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FOSTER POST OFFICE (FORMER)
Other NamesFormer Foster Post Office , Foster Historical Society Museum , Foster Museum Location9 MAIN STREET, FOSTER, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE LevelIncluded in Heritage Overlay |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The former Foster Post Office, designed by C.E. Couchman and constructed by W. Davies in 1891, now relocated to the Foster Museum, 9 Main Street, Foster. The building now forms part of the South Gippsland Historical Society complex, which includes a collection of historic buildings and objects from Foster and the surrounding districts.
The former Foster Post Office is a single storey weatherboard building with a hip and valley corrugated iron roof. It has a transverse half hip roof projection to the side and a projecting gable bay to the front. A skillion extends from the rear of the unequal gables and a side post verandah set behind the projecting half hip probably included the original residence. The front of the building has verandahs in front of and beside the projecting bay. Other notable elements include:
The former Foster Post Office is a single storey weatherboard building with a hip and valley corrugated iron roof. It has a transverse half hip roof projection to the side and a projecting gable bay to the front. A skillion extends from the rear of the unequal gables and a side post verandah set behind the projecting half hip probably included the original residence. The front of the building has verandahs in front of and beside the projecting bay. Other notable elements include:
- Bracketed eaves with the brackets checked into the gutter board.
- Mitred verandah to the projecting bay. (with non-original posts and balustrade)
- Inset verandah to the front elevation with paired posts.
- Original verandah posts on the side verandah.
- Three part and paired double hung windows and substantial door frame to the front elevation.
- Bracketed and stepped gable and half gable ends with circular vents.
- Projecting box bay with eaves frieze to the half gable end.
How is it significant?
The former Foster Post Office is of local historic, aesthetic and social significance to South Gippsland Shire.
Why is it significant?
Historically, it was the first Post Office constructed by the Public Works Department in the Shire and is now one of the oldest buildings in Foster. Although it is no longer used for its original purpose and has been moved to a different site, it remains important for its ability to illustrate the early importance of Foster as a local commercial centre following the 'gold rush' to this area. (AHC criteria - A.4 and D.2)
The Post Office is a locally rare example of a well resolved transitional Victorian-Federation Government building with notable detailing not found on other public buildings in the Shire. (AHC criteria - B.2 and E.1)
The Post Office is a locally rare example of a well resolved transitional Victorian-Federation Government building with notable detailing not found on other public buildings in the Shire. (AHC criteria - B.2 and E.1)
Socially, the Post Office was significant as a place of local gathering and social intercourse at a time when postal business was the principal form of communication. (AHC criterion - G.1)
Group
Postal and Telecommunications
Category
Post Office