The Corporation of the County of Prince Edward first published this booklet in 1997 at the unveiling of the building’s ceremonial plaque. The history of the Picton Fairgrounds from the 1800’s to the construction of the replica structure in 1890 and it’s subsequent reconstruction are the focus of Taylor’s booklet.
Many of The County’s most notable architectural structures are replicated in Birdhouse City, including The Crystal Palace. Built in 1890 by F. T. Wright based on a plan by Andrew Irving, the building still stands on the Picton Fairgrounds on Main Street East. Picton’s Crystal Palace was inspired by the original Crystal Palace created by Sir Joseph Paxton in 1851 for the Great Exhibition in London England. Paxton’s design of expansive glass was inspired by his work with greenhouses. Following the Great Exhibition, “Crystal Palaces” sprang up throughout the world including New York City and locally in Napanee and Kingston. Sadly many have been demolished and ours is now one of the few original Crystal Palaces remaining in the world.
Author: David R. Taylor
Year Published: 1997
# of pages: 16
Retail: $3.00
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