Unearthed Home Movies Reveal Australia’s Charismatic Past and the Evolution of the Bustling City of Perth
- Replies 1
Family heirlooms often bring back nostalgic memories and take us on a trip down memory lane.
It becomes even more meaningful when these heirlooms offer a glimpse into a time vastly different from ours.
In a fascinating instance, two cousins, Paul Plowman and James Paxton, stumbled upon a treasure trove of vintage home movies that unlocked doors to the past.
The city of Perth, celebrated for its scenic landscapes and vibrant energy today, harbours a rich history dating back hundreds of years.
These films, discovered under Paxton's grandmother's house, usher us into the Perth of the 1920s, '30s and '40s, showcasing a striking contrast to its modern incarnation.
'It's extraordinary,' Plowman reflected upon watching the meticulously captured moments. 'And one of the things I noticed in many social shots is the fashion of the time.'
This could be attributed to the keen eye of the filmmaker, Roy Paxton, Plowman's uncle, who had an interest in capturing people going about their routines against the mesmerising backdrop of Perth.
Born in 1907 in the rustic town of Menzies near Kalgoorlie, Roy had an adventurous spirit that transcended local borders.
His love for travelling led him to capture not only the essence of Perth but also intriguing visuals from New York and major European cities.
Notably, Roy also filmed the first passenger plane to introduce air service in Western Australia, a spectacle for that era!
The films capture a mix of ordinary moments and grand events, offering a vibrant panorama of bygone eras.
One can witness families enjoying picnics by the tranquil Swan River, the exuberant wedding of Harry and Betty Boan from Boans department store, and an exhilarating cricket match at the WACA.
These films belong to the early days of cinematography, a time far removed from high-definition cameras, yet they possess a unique charm and rawness seldom found in today's footage.
Given their significance, institutions like the WA Museum and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia have expressed strong interest in acquiring these films for their collections.
Members, stories such as these underscore the importance of preserving our family histories.
Each family has unique tales to tell, and our garages might harbour such valuable pieces of history.
Preserving these artefacts could be as simple as keeping them in a cool, dry place or digitising them for longevity.
Home movies, like those discovered by Plowman and Paxton, may seem insignificant today, but decades from now, they may unfold fascinating chapters of our lives for our descendants.
So turn your houses upside down for that old camcorder and start filming. You never know; while you're busy making memories today, you might be filming history for tomorrow!
Members, have you ever stumbled upon family heirlooms, photographs, or videos that brought back memories and offered a glimpse into the past? How did they make you feel? Share your experiences with us!
It becomes even more meaningful when these heirlooms offer a glimpse into a time vastly different from ours.
In a fascinating instance, two cousins, Paul Plowman and James Paxton, stumbled upon a treasure trove of vintage home movies that unlocked doors to the past.
The city of Perth, celebrated for its scenic landscapes and vibrant energy today, harbours a rich history dating back hundreds of years.
These films, discovered under Paxton's grandmother's house, usher us into the Perth of the 1920s, '30s and '40s, showcasing a striking contrast to its modern incarnation.
Capturing moments on cameras allows us to freeze time and preserve cherished memories for a lifetime. Image by Markus Spiske from pexels
'It's extraordinary,' Plowman reflected upon watching the meticulously captured moments. 'And one of the things I noticed in many social shots is the fashion of the time.'
This could be attributed to the keen eye of the filmmaker, Roy Paxton, Plowman's uncle, who had an interest in capturing people going about their routines against the mesmerising backdrop of Perth.
Born in 1907 in the rustic town of Menzies near Kalgoorlie, Roy had an adventurous spirit that transcended local borders.
His love for travelling led him to capture not only the essence of Perth but also intriguing visuals from New York and major European cities.
Notably, Roy also filmed the first passenger plane to introduce air service in Western Australia, a spectacle for that era!
The films capture a mix of ordinary moments and grand events, offering a vibrant panorama of bygone eras.
One can witness families enjoying picnics by the tranquil Swan River, the exuberant wedding of Harry and Betty Boan from Boans department store, and an exhilarating cricket match at the WACA.
These films belong to the early days of cinematography, a time far removed from high-definition cameras, yet they possess a unique charm and rawness seldom found in today's footage.
Given their significance, institutions like the WA Museum and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia have expressed strong interest in acquiring these films for their collections.
Members, stories such as these underscore the importance of preserving our family histories.
Each family has unique tales to tell, and our garages might harbour such valuable pieces of history.
Preserving films and home videos ensures that the laughter, love, and special moments shared with family and friends can be revisited, bringing joy and nostalgia for generations to come. Image by dmjdenise from unsplash
Preserving these artefacts could be as simple as keeping them in a cool, dry place or digitising them for longevity.
Home movies, like those discovered by Plowman and Paxton, may seem insignificant today, but decades from now, they may unfold fascinating chapters of our lives for our descendants.
So turn your houses upside down for that old camcorder and start filming. You never know; while you're busy making memories today, you might be filming history for tomorrow!
Members, have you ever stumbled upon family heirlooms, photographs, or videos that brought back memories and offered a glimpse into the past? How did they make you feel? Share your experiences with us!
.png){kind=icon}
