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| VICTORIA HOUSE - The building erected by Great
Britain at Jackson Park did not commend itself favorably to either
the taste or the pride of Americans. It was thought that the
mother-country might wisely have made a more imposing if less
enduring monument of her good-will; and it is not likely that the
feelings thus aroused, and heightened in the striking contrasts
afforded by Germany, strengthened the
bonds of friendship which were felt by the English Commissioners, for
Victoria House got the name of being an exclusive place, where the
public hours were short, and the public itself somewhat unwelcome.
The structure, which is here elegantly illustrated, was a red-brick
half timber cottage in the style of Henry VIII, designed by Col.
Edis. In front was the Albert Memorial
group, elsewhere portrayed. Lake Michigan is seen beyond the
building, showing that it stood very near the granite-paved beach.
Upon entering at the front door, a line of ropes pushed the visitor
through a fine library, along the side of a luxuriously furnished
room whose furniture was for sale, and directly to the side door from
which visitors are seen issuing, having passed but a few moments in
the interior. Offices of the Commissioners occupied the portions of
the house not opened to the public, and Sir Henry Trueman Wood was
the dignitary of most consequence who appeared in the British
visitation. Area, one hundred and twenty by sixty feet. Cost,
$80,000. |
