Tumut Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tumut Post Office |
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| Location | 82-84 Wynyard Street, Tumut, New South Wales, Australia |
| Official name: Tumut Post Office | |
| Type | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated | 22 August 2012 |
| Reference no. | 106198 |
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The Tumut Post Office is a special old building in Tumut, New South Wales, Australia. It is located at 82-84 Wynyard Street. This building is important because it is listed on the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List. It was added to this list on August 22, 2012, meaning it is protected for its historical value.
Contents
A Look Back at Tumut's History
The area where Tumut is found was first explored in 1824. Settlers started to arrive soon after. By 1852, a small town had formed. A big change happened in 1859 when gold was found nearby at Kiandra. This discovery helped Tumut grow a lot. The town provided food and supplies to the gold miners.
Tumut got its own town council in 1887. A railway line connected it to Gundagai in 1903. The town's economy was mostly about farming and timber. After World War II, the huge Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme also brought more growth to Tumut.
Building the Post Office
The Tumut Post Office was built in 1879. It was designed by James Barnet, who was the Colonial Architect for New South Wales. The builders were Eberlin and Hoad. The building cost about £2,300, which was a lot of money back then!
The new post office replaced an older one that was in a rented building. This new building was designed at the same time as the nearby court house and police station. It even used the same builder. The post office had living areas for staff on the top floor.
Changes Over Time
The post office has been changed a few times. Some small updates happened in 1888. A bigger renovation took place around 1904. This included changes inside and to the front of the building. The original wooden shingle roof was replaced with a metal one. A new balcony and an arched walkway were added to the front.
What the Post Office Looks Like
The Tumut Post Office is on Wynyard Street. It faces north-west and is next to the Royal Hotel. The main part of the building was built in 1879. It has the public post office area downstairs. The living quarters for the postmaster and their family were upstairs.
The Front of the Building
The front of the building, facing Wynyard Street, has a cool design. On the ground floor, there is an arcade with five arches. This creates a covered walkway called a loggia. Four of the arches lead into this walkway. The fifth arch, on the right, has a large window instead. The arches are made of smooth stucco, and the walls are made of bricks.
Above the ground floor, there is a balcony. This balcony covers most of the arched walkway below. The roof of the balcony is part of the main roof. It has exposed wooden beams. The balcony is supported by many turned wooden columns. These columns are paired at each end. A brass handrail runs along the balcony.
Inside the Building
The ground floor walkway (loggia) has brick walls that have been painted over. You can still see where old doors and windows used to be. The floor and steps are tiled. Inside the main post office area, there are two large windows. You enter the retail area through wooden doors from the loggia. A ramp has been added to make it easier for everyone to get in.
There is an alleyway next to the building. This alley leads to the postal boxes at the back. A newer red brick section has been added to the back of the building. This part has windows high up to let in light.
The inside of the post office has been updated over the years. The main postal hall was changed in the 1980s or 1990s to fit the standard Australia Post layout. Some original features, like parts of the ceiling and windows, are still there. The old living areas upstairs are now used for storage, a lunch room, toilets, and locker rooms. The beautiful cedar staircase is original to the building. Many of the original four-panel doors are also still there.
Why the Post Office is Important
The Tumut Post Office is important for several reasons. It has been used for postal services in Tumut for over 130 years. This shows its long connection to the community. It was built around the same time as the nearby court house and police station. This means it helped create the group of important public buildings in Tumut.
A Mix of Styles
The building shows a mix of architectural styles. The original part from 1879 is in the Victorian style. The changes made around 1904 added elements of the Federation style. This mix gives the building a unique look. Even with the changes, the post office stands out on the street. Its two-story height, prominent chimneys, and arched walkway make it very noticeable. The staircase inside and the windows show high-quality craftsmanship.
The Tumut Post Office also adds to the historical feel of Wynyard Street. It is part of a collection of old public and business buildings in the town center. This makes the area special.
What Makes it Special
The important parts of Tumut Post Office include:
- The original two-story building from 1879.
- The outside look, especially the front, added in 1904. This includes the arched walkway and the balcony.
- The original living quarters on the first floor.
- The original cedar staircase.
The newer red brick extension at the back and the metal-framed roof over the post box alley are not considered part of the historically significant parts of the building.
Condition and Changes
The Tumut Post Office is generally in good condition. It has been well-maintained despite its age and the changes made over time.
Key Changes Over the Years
- 1888: Some alterations were made.
- 1904 (around): A major renovation happened. The roof was replaced, and the first-floor balcony was added. The inside was also updated.
- 1990s: The main office area was upgraded for retail use.
- 1995: A large addition was built at the back. This new part includes a mail sorting room, a toilet for people with disabilities, and a cleaners' room. It also provides access to fill the postal boxes. This addition replaced some older rooms like a battery room and a pantry. At the same time, the upstairs toilets were upgraded, and new carpet and paint were added throughout the building.
