Maitland Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maitland Post Office |
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| Location | 381 High Street, Maitland, City of Maitland, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1881– |
| Architect | NSW Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet |
| Owner | Australia Post |
| Official name: Maitland Post Office | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 17 December 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1313 |
| Type | Post Office |
| Category | Postal and Telecommunications |
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The Maitland Post Office is a very old and important building. You can find it at 381 High Street in Maitland, Australia. It was designed by the NSW Colonial Architect's Office. A famous architect named James Barnet led the design team. The building was finished in 1881.
Today, Australia Post owns this historic place. It's so special that it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on December 17, 1999. This means it's protected because of its history and unique design.
Contents
History of the Maitland Post Office
The town of Maitland started around 1818 to 1821. It was first a place where convicts worked. They were cutting down cedar trees. The area had different names like "The Camp" or "Wallis Plains." Maitland later became a big center for coal mining. It's also a regional hub.
Maitland often had severe floods. Because of this, the old post office in East Maitland had to move. A new post office was needed on higher ground. This is why the current building was built.
The post office you see today was designed by James Barnet's team. It was completed in 1881. This new building replaced an older Post and Telegraph Office. That old office was on the opposite side of Bourke Street. In 1900, another part was added to the building.
What the Building Looks Like
The Maitland Post Office is a two-story building. It's made of brick covered in a smooth plaster, called stucco. It's built in a style called Victorian Italianate. This style often looks like old Italian palaces.
A tall clock tower, also known as a campanile, stands at one corner. The roof is made of corrugated iron. The building is in a very noticeable spot near a main road.
The front of the building, facing High Street, has a cool arched walkway. This is called a loggia. Above it is a balcony with cast iron supports. The windows and doors have fancy arched frames. The corners of the building have decorative stone-like blocks.
A deep line runs across the middle of the building. Below the roof, there's a decorative ledge. This ledge supports the roof's overhang. The side of the building is simpler. A newer part was added in the 1900s on the south side. This newer part is not included in the heritage listing.
In 1999, the building was in good shape. Some changes had been made inside. For example, the old main entrance was replaced with a window.
Why the Post Office is Important
The Maitland Post Office is a very important public building. It's a great example of the Victorian Italianate style. Its corner tower is a major landmark in the town. This building is linked to James Barnet, a famous Colonial Architect. It's also one of many Italianate post offices he designed. The building is still mostly original. This makes it very important for the whole state.
The Maitland Post Office was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on December 17, 1999. It met several important rules to be listed:
- It shows how history unfolded in New South Wales.
The Maitland Post Office clearly shows its time period. It's connected to James Barnet's work. He was a key architect using the Italianate style. This building is part of a group of important buildings he designed.
- It shows great design and creative skill.
The building is a perfect example of the Victorian Italianate style. It has the classic corner tower and arched walkway. It's part of a group of similar post offices. These include ones in Kempsey (1886), Kiama (1878), Cootamundra (1880-1881), Redfern (1882), and Yass (1884). They all show this special design style.
The tower and unique front give the building a strong look. It stands out on the narrow street. This makes it a landmark.
- It has a special connection with the community.
The Maitland Post Office is a beautiful and important civic building. It helps people in the community feel connected to their town's history and identity.
- It might hold clues about the past.
The ground where the post office stands could have old things buried there. These things might tell us more about how the site was used before. They could also show how the post office operated in the past.
- It shows key features of important places in New South Wales.
The Maitland Post Office is a good example of James Barnet's work. It also represents the Victorian Italianate style. More specifically, it's part of the group of Italianate post offices designed by the Government Architect.
Images for kids
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The Maitland Post Office in the early 20th century
