Castlemaine Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castlemaine Post Office |
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| Location | 202 Barker Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia |
| Architect | John James Clark |
| Official name: Castlemaine Post Office | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 8 November 2011 |
| Reference no. | 105514 |
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The Castlemaine Post Office is a very old and important building. It is located at 202 Barker Street in Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia. This building is special because it is listed as a heritage site. This means it is protected for its history and beautiful design. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on November 8, 2011.
Contents
History of the Post Office
A post office first opened in Castlemaine, which was then called Mt Alexander, in 1848. Later, a telegraph office, which sent messages over long distances, started in 1857.
Castlemaine grew very quickly because of the gold rush. This meant new public buildings were needed. So, a large new building complex was built around 1859. The first two post offices were in different places. The third one, including the 1857 telegraph station, was next to where the current building stands.
In 1872, a famous architect named John James Clark designed new public offices. These plans included the post and telegraph offices, a special treasury office, a water supply office, and living quarters. This big building was finished by 1875. It cost about £10,540, which was a lot of money back then!
The clock bell for the tower was made in Castlemaine in 1878–79. It was the first large bell ever successfully made in Victoria. A clock for the tower was also added that year. In April 1907, a telephone exchange was set up. This allowed people to make phone calls. In 1908, some rooms were changed. For example, the battery room became a sorting room for mail. When it was first built, people said it was one of the best public offices outside of Melbourne.
Over the years, some small changes were made. Around the 1940s, a glass screen was added at the front entrance. The whole building was also painted white. Later, a small building was added in the central courtyard.
More changes happened over time. In 1979, some repair work was done. This included fixing stone and replacing some old ceilings. The building was painted with dark walls and white trim. In 1986–87, the clock was made electric. More general repairs and updates were done inside and outside the building.
What the Building Looks Like
The Castlemaine Post Office is a large, two-storey building. It was built between 1873 and 1874. It replaced an older stone building from around 1852. The building has a balanced, symmetrical design. One side has an arched walkway, and the other side has a tall clock tower. This clock tower has a bell that was made locally. The building has smooth stone-like decorations and special window coverings.
The post office is in a very important spot. It is at the corner of Barker and Lyttleton Streets. These are two main streets in the middle of Castlemaine's old town area. The building is shaped like an "L". It faces both main streets. Behind it is the original backyard. The Castlemaine Telephone Exchange building is next to the yard. A fence made of brick and granite stone runs along the Lyttleton Street side of the yard.
The Castlemaine Post Office is made of brick and covered with a special render. It has a hipped roof covered with slate tiles. In the middle of the roof, facing Barker Street, is the clock tower. The tower has four parts. It has a railing at the top and a flagpole. The main entrance is under the clock tower. It has fancy cast iron gates. The tower has decorative columns and arched vents.
The building has two main levels. The bottom level looks like a strong stone base with arched windows. The upper level, called the "piano nobile," has arched windows with decorative frames. The roof has a deep decorative band below the edge. The chimneys also have special decorative details. A loading door is on the north side of the building's east wing. The original doors at the front and side are arched with glass panels.
The Lyttleton Street side of the building has five arched entrances. These lead to a covered walkway, similar to old buildings in Melbourne. One part of this walkway has been made into an indoor public space.
Condition of the Building
Even though it has been painted in recent years, the Castlemaine Post Office is mostly in its original form. It is in good condition.
From the outside, you can still see its original design very well. Most changes have been made inside the building's courtyard area. Some small changes, like new gates or signs, can be easily removed. Repairs have usually replaced old parts with similar new ones. This helps keep the building's original look. However, there is some damage from pigeons.
Inside, some of the original features have been changed. For example, new floor coverings, ceilings, and lighting have been added. But these changes are mostly cosmetic and could be reversed. The main layout and how the building works are still much the same.
Overall, the building is in good shape and well looked after. There are only small cracks in the render. However, the pigeon problem is a concern. Some original ceilings have been replaced. In some areas, there is damage to the skirting boards and wood. Not many of the original furniture pieces are left. But you can still see the original fireplaces, windows, doors, and both sets of stairs.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The Castlemaine Post Office, built in 1874, is a very important part of Castlemaine's historic town centre. It shows how important Castlemaine was in the mid-1800s as a major gold-mining town. The building also had many government offices inside, which was unusual for a regional post office. This shows how quickly the area grew during the 1870s.
Even with some changes, the building's original design is still very clear. It has a clock tower in the middle, which gives it a strong, balanced look. This building is a great example of a large regional post and telegraph office that also had living quarters and other government offices. All these different parts fit together well in the design.
The Castlemaine Post Office is designed in an impressive Italianate style. This style was popular for government buildings at the time. It shows the strong and elegant design of the mid-Victorian era. Its important location and tall clock tower make it even more impressive. The building was designed by the well-known architect J. J. Clark. It is considered one of his most skillful and creative designs.
For over 130 years, the Castlemaine Post Office has been a key landmark in the town. It is a well-known symbol connected to Castlemaine's beginnings and its importance in the 19th century. It has social value because it has been used for so long and is a prominent public building.
The important parts of the Castlemaine Post Office include the main building from 1874–75, its clock, and its bell.
