Annandale on the Web

A Post Office in North Annandale

1888: The Hon F Abigail MP, wrote that the people had asked him to urge "the necessity of a post office in Johnston Street"(pg 16 Annandale PO History). A deputation to the post master general, including W Pritchard, proposing a post office be established at the corner of Collins and Johnston Street, was reported in the SMH(pg 16 Annandale PO History).

W.Pritchard JP, Borough of Annandale

In March 1890, with a business case of Rent: £90
PM Salary: £
Messenger salary: £26 and Estimated revenue postal £300, telegraph £150, - Balance in favour of Department £234pa.

A number of properties were offered:
Stanislaus Gets (Houses at 119 & 121 Trafalagar St)
R Shannon (shop, Parramatta Road near Johsntone St)
WH Sadler (shop, 5 Johnstone St)
W Pritchard & Son (Terrara No 11 Collins St, adjoining Johnston St)
FW Mason (107 Booth St)
Mrs JJKiley (junction of Booth and Johnston Streets) New House, 7 rooms, kitchen, large shop front, stables
G Simmons (Shop, Parramatta Road near Johnston St.) and
a late offer of a Shop from J Newland of 68 View Street, were all found to be unsuitable.

11 Collins Street (Terrara in 1890s)

The Land at the corner of Collins and Johnston Street (opposite the recently opened Hunter Baillie Church), with a 138foot frontage to Johnston Street and 100foot to Collins, at £17, was considered too expensive. Negotiatiations to purchase a 40 foot portion at £15 with the sweetner that the department would construct a building [of similar grandeur] to the Leichhardt Post Office fell through. Eventually a site, at the corner of Booth and Johnston Street, opposite St Aidan's, was purchased in November 1890.(pg 18/9 Annandale PO History)

"DEPUTATIONS.
THE ANNANDALE POST-OFFICE.
The Postmaster-General was interviewed yesterday morning by a deputation, comprising the Mayor, aldermen, and residents of Leichhardt and Annandale, and it was requested that a site for the Annandale Post office should be secured at the corner of Booth and Johnson streets." - 1890 'DEPUTATIONS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), 13 December, p. 7, viewed 2 March, 2011, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13775870

With indecision over the suitability of the site, the department had acquired, it was decided, to rent premises. This time, W Pritchard and Son, offered Tylden, 13 Collins Street as a temporary Post Office. However, the rental of £135pa was considered too high. Following a petition from residents, Pritchard accepted an offer of £120pa subject to temporary alterations of the verandah to provide a public space and "letter fronts" (posting boxes), able to be removed when the premises were vacated.(pg 22/3/4 Annandale PO History)

Eventually 13 Collins Street half of Tylen at 13-15 Collins Street, was agreed upon. Tylden at 13-15 Collins St (2011). Tylden in the 1970s

Plan showing work to be done at 'Tylden' 13 Collins St. (1890-1900)

NAA: SP32/1 ANNANDALE PART 2 "Annandale Post Office: Plan showing work to be done at 'Tylden' 13 Collins St. Location: XNAA " 1890 - 1900 6918542

Temporary Annandale Post Office

1891: NEW POST OFFICE.-An office for the transaction of postal, telegraphic, money order, and Government savings bank business has been established at 13 Collins-street Annandale. - 1891 'Government Gazette.', Australian Town and Country Journal (NSW : 1870 - 1907), 11 April, p. 35, viewed 21 January, 2012, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71251320

Mrs Kate M Black, a mother of six, the postmistress at Barenjoey post office, since her husband's death, was appointed. Her appointment on a salary of £150 because was on the basis that she was "a lady of considerable ability", demonstrated by her past service and further justified by the dependence, on her income, of her six children.

Post Office No. 1606 (reassigned from the early "Petersham Post Office") opened at Tylden on 6th April 1891. Money Orders, Government Savings Bank and Telegraph services were available. Equipped with Alphabetical Telegraph Instruments, the post office did not need a morse sound reader. Letter Carrier Farquharson's now operated from the Annandale PO instead of Leichhardt PO, while Letter Carrier Hearle's new route was along Johnston Street and Macquarie Streets. There were clearances at 5am, 10am and 3.30pm with the Newtown mailboy picking up mail closing at 12.45 and the post mistress sending mail at 4.30pm to Camperdown. Mail was delivered to Annandale at 7am, 1pm and 3.30pm(pg 22/3/4 Annandale PO History).

Annandale Post Office (corner Booth and Johnston Streets)

In 1891, the Colonial Architect stated the £2500, for the erection of the post office, had been ommitted from the Budget estimates. Following representations from the Mr Haughton MP, the Postmaster General Kidd decided to purchase or resume the land recommended. The owner William Clark offered it at £13 per foot, the compulsory resumption offer of £11 was made and eventually £12 rate was agreed and the preferred site was acquired for £792 in May 1892. The local council was allowed to use of the original site, in Booth Street, for storage until it could be disposed of.

