The Smiths Falls Post Office
The exterior
Panels
2021 Ontario Heritage Trust AwardThe exteriorThe interiorPost Office postcards and creamer1895 newspaper coverageLinks
Ontario Heritage Trust, Excellence in Conservation 2020Romanesque Revival architecture, www.OntarioArchitecture.comThomas Fuller, architect, Dictionary of Canadian Biography
Post Office, Smiths Falls, 1914 Details
In 1894 Smiths Falls proudly welcomed its new post office built at 30 Russell Street East. Thomas Fuller, who was the chief architect to the Dominion of Canada, designed the post office. He is known for his design of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Privy Council, a National Historic Site of Canada, as well as numerous other post offices and public buildings. Fuller favoured a Romanesque Revival style of architecture - an aesthetic of large stone blocks, arches and central tower. The Smiths Falls post office was constructed from Potsdam-Beekmantown sandstone that was sourced locally in North Elmsley township (Lockwood 1994:411).
Post Office, Smiths Falls, 1914 Details
In 1914 the post office was enlarged at the back. The photograph above and several below offer us a fairly rare opportunity to see the addition at various stages of its construction and completion.
Post Office, Smiths Falls, 1914 Details
Post Office, Smiths Falls, 1914 Details
Post Office, Smiths Falls, 1914 Details
Post Office, Smiths Falls, 1914 Details
Post Office, Smith's Falls Details
The clock tower was added to the post office in 1915.
Drapery and banners
Post Office, Smiths Falls, 1901 Details
The draping of black cloth around the post office might mark the observance of public mourning following the death of Queen Victoria on 22 January 1901.
Post Office of Smiths Falls, 1927 Details
During the summer of 1927, the handsome Romanesque Revival architecture of the post office was bedecked with British flags and banners, likely in celebration of Dominion Day on July 1st.
