Government Bond Store, Maryborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Government Bond Store |
|
|---|---|
Maryborough Bond Store Museum, 2008
|
|
| Location | Wharf Street, Maryborough, Fraser Coast Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1840s–1860s (mid-19th century) |
| Built | 1864–1883 |
| Architect | Charles Tiffin |
| Official name: Government Bond Store (former) | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 7 February 2005 |
| Reference no. | 600716 |
| Significant period | 1860s–1880s (fabric) 1860s–? (historical) |
| Builders | William Hope |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Government Bond Store in Maryborough is a very old building. It was used to store goods that were brought into or sent out of the country. This type of building is called a bond store. It is located on Wharf Street in Maryborough.
This building was designed by Charles Tiffin. It was built in different parts between 1864 and 1883 by William Hope. Today, it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register because it is an important historical site.
How the Bond Store Started
The Government Bond Store in Maryborough is one of the oldest brick buildings in the town. It was built in stages starting from 1863. For many years, it stored goods that were handled by the Customs House next door.
Maryborough's Early Days
The very first settlement of Maryborough was not where the town is now. It was on the north side of the Mary River. Wharves were built there around 1847-1848. These wharves helped transport wool from sheep farms nearby.
In 1850, a surveyor named Hugh Roland Labatt came to Maryborough. His job was to find the best place for a new town. He also looked for spots for public buildings and parks. The place he suggested was further east. This is where the town of Maryborough grew from the early 1850s.
Queensland Becomes a Colony
In 1859, Queensland became its own colony, separate from New South Wales. Maryborough was then named a "Port of Entry." This meant it was an official place where goods could enter or leave the colony. A special officer, called a sub-collector, was put in charge.
The new Queensland Government collected taxes on goods coming in and out. This was a big way for them to make money. So, customs services were very important. Customs officers were sent to towns that became Ports of Entry. At first, they worked in simple buildings. But soon, grander customs houses were needed.
Building the Customs House
Brinsley Sheridan was the sub-collector for Maryborough. He first worked from a small office in an early hotel. This hotel later became the Criterion.
In 1861, the government provided money to build a proper customs house. The building was ready by March 1862. It was built right next to the wharf area. The new customs house was made of brick and faced the river. There was also a timber house behind it for the customs officer.
Building the Bond Store
As more trade happened through the Port of Maryborough, the government decided to build a Bond Store. They set aside £500 for it. This store would hold goods that were being processed by the Customs House.
The job to build it was given to William Hope in 1864. He built a simple, rectangular brick building. It was located to the south-east of the first Customs House. The design of this part of the Bond Store is thought to be by Charles Tiffin. He was Queensland's first Colonial Architect.
Growing and Changing
Maryborough grew very quickly in the 1860s and 1870s. This was because gold was found in Gympie, and Maryborough was the port for it. Railways also started to connect the wharves to businesses.
In 1881, the North Coast railway line was extended from Maryborough to Gympie. This meant even more trade. So, in 1870, plans were made to add to the Bond Store. A second floor was added. A two-story section was also built, extending the building towards Wharf Street. This new section had an entrance. These changes made the Bond Store go from a simple rectangle to an L-shape.
More additions were made by 1883, costing £962. Another two-story section was added between the original part and Wharf Street. This made the building a full rectangle again. Also, a "gauging store" was built by Henry Neale. This was used to measure goods.
New Ownership and Purpose
In 1901, the Customs Service became part of the Federal government. So, the Customs House and the Bond Store became federal property.
The building hasn't changed much since 1883. However, it stopped being a bond store when the Port of Maryborough moved to Urangan in Hervey Bay. Customs services were no longer needed in Maryborough.
Today, the building has been turned into a museum. It tells the story of the old Port of Maryborough and the area's history.
What the Bond Store Looks Like
The old Government Bond Store is a two-story building made of brick and stone. The main entrance is on the upper level, which is even with Wharf Street. There's also a basement level that is partly underground. The building is located within the area of the Customs House.
Building Features
The building has a rectangular shape. It has two main entrances from Wharf Street. These entrances stand out because they have pointed roofs above them. The two entrances are a little different in their look and size. This shows how the building was built in different stages.
The outside walls are made of brick. The bottom part of the building, called the foundations, is made of rough stone. The front of the building, facing Wharf Street, has the two main entrances. There are also arched window openings on either side of the entrances.
Inside the Building
Inside, on the upper level, there are two main rooms. One room has a timber ceiling, smooth walls, and a timber floor. The other room, on the south-eastern side, has an open ceiling that shows the roof structure. It also has a timber floor and painted brick walls.
In one corner of the old bond store, there is a timber staircase. It leads down to the basement level. You can also get to this lower level from Macalister Street through large double timber doors. The basement has rough stone walls that form several smaller areas. These areas are connected by large arched openings. The floor is earth, and there are some timber frames on the floor. These were probably used to store things.
Why the Bond Store is Important
The former Government Bond Store was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on February 7, 2005. This means it is considered a very important historical place.
Showing Queensland's History
The Bond Store in Maryborough helps us understand how Queensland's history unfolded. It shows how important Maryborough was as an early port.
A Rare Example
This building is a rare and special example of a bond store from the 1800s. Not many buildings like it are still standing.
Learning from the Past
Since it's one of the oldest brick buildings in Maryborough, it can teach us about old building methods. It has the potential to show us how things were built a long time ago.
A Key Type of Building
The Bond Store is a great example of what a 19th-century bond store looked like and how it worked.
Beautiful and Useful
The building has a simple, practical beauty. It's a good example of a useful brick building from the mid-1800s.
Important to the Community
The Bond Store is special to the people of Maryborough. It's one of the oldest public buildings in the town. Now, it's home to a local history museum, which helps the community connect with its past.
