Attached is a short history of the original suburb of Homebush West, which was once known as Flemington. The suburb has expanded since it was first added to Strathfield Council in 1892. This publication is intended to provide a historical overview of this suburb. There is always more to write! Comments are always welcome.
The featured image on this page is St Dominic’s Catholic Church, The Crescent, Homebush West. This is one of Strathfield’s interesting churches, being designed in the 1950s. Both St Dominic’s and Our Lady of the Assumption in Underwood Road Homebush are the work of architects Cameron and Curtin, both build in a similar time period.
Future editions of this publication will include the other areas of Homebush West, mainly west of Marlborough Road.
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Thank you, Cathy.
You may remember that most of my father’s family lived in Hammersmith Street Flemington until the big sell off in 1970 for the Sydney Market venture. Fahey, Madden, Pickering, Yott, Murphy, Cosgrove, Sheehan, Oakes, McIntyre, O’Brien to name a few in our Flemington family history going back to 1890s.
Robyn
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Yes, I do remember your family’s history in Hammersmith Street, Cathy
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Thank you Cathy
I enjoyed reading your book
We live in Kessell Avenue and not far from the places that you mention in your book .
We bought our house in August 1992 and the suburb was called Strathfield West and remained so until 1994. My driving license still says Strathfield West and nearby there was a lovely club called Strathfield West bowling club. Few small weddings have taken place there in those days.
The name change to Homebush West happened without any consultation with residents by the council or the GNB and we were very disappointed. We believe the name change happened to elevate house prices to the east of Airey Park.
We still live in the same property and enjoy the best of Airey Park & Alan Davidson Oval – the Jewel in the Crown of the entire Strathfield council area.
Looking forward to reading the rest of your book
Thanks
Santan
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Santan, I have never understood the changing names! Kessell Avenue’s history is slightly different. While it connects to Hampstead Road, most of the street is in Potts Estate and was developed later. I know there were some War Commission homes after WWI in Kessell Avenue. Perhaps a new research! Cathy
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Many thanks for the reply Cathy
That would be nice .
There is a resident in Kessell avenue – her parents bought the house in 1961
She may know more
I knew a Mrs Stephenson – lovely lady who in the late 1998 led the fight to stop rezoning ( ie keep as houses and not units) – she lived top of Kessell near the railway line . She passed away in early 2000
She told me that when she was a child – they would bring sheep across the railway line and leave them in Airey park – so they would eat the grass and keep the grass short !
You are right about the houses – all our houses have high celining and beautiful patterns – which we still retain
Very much look forward to the Kessell Avenue history !
Thanks
Santan
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Hi Cathy
I grew up in Pemberton st and St Dominic’s was officially my church
I also went to Dominic’s school from 1972-1975 ?
any photos pf the old school building ?
Any interesting things about Pemberton st Strathfield?
I remember how Pemberton st was heavy and congested with trucks cars etc and used for the funeral cortège toward Roomeard cemetery. The introduction of . Paddy’ s markets was the reason. Then I believe in 1988 centenary drive opened and our Pemberton st was shortened or blocked off one end
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I don’t have photos of the school, but can see what I can find from others. I have seen a few photos on Facebook. Pemberton Road has been altered and now is a dead-end at its southern point and replaced by Centenary Drive. I’ll find some old maps and publish. Remember the funeral cars and procession of cars behind with their lights on. Cathy
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