By the late 1880’s, the postal service at Portarlington, which had been running since the 1860’s, struggled to cope with the increased demand.
The telegraph service, which had operated from 1882, was run from a branch of a bank. The newly extended Jetty serviced the people and goods that streamed in and out of the town via the network of steamers plying Port Phillip Bay. Roads and rail were still a much slower form of transport at the time.
The increased demand of the bustling commercial centre of Portarlington demanded a building in which to house a communications centre. A corner of Portarlington’s Market Reserve was allocated as the site for the new brick Post Office in 1887. The laying of the Memorial Stone on the 28th September 1888, was a much celebrated affair as published in the ‘Queenscliff Sentinel’ on the 6th October 1888.
The grand new building opened in 1888 amongst some ceremony. The Queen Anne triple brick construction featured polychrome brown and cream bricks with contrasting courses, decorative iron grilles, tiled gable roof, and, an elaborate balustrade and pediment parapet.
Though now a privately owned home, the building proudly stands high on the hill, overlooking the Jetty, reminding visitors and locals alike of the proud and important history of Portarlington.
Helpful Hints:
– Close proximity to Town Centre – obtain Directions here
– Points Of Interest around Town
– Things to Do about Town
– Facilities available at Portarlington
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- Sealed Road