CHS3118 - Coronation parade 1953

Argyle Street, Camden NSW.

Creator: Col Shepard (1953)   Contributor: Joy Riley  

Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS3118) 

Crowning of Queen Honoured.  Camden Coronation Celebrations Excel.                   

Colourful Pageant Delights Crowd.

A crowd estimated at well over 10,000 jammed Argyle Street, Camden, and packed every vantage point along the route to witness the grand procession on Tuesday afternoon, Coronation Day.

From as early as 9 a.m. cars and people thronged the main street, and cars secured good positions around the ring at the Showground from which to view the afternoon's programme… Cars and trucks (almost without exception) were decorated with Coronation motifs of red, white and blue ribbons and flags, and patriotic ribbons adorned the lapels of many men and women, and fluttered from the breasts of hundreds of children. It was a carefree crowd, but very well behaved, which lined the route of the procession, at times seven deep in Argyle Street, when the floats moved off.

Many people were fortunate enough to secure 'box' positions on balconies and verandahs of buildings along the main street, some ventured onto shop awnings, or even climbed onto windowsills and running boards of cars, in order to have an uninterrupted view of the pageant of floats, which were the most elaborate seen outside the Metropolitan area for many years.

Never before in the history of Camden has the town seen such a crowd as flocked from far and wide on Tuesday to take part in the Coronation Celebrations and to join with the rest of the Commonwealth of Nations in honouring the crowning of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. For this memorable event, Camden had donned its bravest face. The whole of the businesspeople and the citizens of the district had enthusiastically and whole heartedly given their cooperation to the organising committee, and the result was astonishing, and far beyond the wildest dreams of the organisers.

Never has the town presented such a wonderful sight. Under clear blue skies, flags flew from every building, taut in the wind, and bunting draped across shop fronts and from one side of the road to the other for the full length of the main street, presented a colourful spectacle. Closer inspection revealed the detail of the excellent window displays.

The 2nd June, 1953, will go down as a Red Letter Day in the annals of the town's history, and will live forever in the memory of all those fortunate to witness the spectacle on such a momentous occasion.

(Camden News, 4 June 1953)

CHS0087 Dr West's Funeral

Motor hearse and cars in John Street.

Creator: Roy Dowle (1932) Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS 0087)

Camden Mourns. Death of Dr. F. W. West.

It is hard to realise that Dr. Francis William West, Camden's foremost citizen, who a few weeks ago was active in his profession, is now no longer with us, his death taking place at midnight on Thursday, 20th October.

A never-to-be-forgotten sight, and a fine tribute to a worthy citizen, was the assembly of residents from all parts, gathered to pay their last respects to a beloved friend, as they moved from the residence, "Macaria," in John Street, to St. John's Church on Saturday afternoon. Wreaths upon wreaths were carried from the Doctor's late home to waiting cars, and so the sacred thoughts of hundreds joined in the last journey to the graveside.

The Rev. C. J. King, in an address of appreciation of the life and work of Dr. West, referred to three outstanding qualities that had characterised the life of the departed one, his loyalty as a citizen, friend and doctor. In the cause of citizenship special mention was made to the helping hand that had ever been freely extended to those in need; to the Returned Soldier, to the hospital and to the children. As a friend the generosity and faithful assistance to young and old; and as a doctor and surgeon, the clever and unsparing energy given to help others, and the widespread confidence placed in him by the whole community.

These qualities endeared Dr. Francis West to all, and their sympathy is deep with the family, his trust was that this sympathy will be practicable to the family and fitting to the memory of so worthy a citizen.

(Camden News, 27 October 1932)

Dr. F. W. West.        Camden, Sunday.

More than 1000 people attended the funeral of Dr. Francis William West here yesterday. As a mark of respect, all sporting fixtures in the town were cancelled. Fifty children from the Mater Del Orphanage, of which Dr. West had been honorary medical officer for a number of years, led the cortege. A guard of honour was formed by members of the Camden Troop of Light Horse.

(The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 October 1932)

CHS0156 Camden Show.

George Ray of Picton-The Oaks leading the bull. (1930s) 

Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS0156)

Camden A. H. & I. Society's Jubilee Show. A Magnificent Exhibition. All Records Broken.

The members of the Camden A. H. & I. Society are to be congratulated on the celebration of the jubilee of their Society, and on the magnificent exhibition held last week. It was easily the best of past great achievements, and the huge success is a worthy culmination to the committee's special efforts in recognition of the fiftieth year of the Society's existence. Ideal weather favoured the full three days, and the public responded wonderfully, creating a record attendance.

To many the best item on the lengthy programme was the grand parade on Friday afternoon. Sporting their ribbons horses and cattle were paraded in a manner that reflected credit on those responsible; it was one of the best parades seen locally, and worthy of any show ring.

