Here are two reports of the 1882 St Ives Flower Show as published in the Hunts Guardian & East Midland Spectator dated 15 July and 22 July 1882. The second article at the bottom makes a particularly interesting read, being an amazing piece of vitriol from a newspaper clearly peeved at missing out on printing work for the show. You can read a history of the show and access all the links for newspaper articles and other information about the show at Allotment Heaven: St Ives Flower Show from 1876.
If you are doing a family history search and are interested if your ancestor's surname appears as a prizewinner or official, just search for their surname within this page. Because spellings sometimes vary it might be worthwhile using the first few characters for the search. Not sure how to search within this page? For guidance click Allotment Heaven: How to find text within a web page.
15 July 1882
SAINT IVES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
The regular recurrence of this exhibition, each year with increasing attractiveness and widening interest, has now made it one of the permanent institutions of the town - at least we and everybody else hope so. No form of society or festival possesses in itself, to such a wide degree, the power of general attraction; none has those requisites in such abundance to charm and delight a populace of always highly diversified tastes and desires. But even these qualifications are nothing but the raw material out of which to evolve public approbation and a successful exhibition. The first and main qualification is efficient and thorough management. This, it is impossible to deny, the society has had since its establishment. To Messrs. Copley and Chapman the continued growth and uniform success of the movement are in the main undoubtedly due. And their practical knowledge and vigour in management have had the effect which these invariably produce, a good working committee ready to follow up the lead so well set them. The consequence is that the conduct of the Show not only shines in strong contrast with the often miserable spectacles exhibited in the management of other local associations of the town, but it also compares more than favourably with the conduct of flower shows generally throughout the country. Experience and knowledge gained through long years at the Royal Botanical and the Crystal Palace may not be fair evidence in proof of this, but a wide acquaintance with shows both smaller and larger, rural and urban, in various parts of the country, may entitle us to speak with some little authority. The exhibitions at St. Neots and Sandy are the best specimens of such gatherings in our district, and St. ives, after several years experience, must be added to the number.
There is another very important adjunct which has told very strongly in favour of the successful growth of our society. With the incorporation of the town there was given us a leading head and director in all social and town matters, and one of the best uses to which this has been put has been the active support, by successive Mayors, of the Horticultural Society. Nor has the official interest declined as one after another of our townsmen has acquired the official "ex" after his name, so that now, what with the Mayor in possession, and the lengthening string of ex-Mayors, the show has a body of liberal supporters which are sufficient to give it strength, popularity and permanence. This is not only seen in the list of prizes lavishly appearing in the schedules, but in the continued interest which one and all take in the prosperity of the bantling which each in turn has cherished in its childhood.
As a consequence every year sees some new addition made to the prize list, and every addition widens the attractiveness and worth substantiating these remarks, and not a year passes but something is added to the richness and variety of the collection.
Beyond this natural growth which looks healthy, there is nothing specially remarkable about Thursday's exhibition, except that on the whole it was better than most persons anticipated. It is held a fortnight earlier than usual, but except in two or three classes this has not at all militated against its extent or success. The quantity of 'padding' required on the part of non-competitors was very small indeed. The tents looked extremely well, and their contents displayed with taste and skill. Mr. Tillbrook's ferns, which looked remarkably well, were universally admired, and Mr. Gayton helped materially with his resources from The Priory in adding beauty and completeness to the toute ensemble. Mr Barton Giddins exhibited professionally a capital collection of pot plants and flowers which did him great credit, and, in th eperson of Mr. Atherton, Chatteris added very considerably to this thing of beauty and the joy of a day. Messrs. Wood and Ingram had one or two very attractive stands not for competition. Other private additions were also conspicuous in the display.
