In the early 1920s, young women like Lottie Dean participated in teacher training camps in Camden, NSW. The camps provided practical experience in teaching and imposed strict rules on student life. Lottie's story reflects the evolving role of women in education and society at that time.
Tag: Storytelling
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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Camden Rose Festival 1968: history and festivities
The Camden Rose Festival, founded by JW Hill, celebrated the 1960s' prosperity and optimism. The festival included a street parade, wheelbarrow derby, art exhibition, and a masked ball. The event attracted significant community participation and raised funds for Camden District Hospital. The festival reflected the spirit of the post-war years and local community engagement.
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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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Connecting Community: John Street and the Art of Placemaking
John Street in Camden embodies the concept of 'place' as defined by various scholars. The precinct holds significance for the community, influencing their identity and emotional attachment. It possesses the potential for placemaking through elements such as cultural traditions, memorials, and events. Leverage of these elements can enhance community interactions and attachment, enriching residents' lives.
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Local historian talks at an international conference in Adelaide
Dr Ian Willis OAM challenges myths of WWI in his talk at the 2024 Australian Historical Association conference. He examines the Australian military's response to sick and wounded soldiers and the role of the British Red Cross. The conference aims to uncover home truths and dispel historical myths. Dr Willis's research focuses on the Red Cross's role in soldier recovery.
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Camden Live & Local 2018: Eclectic Music Festival Across Camden’s Venues
The 2018 Live and Local Camden music festival showcased over 50 musicians across 15 eclectic venues. The festival's growth included jazz ensembles, young talents, and accomplished musicians, creating a diverse and immersive experience for attendees. This cultural event contributed to the development of an arts precinct and celebrated the significance of live music in community storytelling and place-making.
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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.
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Narellan ‘Gayline’ Drive-In Movie Theatre, a touch of modernism
The Narellan Gayline Drive-In Movie Theatre in Camden was a defining feature of the local 1960s-1980s culture, offering a relaxed, family-friendly movie experience. The drive-in's success peaked in the early 1970s but eventually closed in 1990 due to changing lifestyles and real estate development. It provided a memorable experience for many local residents, offering a nostalgic look back at a bygone era.
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LiddellWORKS, art in action
The closure of Liddell Power Station in 2023 sparked artistic creations in the Hunter Valley. Sixteen artists generated artworks exploring the station's legacy. The power station, operational since the early 1970s, contributed significantly to the region's industrial landscape. The artworks aim to help local communities cope with the loss of jobs and the power station's impact on Australia's energy supply.
