Camperdown Post Office facts for kids

The Camperdown Post Office is a special old building in Camperdown, Australia. It is located at 190 Manifold Street. This building is important because of its history and unique design. It was first built in 1863 and has been changed many times since then. It is now listed on the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List. This means it is protected for its historical value.

History of the Post Office

Early Postal Services

The very first post office in the area started in 1849. It was in a settlement called Lake Timboon. By 1853, postal services moved to Camperdown. A local person named John Wells handled the mail from his own place. A Post Office Savings Bank also opened in Camperdown by 1856.

Building the First Post Office (1863)

The current post office building was built in 1863. This happened because a telegraph line arrived in Camperdown the year before. The telegraph allowed people to send messages quickly over long distances. The building was designed by John James Clark. It was made from local basalt stone. Richard Pimblett was the builder, and it cost £1594.

Changes Over Time

The building soon became too small. So, many changes and additions were made.

• 1880s Changes: Architect John Hudson Marsden designed new parts. These included a new room for sending and receiving telegrams. The letter and newspaper boxes were also moved. A new entrance was added from Church Street.
• Early 1900s: People in Camperdown felt the post office was too old and small. They held meetings to discuss improvements. The local newspaper even called it "unsightly, unhealthy and inadequate."
• Big Changes in 1909: The government decided to make big changes. They spent £1600 to transform the building. These works started in 1908 and finished in 1909. They added much more space for mail and telegraph services. The building got a new look, especially on the southern and eastern sides.
• Later Additions: Around 1940, a second floor was added to one part of the building. In the 1960s, a fire escape was built. The old "Telegraph Office" sign was replaced with "Camperdown." In the 1990s, more updates were made. These included new signs and moving the counter inside.

What Does It Look Like?

The Camperdown Post Office is on a busy corner in the town center. It's right across from Camperdown's famous clock tower. The building looks like a mix of different styles. This is because of all the changes made over the years.

Building Materials and Design

The original building was made of dark bluestone. This stone was quarried locally. The later additions also used bluestone. This helps the different parts of the building look like they belong together. The building has a mix of Victorian and Federation Free Style designs. The corner entrance is very grand, with a tall public space inside.

Inside the Post Office

Inside, the building is divided into different areas. There's the main public space where you can send mail. There are also mail rooms and offices. The western side of the building used to be living quarters for the postmaster.

Why Is It Important?

The Camperdown Post Office is very important for several reasons:

• One of the Oldest: It is one of the oldest post office buildings still standing in Victoria.
• Shows Growth: Its construction in 1863 shows how quickly Camperdown was growing. The changes over time also show how postal and telegraph services developed.
• Unique Design: It's a rare example of an older Victorian building that was updated with a newer Federation-era style. The use of bluestone for all parts makes it special.
• Landmark: It's a well-known building in Camperdown. It helps tell the story of the town's history and success.
• Community Connection: The post office has served the community for over 144 years. It has a strong connection to the people of Camperdown.

The building and its former living areas are important. The second floor, added around 1940, also adds to its significance.