History of The Old Bathurst Post Office
Great Canadian Architect Thomas Fuller
On Jun 6 2016, the architect, Thomas Fuller was designated a National Historic Person.
The Old Bathurst Post Office stands as a testament to the pivotal role played by such structures in the development of Canadian communities. Constructed under the direction of the renowned architect Thomas Fuller, whose legacy was already firmly established through his iconic designs for Ottawa's Parliament Buildings, this Post Office would become more than just a hub for mail services.
In the late 19th Century, when construction began on the Old Bathurst Post Office, the settlement of Nepisiguit boasted a tiny population of less than 600 individuals. Yet this seemingly modest edifice would wield a profound influence, providing the region with a newfound status and connectivity to the broader expanse of Canada.
Just as the Canadain Pacific Railway aimed to connect the vast expanse of Canada physically, Fuller's string of Post Offices sought to unify the Nation by providing tangible evidence of the Federal Government's presence across our diverse communities and landscapes.
As one of Thomas Fuller's creations, The Old Bathurst Post Office contributed to a larger narrative of federal architectural identity. Fuller's design ethos, characterized by distinctive features such as Gothic and Romanesque details, imbued these Post Offices with a sense of grandeur and permanence, reminiscent of the Parliament Buildings.
By offering essential postal services the Old Post Office not only facilitated the flow of letters, but also the exchange of commerce and communication vital to our community's growth. It's very presence bestowed upon Bathurst a sense of permanence, credibility and stability, anchoring the settlement in to the very fabric of the Nation.
1881 - The Post Office was commissioned by the Canadian Government in 1881 as part of an ambitious plan to establish a network of Post Offices across growing urban centres throughout the land. Chosen as one of these original 75 locations, Bathurst became the blank canvas for the architect Thomas Fuller.
Design - As Chief Architect to the Canadian Government, Fuller brought a professionalism and consistency to the role, aiming to build these post offices with visual prominence, access to transportation and a visual reflection of Canada's aspirations. The goal was to create a communication network aligning with Canada's expected growth. Each Post Office, including Bathurst's which was completed in 1885, boasts a unique design blending Gothic and Romanesque elements, and using locally sourced materials such as the distinctive sandstone blocks brought in by schooner from Grand Anse.
Adapting - According to historical records the building was constructed between 1881 and 1885 and was used as a Post Office and Customs House until 1959 when a new Post Office building was erected in King Avenue. The Old Post Office was then put to use as the headquarters, drill hall and armoury for the New Brunswick Regiment. Later re-purposed as retail units, and finally as the base for the Phantom Radio community radio station, the building has been vacant for a number of years.
Residents and Visitors - The Old Bathurst Post Office serves as a significant landmark in downtown Bathurst. Locals and Visitors alike are drawn to it's timeless elegance, making it an essential stop for those seeking a glimpse into the past, and a connection to a vibrant future. Standing at the heart of Bathurst, the building stands as a testament to the City's enduring legacy, welcoming and enchanting all who come to explore its historical roots. It will definitely be playing a big part in the City's exciting plans for the development and regeneration of the Bathurst Downtown area.
