GRGR Kristallnacht

[Michael Perez]

Mark wrote:
"That's 'fall of A crystal palace' (emphasis added), A as in a single
unspecified member of a set with many members.  The set of almost all
major 19th century train stations, or more specifically, great railway
termini, which typically consisted of the shelter over the tracks
(glass roof supported by girders dating quite literally from the reign
of Victoria) behind a huge masonry 'headhouse' structure with railway
offices, waiting rooms, etc on the lower floors and a sizable hotel
above.  In the blackout of WWII, the glass was generally painted over
both to keep light from shining up through but also to keep moonlight
from reflecting up to guide enemy planes above. The glass 'would let
the light of day through' except that it is painted over.  Some of
these glazed roofs remain painted over to this day. 

"THE crystal palace was the structural prototype for dozens, or even
hundreds, of similarly structured railway stations throughout the
world."

True.  The only reason THE Crystal Palace is a probable reference - and
I think we should remember this is a dream image - is that the
remaining two towers had been dismantled in 1940 specifically because
it was feared that they would be easy targets.  The evacuation of
London was also expedited due to the fear that the city would be
hardest hit by the vengeance weapons.

BTW, I'm having fun, too.  Thinking never hurt anyone.  Neither did a
good friendly debate.


Michael
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