Belltower, Maryborough Fire Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maryborough Fire Station |
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| Location | Neill Street, Maryborough, Victoria |
| Built | 1888 |
The Belltower of the Maryborough Fire Station in Maryborough, Victoria is a very special old building. It was built in 1888. This tower is important because it is one of only a few fire station towers left in Victoria. It shows how cities worked in the 1800s before modern communication.
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The Maryborough Fire Station Belltower
What is the Belltower?
The Belltower is a tall structure attached to the old fire station in Maryborough. Fire stations used to have these towers. They were important for spotting fires and ringing bells to alert firefighters. This tower is a rare example of a building type that was once essential. Today, electric communication makes such towers unnecessary.
How Was the Belltower Designed?
The bottom part of the tower is made of brick. Its design is a mix of different styles, which is called eclectic. It has a wide, arched base. The walls are slightly sloped, which is known as battered walls. There are windows placed diagonally. The top brick section has an Italianate style, with a series of arches like a bell tower. On top of the brick part, there is a very tall and unusual wooden structure. This wooden part is called a superstructure.
The Belltower and the Fire Station
The Belltower is connected to the main fire station building. The fire station itself was built earlier, in 1861. Today, this historic fire station building is used as the Maryborough Art Gallery.
Why is the Belltower Important?
The Belltower is recognized as an important historical site. It is listed on the Register of the National Estate. This means it is considered a significant part of Australia's heritage. In 1975, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) also recognized its importance. They classified it at a "Regional level." This shows how valuable the Belltower is to the history of Maryborough and Victoria.
