The life and times of Colin and Dorothy Clark were examples of active citizenship. Together they shaped a future for themselves in Camden and served their community, church and family.
Category: Women’s history
An amazing woman, Sheila Murdoch
Sheila Murdoch was a community worker, musician and mother of five children. She was a rural woman from Orangeville who served her community, church and family.
Camden and its French Connections
Camden had a number of connections with France during the First World Ward and they have been recorded on the pages of the Camden News. They included Bastille Day celebrations and the memoirs of William Sidman in Paris in 1870 at the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war.
Camden Showgirl, the enduring appeal of a rural pageant
The Showgirl competition (formerly Miss Showgirl) is a complex mix of paradoxes and apparent contradictions reflecting many aspects of rural life. The pageant is an exercise in women's agency with differing representations of womanhood.
Motherhood and nation-building in the early 20th century
Around the turn of the century a direct link was made between infant welfare, motherhood, patriotism and nationalism. Motherhood and mothering were expressed in terms of patriotism and a national priority. All driven by European exceptionalism.
The Camden News affronted by Sydney ‘flappers’ and the appearance of the modern girl.
The modern girl appeared in Camden in the 1920s as she did elsewhere in the world. One representation of the modern girl was the 'flapper' who had a variety of responses in the town.
Fiona’s story, growing up in Airds
Fiona's story is a moving personal account of hope growing up in the suburb of Airds on Sydney's fringe. It is an inspiring story of resilience and strength over hardship and adversity.
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.
The patriotism of the wartime sock knitter
During World War I, hand-knitted socks became crucial for soldiers facing harsh conditions, preventing trench foot. Women across the British Empire, particularly in Australia, organized knitting efforts, leading to over 1.3 million pairs made. These efforts provided essential support and represented women's patriotism in wartime, often alleviating grief through their contributions.
The Camden district in 1939
The 1939 Camden district concept was developed in the 1990s by UOW historian Dr Ian Willis as part of his research on the effect of the Second World War on Camden township.
