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The Cronkhite Pavilion is the oldest surviving building from the Washington County fair when it was held at the fairgrounds in Fort Edward (1872-1933). The original fairgrounds were purchased from Amasa Howland by the “Washington Park Association”. The Association was composed of citizens from Fort Edward and Sandy Hill who wished to attract the fair to the vicinity.
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The building was used at the Washington County Fair as a dining hall. At that time it was called Bancroft’s dining hall. Today the restored building houses the Cronkhite Pavilion Exhibit. The History of Fort Edward and Hudson Falls (Sandy Hill) is depicted from the first peoples to inhabit the area some 8000 years ago up to the early twentieth century. The exhibit features the railroads, the Champlain canal, Fort Edward’s cultural history including the Bradley Opera house, as well as the many industries that flourished in the area such as pottery and paper manufacturing. Scale model replicas of French and Indian war fortification Fort Edward and Rogers Island barracks and hospital are displayed in the exhibit |
| The building is named in honor of James Cronkhite, former President of the Fort Edward Historical Association and long time board member for the association. Mr. Cronkhite was active in many local historical organizations in Washington County. He was primarily responsible for getting the Old Fort House placed on the National Register of Historic Places |  |