Octagon Building during the off-season at the Erie County Fairgrounds, c. 1980's.Not clear in the image above are the windows, shuttered against the
elements .
Octagon Building during the off-season at the Erie County Fairgrounds, c. 1980's.Not clear in the image above are the windows, shuttered against the
elements .
Built in 1885 by Hoffman & Getz for the Erie County Agricultural Society on its new permanent fairgrounds, the above
octagon-shaped building was constructed as a "Women's Department" for $$2,037.50 (
$41,819.86 in 2005 dollars).
The shape proved efficient for the type of walking traffic that a fair generates, with maxiumum display space around its
large, eight-sided room.
The octagon building endures as one of the most recognizable features of "America's Fair" in Hamburg. It was used from the
1940's
until
recently for
Health & Social Services exhibits, having been moved from its original location near the east end of the
clubhouse to the Avenue of the Americas. In 2006 it is labeled "The Antique Mall."