Australian Joint Stock Bank Building, Maryborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Australian Joint Stock Bank Building, Maryborough |
|
|---|---|
_(1997).jpg)
Australian Joint Stock Bank Building, 1997
|
|
| 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 |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Australian Joint Stock Bank Building is a special old building in Maryborough, Australia. It used to be a bank but is now a museum. This building was designed by a famous architect named Francis Drummond Greville Stanley. It was built in 1882 by French & Crystall.
Over the years, it was also known as the Department of Primary Industries Building, the Union Bank building, and the Office of Sport and Recreation. Today, it is a museum called The Story Bank. It celebrates the life and works of P.L. Travers, the author of the famous Mary Poppins books. This building was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 because of its historical importance.
A Look at the Bank's History
This grand bank building was built in Maryborough in 1882. It was the third branch of the Australian Joint Stock Bank in the town. The design came from Francis Drummond Grenville (FDG) Stanley, a well-known architect in Queensland.
Maryborough's Early Days
Maryborough started as a small settlement in September 1847. People like George Furber set up wool stores along the Mary River. More settlers followed, building wharves on the riverbanks.
In 1850, a new town area was planned further down the river. This spot was better for ships. Most people moved to the new Maryborough town center by 1855 and 1856. Maryborough became an official port in 1859. It was declared a municipality (a town with its own local government) in 1861.
During the 1860s and 1870s, Maryborough grew quickly. It was the main port for the nearby Gympie goldfield. It also shipped out timber and sugar. Factories and other businesses helped the town keep growing into the 1900s.
Banks Arrive in Maryborough
As Maryborough grew, many banks opened their own buildings. The Australian Joint Stock Bank was one of the first. It opened a branch at Kent and Richmond streets in 1864.
Floods in the 1870s damaged the first bank building. It was rebuilt, but by 1880, it was not in good shape. So, plans were made to build a brand new, stronger bank.
Designing the New Bank Building
FDG Stanley was chosen as the architect for the new bank. He had designed other Australian Joint Stock Bank branches in places like Gympie, Mackay, Ravenswood, and Townsville. He also added to the Rockhampton branch.
Local builders, French and Crystall, won the contract to build the bank. Construction likely started in mid-1882. The local newspaper, the Maryborough Chronicle, reported on the progress in August 1882. They said the old bank was being taken down to make way for a "larger and finer" building.
The new building was a beautiful two-story brick structure. It had strong classical influences. This style showed tradition and strength, which were important for banks. The project also included a two-story extension along Kent Street. This part housed a local branch of the popular department store, Finney Isles and Co. Along Richmond Street, there was a one-story house for the bank manager.
The Mary Poppins Connection
Maryborough is famous as the birthplace of Helen Lyndon Goff. She later became known as P. L. Travers, the author of the beloved Mary Poppins books. Her father, Travers Robert Goff, was the manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank. Helen was born there on 9 August 1899. Today, a bronze statue in front of the building honors Travers and her books.
Changes Over the Years
The Australian Joint Stock Bank branch closed in 1901. By 1906, the building was rented to the Union Bank. The Union Bank bought the property in 1912. Around 1924, a verandah was added to the Richmond Street side. This change involved removing some decorations and changing window openings into French doors.
In 1952, the Union Bank joined with another bank to form the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) Bank. The ANZ Bank used a different building in Maryborough. So, the former Union Bank building was put up for sale. The Queensland Government bought it for $12,000. They used it as the local office for the Department of Primary Industries. Later, it became home to the Office of Recreation and Sport. The Correctional Services Department also rented space on the top floor.
Today, the building is a museum called The Story Bank. It focuses on the works of P.L. Travers. In 2019, the building's parking lot was turned into a park called Mary's Garden. It was officially opened by Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour.
What the Building Looks Like
The former Australian Joint Stock Bank is a very noticeable building in Maryborough. It stands on the corner of Richmond and Kent streets in the town center. The building has a two-story part facing Kent Street. There is also a one-story section at the back, which can be reached from Richmond Street.
The building is made of brick, with its main walls covered in stucco (a type of plaster). The front of the building on Kent Street has a central entrance. This entrance is a two-story recessed porch. It has strong columns on both floors. The ground floor has smooth walls, while the upper walls have a rougher, textured look. Round-arched windows are in the center on both floors.
The upper floor has paired columns that frame the sides of the entrance. Above these columns is a decorative top section with small block-like details. On top of this is a fancy wall called a parapet. It has a central triangle shape and balustrades (decorative railings) on the sides. Urns (decorative vases) sit at each end of the parapet. A steep, corrugated iron roof is partly hidden behind this parapet.
The Richmond Street side of the building has similar architectural details. However, a later verandah was added, which changed some parts of this side. At the back of the two-story section, there is a two-story timber verandah. The top floor of this verandah is enclosed. The ground floor has a deep, decorative border. A single-story part of the building at the back of the Richmond Street side is made of painted brick. It has a simple gabled roof and a timber verandah.
Inside, the building has timber floors and plastered ceilings and walls. Many changes have been made to the inside over time.
Why This Building is Special
The former Australian Joint Stock Bank building in Maryborough is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. It was added on 21 October 1992 because it meets several important criteria.
Showing Queensland's History
This building was built in 1882 as a bank. It helps us understand how Maryborough grew and changed during the 1800s.
A Great Example of Bank Design
The building is a good example of a two-story brick bank. Its design uses strong classical architecture. This style was chosen to show authority and strength, which were important qualities for banks.
Beautiful and Important Design
The building is well-designed and very beautiful. It is a landmark in Maryborough, meaning it's a well-known and important part of the town's look on both Kent and Richmond streets. It is also a good example of the commercial buildings designed by FDG Stanley.
