To celebrate their 100th birthday, my project portrays Vinnies Rozelle in a new and exciting way, in which exists the importance of my podcast titled ‘Fabricated Stories’. This community thrift store operates by the generosity of the people who volunteer, work, donate and buy pre-loved goods and it is so valuable to hear their stories and what they have to share about their connection to the place.
The podcast form would be considered innovative in documenting oral histories – by infusing music with people’s stories narrated by the host. With my project and as noted throughout the podcast, I argue that people’s histories that can only be emerged through storytelling can be linked to a place. By collecting stories and anecdotes from people who engage with this community space, I am able to illustrate Vinnies Rozelle as a place of historical significance for different people but also the place as a whole as part of Rozelle’s community.
Emerged through the process of storytelling, themes such as celebrating local history by honouring family histories emerged. Many of the stories told linked back to memories and experiences of growing up and visiting Vinnies, especially with families that suggests that local history often begins with the stories from our families. I also argue the importance of sustainability through thrifting and donating goods by highlighting the continued relevance of Vinnies Rozelle is also through the means in which second hand goods are given another chance.
The hope is that Vinnies Rozelle will benefit most from this project as it exists to serve them and celebrate the store and the people who visit. I also hope the podcast form allows the project to reach a broader audience. While the target audience is people at all ages (although most likely 6 years and above to understand the stories), I hope I can attract a young adult listening audience who might not know about the history of Vinnies. Often thrift stores and second-hand shops are now seen as places to buy something cheap, trendy and vintage but there is a rich history attached to these places that could be overlooked in the name of fashion.
You can find my podcast here for your listening pleasure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LViyrWxQc-g&ab_channel=AngeTran
I hope you enjoy it!