Three trees stand tall in Henry Lawson Park. They are a silent testament to a dedication ceremony. This ceremony took place on September 3rd 1938. It honored the memory of the great Australian writer Henry Lawson.
Henry Lawson Park isn’t just a park. It’s a place of literary significance. It’s a tribute to a man considered by many to be Australia’s greatest writer. The park was formerly known as Buckingham’s Reserve. It sits on the beautiful Parramatta River foreshores in Abbotsford.
Imagine the scene. Bertha Lawson Henry Lawson’s widow was present. So was Dame Mary Gilmore a friend and fellow poet. Together with members of the Henry Lawson Literary Society they planted those symbolic trees. This act marked the official dedication of the park. The Mayor of Drummoyne Alderman J Henley presided over the event.
Henry Lawson himself lived briefly in Abbotsford before his death in 1922. He died in a house across from Abbotsford Public School on Great North Road. His passing marked the end of a remarkable life. A life filled with both literary triumph and personal struggles. He received a state funeral a rare honor for a writer.
Lawson’s legacy lives on not only in his powerful works. They also live on in this serene park. The park is a place of quiet reflection. It’s a place where visitors can connect with Australia’s literary heritage.
The original verse Mary Gilmore composed for the dedication ceremony is a fitting tribute: ‘As weeds grow out of graves and vaults So from his broken heart his faults And yet so marvellous his power His very faults brought forth in flower’. These lines capture the complexities of Lawson’s life and work. They remind us of his enduring influence on Australian literature.
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Henry Lawson Park. Take a moment to reflect on the life and work of the man it honors. His stories his poems continue to resonate with readers across generations. The park is a lasting reminder of his impact on Australian culture and identity. It’s a fitting memorial to a truly remarkable writer.