Muswellbrook Post Office facts for kids

The Muswellbrook Post Office is a special old building located at 7 Bridge Street in Muswellbrook, Australia. It's considered important because of its history and design. This building was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on November 8, 2011. This means it's protected as a significant part of Australia's past.

A Look at Its History

The Muswellbrook Post Office was built in two main parts. The very first section, which is at the back of the property, was built in 1861. It was likely designed by Alexander Dawson, who was a government architect at the time. This part was used as a post office or a telegraph office.

Later, in 1885, a second, larger part of the building was added. This front section was designed by James Barnet, who took over from Dawson as the main government architect. By 1878, the building already had both a post office and a telegraph office. The older 1861 building continued to house the telegraph office even after the new front section was finished. The 1880s additions also included living areas upstairs.

What the Building Looks Like

The Muswellbrook Post Office is made up of different sections. The main part you see from Bridge Street was built between 1883 and 1885. Behind it are older parts from 1861.

The Main Building's Design

The front part of the post office has two floors. Its outside walls might have been covered in a special plaster called stucco. The roof is shaped like a hip and is covered with corrugated metal. You can see one chimney from the street. It has a decorative top and four terracotta pots.

There's a verandah (a covered porch) at the front and side. Its roof is supported by octagonal (eight-sided) posts. The verandah has pretty wooden decorations that look like fancy metal lace. It also has a railing with decorative metal posts called balusters. The floor of the verandah is made of modern, non-slip tiles.

Windows and Entrances

The windows on the building are mostly symmetrical, meaning they are balanced on both sides. They are double-hung sash windows, which means they slide up and down. Each window has a decorative arch above it.

You can enter the building from two sets of steps at each end of the verandah. There's also a ramp on the north side for easier access.

Changes Over Time

Over the years, the post office has had some changes. In the 1950s, a car port and garage were added at the back. The older 1861-1878 sections, which were once the original post office, now hold storerooms, a lunch room, and other staff areas.

The upstairs living quarters from the 1880s have also been changed. They now include offices and a tea room. The ground floor of the main building was turned into a retail space in the 1980s. This is where people now go to buy stamps and send mail.

Inside, many rooms have plasterboard ceilings and carpeted floors. Some original features, like fireplaces, are still there but might be hidden. The building has been adapted to meet modern needs while keeping its historic feel.

Condition of the Building

Even though the building is old and has been changed over time, it is in good condition. There are some small cracks and signs of dampness in certain areas. Different parts of the building are connected by ramps and covered walkways. There are also some newer additions like a garage and a portable building.

Why It's a Heritage Site

The Muswellbrook Post Office is special because it has two very old postal buildings on the same site. The 1861 building and the 1885 building were both designed for the same purpose but show different styles from different times. This makes it a rare example of how postal services developed in regional New South Wales.

Important Features

The most important parts of the Muswellbrook Post Office are the main buildings from 1861 and 1885.

• It shows how things changed: The building helps us understand how postal services grew in regional New South Wales. It combines features from early post office designs (1803-1869) and later, larger designs (1870-1929).
• Unique design: The building has a unique "home-like" style, which is unusual for a public building from that time. It was designed by famous architects Alexander Dawson and James Barnet. The wooden verandah is also a rare surviving example from the late Victorian period.
• Community value: The post office has been a central part of Muswellbrook's community for a very long time. It has served as an important business hub for generations.