Prospect Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prospect Post Office (former) |
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| Location | 23 Tarlington Place, Prospect, City of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1880–1890 |
| Architect | James Watts |
| Owner | Department of Planning and Infrastructure |
| Official name: Prospect Post Office (former); Prospect Post Office | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1385 |
| Type | Post Office |
| Category | Postal and Telecommunications |
| Builders | James Watts |
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The Prospect Post Office is a special old building in Prospect, Australia. It used to be a post office and a shop. It was built between 1880 and 1890 by James Watts. Today, it is owned by the City of Blacktown. This building is important because it is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it is protected for its history and unique features.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Early History of Prospect
The land around Prospect Reservoir has a long history. Aboriginal people lived here for many years. They found good places to camp near the creeks and on higher ground. Even after Europeans arrived, Aboriginal people continued to live in these areas.
In 1788, soon after the first European settlement, Governor Phillip explored the area. He climbed Prospect Hill, which is a large rocky hill. From the top, he could see the Blue Mountains for the first time. Prospect Hill became an important landmark for early explorers.
In 1791, Governor Phillip started giving land to convicts who had finished their sentences. These new farmers settled on the rich soils around Prospect Hill. This led to some disagreements between the Aboriginal people and the new settlers. Over time, these conflicts lessened, and a meeting was held in 1805 to find a way for everyone to live together peacefully. This meeting was a big step in how Aboriginal people and Europeans got along.
For many years, the land around Prospect Hill was used for farming. By the 1820s, much of the land was cleared for crops and raising animals. In the 1870s, the area mostly became grazing land for livestock.
Building Sydney's Water Supply
In the 1860s, Sydney needed a better way to get water. So, a plan was made to build the Upper Nepean Scheme. This project would bring water from the Nepean River to a new reservoir at Prospect. The Public Works Department built the Prospect Reservoir between 1880 and 1888. This was a huge project that helped provide water for Sydney.
The Prospect Post Office Story
The Prospect Post Office probably started in an older wooden building around 1871. The building we see today was built between 1880 and 1890. It was a much bigger building with a separate shop and post office area. This showed that the Watts family, who owned it, were doing well.
James Watts ran the general store and post office until he passed away in 1898. His wife, Mary Ann, took over the business until 1909. After her, a local builder named George Henry ran the business. He even added a butcher's shop next to it. The small village of Prospect grew around this store and post office, reaching its busiest time around 1923.
After George Henry died, his wife Grace continued to live in the house. Her daughter, Georgina, worked as the postmistress. The shop, which later included a tea room, slowly became less busy. It stopped being a post office after Grace passed away in 1946.
The building changed owners many times over the years. In 1976, the NSW Planning and Environment Commission bought it. The building was fixed up in 1997-1998, but it stayed empty for a long time. In 2015, the state government gave the building to the City of Blacktown. They are interested in fixing it up again, perhaps to make it a shop or a cafe.
What the Building Looks Like
The former Prospect Post Office sits on a triangular piece of land. The main building is made of brick. It has a hipped roof made of corrugated iron. The front of the building, where the post office and shop were, has a projecting gable end.
There is a curved verandah at the front. It has wooden posts and a simple, pretty timber design. There is also a back verandah that was always covered but not fully closed in.
The building was carefully repaired and updated in 1997-1998. At that time, experts found that the site might hold old items from its past uses. After the repairs, much of the building's original look was brought back.
Why is it Heritage Listed?
The former Prospect Post Office is very important to the local area. It is the last building left from the old Prospect Village. It was also the post office for over 100 years! It has value for its history, its beauty, and its role in the community. It helps us understand how the area developed.
The Prospect Post Office was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. Here are some reasons why:
- It shows the history of New South Wales.
This building is the last remaining part of the old Prospect Village. It helps us remember what the village was like. It was a central place for the community, with the post office, store, and even a butcher's shop nearby. The Watts family, who lived here, were important in the village's growth.
- It is a good example of design and creativity.
The building shows what small village buildings looked like in the late Victorian period. It has nice details, especially around the shop front. It is a well-designed building that fits nicely into the landscape. It helps us imagine the "picturesque" nature of the early village.
- It has a special connection with the community.
From the 1870s to the 1950s, this building was a key part of Prospect Village. As the post office and general store, it was the main business hub. Many residents visited it. The Watts family, who ran it for 80 years, were central to the village. This building is the last physical link to the village's past.
- It can teach us about history.
The site might still hold clues about early businesses, like the butcher's shop and other facilities that were once there.
- It is rare and special.
This Post Office is the only commercial building left from what was once a busy main street. It shows how some settlements in the Sydney area have changed over time.
- It represents a type of historical place.
It is a good example of how small villages developed in the last century. It still shows its connection to the old Western Road.