The amateurs' tent, thus aided, presented a very fine appearance. Here the competition was in some cases keen. The substantial prizes in the open rose classes again produced a lot of fine specimens, the President's prize of five pounds falling this year to a Mr. Cant, whose first appearance it was in St. Ives. The Rev. Mr. Fellowes came second, and all the rose classes were filled well. The local competition in flowers generally had the effect of staging a first-rate display. The vegetable classes were also extremely well filled, the whole exhibits doing infinite credit to the numerous competitors. The exhibits by Messrs. B. Brown, H. Goodman, and other gentlemen excited much interest and admiration, particularly a splendid bunch of grapes grown by Mr. Tillbrook, gardener to the former. This tent was crowded up to the time of dispersal, seven o'clock.
The Cottagers' tent sowed a remarkably good collection. The competition and exhibits were all that could be desired. The show of potatoes was an admirable one, and in carrots and turnips there was unusual excellence. The display of flowers was highly creditable.
It had been in contemplation to have a general bicycle meet on the occasion of the Show, and invitations were sent to numerous clubs, but in every case except two there were previous engagements, consequently this addition to the attractions of the day fell through.
The band engaged was the Kettering volunteer band, and their performance elicited high praise in every direction. They marched through the town playing, previously to going to the ground. Altogether the musicians had a hard day's work, but gave unanimous satisfaction. Mr. J. W. Foster was the conductor.
Refreshments were provided on the ground by Mr. C. Stiles, and his stall appeared to be well patronised.
The flag decoration was efficiently carried out by Messrs. Green and Cope, who after some years in the business appear to understand it pretty well.
That great necessity to a brilliant flower show, a fine day, was doubtful from the first. A slight shower or two in the early morning appeared to betoken rainy weather. As it was the atmosphere during the afternoon was of the most animated and cheerful description, the company including most of the gentry of the town and neighbourhood the contents of the tents being scanned with very great interest.
The grounds were open to the public at five o'clock, and from this time there was a dense crowd, the space being hardly sufficient to accommodate all. As the evening advanced the crowds increased, the great attraction being the dancing, and after that the fireworks. The committee did a wise stroke of business in charging 6d. for the dancing tickets. It kept the lawn free and dancing feasible.
Since the establishment of the Show the fireworks display at night has been one of the most attractive features, and to this year by year the public is indebted to Mr. Henry Goodman, who was Mayor the year of the first display. This department has been carried out by Mr. Wm. Seward with the utmost success and satisfaction, to the delight each year of vast crowds. It is impossible to furnish an exact programme of the display on this occasion, but the following will be found pretty correct. A salute of aerial maroons was followed by a magnificent illumination of the grounds by the Bengal lights, the changing colours producing a beautiful and often weired effect. The set pieces were numerous. beginning with "The Silver Birch Free." Other designs were, "The Falls of Niagra," "The Silver Medallion," "The Fiery Dragon Race," "Ascent of Transformation Shell," "The Wheatsheaf," "The Sultan's Looking-glass, and, greatest novelty of all, "Jumbo.". Between all these were innumerable flights of rockets and other pyrotechnic novelties. It has been the custom to remark that each year's display outshone in brilliance it predecessor, and as this like other acts is always advancing, we may again echo the general opinion. The finale was a new and novel design "for the occasion", representing the rose, shamrock, and thistle, with other features to render it, perhaps, the most brilliant tableaux ever to be witnessed. But the most unfortunate feature of the day, in fact the only damper, was a heavy shower of rain which fell just previous to the display. In consequence the programme above detailed suffered seriously in execution. "Jumbo" kept up his character, and totally refused to move, the Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle design being also a failure The weather soon cleared up, but the grass was wet and the National Anthem was more gladly welcomed than it otherwise would have been.
The arrangements were admirably conducted throughout, and everywhere the opinion was felt and expressed that it was the best exhibition yet seen in St Ives.
