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.
Tag: Country town
The Camden Story: the historiography of the history of the country town of Camden NSW
The history of telling the story of a small community has been interpreted in different ways at different times in the past by different historians. This area of study is called the historiography. I have recently published an article on the historiography of the small country town of Camden, NSW.
Share this:
Share this:
The former Bank of New South Wales building in the country town of Camden
In central Camden is an empty bank building of understated significance at the intersection of John and Argyle Streets. This building was the premises of Westpac, formerly the Bank of New South Wales, and was the second banking chamber on that site. Constructed in the 1930s by a prominent firm of local builders and designed by one of Sydney’s top award-winning architects. It is a building of much architectural merit, and few know its history.
Share this:
Share this:
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.
Share this:
Share this:
Aaron Bolot, a Sydney architect, and Camden’s Interwar heritage
Sydney architect Aaron Bolot designed the extension to the Camden agricultural hall. This building was one of many that were built in Camden during the Intewar period.
Share this:
Share this:
Living history in southern Queensland
Living history in southern Queensland in the regional centre of Toowoomba
Share this:
Share this:
Movie making Camden style
Filmmakers have long been drawn to Camden's English countryside setting for movie backdrops. The area has hosted various films, including silent movie Silks and Saddles (1921), wartime drama The Rats of Tobruk (1944), series like A Place to Call Home (2012), and modern productions like Peter Rabbit (2018, 2020). It continues to attract filmmakers seeking a classic English aesthetic for their productions.
Share this:
Share this:
Living history at a country festival
Living history was on display at a country show with the real sounds sights and smells of the farm
Share this:
Share this:
Camden CWA wartime president, Rita Tucker
Camden Country Women's Association wartime president was Rita Tucker who was a lifelong member of the association.
Share this:
Share this:
Lost Campbelltown heritage
The lost built heritage of a country town on Sydney's urban fringe at Campbelltown
