Lost Victoria: Story of the Crystal Palace

Historian and heritage consultant Stuart Stark launched his book The B.C. Agricultural Association Exhibition Building at the Willows with a reading Friday at the Oak Bay Library.

The book and launch are about celebrating the beauty and history of an iconic Oak Bay building that nobody alive today had the chance to experience.

Stark weaves historical tales of horse races and agricultural dreams to bring to life the story of the impressive Exhibition Building at Willows, known as the “Crystal Palace,” that was built in 1891 (in a heroic 65 days) and that tragically burned down in 1907. Stark shares that the great oak that stood at the gates to the exhibition grounds, still stands today in Oak Bay – a marker to what once was.

Hosted by Oak Bay Heritage, Oak Bay Archives, and the Greater Victoria Public Library, the book launch included a cake cutting that saw Mayor Nils Jensen and Stuart Stark cutting a replica of the book cover.

Honoured to intro 'Mr. Heritage' Stuart Stark as he launches his superb new book Lost Victoria a story of the Oak Bay Agricultural Exhibition Building (Critics say the edible edition was particularly delicious!) pic.twitter.com/WoMf0XhS3D

— Nils Jensen (@MayorNils) December 16, 2017