Places

‘Just then the city lights shone out: Each name shone forth as brightest gold; A strange, sweet perfume played about And in my heart crept peace, untold … I felt … warm hands … upon my own … My son … kept tryst … at the Grey Stone.’ ‘Anzac Eve’ Margaret Curran

Objects and places often become important within our culture not by virtue of their economic value but because of their cultural associations. In the early stages of the settlement of colonial countries, the lack of associations -- particularly in exotic landscapes - tends to inhibit the cultural emplacement of immigrants.

Where landscapes are similar to those left behind, however, they can serve as a trigger for past associations, which are then connected with the new environment.

Toowoomba's distinctive geography and climate, for example, reminded nineteenth century settlers of Europe and helped to convince them that it was an appropriate place to call home. Of course these European associations often overwrote aboriginal associations which the settlers would not see.

This section of The Literary History of Toowoomba site is devoted to collecting places and associations which are significant to our sense of a local cultural history. Some of these places are museums and libraries which collect significant resources and artefacts and are well worth a visit for anyone interested in the subject. Others are memorials or historical markers which identify significant locations and contributions to our heritage. Others still are places with personal or community significance which have provided the subject or setting for literature.

Submissions and suggestions for places not yet included can be sent to leec@usq.edu.au