What I did this past weekend

**The Wizard of BC** · 27th January 11, 04:44 PM

I got a PM from a member asking about the building that the Bridal Fair was held in so I thought I would let everyone in on a little piece of history here in Victoria.

The Building is called "The Crystal Garden". It is just behind and used to be a part of The Empress Hotel. Back in its heyday it as an indoor pool. There were tea rooms and a ballroom attached. It was the social center of the city around WWI till after WWII.

The pool which was a concrete raft floating on a filled in bay was heated with the excess steam from the laundry of the hotel.

In this pool on 9 July 1922, Johnny Weissmuller broke the record set by Duke Kahanamoku in the 100 meter freestyle. This led to Weissmuller eventually joining the US Olympic team and later to his becoming Tarzan of movie fame.

**Jack Daw** · 27th January 11, 05:01 PM

Great photos, Steve. What I like about vmac's I-capes is that the cape part does not drape too low. Excellent.

**longhuntr74** · 27th January 11, 06:03 PM

Steve...my hat is off to you. Even though you own your own business, I note that you are wearing kilts and other Scottish attire made by the likes of Barb T. and Vmac!! What a testament to being an honest and fair individual.

**The Wizard of BC** · 27th January 11, 06:15 PM

And my belts come from Steve Frasier at Oconee, My sporran straps from Robert at RKilts. Much of my fabric comes from Burnett's & Struth.

I know quality when I see it.

**CDNSushi** · 27th January 11, 06:15 PM

Nice! Thanks for sharing. In addition, I was happy to also recognize our forum's kiltedwolfman and his lovely wife. I trust you guys are well in your "new" home on the coast.

Slowly, as time goes on I may yet meet more Xmarkers in person -- but it looks like you all had a fantastic time!