We append a complete and full
LIST OF PRIZES-COTTAGERS'
VEGETABLES
CLASS FIRST SECOND THIRD
1 - 12 kidney potatoes 3 0 2 0 1 0
E Harrison W Thompson T Cooper
2 - 12 round potatoes 3 0 2 0 1 0
J Seymour A Wallis W Burton
3 - 12 early rose potatoes 3 0 2 0 1 0
A Coulson D Tabbit W Cox
4 - 12 potatoes, 3 varieties 3 0 2 0 1 0
E Harrison W Thompson W Burton
5 - 4 stlks rhubarb 2 0 1 0 0 6
C King T Clarke T Garner
6 - 30 pods peas 3 0 2 0 1 0
Napp R Howson W Lee II
4th T Johnson 6d
7 - 20 pods broad beans 2 0 1 0 0 6
R Wicks J Seymour H Naylor
8 - 20 pods scarlet runners 2 0 1 0 0 6
No entries
9 - 20 pods French beans 2 0 1 0 0 5
T Garner
10 - 10 onions, spring sown 3 0 2 0 1 0
J Whitlock J Topper W Hicks
11 - 10 onions, autumn sown 3 0 2 0 1 0
E Harrison C Royston J Gibbs
12 - 2 cabbages 2 0 1 0 0 6
A Wallis T Johnston W Burton
13 - 2 cauliflowers 2 0 1 0 0 6
E Harrison T Garner C Hobbs
14 - 10 carrots 2 0 1 0 0 6
G Hurst J Seymour G Smith
15 - 10 turnips 2 0 1 0 0 6
J Topper J Smith C Hobbs
16 - 3 cos lettuces 2 0 1 0 0 6
J Everitt A Richards J Seymour
17 - 3 cabbage lettuces 2 0 1 0 0 6
J Reynolds J Everitt E Harrison
18 - Collection of pot herbs 2 0 1 0 0 6
W Burton C Hobbs E Harrison
19 - Basket of vegetables 5 0 2 6 1 0
W Hicks E Harrison C Hobbs
20 - Basket of salad 3 0 2 0 1 0
J Seymour E Harrison C Hobbs
21 - 2 vegetable marrows 2 0 1 0 0 6
J Reynolds W Hicks E Harrison
22 - 2 ridge cucumbers 2 0 1 0 0 6
No entries:
23 - 12 radishes 1 0 0 6 -
J Seymour
24 - 12 turnip radishes 1 0 0 6 -
J Smith J Everitt
25 - 10 parsnips 2 0 1 0 0 6
G Smith F Tabbitt C Hobbs
26 - 2 heads of celery 2 0 1 0 0 6
C Hobbs W Hicks W Burton
FRUIT
27 - 6 kitchen apples 2 0 1 0 0 6
E Houghton J Turner T Cooper
28 - 6 dessert apples 2 0 1 0 0 6
T Drage C King
29 - 12 gooseberries 2 0 1 0 0 6
H Balls T Cooper S Newman
30 - 1/2lb gooseberries, flavour 2 0 1 0 0 6
A Coulson W Hicks S Stocker
31 - 12 strawberries 2 0 1 0 0 6
W Hicks A Coulson W Burton
32 - Dish of red currants 2 0 1 0 0 6
W Hicks T Stocker C Course
33 - Dish of white currants 2 0 1 0 0 6
S Newman W Hicks H Balls
34 - Dish of black currants 2 0 1 0 0 6
W Saunders A Coulson T Garner
35 - Dish of raspberries 2 0 1 0 0 6
A Coulson C King T Cooper
FLOWERS IN POTS
36 - 1 mimulus 2 0 1 0 0 6
A Jeffs G Smith J Seymour
37 - 2 variegated geraniums 2 0 1 0 -
E Harrison S Chamber
38 - 2 plain geraniums 2 0 1 0 -
E Harrison S Chambers
39 - 2 pelargoniums 2 0 1 0 -
C Hobbs E Harrison
40 - 2 calceolarias, yellow 2 0 1 0 -
