The memories of Cec Smith as a small boy in Camden vividly recall many events in the area. Flying pageants and parachuting practice at Macquarie Flying School along with other adventures were part of growing up in the area.
Category: Storytelling
Showtime in Camden 2014
The annual festival of farming returns to the Camden Showground at the end of March again. The show has been the most crucial country festival in the district for over 100 years. In 2019 the show attracted over 40,000 visitors and was a huge success.
Convicts in the Cowpastures, an untold story
The convicts in the Cowpastures is an untold story of the colonial settler society of early New South Wales.
Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, Australia, cover 29 hectares of gardens and 51 hectares of surrounding parkland. Established in 1816, it is the oldest colonial botanic garden in Australia, attracting 4 million visitors annually. With historical significance dating back to 1788, the Gardens reflect changing landscape styles and serve as a popular public space.
Ben Linden Narellan An Edwardian Gem
Ben Linden in Narellan is a notable Edwardian cottage representing early twentieth-century Australian architecture. The style emerged after the Federation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, influenced by English Edwardian houses but tailored to suit local conditions. This housing style provides insight into the cultural heritage of Camden and the people who built and lived in these houses.
History is nice, but…
The value of history is more important now than almost at any other time in the past.
Elderslie, a suburb on Sydney’s fringe
A history of continuity and change Elderslie is a suburb of Camden, the traditional land of the Dharawal people. It lies on the southern end of the Camden Municipality, 62 km southwest of Sydney, on the rural-urban fringe. Elderslie borders the Nepean River to the west, Narellan Creek to the north, Camden By-Pass to the… Continue reading Elderslie, a suburb on Sydney’s fringe
Westies, Bogans and Yobbos. What’s in a name?
The article explores regional identity in Sydney's Macarthur district, focusing on the communities of Campbelltown, Camden, and Picton. It discusses the strong local attachment to identity, which is challenged by perceptions of western Sydney as a cultural wasteland. Jeff McGill’s criticism of regional labeling sparked significant community response, revealing a conflict over identification and stereotypes. While Macarthur's regionalism reflects urban expansion, it struggles for acceptance amidst historical, cultural, and emotional ties that residents hold with their distinct localities.
Interwar Camden, the heritage of a country town
During the interwar period, Camden experienced economic growth driven by dairy and coal industries. The town's population grew by over 35%, making it a vital commercial and administrative center. The Hume Highway and railway brought modern influences, leading to developments such as motor industry, cinemas, and the airfield. Camden has maintained its bucolic charm, but has also experienced urbanization pressure. The town centre has many buildings from the interwar period.
Being a Historical Detective
There are a number of steps involved in being a historical detective and conducting an investigation (historical research).
