The Ramsgate Baths was an innovative in-ground swimming complex opened in 1924 on Botany Bay by Mr A.A. Pemberton. The Baths was a hub for swimming, diving and socialising for 45 years until its demolition in 1970, and it produced such Olympic swimmers as Bruce Bourke, Gary Chapman and Neville Hayes. The Baths also underwent constant development by the owner, and at times featured dance halls, novelties like ‘penny scrambles’ and giant slippery dips, and even a zoo.
After years of research and oral history interviews, hear from local historian Dan McAloon as he traces the fascinating history of the Ramsgate Baths and restores its place in Sydney’s social and sports history.
Dan McAloon is a writer and journalist from Bardwell Valley, Sydney. Dan studied Australian History at UNSW under Frank Crowley and Patrick O’Farrell. In recent years his interests in local history saw him undertake primary research into swimming in Sydney, and in particular the once famous, now forgotten, swimming venue Pemberton’s Ramsgate Baths. In 2009, Dan’s essay ‘The Ramsgate Baths – a Short History’ won the Ron Rathbone Prize for an Unpublished Local History sponsored by Rockdale Council. Dan’s essays have appeared in ‘Reflections’ (National Trust) and The St George Historical Society’s journal. He is currently writing a book on the social history of the Ramsgate Baths, 1924 -70.
When: Wednesday 19 September 2018, 10:30am
Where: Hurstville Museum and Gallery, 14 MacMahon Street, Hurstville
Cost: Free – register online
Contact: museumgallery@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au, 02 9330 6444
Hosted by Hurstville Museum and Gallery.
Proudly presented as part of the History Council of NSW’s Speaker Connect program for 2018, supported by Create NSW.
Image credit: A popular day at the Ramsgate Baths (L-R)Valerie Riddett, Bob McKew, Betty McKew, Nola Fletcher, 1939-1940, photo by Christine Gordon, courtesy Ramsgate Baths Archive.
Do you have a speaker who is willing to address my Probus Club on the history of Ramsgate Baths. Our club meets at Oyster Bay and many members grew up in the St George and Sutherland Shire areas and knew and swum in those magnificent baths
Hi Richard, we cannot give out individual members names and contact details, so I suggest that you contact the Bayside Council and ask to speak to their Historian or Librarian. I am sure they will be able to assist you.
Hi, the “Ramsey” baths were the best. I used to swim there as a kid, we used to ride our bikes from home at Sandringham (near lousy les’s pub) there was fun to be had at the baths, we would meet our mates and improve our swimming. good memories.
hi i used to swim at the ramsgate baths with my cousins and i beleive there was a photo of ettie robertson a champion swimmer who is my mothers mother sister if so maybe the photo is in the archives records. please reply if so
Hi Susan, I suggest that you contact the Bayside Council and ask to speak to their Historian or Librarian. I am sure they will be able to assist you with access to their photo archive so that you can look up the titles.
thank you i will do that
We were ‘bussed’ there from school (Banksmeadow) during the summer months for swimming – In the 50’s – This pre dated school swimming lessons as I do not recall any tuition, just for swimming leisure. We lived near Sir Joseph Banks hotel (Old one) and had the best swimming hole just a quick run across the park to the Bay- lovely memories ..
on wednesdays we would get bused from hurstville school to the ramsgate baths, i remember the grey nurse sharks jaws hanging on the wall and the parrot in side the cage was supposed to be 100 uears old,no feathers at all
there was a sand pit there with exercise equipement,this was back in 1950….there used to be three pools in there.
good fun,good memories…barry
Hi Susan, my father George Eric Jones was married to Ettie Robertson…do you know anything about the marriage? Why was my father not mentioned when she died?