Journal article
Arranging society with flowers: The rise and fall of flower shows in Gympie, 1880-2004
Journal of Australian Studies, Vol.35(1), pp.99-112
2011
Abstract
This article analyses the rise and fall of flower shows in Gympie during the period 1880 to 2004. A number of key changes occurred during this time. Originally, flower shows were part of the agricultural show movement, both ideologically and organisationally, meaning they were tied to the colonial project of cultivating the land and taking ownership of it. Over time, this role changed to better reflect the conservative values of those organising flower shows, church women's guilds and service clubs like the Red Cross. By the 1950s and 1960s, flower shows had become significant events on the Gympie events calendar, with fourteen annual events held during this period. However, this article outlines the factors that led to their disappearance, including an ageing population, an inability to attract new members due to the increasing number of women in the workforce and the changing aspirations of women themselves, as they sought to move away from their traditional, gender-prescribed roles into more active positions in society. This paper demonstrates the impact of social change on rural communities and their festivals - dramatically demonstrated by the decline of flower shows in Gympie. © 2011 International Australian Studies Association.
Details
- Title
- Arranging society with flowers: The rise and fall of flower shows in Gympie, 1880-2004
- Authors
- Robert Edwards (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Publication details
- Journal of Australian Studies, Vol.35(1), pp.99-112
- Publisher
- Routledge
- DOI
- 10.1080/14443058.2010.541477
- ISSN
- 1444-3058
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449889602621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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