Glen Innes Post and Telegraph Office, historic site in New South Wales, Australia
The Glen Innes Post and Telegraph Office is a brick and sandstone building with a slate roof, arched entrance, and prominent twin chimneys, designed in 1895-1896 by government architect Walter Liberty Vernon. This two-story structure served as the town's center for postal and telegraph services, with the postmaster's residence located on the upper floor.
Mail service to Glen Innes began informally in 1849 with horseback riders from Wellingrove, but a formal post office was not established until 1854 under Postmaster James Martin. A separate telegraph office opened in 1861 and merged with the post office in 1870, while daily time signals transmitted from Sydney helped residents set their clocks accurately.
The building served as more than just a postal hub. It was a gathering place where townspeople collected their letters and learned news from distant parts of Australia, making it central to community life. This role shaped how people in Glen Innes stayed connected to the wider world.
The building is located at a central street corner in Glen Innes and is easily accessible on foot while exploring historic sites. You can combine it with other heritage buildings like the Town Hall and Court House nearby for a full walking tour of the town's historic center.
The original post office building became too small, prompting locals to petition for a replacement in the 1890s. The salvaged bricks were sold and repurposed to construct a private residence near Chaffey's garage, giving the old structure a second life in the community.
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