Learn about these amazing NB-born architects!
The Albert County Historical Society & Museum are proud to announce a Heritage Talk that will be taking place on Saturday, August 21st from 2-4 pm in the Albert County Court House. This Heritage Talk will share the history of the Reid Brother Architects who were born and raised in Harvey, and their accomplishments as celebrated architects who built many of the iconic buildings in San Francisco including the first Fairmont Hotel. Guest presenter will be Architectural Historian John Leroux. A light reception will follow in the Hopewell Cape Community Hall. (Please note that masks will be required in the Court House to ensure public safety.)
Those who love Albert County likely know of the Riverside Consolidated School and Victoria Manor in Riverside-Albert, or the Albert County Court House in Hopewell Cape, all designed by architect Watson Reid. But did you know that Watson and his older brothers James and Merritt, who were all natives of nearby Harvey, distinguished themselves as one of the most respected teams of architects in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries? Together they designed some of the most famous and beautiful structures in California, including the 1888 Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, and the "Call Building" in San Francisco, the first skyscraper in the western US.
Architectural historian John Leroux will give an illustrated presentation on the fascinating work of the Reids, which not only touches the older history of California and Albert County, New Brunswick, but he'll show how it also weaves through the lives of such icons as Marilyn Monroe and Willie O'Ree.