Historic Library Building
At the heart of Main Street stands one of Hartland’s most recognizable landmarks, the former Hartland Post Office, now home to the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library. Constructed in 1912 by the Federal Government, it was part of a nationwide effort to bring impressive architecture to small towns, giving them a sense of permanence and pride. Its Romanesque design, with thick red brick walls, arched windows, and a tower that proudly holds a four-faced clock, was meant to show strength, authority, and connection to the wider world.
When it first opened, the building quickly became a hub of daily life. The train came through twice a day, one downriver and one upriver, bringing in the town’s mail. Everyone in Hartland knew the schedule and could tell you when to expect the mail based on how long they thought it would take to sort. Waiting for mail turned into a social event. Neighbours gathered on the steps to catch up on local news, share stories, and read the latest notices posted on the walls. During the war years, those walls carried not only local announcements but also posters promising adventure, romance, and patriotic duty through military service.
The post office steps were where many of Hartland’s most significant announcements were made. It was here that the Mayor read proclamations marking Canada’s entry into the war, the town’s incorporation in 1918, and on September 22, the Proclamation by King George VI calling men to service. The “Call to Arms” was read from these very steps, echoing down Main Street and into the hearts of families who knew that life was about to change.
During both World Wars, the post office became far more than a place to send and receive mail. It was a daily destination, a vital connection between Hartland and its soldiers overseas. Letters carried news, love, and hope, easing the anxiety of families and providing a sense of normalcy amid uncertainty. For many, the sight of the postmaster’s hand reaching into the mailbag meant the world. The building became a symbol of connection and comfort, a reminder that the community stood together no matter the distance.
The building’s distinctive clock tower remains one of Hartland’s proudest features. Installed in 1913 by local jeweler and clockmaker Tom Thistle, the clock was built by J. Smith & Sons of Derby, England, a company known for precision craftsmanship. Its chimes once echoed across town in fifteen-minute intervals, marking the rhythm of community life. For more than a century, it has continued to remind residents that time in Hartland moves with both purpose and tradition.
Architecturally, the post office stands apart from its surroundings. The balanced square structure, three-storey tower, and semi-arched windows create a stately presence on the west side of Main Street. Its basement once held a steam heating plant and coal room, which kept the building warm through long New Brunswick winters. The circular stairwell that winds from the basement to the second floor still hints at the care and craftsmanship of the original builders, J. W. and C. J. Smalley of East Florenceville.
Beyond its walls, this building has been a steady witness to Hartland’s history. It watched soldiers depart for war, children line up for stamps and letters from loved ones, and townspeople gather to share news and ideas. Its transformation into a library brought new life to the space, turning what was once a hub of communication into a hub of learning. Today, the Dr. Walter Chestnut Library carries on that tradition of connection, offering not just books, but community programs, research opportunities, and a welcoming space for all ages.
From the early days of letter writing to today’s digital world, the old Hartland Post Office has stood as a reminder that stories, ideas, and community spirit always find a way to travel. Its clock still keeps time for the town, and its walls still hold the warmth of generations who passed through its doors.