The tender for construction of the Post Office comprising a Colonnade, Public Lobby, Office, PM Office, Hall, Store, Dining Room, Kitchen and Pantry, on the Ground floor and Balcony, Drawing Room, 6 Bedrooms, Passage, Store and Bathroom upstairs for £1470 from Brown and Tapson was accepted and the building completed by March 1896. Furniture and Fittings were £75 and drainage and sanitary fittings cost £37.17.6. It was connected to the sewerage system in January 1900. (pg 30/31/32 Annandale PO History)

"ANNANDALE POST-OFFICE
A deputation from the Annandale Municipal Council, introduced by Mr Mahony, MLA , waited on the Minister for Works yesterday to ask for the erection of a post office within the municipality. The Government had already secured a site for the purpose" - 1894 'ANNANDALE POST-OFFICE.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), 26 October, p. 3, viewed 3 March, 2011, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13973871

The Annandale Post Office was designed by Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon - www.sydneyarchitecture.com

The February 1896 minutes of the Annandale Borough discuss a letter from the public works department about sharing the cost of guttering path in front of the new Post Office

When the Annandale Residents requested an extension of Telegraph Services to 8pm, similar to that offered in Camperdown - it was refused as the revenue at Annandale was less than several city post offices (Elizabeth St South (£1055, King Street£8180, Surry Hills£1098 and Sussex Street£4650), which closed at 6pm. (pg 25 Annandale PO History)

Annandale's 2nd Mayor lived at 3 Collins St. Allen Taylor attended night school, worked for Tram Contractors and had married the bosses step daughter in HB hall in 1886 (as Allan Bates - changing his name when his mother remarried). Taylor Square was named after him and Forster at Centennial Park is named after his only child killed in WW1.. Taylor moved to the City Council and by 1902 was on the electricity committee.

Timeline

1891: Temporary Post office at 13 Collins-street, Annandale

1896: Purpose Built Post office at 115 Booth Street, Annandale Telegraph Pole circa 1896

circa 1910: temporary telegraph wire, gate,electric light pole - wire to lamp in centre of road circa 1910

1950: Previous building west of Post Office on Booth Street, Tramlines, wires(Booth Street Tram between 1903 and 1961) and electricity pole and light

1974: Shed on Northern side (petrol station side after 1961 when cars replaced trams in Sydney), previous bank building (photo dated 1974) and Post Boxes in wall(north east corner)building.

1996: Phone Boxes looking west May-96, north May-96 and North West May-96.

2002: Feb 2002

2014: Annandale Post Office (Eastern Side) with AUSGRID green pillar (photo of installation of Parcel Lockers)

2018: Long Overdue Renovation

2017: Photo - transformed into cartoon (by gimp software)

2020: Advertising

2023: Bike Rack

The Annandale Post Office, Petersham

A post office was opened at Camperdown in 1853 [1855 subdivision] (pg2, Annandale PO History). The following year, the inhabitants of Austenham (now Orange Grove) and Petersham petitioned for their own post office (NAA: SP32/1, ANNANDALE PART 1 Annandale [Petersham] Post Office file [Box 12]). The Petersham Post Office opened in 1855.

Possibly the Norwood Post Office - a Brick Building with arched colonade. There are people standing outside the building and a boy on a bicycle and horse and buggy
The "Annandale Post Office, Annandale (NSW)" is most likely the original Petersham Post Office, renamed the Annandale Post Office in 1872. (Photograph State Records NSW)

"The Glebe delivery is bounded by the city boundary, the water, Johnstone's Creek, and the Parrammatta Road as far as Annandale Bridge. The adjoining delivery of Camperdown includes the whole of that locality, and the Parramatta Road from the Cook's River Road to Annandale Bridge ;..." 1859 'PARLIAMENTARY PAPER.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), 3 September, p. 8, viewed 18 March, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13030268

On the back of the petition, Frederick Codner was nominated as a suitable manager. Though appointed "pm", on a salary of £10, he adopted the title of "Sub-officer Keeper". When he resigned, in 1857, on his recommendation, Marianne Williams was appointed to the post. On her resignation, Marianne nominated her sister, Martha, for the role. However, at 18, Martha was considered too young, and her mother Hanna Williams was appointed on a salary of £12. When Hanna died in 1885, Martha was finally appointed Postmistress. (pgs 3/4/5 Annandale PO History)

A post office was opened at Petersham Station. With the another Petersham postoffice, already in operation, the new post office was named Norwood. Not surprisingly, this lead to much confusion but a proposal to relocate the existing Petersham Post Office, to the Leichhardt Municipality, met with spirited opposition, particularly from H Mosman of Annan Grove. Annan Grove, was a one acre property on the Northern side of Parramatta Road (adjoining Macquarie Street, possibly the first residence in Modern day Ananndale. (Photo pg 160, Marine officer, convict wife). However, while the Post Master General did aquess and retain the post office, he decided it would be renamed Annandale Post Office. (pg7 Annandale PO History).