E Harrison S Chambers
41 - 2 calceolarias, various 2 0 1 0 -
S Chambers E Harrison
42 - 1 cactus 2 0 1 0 0 6
S Chambers C Green
43 - 2 fuschias, various 3 0 2 0 1 0
H Fordham G Smith
44 - 1 fuschia 2 0 1 0 0 6
G Smith J Toller
45 - 3 window plants, various 3 0 2 0 1 0
H Clarke C Hobbs G Everett
46 - 2 balsams 2 0 1 0 -
C Hobbs
47 - Hanging plant 2 0 1 0 -
J Ibbott J Everitt
48 - 1 fern 1 6 1 0 -
J Everitt A Jeffs
49 - 1 pot of musk 2 0 1 0 0 6
E Harrison A Jeffs E Clarke
50 - 1 pot of mignonettee 2 0 1 0 0 6
A Jeffs E Harrison C Hobbs
51 - Collection of plants 3 0 2 0 1 0
A Jeffs E Harrison H Clarke
52 - Best single specimen plant 2 0 - -
A Jeffs
CUT FLOWERS
53 - 3 marigolds 2 0 1 0 -
C Hobbs W Burton
54 - 2 verbenas 2 0 1 0 -
C Hobbs A Jeffs
55 - 3 carnations 2 0 1 0 -
E Harrison S Chambers
56 - 3 picotees 2 0 1 0 -
E Harrison S Chambers
57 - 3 stocks 2 0 1 0 -
S Newman J Whitlock
58 - 3 sweet williams 2 0 1 0 -
J Whitlock T Garner
59 - 3 phloxes 2 0 1 0 -
J Whitlock
60 - 3 double zinnias 2 0 1 0 -
J Whitlock E Harrison
61 - 3 single zinnias 2 0 1 0 -
No entries
62 - 3 hollyhocks 2 0 1 0 -
No entries
63 - Nosegay of garden flowers 3 0 2 0 1 0
H Balls E Clarke S Newman
64 - Wildflowers, girls 3 0 2 0 1 0
H Seymour R Adams S Shelton
65 - Wildflowers, boys 3 0 2 0 1 0
W Inglett J Hobbs W Wailis
66 - 3 cut roses 3 0 2 0 1 0
S Chambers C Hobbs S Newman
67 - 3 dahlias 2 0 1 0 -
S Chambers
68 - 6 varieties cut flowers 3 0 2 0 1 0
J Whitlock C Hobbs S Chambers
69 - 3 pansies 2 0 1 0 -
J Whitlock J Seymour
SINGING BIRDS
70 - Canary, green 2 0 1 0 -
C Hobbs E Harrison
71 - Canary, yellow 2 0 1 0 -
E Harrison J Harrison
72 - Canary, buff 2 0 1 0 -
E Harrison J Harrison
73 - Canary, marked 2 0 1 0 -
J Harrison E Harrison
74 - Bullfinch 2 0 1 0 -
W Cowell
75 - Linnet 2 0 1 0 -
S Newman J Golding
76 - Blackbird 2 0 1 0 -
No entries
77 - Thrush 2 0 1 0 -
C Maile J Sarjant
78 - Collection of birds 4 0 2 0 -
J Harrison E Harrison
79 - Blest glass of honey 3 0 1 6 -
No entries
80 - Dish of potatoes, special prize given by F. Bailey, Esq. of Cambridge, 4/- W Thompson
81 3 varieties of potatoes 5 0 - -
E Harrison
82 - 3 varieties of peas 3 0 - -
J Whitlock
83 - 2 varieties of onions 3 0 - -
E Harrison
84 - Nosegay of wild flowers 3 0 - -
T Seymour
Allotment cultivation - 1st, 10/-, S Chambers, jun.; 2nd, 7/6, W Cox; 3rd, 5/-, C Hobbs; 4th, 2/6, J Everitt
AMATEURS
CLASS FIRST SECOND
1 - 6 Kitchen apples 2 0 1 0
E M Norris A Fear
2 - 6 Dessert " 2 0 1 0
A Fear C E Greene
