Old Busselton Post Office Site & Post Box

Statement of Significance

• The Brussels-style Post Box in Busselton is very rare as the only post box of this style remaining in Western Australia.
• The place has high integrity and authenticity as the post box continues to be in use for its original purpose with minimal alterations.
• The place is indicative of the introduction of pre-payment of postage to Western Australia from 1854.
• The place is indicative of the development of Western Australia’s postal system, and it’s wide ranging network across the vast State.
• The place demonstrates the once common practice of manufacturing post boxes in cast iron and reflects that iron foundries were once numerous across the State
• The post box in Busselton is particularly rare, as the only ‘Brussels

Physical Description

The Brussels-style Post Box, Busselton – is a ‘Brussels style’ design cast between c.1892 and 1897. Much more ornate than the ‘Penfold’, the circular structure has an ornamental capital and base, and was considered superior ‘in appearance and arrangement’. This box was made in Pyrmont, New South Wales by W Taylor, Paragon Foundry. It does not display the royal cipher or date of manufacture. Letter receivers began to be used in Busselton from the mid1890s. It is not known whether the post box was first erected in Busselton after c1892, or whether it was erected at a later date (possibly having been in operation is New South Wales for a period). It is also possible that this post-box had
been used in the town at a different location, then installed at its current location post-1959.A replacement Post Box has been installed at this site

History

Cast in New South Wales, it is not known whether this post box was first erected in Busselton after c.1892 or whether it was erected at a later date (after having been in operation is New South Wales for a period). The Post Box is associated with the adjacent site which was the location of the first Post Office in Busselton. Constructed on what was originally Busselton’s first campsite, the old Post Office was one of only five operating in
Western Australia at that time. (See PN216) Postal services were relocated to the Court House in 1873, now part of the ArtGeo complex. Photographic evidence shows that a post box was located on the road side at this location in the early 20th century. The post box was rectangular in shape, marked VI, indicating it was made during Queen Victoria’s reign, but this box is no longer in existence. It was replaced by the current Post Box.
The post box was present at this site until late 2022, removed and then replaced

Integrity/Authenticity

N/A/N/A

Condition

N/A

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.