Parramatta History and Heritage

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Parramatta History and Heritage Sharing stories from the City of Parramatta's Local Studies Library, Archives & Cultural Collections.

The City of Parramatta Council Archives Research and Collections Team services include: management storage and dissemination of Council archives dating back to 1860 and access to library books, pamphlets, and journals relating to the development of the Parramatta LGA from its Aboriginal past through to the present. ARC’s also manages stores and disseminates information relating to the material culture and artistic life of the Parramatta LGA and acts as a respected Western Sydney based centre for professional advice and expertise relating to the cultural heritage, museum collections management, archival records, family history, and innovation in the cultural sector.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1975 International Women’s Year. In 1975, Parramatta City Council formed ...
08/02/2024

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1975 International Women’s Year.

In 1975, Parramatta City Council formed an International Women's Year Committee, and Alderman Elizabeth Boesel was successful in obtaining an International Women's Year grant. Parramatta events were held that included an International Folk Dancing Day, the Fifty Famous Australian Women exhibition in the Old Post Office building, a film night, and hire of Parramatta Town Hall to facilitate a Women’s Speak Out. You can read more about International Women’s Year in Parramatta here:

https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/council-archives/parramatta-womens-speak-out

📷 Freedom of Opportunity - International Women's Year 1975. National Museum of Australia: 1994.0036.0056.

The Charles Byrnes Room in Parramatta Town Hall has been standing since 1881, but it hasn't always been known by this na...
01/02/2024

The Charles Byrnes Room in Parramatta Town Hall has been standing since 1881, but it hasn't always been known by this name.

The Charles Byrnes Room is significant as Parramatta Council's first purpose built council chamber. Prior to the construction of the Council Chambers building in 1881, the Council had used the Old Court House, Elder House, and rented premises on Church Street for council and committee meetings. The room functioned as the Council Chamber between 1881 and 1949.

You can find out more about the Old Council Chamber and the naming of the room after Charles Byrnes here:

https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/research-topics/council-history/naming-charles-byrnes-room

📷 Portrait of Mayor Charles Joseph Byrnes, 1882. City of Parramatta Cultural Collections: 2012.019.01

On the 6th August 1958, the front page of the Cumberland Argus read that the rock-‘n-roll king, Johnny O’Keefe, had been...
25/01/2024

On the 6th August 1958, the front page of the Cumberland Argus read that the rock-‘n-roll king, Johnny O’Keefe, had been banned in Parramatta after performing at five concerts in Parramatta and Granville Town Halls with over 3000 teenagers in attendance.

Despite the outrage this prompted with music fans in Parramatta, no rock-‘n-roll music would be heard within the walls of any of the Council’s town halls for the next year. This all changed in October 1959 when 18-year-old Phil Wilde of local band Phil Wilde and the Wildecats convinced the Council to change their minds. You can read our story here:

https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/council-archives/you-dont-dig-bop

📷 City of Parramatta Heritage Archives: PRS133; 131/9

The need for a Town Hall in Parramatta was recognised as early as 1870. The Mayor of the Day, John Good, stated in a Cou...
10/01/2024

The need for a Town Hall in Parramatta was recognised as early as 1870. The Mayor of the Day, John Good, stated in a Council meeting of the 18th of January that it was a “matter of surprise to many that in this town of 7000 inhabitants there is not at present a single building at all suitable for holding entertainments, concerts, and meetings.”

It would be nearly the end of the decade before any construction work commenced on Parramatta's Town Hall, with the intervening years containing much discussion about the most suitable site for the building. You can read our story here:

https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/council-archives/something-which-citizens-might-reasonably-be-proud-parramatta-town-hall-and

📷 Parramatta Town Hall by John Henry Harvey, circa 1880s. Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria: H2009.100/554.

A most unusual job title for a Council employee is that of the “Inspector of Nuisances.”The Inspector of Nuisances was r...
21/12/2023

A most unusual job title for a Council employee is that of the “Inspector of Nuisances.”

The Inspector of Nuisances was responsible for keeping Parramatta sanitary and safe, and taking action against residents who did not comply with public health by-laws set out under the Municipalities Act 1858 and the Nuisances Prevention Act 1875. You can read more about the role of the Inspector here:

https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/council-archives/earth-closets-and-effluvium-life-and-times-inspector-nuisances

Ralph Mood was appointed to the position of the Inspector of Nuisances in December 1875 and served until the appointment of Patrick Hayes in 1877.

Featured in this post is a photograph of Mr and Mrs Mood outside their home in Parramatta North around September 1870.

📷 Caroline Simpson Library and Research Collection, Museums of History NSW.

Parramatta Town Hall is an important cultural and historical landmark. Located in the heart of the C*D, at 7 Parramatta ...
15/12/2023

Parramatta Town Hall is an important cultural and historical landmark. Located in the heart of the C*D, at 7 Parramatta Square, Parramatta Town Hall has a rich heritage and cultural identity having served as a central gathering place since 1883.

Described as a Victorian Free Classical building, Parramatta Town Hall has been faithfully restored and upgraded to include contemporary features that complement the iconic building’s unique architectural charm and beauty.

The City of Parramatta Research and Collections team have curated and installed heritage displays throughout Town Hall. We draw upon our Heritage Archives and Cultural Collections to present and interesting insight into the history and heritage of the building. You can explore our stories online here:

https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/our-stories/parramatta-town-hall

📷 Parramatta Town Hall, circa 1960s. City of Parramatta Heritage Archives: PRS111/1371.

to a busy day on Church Street, Parramatta, circa 1961. Shoppers were certainly spoiled for choice! After stopping by ...
05/10/2023

to a busy day on Church Street, Parramatta, circa 1961. Shoppers were certainly spoiled for choice! After stopping by the enormous Murray Bros. department store, other shops like Coles, Lowes and Beare & Ley were only a short walk away. Also visible along the street are the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited, the original Parramatta Post Office and the Commonwealth Bank Building.

📷 City of Parramatta Archives: PRS111/1332

You can explore our collections here: https://heritagecentre.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/explore

to the construction of the Children's Wading Pool at the Parramatta and District War Memorial Swimming Pool in 1960.Th...
28/09/2023

to the construction of the Children's Wading Pool at the Parramatta and District War Memorial Swimming Pool in 1960.

The Children's Wading Pool and Learner's Pool were opened by the Olympic Swimming Champion John Devitt, winner of the 100 metres at the Rome Olympics, on Saturday 17th December 1960.

You can read our stories about the history of swimming in Parramatta here:
https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-aquatic-centre-swimming-through-time

📷 City of Parramatta Archives: PRS111/1326 & PRS111/1327

Would you like to find out more about the City of Parramatta’s Research and Collection services?This Saturday 23rd Septe...
23/09/2023

Would you like to find out more about the City of Parramatta’s Research and Collection services?

This Saturday 23rd September PHIVE is turning one, and our team will be onsite between 11 and 3! Gain insights into our Dharug Keeping Place with Karen Maber, a proud Cabrogal woman and member of her Dharug community. Visit the Research Lab to learn about the City of Parramatta’s Heritage Archives and take a peek inside our Transit Room at some of our favourite collection items.

You can find out more here:
https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/phive/explore-culture-collections-archives

Parramatta Library, Civic Place, 1996. 📷 City of Parramatta Archives: PRS118/132

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Parramatta, NSW
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