3 - Dish raspberries, half lb 2 0 1 0
R Hewlins Rev Carroll
4 - " red currants, " 2 0 1 0
M C Culpin A Fear
5 - " white " " 2 0 1 0
C E Greene T Knights
6 - " black " " 2 0 1 0
J Knights W Woods
7 - " cherries, one lb 2 0 1 0
R M Copley H Goodman
8 - 12 strawberries 2 0 1 0
A Fear R M Copley
9 - 12 gooseberries 2 0 1 0
W Woods A Fear
10 - Half lb " for flavour 2 0 1 0
R J Smith W Woods
VEGETABLES
11 - 12 kidney potatoes 3 0 2 0
W Woods R M Copley
12 - 12 round " 3 0 2 0
R Hewlins R M Copley
13 - 12 early rose (or any red var.) 3 0 2 0
M C Culpin S Chambers
14 - 20 pods of peas 2 0 1 0
R J Smith S Chambers
15 - 20 " broad beans 2 0 1 0
S Chambers R J Smith
16 - 20 " french " 2 0 1 0
S Chambers R M Copley
17 - 20 " scarlet runners 2 0 1 0
No entries
18 - 10 spring onions 2 0 1 0
A Adams C E Greene
19 - 10 autumn " 2 0 1 0
M C Culpin S Chambers
20 - 3 cabbage lettuces 2 0 1 0
S Chambers R M Copley
21 - 3 cos " 2 0 1 0
Rev C Hoskyns W Hewson
22 - 3 heads celery, white 2 0 1 0
W W Warner R M Copley
23 - 3 " pink 2 0 1 0
R M Copley C E Greene
24 - 2 cucumbers 3 0 1 0
H Goodman A Fear
25 - 1 cucumber 2 0 1 0
R Carroll H Goodman
26 - 2 cauliflowers 2 0 1 0
- W W Warner
27 - 10 carrots 2 0 1 0
A Adams W Hewson
28 - 10 turnips 2 0 1 0
E G Bevan S Chambers
29 - 10 parsnips 2 0 1 0
C E Greene R Hewlins
30 - 4 stalks of rhubarb 2 0 1 0
R J Smith C E Greene
31 - 2 vegetable marrows 2 0 1 0
Rev Carroll C E Greene
FLOWERS IN POTS
32 - 5 fuschias, various 4 0 2 0
W W Warner H Goodman
33 - 3 " " 3 0 1 6
H Goodman -
34 - 1 fuschia 2 0 1 0
H Goodman W W Warner
35 - 3 zonal geraniums, single, var. 3 0 1 6
H Goodman G Chapman
36 - " double, " 3 0 1 6
W W Warner H Goodman
37 - 6 balsams, not less than 3 varieties
3 0 1 6
H Goodman -
38 - 3 " various 2 0 1 0
No entries
39 - 6 coleus, not less than 3 vars. 3 0 1 6
W W Warner J A Baker
40 - 3 " various 2 0 1 0
W W Warner J A Baker
41 - 6 plants, in bloom 3 0 1 6
H Goodman -
42 - 1 plant 2 0 1 0
Miss Wadsworth J A Baker
43 - 3 petunias 3 0 1 6
G Chapman -
44 - 3 begonias 3 0 1 6
G Chapman -
45 - 6 ferns 3 0 1 6
W W Warner Mrs Goodman
46 - 3 " 2 0 1 0
No entries
47 - 1 fern 1 0 -
G Chapman J A Baker
48 - 6 foliage plants, ferns excluded
3 0 1 6
No entries
49 - 1 pot of mignonette 2 0 1 0
No entries
50 - 1 " musk 2 0 1 0
J A Baker G Chapman
51 - 6 german stocks, or cut, not less than 3 varieties
3 0 1 6
R M Copley H Goodman
52 - 3 german stocks, various 2 0 1 0
R M Copley A Fear
CUT FLOWERS
53 - 6 carnations, not less than 3 vars.
