
The nine-storey AMP building that MacArthur stayed in was constructed between 1930-34 on the north-eastern corner of Queen and Edward. It wasn't the first AMP building on that site.The previous AMP state headquarters, a three-storey building, had been erected on the same corner in 1885, itself replacing the former Federal Building Society building. Here is a photograph of the first AMP building - notice the earlier version of the Amicus statue on the top of the building (click on the photo if you wish to see a larger image).
(Photo: State Library of Queensland and John Oxley Library; #APE-047-01-0008 )
Readers of earlier posts know that I worked in the AMP building (that would be the top photo, for those among you who were preparing to joke about my age!), and there are lots of stories I could tell about my time there. But as they say in the classics - "What happens in the basement strongroom stays in the basement strongroom!" ;-)
Click here for a Google Map.
tff
Next: Aussie burgers
Readers of earlier posts know that I worked in the AMP building (that would be the top photo, for those among you who were preparing to joke about my age!), and there are lots of stories I could tell about my time there. But as they say in the classics - "What happens in the basement strongroom stays in the basement strongroom!" ;-)
Click here for a Google Map.
tff
Next: Aussie burgers
I also worked in the AMP Building in the early '70s. We changed into uniforms in the basement, and, if I wasn't late for work, would catch the elevator to the 6th floor, and chat to the elevator driver on the way. If I was late, I'd run up the stairs! Every morning, all the women would have to sort mail in the mail room. No email in those days, but we did have a fantastic tube system for routing memos to different departments. Was this left over from MacArthur's day? It does seem very naval.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, the man who usually drove the staff lift only had one leg. I was at regional offices in the very early 70s but came back to work on the second floor.
ReplyDeleteThere would have been around 800 staff in those days. Hard to believe now!
It's great to hear from a former colleague. Thanks for posting.