Question #1
Which Victorian Era company started in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, revolutionized a product that was commonly worn by people in the famous Public Gardens skating rink? Please name the company and the product.

Clue: This company closed its doors permanently in 1996.

Answer #1: Starr Manufacturing Company, Spring Skate

Interesting link: https://historicnovascotia.ca/items/show/38 

Question #2
What symbol of luxury and affluence in the 1700s and throughout the Victorian Era is grown in the Public Gardens greenhouses and transplanted outside in summer for everyone to enjoy? This item is today widely available at an affordable price.

Clue: It can also be found incorporated into the wrought iron of the main gate of the Gardens.

Answer #2: Pineapple

Interesting link: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/65506/super-luxe-history-pineapples-and-why-they-used-cost-8000

Question #3
Who was the prominent individual born January 6, 1826, in Germany who designed one of the most iconic and well-used structures in the Public Gardens to this day? Please name the person and the structure.

Answer #3:  Henry Busch designed the bandstand.

About  Henry link:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Busch

Question #4
What three famous beauties arrived in 1874 at Corbett’s Wharf in Halifax, and still charm visitors to the Public Gardens with their everlasting grace and stature? You must name all three.

Bonus Question: Can you name the individual who paid for their journey to Halifax?

Answer #4:  Ceres, the Roman goddess representing agriculture and fertility; Flora, the goddess of flowers and spring; and Diana, the goddess of the woodland and wild animals.

Sir William Young officially sent  money  to uniack to purchase the statues.

Interesting link: http://bluediamondtours.com/blog/goddess-diana-is-returning/

Question #5
What individuals were tasked with clearing snow from the outdoor skating rink originally on Griffin’s Pond?

Clue: A certain store on Windsor Street takes its name from a Victorian Era structure and is in the business of selling “merriments”.

Answer #5:  Prisoners from rock head.

Interesting link: https://historicnovascotia.ca/items/show/35

Bonus Question

Which relative of Queen Victoria (whose namesake is in the Public Gardens) visited the Maritimes for a short period of five weeks? Name the individual and who ‘he’ was.

Clue: He was not her husband.

Bonus Answer: Prince Alfred, second son and fourth child of Queen Victoria 

Interesting link: http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/victoria