Donnybrook Post Office

Statement of Significance

Donnybrook Post Office is a very fine example of a purpose built post office in the Federation Free style and is a landmark in the town centre of Donnybrook. This building has been and continues to be an important part of the life of the community and is an integral part of Donnybrook's past and present mail service and communications. Donnybrook Post Office is comparatively rare as it retains its original roofscape complete with functional ceiling vents flumes & cowls which was a common feature of post offices constructed 1890s to circa 1930.

Physical Description

Donnybrook Post Office is a single-storey red brick building with a hipped corrugated iron roof in the Federation Free Classical style. Contrast is provided by wide bands of painted render. The front facade is symmetrical and is divided into three bays. The central bay projects forward and is parapeted with a plain pediment. This bay has a central arched window with a narrow window on either side. The words "DONNYBROOK POST OFFICE" are painted over the windows. The bays on either side each contain a rendered entrance arch with a keystone. The left hand arch has been filled in with a window. The roof has a wide eaves lines with timber battens. At the left side an additional bay provides an asymmetrical element to the facade. The main roof has a vent in a Dutch gable.

History

From 1877, Preston Post Office operated from the police station at Minninup, as the district was then known. In October 1894, the townsite of Donnybrook was gazetted. In 1895-96, the local Progress Association requested a new school and post and telegraph offices be built in the vicinity of the railway station. The Public Works Department prepared plans for a post and telegraph building similar to those erected at Dardanup, Harvey and Brunswick, and tenders were called in April 1897. In August, Hough and Donald, of Busselton, were awarded the contract at a cost of £596.18s., and they completed the building on the reserve across the road from the railway station in December. On 13 January 1898, it opened as Donnybrook Post and Telegraph Office, in charge of Miss Mason. In 1912, W. T. Deeble, of Pinjarra, built additions, that included a telephone exchange, at a cost of £1,136.0s.3d. In the post-World War II period, of farming and fruit growing in the district expanded and consequently the volume of postal business increased necessitating enlargement of the Post Office. In 1952, Frank Chappell, of Claremont, completed alterations and additions that included a lunch room, a retiring room, relocation of the telephone exchange, additional post boxes, addition of a room for a technician, and a new toilet block at a cost of £5,617.10s.8d. In 1992-94, some outbuildings were demolished. Since Donnybrook Post Office was sold into private ownership in 1994, the place has continued to serve the postal needs of the Donnybrook community.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: high, still used for its original and intended purpose of Post Office. Authenticity: moderate to high. A large part of the external fabric is original, although internal modifications are substantial.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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