General Post Office, Launceston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Launceston Post Office |
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| Location | 68-72 Cameron Street, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia |
| Official name: Launceston Post Office | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 22 June 2004 |
| Reference no. | 105210 |
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The Launceston Post Office is a very old and important building in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. It is located at 68-72 Cameron Street. This historic post office was designed by William Waters Eldridge. It first opened its doors in 1891. The famous clock tower was finished later, in 1903, and changed a bit in 1910. Because of its history and special design, it was added to the Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 June 2004.
Contents
A Look Back: The Post Office's History
Early Mail Services in Launceston
Launceston got its first mail service from Hobart in 1816. This was just ten years after the city was founded in 1806. Some people believe this was the very first overland mail delivery in all of Australia. By the 1820s, a private house was used as a post office. In 1856, a telegraph service started, allowing faster messages. The first mail trains between Launceston and Hobart began in 1877.
Where the Post Office Has Been
Before the current building, the post office moved around a lot. In the 1820s, the first postmaster, Arundel Wright, worked from a corner building. Later, in the 1830s, it moved to a small cottage. From 1839 to 1859, it was on George Street. Then, from 1859 to 1889, it operated from the Government Offices. The current post office was built on the site of an old theatre.
Designing and Building the Post Office
The Launceston Post Office was designed by William Waters Eldridge. He was the Tasmanian Government Architect at the time. Construction began in 1885. Most of the building was finished by 1889. However, people didn't like the original design for the corner tower. It was supposed to have a low, cone-shaped roof.
In 1890, a new design for a taller, rounder tower was chosen. This new design was by architects Corrie & North. The telegraph office opened in December 1890. Postal services moved into the new building in January 1891.
Public Opinion and the Clock Tower
When the building first opened, many locals were not happy. They thought the outside design was too bold and the colours were controversial. Some even wanted the building torn down! Also, a big mistake was made: the tower was built without a place for a clock.
Years later, for the city's 1906 celebrations, people wanted a clock. A committee was formed to raise money for it. They collected a lot of money. They also decided to make the top of the tower even taller and more impressive. The new design for the clock tower was finished in 1910. It had clocks on all four sides. The clock and bells were installed in October 1909.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the post office has had many updates. A special room for telephones was added in 1918. In 1933, the inside of the building was changed a lot. This was to make more space for sorting mail and serving customers. For example, old offices were turned into mailrooms.
Later, from 1976 to 1979, important repair work was done on the tower. This fixed old stonework and rust. More repairs were done in 1983 to the outside walls. In 1998, the inside was changed again. This was to make space for other businesses to use parts of the building.
What the Launceston Post Office Looks Like
The Launceston Post Office is a large and impressive building. It is located at a busy corner of Cameron and St John Streets. The building shows a mix of architectural styles from the late 1800s and early 1900s. These styles include Federation Free Style, Queen Anne, and Free Romanesque.
The Famous Clock Tower
The tall clock tower is a very important part of the building. It stands out in the city and helps people find their way. The tower was finished in stages. The top part, added in 1910, has a round shape with a dome on top. It features four clock faces. The walls around the clocks have special stone decorations.
Building Materials and Details
The main part of the building is made of red bricks. These bricks are carefully pointed with white lines. The base of the building is made of rough blue stone. The walls are decorated with fancy stone carvings and details. These include stone frames around the windows and decorative ledges.
The building has two main sides facing the streets. The Cameron Street side has a large arch leading to the entrance. Above this arch are two arched windows. The St John Street side also has similar stone and brick details. Inside, there is a special open area called a quadrangle. It has tall arched walls and a domed glass roof.
Why the Launceston Post Office Is Important
The Launceston Post Office is very important for many reasons. It has been the main post office for Launceston for a very long time, since 1889. It has served the community in many ways as services changed over the years.
Historical Importance
This building shows how Launceston grew and became more important in the late 1800s. It also represents the new federal government after Australia became a federation. Post offices were a way for people to see the new government in action. The building has a strong connection to the history of Launceston's city centre.
Unique Design
The Launceston Post Office is a great example of the Federation Queen Anne style. It uses red brick and stone, with impressive outside walls. It has an unusual inside area called a quadrangle with galleries. This design, where the public gathered in a central space surrounded by different service counters, was very rare. It was different from most post offices of that time.
The building's design is also important because it might be one of the first clear examples of Federation architecture in Australia. It combines different styles like Queen Anne and Free Romanesque. The clock tower's design is also unique because it was built in stages by different architects over many years.
Landmark and Community Value
The post office is located on a major street corner. Its special tower and beautiful outside walls make it a well-known landmark in Launceston. Many people recognize it easily.
The building also has great social importance to the community. It has been a central place for many people in Launceston for a long time. The fact that the community raised money for the clock and bells shows how much they cared about the building.
