Description of Historic Place

The Old Post Office is a two-and-one-half storey brick building located in Parrsboro, NS. This distinctive Queen Anne style structure was constructed between 1911 and 1914 and is situated in the heart of the town’s commercial district. The municipal designation includes the building and the property.

Heritage Value

The Old Post Office is valued for its brick construction and its architectural style and integrity.

The Old Post Office is one of only several few brick structures in Parrsboro and it has retained most of its architectural integrity. Constructed in 1909 by the Government of Canada, it served as a post office for the community from that time until 1973. Since its construction, it has contributed significantly to the heritage character of Parrsboro as well as to the continuity of local government and economic development over many decades. Aside from its role as a post office, the building has also housed the local customs office and an armoury.

The Old Post Office is an excellent example of the Queen Anne style. Its varied window hood styles and tower designs distinguish the structure from other heritage buildings within the town. Built on a foundation of local, hand carved stone, the Old Post Office building is an excellent illustration of early twentieth-century construction methods. The building was erected by the well-known Halifax construction company Falconer and MacDonald. Local stonecutter John Leech shaped and carved the rock for the foundation. Another local craftsman, Stewart Dickey, finished the interior including all the stairways.

Source: Town Office, Town of Parrsboro, Heritage Property Site Inventory Forms, Book #2, ID # 25216433

Character-Defining Elements

Character-defining elements of the Old Post Office building include:

- steeply pitched, truncated, hip roof;
- side chimney;
- pedimented dormers with mullion windows;
- six-bay symmetrical façade;
- tall round headed first and second storey windows;
- towers of different designs including a three-storey clock tower;
- stone foundation;
- placement in close proximity to the street in a prominent location.