Stanthorpe Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stanthorpe Post Office |
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Stanthorpe Post Office, 2015
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| Location | 14 Maryland Street, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Built | 1901 |
| Architect | John Smith Murdoch |
| Owner | Australia Post |
| Official name: Stanthorpe Post Office | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 22 June 2004 |
| Reference no. | 105524 |
| Builders | D. Stewart and Co |
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The Stanthorpe Post Office is a special historic building located at 14 Maryland Street in Stanthorpe, Australia. It was designed by John Smith Murdoch, an architect from the Queensland Government Architect's office. The building was completed in 1901 by D. Stewart and Co. It is considered very important and was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on June 22, 2004.
Contents
Discovering the History of Stanthorpe Post Office
How the Post Office Began
The Stanthorpe Post Office was finished in 1901. This makes it the very first post office built in Queensland, and possibly all of Australia, after the Federation of Australia. Federation is when the different Australian colonies joined together to form one country in January 1901.
This new post office replaced an older wooden building from 1885. The plans for the new building were drawn up in October 1900 by the Queensland Government Architect's office. This office was led by Alfred Barton Brady at the time.
Who Designed and Built It?
The design of the Stanthorpe Post Office is believed to be by John Smith Murdoch. This was one of his last designs in southern Queensland before he moved to a new role. Murdoch later became the first main architect for the Australian Government. The building itself was constructed by D. Stewart and Co in 1901. The clock in the tower came all the way from England and was put in place in 1903.
Changes Over the Years
The post office had some changes made in 1963. These changes created bigger areas for serving customers. They also added a lobby for post office boxes and moved the post office shops. Some of the original chimneys were removed, and new signs were added. The entrance also got new automatic sliding doors and concrete steps.
Exploring the Stanthorpe Post Office Building
Stanthorpe Post Office is found at 14 Maryland Street, right on the corner of Railway Street in Stanthorpe.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The post office was built in 1901. Its style mixes parts of the Arts and Crafts style with elements of Edwardian Baroque Revival. These styles were popular around that time.
The original building had one main floor and a tall, four-storey tower.
- Strong Walls: The building has strong brick walls. The bottom part is made of rough local granite and red brick.
- Outside Look: The outside walls are mostly brick, but a lot of it is covered in textured stucco. Stucco is a type of plaster that gives a unique finish.
- Roofs: The roof has a special half-hipped shape and is made of metal. The tower has a pyramid-shaped roof with vents.
- Flagpole: There is a flagpole with a lightning conductor to protect the building from lightning.
The front of the building on Maryland Street looks balanced, but the tall clock tower on the corner makes it unique. You can see a royal coat of arms above the main window, which is a symbol of the United Kingdom.
The Famous Clock Tower
The clock tower is a simple, tall structure covered in stucco. The name "Stanthorpe" is written about a third of the way up the tower. Near the top, there are tall windows and corner pillars. The clocks are housed in a narrower section, topped with a brick design and a low-pitched pyramid roof.
Inside the Post Office
The original post shop area on the east side has been changed into the post office box lobby. This is where people can access their mailboxes. The original ceiling in this area is now hidden by a modern ceiling.
The main public area of the post office is now in the southern part of the original space. The ceiling here has exposed wooden beams and decorative metal vents. The walls are painted brick. The floor is carpeted in the public area and has vinyl tiles in the staff areas. There used to be fireplaces, but these have been removed.
Special Plaques
Inside the building, you can find a memorial plaque from World War I. There is also a modern plaque that gives a brief history of the building.
Building Condition
In 2008, the outside of the building was in very good condition and looked much like it did originally. Inside, some areas have been updated, but many original parts like the floors, walls, and ceilings are still there, even if they have been painted over.
Why Stanthorpe Post Office is a Heritage Site
The main post office building from 1901 is considered very important for its heritage. Some newer parts, like the northern wing added in 1963, are not part of the heritage listing.
Stanthorpe Post Office was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on June 22, 2004, for several reasons:
Important Historical Processes
The Stanthorpe Post Office is significant because it was the first post office built in Queensland, and possibly Australia, after the country became a federation in 1901. It shows how the Queensland government helped the new Australian Commonwealth government, especially with communication services. It was also one of the first and most noticeable signs of the Commonwealth government's presence in Stanthorpe.
Unique Design and Style
The Stanthorpe Post Office is a great example of:
- A post office and telegraph office from the early 1900s, complete with a clock tower.
- A building that mixes the informal Arts and Crafts style with Edwardian Baroque Revival elements.
- The work of the Queensland Government Architect's Office, likely designed by J.S. Murdoch.
Its design is very close to its original plans, especially on the outside. It is one of the earliest public buildings in Australia to use the Baroque style that became very popular in Australian architecture until about 1918.
Beautiful Appearance
The building has a strong and beautiful look on the streets of Stanthorpe. Its informal Arts and Crafts style, along with the detailed Royal coat of arms and the tall four-storey clock tower, makes it stand out.
