Maitland Showground |
The Maitland Showgrounds are an important facility for the city of Maitland, hosting a variety of activities throughout the year, including Trotting since 1936, Greyhound Racing since 1927, Campdrafting since 1946, regular markets and auctions, annual caravan conventions and the International Photographic Salon.
The history of the showground buildings are closely linked with the Pender architectural firm. John Wiltshire Pender practised in Maitland from 1867 - 1908 and he opened a job number 426 for Maitland Showground in 1880. The association continued through three generations of Pender architects. Many of the original drawings survive in the Pender family archive, although some were lost to the paper drive during World War II.
John Wiltshire Pender was an enthusiastic breeder an exhibitor of poultry, as was Henry Luke White of the pioneering White family. It was through this interest that JW. Pender received the commission to design "Belltrees"Scone (1907). In December 1899 a specification was written for a pigeon & canary pavilion. And dog shed to poultry pavilion at the Showground. In 1905 some work was carried out on the Grandstand and again in 1920, although Andrew Pender does not believe the original building was designed by the Pender firm. The fine detailing of the existing Poultry Pavilion and the Arts & Crafts Pavilion on the site are consistent with a design by J W Pender.
The annual shows have been a feature of community life in Maitland for generations with ring events and sideshow being the most popular attractions.
❊ Address ❊
⊜ Blomfield Street Maitland 2320 View Map
✆ Telephone: (02) 4933 5052
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Maitland Showground
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