Commemoration
Completed in 1886 this structure was designed under the direction of Thomas Fuller, Chief Architect of the Department of Public Works from 1881 to 1896. The Brockville Post Office shows the sensitivity often displayed by Fuller and his staff. The basic design with a double entrance and steep roof was adapted to many small post offices across Canada, but varied here by the presence of superb stonework and a central pedimented gable with flanking gables. Each post office was unique but collectively they shared a resemblance that came to symbolize the federal presence throughout Canada.
Background
Parks Canada credits Thomas Fuller with creating a national image for Canada. As well as post offices, his work included the original parliament buildings in Ottawa (later burned down), and a number of Anglican churches. As well he designed San Francisco’s city hall and the New York Capitol in Albany.
Fuller was born in England in 1823 and came to Upper Canada in 1857 after an accomplished career in Britain. He passed away in 1898.