Ophir was a gold town – named for the fabulous gold mine mentioned in the Bible where the Queen of Sheba obtained Gold for King Solomon. Charles Black discovered gold here in 1863 and in three months thousands of miners swarmed into the area. An estimated 34kg (1200oz) was taken out of Ophir. After reading an article in a motor-home magazine about the tiny, historic Ophir Post Office, I knew we had to add the village to our “must see” list. Not only is the Ophir Post Office a charming little building, it is also an operational Post Office, open for 3 hours a day. Built in 1886 in schist masonry and plaster quoins, the building still has most of its Victorian fittings.
Up the garden path behind the Post Office is the Ophir Jail, built in 1900. This was relocated in 2002 after a fundraising campaign to purchase the old building.
Pitches Store was originally part grocery shop and part butchers shop. John Pitches was remembered as a charitable man who was a prominent member of the community. This building is currently being restored and will have a new life as bar, restaurant and accommodation.
Many a dispute over mining claims, water rights and land titles were held in this courthouse. The building, constructed in 1884, is made of pointed and dressed stone, with the front of the building plastered over.
The village of Ophir used to be the centre of the district with many stores, a school, cottage hospital, a couple of hotels and churches. Sadly, the population dwindled away with the gold, and many of the old buildings were just left. But life is returning to this historic village, with many of the early local schist and mud brick buildings being restored. If you are passing by, be sure to stop off and wander the main street of this pretty little village with it’s golden past.
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