Cattle.

Camden is proud of its cattle section. So numerous in numbers that separate days are taken up in judging. The pure-bred stock judged on the Thursday when the attendance is confined to those deeply interested; fortunately for the public these animals are shown again on the Friday, on which day the grade or dairy cattle are judged.

Many of the pure-bred cattle are shown at Camden as a preliminary to being exhibited at the Sydney Royal, and proud are the judges that have the responsibility of making the awards. This year, with the added classes for Guernsey cattle, saw the finest collection ever seen on the showground. This is the first time for many years that classes have been provided at Camden for Guernsey cattle, and they have come to stay. The Camden Park Estate were the chief winners. Messrs. Mcintosh Bros., of 'Denbigh,' again led the list of honours in Ayrshires; Messrs. Korff Bros, Jerseys; Mr. E. H. K. Downes, Friesians; and Mr. D. S. Moffitt, Illawarra Shorthorns.

(Camden News, 2 April 1936)

CHS3176 Argyle Street Parade 1964.

A.H & I. float with Miss Camden Easter show girl.

Creator and contributor: Joy Riley (1964)                 

Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS 3176)

Bright Start for Festival

Perfect weather and a gay procession of floats combined to make a spectacular opening for the Camden Youth Festival last Saturday afternoon.

Major General Sir Denzil Macarthur-Onslow officially opened the Camden Festival of Youth at 3pm last Saturday, in the showground, before an audience of several thousand citizens. He congratulated the Camden Youth Council for its initiative in organising the festival, which had gotten away to such a wonderful start, and expressed the hope that it would go from strength to strength, and continue as an annual event.

“By their example in organising such a week as this the Camden Youth Council had encouraged and fired with enthusiasm all organisations connected with youth activities in the district”, Sir Denzil Macarthur-Onslow said.

Variety in Pageant

A great deal of variety was seen in the floats and vehicles taking part in the procession. Entries were made in various competitive sections, namely: historical, comical, typical, commercial and best decorated bicycles. Bands, marching groups and non-competitive entries by a few business houses, brought the total entries to close to 50.

The prize for the most typical float was awarded to the Camden A H and I Society, whose entry could not be faulted and won the admiration of all who saw it. Sheaves of wheat and grasses formed the foundation, and a gorgeous array of fruit, vegetables and flowers were banked up in front, behind and above which was enthroned Miss Sue Mason, who was the Camden Show Society’s entrant in the recent Miss Easter Show Girl competition. On the back of the truck prize winning calves, sheep and poultry in cages were watched over by a group of young boys. Streamers then added a colourful note.

(Camden News, 23 September 1964)

CHS1306, Peace Day Procession 1919.

Peace Day Procession Camden. Argyle Street.

Members of a lodge followed by horse drawn fire engine and school children. (1919)         

Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS1306)

The Celebrations.

The Governor-General has received an official message that Germany has agreed unconditionally to sign the Peace Treaty.

Owing to the extreme danger of bringing crowds of people together while the pneumonic influenza epidemic is raging, it is unlikely that there will be any official celebration of the signing of the Peace Treaty until the first week in August, or even later, in the epidemic position has not greatly improved in the meantime.

(The Sydney Morning Herald, 25 June 1919)

Peace Celebrations and Welcome Home.

The postponement of Peace Celebrations in Camden and the long delay in tendering a public welcome to some of our returned soldiers by no means lessened the ardour of the Camden public, for when the time did arrive the entire community joined in genuine, enthusiasm to guarantee full honour to the occasion. Last Saturday's celebrations were a record in every way, and feelingly expressed the happiness of the public in showing honour to the members of the A.I.F. in our midst. Early in the afternoon the procession through the main street, made its way to the Show Grounds headed by the soldiers in uniform and the Camden District Band, followed by the Fire Brigade, members of different local organisations, a few comical turnouts, and crowds of people. General Onslow said he had great pleasure in taking part and saying a few words on this day of celebrating Peace and Victory.

It will be recollected that some time ago, similar gatherings to this had met to welcome home soldiers returning from the war, but during the last few months the influenza epidemic not only in Camden but in Sydney, had prevented a large gathering being held, and it was thought by the Council that the Peace Celebrations should stand over for the time being, and that arrangements be made for the celebrations to be held at a later date than that recognised by the Federal authorities, and that a general welcome home to our local soldiers be held at the same time.

(Camden News, 11 September 1919)

CHS1917 Australia Day Camden.

Australia Day Camden.

Australian Light Horse re-enactment group in procession.

Creator: Peter Mylrea (2008)      

Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS1917)

Australia Day 2008: Big day planned.

