Australian Joint Stock Bank Building, Maryborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Australian Joint Stock Bank Building, Maryborough |
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Australian Joint Stock Bank Building, 1997
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| Location | 331 Kent Street, Maryborough, Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s–1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1882 |
| Architect | Francis Drummond Greville Stanley |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Australian Joint Stock Bank (former), Department of Primary Industries Building, Union Bank, Office of Sport and Recreation | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600693 |
| Significant period | 1880s (fabric) 1882–1952 (historical use as bank) 1955–c.2008 (government use) |
| Significant components | residential accommodation – staff quarters, banking chamber, strong room |
| Builders | French & Crystall |
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The Australian Joint Stock Bank Building is a historic building in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. It used to be a bank, but now it's a museum called The Story Bank. This museum celebrates the famous author P. L. Travers, who wrote the Mary Poppins books. She was born in Maryborough, and her father was the manager of this very bank! The building was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley and built in 1882. It's listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because of its important history.
Contents
Building History
Maryborough's Early Days
Maryborough started as a small settlement in 1847. It grew quickly because it was a good port on the Mary River. Ships could easily reach it. By the 1860s and 1870s, Maryborough became a very busy town. It was the main port for the nearby Gympie goldfield. It also helped transport timber and sugar. Many businesses, including banks, opened here.
The Australian Joint Stock Bank
The Australian Joint Stock Bank opened a branch in Maryborough in 1864. This was one of the first banks in the town. Over time, the bank needed a new building. Floods had damaged the first one. By 1880, the second building was not good enough. So, plans were made for a brand new, impressive bank.
Designing the New Bank
The famous Queensland architect, Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, designed the new bank. He also designed other bank branches in places like Gympie and Townsville. Local builders, French & Crystall, were chosen to construct the building. Construction started in mid-1882. The new bank was much larger and grander than the old one. It showed how important the bank was.
The building was made of strong stone. It had a classic look, like old Greek or Roman buildings. This style made the bank look traditional and strong. Next to the bank, a two-storey section was built for a department store called Finney Isles and Co. There was also a one-storey house for the bank manager.
A Famous Connection
Maryborough is the birthplace of Helen Lyndon Goff. She is better known as P. L. Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books. She was born on August 9, 1899. Her father, Travers Robert Goff, was the manager of this very bank at that time. Today, a bronze statue of Mary Poppins stands outside the building. It celebrates Travers and her famous books.
Changes Over Time
The Australian Joint Stock Bank branch closed in 1901. A few years later, in 1906, the Union Bank leased the building. They bought it in 1912. In 1952, the Union Bank joined with another bank to form the ANZ Bank. The ANZ Bank used a different building in Maryborough.
So, the former Union Bank building was sold again. The Queensland Government bought it in 1952. They used it for government offices, like the Department of Primary Industries. Later, it housed the Office of Recreation and Sport. Now, it is a museum called The Story Bank. It focuses on the life and works of P.L. Travers.
Building Description
The former Australian Joint Stock Bank building is a very noticeable building in Maryborough. It stands on the corner of Richmond and Kent streets. The main part of the building has two floors. A smaller, one-storey section is at the back.
The building is made of brick, but the outside walls facing Kent and Richmond Streets are covered in a smooth finish called stucco. The main entrance is on Kent Street. It has a two-storey recessed porch. This means the entrance is set back into the building. It has columns on both floors. The ground floor has simple, strong columns (Doric style). The first floor has more decorative columns (Corinthian style).
The walls on the ground floor look rough and textured. This style is called rustication. Both floors have round-arched windows. The top floor has decorative columns on the sides of the entrance. Above these columns, there is a detailed border called an entablature. On top of that is a decorative wall called a parapet. It has a triangular shape in the middle and urns at each end. The roof is steep and hidden behind the parapet.
The Richmond Street side of the building looks similar to the Kent Street side. However, a verandah was added later. Inside, the building has timber floors and plastered walls and ceilings. Some parts of the inside have been changed over the years.
Why This Building is Important
The former Australian Joint Stock Bank building in Maryborough is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means it is a very important historical place.
- Shows Queensland's History: This building was built in 1882. It shows how much Maryborough grew in the 1800s. It was an important part of the town's development.
- A Great Example of a Bank Building: This building is a good example of a two-storey bank from that time. Its strong, classical design shows the authority and strength that banks wanted to project.
- Beautiful Architecture: The building is well-designed and very beautiful. It stands out in Maryborough and adds to the look of both Kent and Richmond Streets. It is also a good example of the commercial work of architect FDG Stanley.
