Cambridge in Waterloo Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Former Galt Post Office/ L’Ancien Bureau de Poste de Galt

Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 28, 2023

1. Former Galt Post Office/ L’Ancien Bureau de Poste de Galt Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Former Galt Post Office
This building, begun in 1884 and finished in 1887, was erected to house the post office, customs, and other government services. It was designed under Dominion chief architect Thomas Fuller and built by contractor M. A. Piggott. The building was part of a national programme aimed at establishing a federal presence with the erection of striking edifices on prominent sites. Among this body of works, the Galt post office stands out for its excellent design and masterful stonework. The asymmetrical elevations and the richly textured surfaces produce a handsome and picturesque composition.

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada

L'Ancien Bureau de Poste de Galt
Cet édifice a été construit de 1884 à 1887 pour abriter les bureaux de poste et de douane ainsi que d'autres services gouvernementaux. Il a été conçu sous la direction de l'architecte en chef du Dominion, Thomas Fuller, et réalisé par l'entrepreneur M. A. Piggott, dans le cadre d'un programme national qui visait à assurer la présence du gouvernement

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fédéral par l'implantation d'édifices imposants sur des sites de choix. Celui-ci se distingue par sa conception admirable maçonnerie remarquable. Ses façades asymétriques et ses surfaces richement texturées lui donnent une allure élégante et pittoresque.

Canada Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada et Parcs Canada

Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.

Location. 43° 21.513′ N, 80° 18.924′ W. Marker is in Cambridge, Ontario, in Waterloo Region. Marker is at the intersection of Water Street South and Main Street, on the left when traveling south on Water Street South. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12 Water Street South, Cambridge ON N1R 3C5, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Main Street Bridge (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Honourable James Young 1835-1913 (about 120 meters away); Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service Monument (about 210 meters away); Galt City Hall (approx. 0.3 kilometers away);

Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 28, 2023

2. Former Galt Post Office/ L’Ancien Bureau de Poste de Galt Marker

Grand River/‘O:se Kenhionháta:tie/La Rivière Grand (approx. half a kilometer away); Black Bridge Road Bridge (approx. 10.4 kilometers away); The Huron Road (approx. 10.9 kilometers away); Waterloo Historical Society (approx. 11 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge.

Also see . . .
1. Parks Canada - Former Galt Post Office National Historic Site of Canada.

The Former Galt Post Office National Historic Site of Canada is prominently situated on a corner lot overlooking the Grand River in downtown Cambridge, Ontario. Completed in 1887, this handsome two-and-a-half storey stone building is finished in Guelph limestone and features symmetrical twin façades. Its striking design includes an eye-catching clocktower and blends elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Second Empire styles to create a unique and eclectic building typical of Chief federal architect Thomas Fuller.

(Submitted on August 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

2. Library and Archives Canada - Thomas Fuller’s Post Offices.

At the end of October 1881, the Government of Canada appointed architect Thomas
Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 28, 2023

3. Former Galt Post Office
Fuller (1823–1898) to the job of Chief Architect in the Department of Public Works. Fuller—already celebrated for his design work for Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings—would continue in this job until his retirement in 1897. During his sixteen-year tenure, he was responsible for the design and construction of numerous public buildings across the country, including some 80 post office buildings.

(Submitted on August 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

1910

4. Galt Post Office, 1910

Source: Library and Archives Canada

Former Galt Post Office renovated as the Idea Exchange, 2023 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Boyd, August 28, 2023

5. Former Galt Post Office renovated as the Idea Exchange, 2023

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.