Singleton Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Singleton Post Office |
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| Location | 25-27 George Street, Singleton, Singleton Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Official name: Post Office (former); Singleton Post Office | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 478 |
| Type | Post Office |
| Category | Postal and Telecommunications |
The Singleton Post Office is a really old and important building in Singleton, Australia. It used to be a busy post office. This special building is located at 25-27 George Street. It is so important that it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is protected because of its history and unique design.
Contents
History of the Singleton Post Office
The original Singleton Post Office building was designed a long time ago. It was planned in 1878 by a famous architect named James Barnet. He was the Colonial Architect for New South Wales. This meant he designed many important government buildings. W. Dart was the builder who constructed the post office.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, the building changed to meet new needs. In 1899, the front lobby was closed off. This was done to create space for a new telephone exchange. Telephones were a new and exciting technology back then!
Around 1900, more changes were made. Walter Liberty Vernon, who took over from Barnet, designed these additions. He extended the roof to cover a new verandah. He also made changes to the east and west sides of the building. In 1924, another verandah was added to the upper level.
When the Post Office Closed
The post office on George Street served the community for many years. However, it closed its doors in 1974. A new post office opened on John Street that same year. The old building was then sold by the Commonwealth Government around 1986.
What the Building Looks Like
The former Singleton Post Office is a large, two-story building. It has a special style called Victorian Italianate. This style often includes grand features.
Key Design Features
The building has an arched colonnade at the front. This is a row of columns with arches. There is also a verandah on the upper floor facing the street. The walls are made of brick, covered with a smooth finish. The roof is hipped, meaning it slopes down on all sides, and is covered with slate tiles. You can also see stone details. These are found in the footing, which is the base of the building, and around the windows.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The Singleton Post Office is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This happened on April 2, 1999. This listing means the building is recognized as an important part of history. It helps us remember how people lived and worked in the past.
