1883-10-05tt

One of the prime locations for attendees of the 1883 Great Central Fair in Hamilton was the Crystal Palace.

During the evening of October 4, 1883, the band of the Thirteenth Band played while fairgoers both listened and inspected the many exhibits.

The following word picture composed by a reporter with the Hamilton Spectator captured the scene:

“The interior of the Crystal Palace was resplendent with illumination from the thousand and one gas jets. From the dome to the floor, and in the four wings, the bright light dispelled all shadows, and brought into quick view the magnificent display of industries.

“The many aisles up and down were thronged with young and old, their faces reflecting the happy interest taken in the scene presented.

“Throughout the large building floated the harmony from the Thirteenth Battalion band, causing the steps of the listeners to grow more elastic, and giving a vivacious turn to their conversation and comments on the exhibits.”¹

¹“Great Central Fair: The Second Day Opens Auspiciously”

Hamilton Spectator.    October 11, 1883.

The next day, that same reporter was again on assignment at the Great Central Fair. His report on the third day of the fair’s 1883 run, published in the afternoon edition of the paper flows:

“An immense crowd of people attended the Great Central Fair here today. Although the attendance yesterday was so large, it was quite evident the majority of people were holding back for Thursday, which is looked upon as the best day of the fair. Then hundreds of people from the country kill two birds with one stone by waiting for market day and bringing in their produce and seeing the show in one day – a considerable task by the way.

“It was seen early in the morning that today was the ‘big day of the fair. The railways brought hundreds of sightseers on early trains from Guelph, Brantford, Paris, London, Harrisburg, Elora, Milton, Georgetown, Caledonia, Hagersville and many other towns, and the roads were fairly hued with rigs bringing in farmers from all parts of Wentworth and the adjoining counties.

“In fact, this year’s show has made the Great Central Fair the great rival of the Toronto  exhibition and, as one pleasantly surprised farmer remarked ‘this beats the Provincial and London all hollow.’ ”²

² “Great Central Fair : The Third Day Brings An Immense Crowd”

Hamilton Spectator.  October 5, 1883