Camden locals will parade the streets as part of this year’s Australia Day celebrations. Hundreds of people are expected to line Argyle St in Camden’s CBD to watch the annual Macarthur Lions Club Street Parade at 11:45am on January 26.

Then it’s time for the Onslow Park Festival at 1pm which will include a market where local businesses will display and sell their best produce and goods. There will also be an international food market where locals can treat themselves to a variety of multicultural snacks.

A few bands will be at Onslow Park to keep the day upbeat and entertaining, including the traditional Hussars and 73^rd Regiment of Foot as well as popular band “Family Von Trapp”.

The First Australian Light Horse display will take place at 2pm followed by a thong-throwing competition – honouring Australia’s surfie culture. There will also be face painting for the kids, rides and amusements, with the Camden Campbelltown Community Band playing until the day ends at 4pm.

(Camden Advertiser, 23 January 2008)

An Honor to Colonel Onslow, M.L.A.

At a specially arranged public gathering of citizens of Camden district, a unique and interesting ceremony took place in the Drill Hall on Saturday last when Colonel J W Macarthur Onslow, A.D.C., commanding the 1st Australian Light Horse Brigade, was presented with a handsome silk embroidered guidon in honour of his appointment as Brigadier. The pennant has represented on it the Onslow crest, together with the coat of arms of the three regiments in the Brigade.

(Camden News, 13 August 1908)

CHS2855 ANZAC Day and Jack Dunk marching 1950s. 

Jack Dunk (fifth from the front, without a hat).

Creator/contributor: Joy Riley (1950s)           

Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS2855)

Tribute paid to fallen. ANZAC spirit lives on in minds of people.

Anzac Day 1953 was honoured at Camden on Sunday last when a large number of returned men from World Wars I and II participated in the March, and a good crowd of citizens attended at the Memorial Square in Macarthur Park, for the United Commemoration Service, held in memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice that we might live in peace and freedom.

Honour Their Sacrifice and Courage.

'The name of the Anzac, and the Australian fighting services is one of the most renowned in the world,' Mr. Bate said, 'and Camden has provided many of those great soldiers, sailors, airmen and nursing sisters, and it is to them that I would like to pay tribute.’

'We honour those who were faithful unto death, the men who on that morning at Gallipoli 38 years ago, went ashore like battle tried veterans, against tremendous machine gun fire, and who won that day, immortalising forever the name of 'Anzac,' and establishing Australia's Nationhood.

'We also think of the second war, and of those who fought at Benghazi, at Tobruk, Alamein, New Guinea and the South West Pacific, in all fronts where Australian troops showed their tremendous spirit of comradeship and sacrifice for a friend, where generously and spontaneously, with no thought for themselves, they offered their lives for their mates.'

(Camden News, 30 April 1953)

Centenary celebrations. Camden central school

Over 300 children, all very neatly and uniformly dressed, joined in the Anzac Day march to Macarthur Park for the memorial service. They marched behind the ex-Servicemen, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides, with the joint' Parramatta and Liverpool Police Boys' Band in the lead.

(Camden News, 3 May 1951)

CHS2313- Maypole at Camden Public School 

Maypole dancing and physical exercise.

Camden Public School.

1933-4            Contributor: Ruth Brown             Custodian: Camden Historical Society (CHS2313)

Camden School Continental.

The wonderful success attained by the school continental held on Friday last within the Camden Public School grounds, was a tribute to care, attention and organisation of Mr. W. J. Campbell and his teaching staff, all of whom worked with the local Parents and Citizens' Association to give of their best, and that which would appeal to their patrons. It was a delightful sight to see the children happy in their gatherings among beautiful surroundings with gaily displayed bunting and decorated stalls, and at night the added attraction of electric light illuminations. The attendance both in the afternoon and at night, was beyond expectation, as the takings totalling £108/15/11½ indicate.

The various stalls and other decorations added considerably to the attractive appearance of the grounds, and the ideal weather made everything possible for the success of the function.

Night Carnival.

The real carnival spirit, prevailed when the grounds were crowded at the night session, and when the Camden Band enlivened the proceedings with various selections. The main attractions, beyond the various stalls, hoop-la, etc., were the many displays by the children, each accompanied by the Band. There is no question the children were splendid, and their efforts showed careful training, reflecting credit on their teachers. These items consisting of Flag Drill by junior boys and girls, Maypole by the infants, Swedish exercises by senior boys, Maypole by girls, and the Wand Exercises by the senior girls, were all given without the aid of a teacher leading them; the children following the Band music perfectly. Each item was applauded, and had the audience had their way, would have been repeated.

 (Camden News, 15 December 1932)