125 Years of Shimla GPO Building

Recently on July 6, 2008, a special cover was released by H.P. Postal Circle, Shimla on '125 years of Shimla GPO Building'. It is a very beautiful building. Shimla is known all over the world as a famous and one of the most beautiful hill stations.In this rainy season you can see the clouds moving around you while roaming at the Ridge.You can catch it too but can't see however others can see you playing with the clouds from a distance. Isn't it very fascinating ? Besides its natural beauty it has many important historical places too, being the summer capital of Britishers .For the philatelists, Shimla GPO Building may be of special interest. So whenever you visit this beautiful hill station, never forget to have a look at this magnificent building. In the second part of this post I have the recent M/S of Indo-China Joint issue, so kindly sent by our most distinguished reader Mr. Vinod Sabharwal of New Delhi. Please go through the Post and have a wonderful holiday !

History of Shimla GPO

The General Post Office, situated on the Mall Shimla, is one of the oldest Post Offices in the country. The building known as Conny Cottage was purchased from Mr. Peterson, Manager of the Shimla Bank in 1883. Mr. F. Dalton is believed to have been the first Postmaster. Mr. L.G. Pigott was the last English Postmaster till December 1946. Mr. A.K. Hazari became the first Postmaster of Indian origin on 01.01.1947. The three - storeyed, mainly wooden, structure is a nice example of English hill architecture. Prior to acquisition for the Post Office, the building had some exclusive shops of some European tailors like Engelbad & Co. and the Coutts & Co. Some portion of the building, damaged by fire in the year 1972, was renovated, maintaining the original facade. In the year 1992, the GPO was declared as one of the Heritage Post Office Buildings in the country.

India- China Joint Issue

Date of Issue : 11 July 2008