In Australia’s early days, the women were isolated in the sparsely populated bush. So when there was a visit to town the ladies, excluded from the pubs, formed their own organisation.
The Country Women’s Association. The CWA.
A chance to sit and have a cup of tea and a gossip. A chance to pass on tips and learnings and all the things that go on on over the backyard fence. When there are back yard fences.
The organisation continues and still runs the home products displays and competitions, not only in the Big City shows but also at the shows held in every small country town.
I apologise in advance for the quality of some of these images. All items are kept behind glass for their own protection.
Because of my late mother’s interests, the tatting and crocheting are among the first displays I look at. This year I am struck by the fact that it is all white and cream. Despite her brilliance in the art, my Sis from Utah would struggle to win here in Western Australia due to the extreme tradition of white and cream.
Never the less, the work was extremely well presented in its old-fashioned way.
Little dolls and toys have always been fun to see. As a bush child of the 40′s I can remember the fun of receiving these for Christmas/Birthday. Yes, with a birthday just two days before Christmas I only ever received a single present each year.
Then there was the most important part of the display. The food!
Yummy scones and cakes and biscuits. I looked closely at the scones, my grandmother’s speciality. For quite a number of years she owned the first prize at this show. She was also the leader in the CWA music division. Teacher and performer and organiser of State-wide events.
Not one of these culinary gems will ever be eaten. [sob]
If I go back to the show again, it will be this display which draws me.
Tomorrow, some of the assorted bits and pieces which I haven’t yet covered.
Filed under: lifestyle, Western Australia
in the US, we have county fairs – combination of livestock shows, home crafts and carnival midway! for entertainment? there’s calf roping, demolition derby and tractor pulls. another reason why i like autumn….
Lovely display of doilies and tablecloths. The pineapple patterns are my favorite. I can and have crocheted and tatted doilies in white, ecru and cream — I just like color better! The food looks pretty amazing. Most of the stuff at our fair was bottled food — it does seem a waste to make all this yummy food to just sit and get old. Food should be eaten!