The Camden Museum has acquired a 149-year-old teapot trophy from a sports day on May 24, 1876, celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday. It is the oldest trophy in the museum's collection, reflecting communal festivities and competitive spirit of the era. The trophy was donated by Alf and Sharon Cantrell.
Tag: Photography
Clarice Faithfull Anderson’s Historic Ball Gown
The 1929 CWA Blue & Gold Ball at Sydney's Ambassador Cabaret was a prestigious fundraising event attended by significant dignitaries, including the Governor General. The ball featured "living pictures" and showcased elaborate gowns, including Clarice Faithfull Anderson's historic dress from the 18th century, which later became a treasured family heirloom and is now part of the textile collection of the National Museum of Australia.
Discover the Golden Fleece Globe Light at Camden Museum
The Camden Museum showcases the Golden Fleece Globe Light, a plastic ram, symbolizing Australia's wool industry and its historical significance. Donated by Milton Ray in 2002, it highlights the Golden Fleece brand's marketing legacy. The ram, based on a prized merino, represents both local history and broader national heritage.
The Role of Scarlet Fever in Literature and Film
Scarlet fever, the disease, historically depicted in literature and film, caused widespread fear and hardship, significantly impacting dairy farming communities. Numerous works illustrate its societal ramifications and personal tragedies. Notable figures who contracted scarlet fever included Thomas Edison and members of the Darwin family. Scarlet fever emerged in Camden in the late 1890s, prompting the establishment of a cottage hospital due to its severe impact on dairy farmers.
Addressing Australia’s Heritage Skills Crisis
The Australian Garden History article by Yolanda Cool discusses a crisis in heritage skills training in Australia, highlighting a lack of formal education and accreditation for tradespeople. The Heritage Skills Association emphasizes the urgent need for skilled workers to preserve heritage properties, advocating for solutions and initiatives to address this ongoing shortage. The article explores how the shortage of traditional trades skills in not new in Australia.
Privacy, piety and power at Camden Park: 1905 Vickery-Ellis marriage
In mid-1905, a private wedding took place at Camden Park between 82-year-old Ebenezer Vickery and 52-year-old Deborah Louise Ellis, a teacher and charity worker. Despite gossip in The Bulletin magazine, which wrongfully described Ellis's age and referred to her as Vickery's 'typewriter,' the wedding was attended by notable figureheads. Vickery, known for his wealth and philanthropy, held positions in various corporations and was involved in mining ventures. Ellis, active in philanthropic circles, played a role in social issues. Their marriage highlighted a complex interplay of privacy, power, and community, reflecting societal attitudes of the era.
Community Recognition Morning Tea for Camden Recipients at NSW Parliament
The NSW Parliament allows Members to submit Community Recognition Statements acknowledging community achievements, charity work, and other contributions since 2017. On May 28, 2025, Mrs. Sally Quinnell MP hosted a morning tea to honor Camden recipients, including Dr. Ian Willis, joint-author of 'A History of Camden Chinese Market Gardeners 1899-1993' published by the Camden Historical Society.
Navigating Australia’s Housing Crisis: Insights from Sydney’s Urban Fringe
The complexities of addressing Australia's housing challenges, suggests an article from ABC News, on Sydney's urban fringes are not as simple as they might seem. While author Ian Willis explores how the growing population has created demand for housing, the reality often falls short of expectations. Many new residents, he writes, are drawn by promises of suburbia, face disillusionment due to inadequate infrastructure, high density, and unresolved issues like traffic congestion and housing quality. Willis argues that the ongoing crises reflect a disconnect between development aspirations and lived experiences, suggesting the need for improved planning and understanding of community needs.
The Celebration Society: Revitalizing Picton’s Retail Scene Through Adaptive Re-use
The Celebration Society opened in 2024 in the former Corbett hardware store, revitalizing Picton's retail scene. Owners Deborah and Michael Quinn, along with business partners, preserved the building’s historic integrity. The venue includes a café and space for events, enhancing community engagement and contributing to the area's renewal.
Canberra’s Macarthur Garden: a tribute to Australia’s wool pioneers and their contribution to the foundation of the nation
The Macarthur Rose Garden in Canberra commemorates John and Elizabeth Macarthur's pivotal role in Australia's fine wool industry. Donated by their great-granddaughter, Sibella Macarthur Onslow, the garden features roses symbolizing hope and gratitude. Established from 1937-1938, it reflects the connection between the Macarthurs and Australia’s early nationalism.
