East Maitland Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Maitland Post Office |
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View from Day Street
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| Location | 18 Day Street, East Maitland, City of Maitland, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1870–1870 |
| Official name: Post Office & Stables (former); Post Office & Stables; East Maitland Post Office | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 494 |
| Type | Post Office |
| Category | Postal and Telecommunications |
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The East Maitland Post Office is an old building in East Maitland, Australia. It used to be a post office, a place where people sent and received mail. This building was constructed in 1870. It is now considered a special historical site, which means it's protected because of its importance. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
History of the Building
The East Maitland Post Office was built around 1870. It was designed by the office of James Barnet. He was the main architect for the government back then.
The building stopped being a post office on August 3, 1971. After that, it was used as a meeting place. It became a recreation room for the Australian Postal Institute from 1971 to 1986. This group was for people who worked for the postal service.
In 1986, the government decided to sell the building. Because it was an important historical site, a special order was placed on it. This order, called a Permanent Conservation Order, helped protect the building. It was put in place on May 15, 1987. Later, on April 2, 1999, it was moved to the State Heritage Register. This register lists all the important historical places in New South Wales.
What the Building Looks Like
The old Post Office is a two-story building. It is made of brick and has a smooth, rendered finish. It has a balanced design, meaning both sides look the same.
There is a single-story porch, called a verandah, at the front. It has a curved iron roof. This roof also wraps around the sides of the building. The main roof is shaped like a pyramid and is made of corrugated iron. It has decorative wooden supports under the edges.
At the front, there is a footpath made of sandstone. The property also has a garage. This garage used to be a stable for horses. There is also a separate small building that was a toilet block.
Why This Building is Special
The former East Maitland Post Office is a great example of a public building. It looks simple but is very elegant. It was designed by James Barnet's office, who was a very important government architect.
This building stands out on its large property. Together with its old stables, it shows us how the postal service worked in New South Wales a long time ago. It helps us understand an important part of history.
The Post Office and its stables were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
