden for practical training, sparking local curiosity. This visit was part of a tradition that began in 1921, providing hands-on experience in local schools. The program's success was notable, drawing attention from education authorities and the media, and leaving a lasting impact on the community.
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Exploring Camden’s Railway Heritage: Pansy and Its Timeless Stories
The Camden branch line, with its famous locomotive Pansy, holds a special place in the memories of locals and visitors. Operating from 1882 to 1963, it served as a lifeline for the community, transporting goods, passengers, and even wartime heroes. Despite its eventual closure, remnants of the line can still be seen today.
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Airds Shopping Mall demolition, the unmet expectations of mid-century modernism
The Airds shopping mall's future encapsulates the decline of mid-century modernism in the midst of urban neglect. Once a symbol of optimism, the area's decay reflects broader global trends in retail. From failed Radburn principles to public housing challenges, the mall's history mirrors the clash of modernism and neoliberalism in Campbelltown. Despite the despair former residents report that they recall happy memories and stories of hope growing up in the area.
