City of Armadale - History House > Records

WRITING BUREAU

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1929 - 1943

Overview

A rectangular hardwood box with two pieces of ply tacked onto the base.The base of the box is taller at the front than the back, but the hinged lid is wider at the back. So when closed the bureau has parallel sides. The base has brass coloured handles inlaid either end so the handles are flush when closed, and a brass inlay around the keyhole. The top lid is split across the centre and the brass inlay is missing. It has four separate compartments for an inkwell and pens etc., with a hidden latch to access two drawers behind a panel where banknotes and stamps would have been kept. Both the base and lid have their own felt covered lids. The base lid lifts off, the lid in the top is hinged with a small catch to keep it closed and a string to lift it open.The key is in one of the hidden drawers, which are accessed by removing the inkwell and lifting the divider between the two compartments, releasing the catch underneath.

Historical information

This writing bureau was used in the original Forrestdale Post Office, which was attached to the Skeet family property on Forrest Road (today Armadale Road), Forrestdale, from 1929 to 1943 approx. The post office was primarily run by Lillian and her daughters Margery, Laura and Ursula., which was also used as the polling place for Local, State and Federal elections.
The Skeet home was located near north shore of Forrestdale Lake. The Skeet family played a key role in the development of the Forrestdale region, establishing a farm in the area in 1885 and playing a role in the establishment and maintenance of many local community organisations and institutions.
The bureau and its contents tell the story of how some government services, like the postal service, were franchised out to local families when it was not economical to establish a stand alone post office. The bureau also tells the story of the role women played in the daily running of the post office in the wider region. From the mid 1800s the post office was deemed a socially acceptable place for a woman to work. In 1835 Sarah Lyttelton was the first woman appointed to the position of Post Mistress in Albany. In 1900 the first post office was built in Armadale with Miss Elsie Turner was appointed as Post Mistress.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-33-COA2016.83A

Item type

Furniture

Themes

People
Social History

Material

Wood

Width

255 mm

Height or length

403 mm

Keywords

Forrestdale

post office

Year

1929 - 1943

Statement of significance

This object is part of a collection of items relating to the people, businesses and organisations who played a role in the early development of the City of Armadale since 1829. Following the establishment of the town of Kelmscott in 1830 the district has undergone a series of economic and population booms and busts. This collection tells the story of those who have played a significant role of the history and economic and social development of the City of Armadale.

Comparative significance criteria

Interpretive capacity

Rare or representative

Well provenanced

City of Armadale - History House

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