Manufacturer
RED STAR NEWS CO.
"Reid's Crystal Hall Collapse London, Ont."
Date1907
Dimensions8.8 x 14 cm
Credit LineGift of Miss. Edna Meyers, London, Ontario, 1976.
Object number1976.053.402L
Label TextThis postcard features an image of the collapse of London china and crockery merchant W. J. Reid’s Crystal Hall on July 16, 1907. The collapse of the structure killed seven, not eight people. For decades, this glass and crockery retail and wholesale business had sold a wide range of goods. In 1907, Reid leased part of the building to Peter Smirlie, who planned to open a bowling alley and billiards hall. Against his builders’ advice, Smirlie added windows and replaced the main floor’s centre wall with iron pillars. London had no building inspectors to prevent the changes. Investigators did not blame anyone for the disaster. London hired its first building inspector not long after.
NamePostcard
Before 1907
The Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. Ltd.
1916
W.J. REID & CO.
1875-1877