Post Office Hotel, Maryborough facts for kids

The Post Office Hotel is a historic building located on Bazaar Street in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by the architect Victor Emmanuel Carandini and built in 1889 by Mr Murray. This special building is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's an important part of Queensland's history and should be protected.

What is the History of the Post Office Hotel?

The Post Office Hotel was built in 1889. It was made for Messrs Hanley and Williams, who were from Maryborough. The architect, Victor Emmanuel Carandini, came all the way from Brisbane to design it. This new building replaced an older, one-story hotel that was on the same spot. That old hotel was also called the Post Office Hotel.

Why Was a New Hotel Built?

The land where the hotel stands was first owned by ET Aldridge in 1852. The first Post Office Hotel, a single-story building, was built around 1870. It got its name because it was built near the Maryborough Post Office.

Over time, the rules for hotels in Maryborough became stricter. In 1889, the old Post Office Hotel didn't meet the new requirements. Because of this, the owners, Hanley and Williams, decided they needed a brand-new building.

Who Built the New Hotel?

On August 7, 1889, a local builder named Mr Murray was chosen to construct the new hotel. He followed the plans made by Victor Emmanuel Carandini. The new building was a strong, two-story brick structure. You can still see the year "1889" on the corner of the building today.

How Did the Hotel Change Over Time?

The hotel originally had a verandah with posts on both main sides. In the 1930s, many buildings in Maryborough updated their look. The Post Office Hotel also changed its verandah. The old verandah was replaced with a new one that didn't need posts reaching the street. This made the hotel look more modern.

What Does the Post Office Hotel Look Like?

The Post Office Hotel is a two-story building made of brick. It has a verandah on the first floor that sticks out without posts. It's located right on the corner of Wharf and Bazaar Streets in Maryborough. This makes it easy to spot!

What Are Its Main Features?

The hotel has main entrances facing both streets. You can enter the rooms and dining area from Wharf Street. There are also shops on the ground floor that you can enter from Bazaar Street. The outside walls are made of brick and painted. The roof is hidden behind a decorative wall called a parapet.

On the corner of the hotel, there's a special sign that says "POST OFFICE HOTEL - 1889". The parapet has pretty decorations like rosettes and plaster supports. There are also decorative pieces called finials along the top.

What About the Verandah?

The verandah on the first floor is a special type that doesn't need posts. It has a curved roof and is supported by decorative cast iron columns. The railing on the verandah is made of timber slats. At the back of the building, there's another two-story verandah with posts.

What's Inside the Hotel?

On the ground floor, you'll find the public bar, some shops, and the entrance to the dining room. The dining room has wooden walls and a ceiling with decorative cast iron pieces. There's also a beautiful carved wooden fireplace.

The main staircase is made of cedar wood and has finely turned railings. The first floor has many rooms for guests. These rooms have wooden walls and are accessed from a central hallway. This part of the hotel still looks much like it did when it was first built!

Why is the Post Office Hotel Important?

The Post Office Hotel was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it's recognized as a very important building for several reasons.

A Glimpse into Queensland's Past

The hotel has been open since about 1870. It shows us how Maryborough grew and changed when it was a busy port town. It's like a living piece of history!

A Great Example of Hotel Design

This building is a perfect example of what a country town hotel in Queensland looked like. Its corner location, verandahs, and inside layout are typical of hotels from that time.

A Beautiful Building

The Post Office Hotel adds a lot to the look of the Wharf Street area in Maryborough. It's a well-preserved example of Queensland hotel architecture, which means it's beautiful and important to look at.

Important to the Community

The Post Office Hotel has been a public place for about 125 years. It's a special place for the local community, where people have gathered and socialized for generations.