About Friends of The Paragon Inc
Friends of The Paragon Inc (FoTP) was formed in 2015 as a not-for-profit Association. It is dedicated to the conservation of the cultural heritage of The Paragon, an iconic restaurant and confectionery in Katoomba, New South Wales. Katoomba is located at the top of the Blue Mountains, less than two hours west of Sydney and is a community within the City of The Blue Mountains: uniquely, a city within a World Heritage Area.
The Paragon is the second oldest operating chocolate manufactory in Australia, having been established in 1916. The interiors of The Paragon are widely appreciated as a gem of the Art Deco style and its confectionery, made on-site, has been appreciated by generations of locals and visitors to this popular mountain tourist destination.
The Friends group is guided by the following stated aims:
The Friends have carried out a number of conservation projects at the premises, including the establishment of a museum of significant cultural and industrial artefacts illustrating the rich history of The Paragon and its treasured place in the hearts of the local communities. One of the challenging and ongoing projects is the identification and recovery of important artefacts associated with the property that have been dispersed over the years. Another challenge is the conservation and, hopefully, re-installation of the original 1920's chocolate manufacturing machinery which was partially dismantled in 2000.
Friends of The Paragon conduct events from time to time with the aim of raising awareness and funds. Events have been well received and proven to be both informative and enjoyable. Often these have been conducted in conjunction with the Cafe proprietor and conclude with a delicious afternoon tea. Friends is run and supported by keen volunteers and welcomes the participation of new members and supporters from within the local community or farther afield. Please consider adding your support <here=memebrship page link>
The Paragon is the second oldest operating chocolate manufactory in Australia, having been established in 1916. The interiors of The Paragon are widely appreciated as a gem of the Art Deco style and its confectionery, made on-site, has been appreciated by generations of locals and visitors to this popular mountain tourist destination.
The Friends group is guided by the following stated aims:
- To strive to protect and promote the architectural, social and industrial legacy of the Simos family as embodied in The Paragon buildings and its history.
- To act as an advocate for that legacy.
- To foster respect for that legacy with owners of the premises and business and to encourage the preservation and sympathetic development of assets that embody that legacy.
The Friends have carried out a number of conservation projects at the premises, including the establishment of a museum of significant cultural and industrial artefacts illustrating the rich history of The Paragon and its treasured place in the hearts of the local communities. One of the challenging and ongoing projects is the identification and recovery of important artefacts associated with the property that have been dispersed over the years. Another challenge is the conservation and, hopefully, re-installation of the original 1920's chocolate manufacturing machinery which was partially dismantled in 2000.
Friends of The Paragon conduct events from time to time with the aim of raising awareness and funds. Events have been well received and proven to be both informative and enjoyable. Often these have been conducted in conjunction with the Cafe proprietor and conclude with a delicious afternoon tea. Friends is run and supported by keen volunteers and welcomes the participation of new members and supporters from within the local community or farther afield. Please consider adding your support <here=memebrship page link>
