Pioneers John and Elizabeth Macarthur’s grand oak tree celebrates its 200th birthday at Camden’s Belgenny Farm
A very special oak tree, which was planted by the family of Camden pioneers John and Elizabeth Macarthur on their new property at Belgenny Farm 200 years ago, celebrates its milestone birthday this month
Macarthur
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A VERY special oak tree, which was planted by the family of Camden pioneers John and Elizabeth Macarthur on their new property at Belgenny Farm 200 years ago, celebrates its milestone birthday this month.
The oak tree remains a grand centre piece at the Camden property and a lasting legacy to the work of John and Elizabeth Macarthur, who were the founders and pioneers of the Australian wool industry.
While Camden has undergone a massive transformation over the past 200 years, from a rural outpost to a thriving growth centre with a booming population, the massive tree has been a constant and continues to stand tall and proud on the property.
It is surrounded by a picket fence and was planted outside the front of the original Macarthur homestead at Belgenny Farm.
John and Elizabeth Macarthur established Belgenny Farm in 1805 and the tree was planted in August 1817.
Hundreds of people have wished a happy birthday to the historic oak tree, which is propped up by a metal brace, when they attended Belgenny Farm’s annual history showcase yesterday.
Belgenny Farm office manager Lyndal Bruce said the oak tree was planted by the Macarthurs 200 years ago when they first settled at the property after they received a land grant of 2023ha.
“The tree is very special to everybody and it was planted right out the front of the original Macarthur homestead,’’ she said.
Friends of Belgenny Farm volunteers also ran tours of the property on the day and took visitors to the archaeological dig site where the property’s original bark huts were discovered.
Visitors also toured the farm’s new creamery which depicts the history of dairying in Australia over the past 200 years.
The creamery contains a model of a rotolactor, a rotating milking platform which milks a large number of cows and was previously used at Belgenny Farm.
Members of Macarthur area family history societies attended and helped visitors unravel the mysteries and skeletons in their family tree.
Mrs Bruce said the history showcase was a great success and it was also a chance for people, including new residents, to explore the historic farm on their doorstep and which remains open to the public.
She said Belgenny Farm also attracted visitors from around the world.
“People love to come and see us and they appreciate what we have here. It’s an opportunity for people to come and have a look,’’ she said.
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