"It is also notified that on and after the 1st July, the name of the post-office at Petersham will be changed to "Annandale" and the post-office at Norwood will bear the designation of "Petersham"" - 1872 'LOCAL NEWS.', The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843-1893), 29 June, p. 3, viewed 2 March, 2011, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18764664

The Postmaster General's 1874 annual report records WH Ireland, of Enfield, holding the contract to convey mail, six times a week by 2 horse omnibus between the GPO, Bankstown & Upper Bankstown, via Camperdown, Petersham, Ashfield, Enfield and Bark Huts for £50pa until the end of 1875. The following year, the rate increased to £75, and the route reflected the name change from "Petersham" to "Annandale".

In 1878 Fitzwilliam H Eyre's was contracted at the same fee to provide a 3 horse omnibus service, with an extra stop at Druitt Town. By May 1882, when the contract was transferred to Francis Bower, the fee was £100. A year later the service was cancelled. However, Bowers then secured the contract to provide 12 services a week, from Burwood on, for £250pa. (pg 8 Annandale PO History).

Leichhardt Council

As a result of an 1874 complaint by Mr Beames, on behalf of Leichhardt Council and a review of options provided by assistant PM Martha Williams, it was approved for mail to leave Annandale Post Office at 11.30am to for Sydney, via a 12.50 train from Petersham to Sydney. (pg 8 Annandale PO History)

Robert (son of George Johnston who received many Landgrants) of Annandale Estate ()

In 1875, Robert Johnston complained that letters addressed to Annandale Estate, were going astray. He further complained that the post office's name should be changed as it wasn't on his estate and that other residents had mail delivered to their homes. Eventually, it was decided that Johnston's mail would be delivered to Camperdown for collection. (page 12 Annandale PO History)

Annandale Purpose Built Post Office (1896)

1894: "It was stated that a piece of land had been secured at the corner of Booth and Johnston streets, which was a central site. The present post office was only a temporary one, for which, the department was paying a rental of £160 per annum.
Mr. Young said that he saw by the papers that a sum of money had been voted for this work in 1892, but it had been written off in 1893."- 1894 'ANNANDALE POST OFFICE.', Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), 26 October, p. 5. , viewed 01 Oct 2025, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108885590

1896: See NAA Annandale Post Office [box 608] with man leaning on tall Telegraph Pole and Horse Trough along Johnston Street.

1910: The Annandale Post Office, with Gas Street Light but no Telegraph Pole (but a cable on the ground) from State Records NSW

Australian Gas Light Company, 3-7 The Crescent Annandale

1899: "DEPUTATIONS. ANNANDALE POSTAL NEEDS.
With a view to obtaining for Annandale increased postal facilities, a telephone exchange, an extension of hours during which the local post-office is open, and a better delivery generally,...In regard to the telephone service, Mr. Crick stated that he could give no relief to his audience until the end of January, when the new switchboard would be completed. As to the extension of the hours of post-office business, the Postmaster-General promised an assistant operator and messenger to Annandale, which would have the desired effect..." - 1899 'DEPUTATIONS.', The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), 19 December, p. 3, viewed 2 March, 2011, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14261224

In February 1900 an additional messenger and acting super numerary operator was appointed with a salary of £65 and £25. The Messenger Smith undertook the usual condition of employment - which was that if after 20 years of employment there was no other position available he would be dismissed.

Public Telephones

A public telephone was installed on 27 January 1905. The Annandale Council already had a telephone on the Newtown exchange - Newtown 93 appears in an 1895 directory. Also listed was Robertson James, Canister Maker Nelson St, Annandale on Newtown 94 and Taylor Bros, Jam Factory Booth Street, Annandale on Newtown 85. A Telephone exchange opened at Petersham in the early 1890s.(pg 26/7 Annandale PO History)

The NAA records include: TA49/2544 "Public Telephone LM74 corner Booth and Young streets, Annandale" 1941-1950 4318336
TA50/3889 "Public Telephone, Annandale Post Office" 1950-1952 4327749; and
TA50/4443 "Public Telephone West Annandale Post Office" 1950-1951 4327851

Penny Postage

1909 Annandale Borough Resolution, City of Sydney Archives 1909/1355

16 June 1909: Resolution
That a letter be written to all councils (municipal and Shire) soliciting their co-operation in an endeavour to secure the establishment of the system of Penny Postage throughout the state of NSW. That all Councils willing to co-operate be requested to approach the federal postmaster-general through the parliamentary representatives, urging its adoption. - signed Hinsby - Sydney City Council Archives: Town Clerk's Correspondence Folders1909/1355

Annandale Borough receives hearty co-operation for letter righting campaign to "secure the establishment of the system of penny postage throughout the State of New South Wales." - City of Sydney Archives 1909/1355

Annandale Post office with Electric Light and Tram Cables (circa 1915)

It could be the Annandale Picture House, still extant when the Royal Theatre was built on the site in 1925, located next to the Post Office. Image (trove.nla.gov.au/work/36076813) used with permission of Australia Post and National Archives of Australia

Electricity and Electric Trams come to Annandale.

