Built in 1909 by Herbert Porter for his new bride Florence, the Miss Porter’s House is a freestanding Edwardian terrace building. The Porters ran a business in Hunter Street, immediately behind the house. Herbert and Florence had two daughters, Ella, and Hazel, who lived in the house their whole lives. Unfortunately, Herbert died in the 1919 influenza epidemic at the age of 41.
The last surviving daughter, Hazel died in 1997, since then the house has been cared for by a volunteer Management Committee of the National Trust. The house is unique because it was only occupied by the one family. Unlike most National Trust houses, which have been reburnished to represent a particular time period, Miss Porter’s House has its original furnishings.
Miss Porter’s House
Original Kitchen and Kitchenette
As part of the reconstruction work, following the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, the sisters had the laundry and bathroom reconfigured. The resulting kitchenette contains a small 1935 electric stove.
Containing the old wood fuelled range, the original kitchen also displayed items from the early twentieth century.
Old Moffat Electric Stove
Wood Fired Range in the Kitchen
The Kitchen
Ceilings
The decorated pine wood ceilings are beautiful and a highlight of the building, because of their rarity.
Decorative Ceiling
Decorative Ceiling
Parlour
Green glassware was on display in the parlour, along with 1939 lounge suite. Other furnishings and decorations were Art Deco, along with a 1920s gramophone.
Green Glassware
Upstairs Bedrooms
Two bedrooms make up the upstairs area. Both have the original bed and clothing. Even the receipt for the bedroom furniture was found, the Porters appear to have thrown nothing out.
Located in the Newcastle suburb of Carrington, the hydraulic pump house is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Fortunately, the front of the building has been completed, which means you are able to enjoy this historic building even as works are underway.
Parking is available in Bourke St, just past the entrance to the Newcastle Port Corporation entrance, which is very convenient.
Completed in 1878, the pump house provided hydraulic and later electrical power for cranes loading ships with coal. Decommissioned after the introduction of conveyor loading technology in the late 1960’s the building fell into disrepair. With its internal machinery removed and attendant cranes demolished, it lay abandoned until the current refurbishment.
Port of Newcastle Sign Near the EntranceCarrington Hydraulic Pump HouseFront of the Building with the Blueprint Design in the ForecourtWork Still On-Going on the Back and Sides of the Building
Decorating the forecourt is a giant blueprint of the pumping systems originally installed here. A large section of concrete has been painted blue, with the design etched into it. This unique design added more interest to our visit because we were not expecting it.
Blueprint Design in the Forecourt of the Pump House
This was a fun and easy place to visit and will be even better once the current work is finished.
Situated on the Hunter River approximately 166 kilometres by road north of Sydney and 35 kilometres north-west of Newcastle, Maitland is a city in the Lower Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Located on the New England Highway, it is easy to get to and its heritage and proximity to the Hunter Valley vineyards makes it worth visiting.
The Levee
Running parallel to the Hunter River and encircled by Ken Tubman Drive, The Levee is a hive of activity. It offers a range of entertainment and dining options, a blend of small business and national retail stores. Professional services such as banks, solicitors and accountants are also located here.
The Levee on a Foggy Morning
Street Art at the Levee
Buildings
The city has several historic buildings, and many others with interesting architecture, making them worth searching out. Several excellent walks can be found here, downloadable as PDFs.
Maitland Railway Station
The railway reached Maitland in 1858, having reached East Maitland in 1957. This resulted in the building of the current Italianate style building being built in the 1880s.
This building can be viewed from the carpark, or for a different perspective, climb the pedestrian overpass. This allows you to see it from above, where you can see the top of the building more clearly.
Railway Station
Maitland Post Office
Constructed in 1881 and designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet, the Maitland post office is an example of Victorian Italianate design of stucco on brick. This is characteristic of Barnet’s work, making it a fantastic attraction in the centre of the city.
Maitland Post Office
Clock Tower at the Maitland Post Office
Maitland Post Office
Old Bank of Australasia Building
Built in 1869 and opened on 1st January 1870, this was the third bank constructed in High Street. The design of this building is one of the few colonial examples of Byzantine architecture and is significant for the skilful use of the curve and upper floor verandah. Although substantially altered, it still exhibits many original features making it significant.
Old ANZ Bank Building
St. Mary’s Church
Opened in 1867, St. Mary’s Church has a magnificent stone spire which is a landmark in the town and surrounding area. The building is a fine example of High Victorian Style Gothic architecture. Designed by the celebrated architect Edmund Blackett the building has excellent stone tracery windows and detailing, exhibiting craftsmanship of the highest order.
St Mary’s Anglican Church
Old Synagogue
Ceasing as a place of worship in 1898 the old Synagogue was the first of its kind in Australia. Designed by renowned local architect, John W. Pender it is a simple Victorian Romanesque building. Constructed in 1879 it subsequently served as a co-educational school until 1928, a meeting hall and is now, after restoration, used as a Credit Union office and shopfront.
Former Synagogue
Heritage Mall
Constructed as a Bicentennial Project in 1988 The Heritage Mall in the main commercial centre of Maitland contains many building styles. Best viewed by walking down the centre of the Mall, the history of many buildings can be viewed on their upper floors above the awnings
Johnston’s Boot Store Facade
Old Building Facades
Courthouse
Designed during the transition of Victorian and Federation periods, the Maitland Courthouse is an outstanding building. Designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built in 1895-96, it is Federation Free Classical in style and detailing, using typical Federation materials such as face red brick with contrasting sandstone trim.
Maitland Courthouse
Street by the Court House
Steamfest
Established in 1986, Steamfest pays homage to an industrial steam era and the men and women involved in its operation.
The heart and soul of Steamfest is its impressive assembly of steam trains. While there you can take a ride on one of the many unique train trips visiting various Hunter destinations or simply wander around and enjoy the displays.
Read our full story and see our pictures of Steamfest here.