Annandale Post Office, showing electric tramlines and Annandale Picture Theatre next door. A much larger Royal theatre was built in 1925 and demolished in 1961 and replaced by petrol station. More about Annandale's Theatres

North Annandale Hotel & Tram, opposite corner from Annandale Post Office, ca 1955

Annandale Post Office with Cars and Traffic Lights circa 1974

The Royal Movie Theatre next to the Post Office operated until around 1960, when it was demolished to make way for a petrol station. Image (trove.nla.gov.au/work/36210619) used with permission of Australia Post and National Archives of Australia (NAA: C4078, N48414 (Looking at the Southern facade of post office) & NAA: C4078, N48415 (Looking at northern facade of post office))

Postmen after Mrs Black

Kate Black and her assistant Mary Mulligan retired in 1915. Letter Carrier Hickey died in the same year. Robert L Studdert was the next PM, with staff W Laughton (who was appointed in 1915 after working as the telegraph assistant at Penrith Post Office^NT), EG Simper, PD Morgan, FA Hearle, JP Green, James J Hannan, WX Goodwin, WJ Gamble, XLC Darell, FW Lowe. Studdert was followed by Alfred Plumley(1938) in 1921.

NAA: MP33/1 NSW1927/2343 "Case of A J Macpherson, postman, Annandale Location: Melbourne " 1925 - 1928 6001085

AWA, Telegraph Poles and Traffic Lights

The location of the telegraph pole and traffic light in front of the post office could be a result of AWA being the contractor for the telegraph and traffic lights [LINK] Those AWA footpath plates (Richard Chirgwin 28 Jun 2011)

• Back view (looking South West from Johnston Street 1974)
• Front view
• Annandale Association Register of Buildings: 115 Booth Street, Annandale. c1970

Annandale Post Office 1996

Australian Heritage Photographs: Annandale Post Office May 1996 and February 2002

The 2000s

The Annandale Post Office continues to operate, in the heart of Annandale, on the North West corner of the Intersection of Booth and Johnston Streets. The North Annandale Hotel is on the South East corner. There are Shops on the North East corner and St Aidans is on the South West Corner.

Bennett's Coach Factory & Camperdown Post Office

"Bennetts Coach Factory with the Camperdown Post Office at 111 George Street ".."George Street became Parramatta Road in 1934."-City of Sydney Archives-Demolition Books - Albums and Prints, 1900-1949

In 2010, the Post Boxes from Camperdown Post Office were moved to Annandale.

A pocket (catalyst for Rum Rebellion) of Camperdown had become Annandale in 1995 (GNB3587,3718 http://www.gnb.nsw.gov.au/name_search/extract?id=JPjLXtsE")

Annandale Post Office to get Parcel Lockers (September 2013)

Development Application for the installation of Parcel Lockers at Annandale Post Office. The lockers are to be installed on the Northern Fenceline, adjoining the Bill Board in the Petrol Station on Johnston Street. Heritage Impact Statement, Drawings and homepage for D / 2013 / 374 (comments close 27 Sep 2013).

Long Overdue Maintenance

Following an infestation of pigeons and work on the surrounding paving by council, work commenced on the renovation of the building.

Scaffolding Removed 17 November 2018

Rotten Handrail on Stairs (Photos 29 August 2025)

Maintenance needed hand rail wood rotten.

By 1909 Bank NSW (State Bank not to be confused with Private Bank of NSW which became Westpac) was at 115b and Commonwealth Bank was at 119 Booth Street -1909, Wise's New South Wales post office directory Wise's Directories, Sydney viewed 2 October 2025 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-653088622.

The later building can be seen in 2025 Photo (at far right behind parcel lockers and Petrol Station Billboard 121-125&119 Booth Street modern Buildings and sewer vent can be seen west of Post office and Petrol Station) and earlier photos of post office after 1974. "Overall the new co-living development will provide 91 co-living rooms connected across the two sites[121-125&119 Booth Street] with integrated communal indoor and outdoor spaces." - https://www.planningalerts.org.au/applications/3051986.

It can also be seen that there is concrete lintel on lower floor and bricks under windows of lower and upper windows(photo at right).