3 0 1 6
A Gifford -
54 - 3 " various 2 0 1 0
G Norris -
55 - 6 picotees, not less than 3 vars. 3 0 1 0
No entries -
56 - 3 " various 2 0 1 0
No entries
57 - 6 roses, distinct varieties 4 0 2 0
R M Copley W Woods
58 - 3 " " 2 0 1 0
G N Day W Woods
59 - 6 tea and noisette roses, distinct varieties
4 0 2 0
R M Copley E G Bevan
60 - 3 " "
2 0 1 0
Rev Carroll -
61 - 6 trusses sweet williams, not less than 3 varieties
3 0 1 6
A Gifford - Mayson
62 - 3 " " various
2 0 1 0
J Knights T Knights
63 - 6 doub;le zinnias, not less than 3 varieties
3 0 1 6
R M Copley -
64 - 6 french marigolds 3 0 1 6
No entries
65 - 3 " 2 0 1 0
No entries
66 - 6 african marigolds 3 0 1 6
No entries
67 - 3 " 2 0 1 0
No entries
68 - 6 varieties cut flowers 3 0 1 6
H Goodman Mrs Baker
69 - 6 " " herbaceous plants
3 0 1 6
A Gifford R M Copley
70 - 6 " herbaceous pyrethrums
3 0 1 6
A Gifford -
71 - 6 penstemons 2 0 1 0
R M Copley A Gifford
72 - 6 phloxes, not less than 3 vars.
3 0 1 6
A Gifford -
73 - 3 dahlias, various 2 0 1 6
One entry, but disqualified
74 - 6 verbenas, not less than 3 vars.
2 0 1 0
T King -
75 - 6 pansies, various 2 0 1 0
A Gifford -
76 - Basket of cut flowers, not tied to supports
5 0 2 6
Miss Wadsworth Mrs T King
77 - Hand bouquet, not exceeding. 9 in.
5 0 2 6
Mrs T King Miss Wadsworth
78 - Table decorations, 1 stand
7 6 4 0
Miss Wadsworth E L Wadsworth
(Wild Flowers for Children under 15.)
1st. 2nd. 3rd.
79 - Hand bouquet 3 0 2 0 1 0
F Copley E Woods A Knights
80 - Basket of cut flowers 3 0 2 0 1 0
Nellie Barton Agnes Copley E Woods
81 - Table decorations, 1 stand 3 0 2 0 1 0
Miss Grove Miss Bedford Miss Copley
SPECIAL PRIZES.
(Open to members of the Society only.)
82 - 12 distinct varieties of Roses:
1st, given by T. King, Esq., £1/1 - R M Copley
2nd, by Treasurer, 10/6 - E J Atherton
Open classes for Roses to all England, nurserymen included.)
83 - 24 distinct varieties of Roses:
1st, by Preiident, F. Warren, Esq., £5 - R B Cant
2nd, by Vice-Pres., T. Knights, Esq., £2 - H Frettingham
3rd, by do., do., £1 - Wood & Ingram
84 - 12 distinct varieties of Roses:
1st, by J. Wadsworth, Esq., £2 - R B Cant
2nd, by do., £1 - Rev Fellowes
(To all England, Amateurs Only.)
85 - 12 distinct varieties of Roses:
1st, by E. G. Bevan, Esq., £2/2 - Rev Fellowes
2nd, by Thos. King, Esq., £1/1 - J Smallbone
(To all England, nurferymen included)
* * * The following prizes were all given by the President.
86 - 12 stove and greenhouse plants - 1st, £1/10, E J Atherton; 2nd, 15/-, F Warren
87 - Bunch black grapes - 1st, 7/-, No entries
88 - Bunch white grapes - 1st, 7/-, B Brown
89 - Melon - 1st, 4/-, H Goodman; 2nd 2/-, E G Bevan
90 - 6 peaches - 1st, 5/-, Wood & Ingram
91 - 6 nectarines - 1st, 5/-, Wood & ingram
92 - 6 apricots - 1st, 5/-, B Brown
22 July 1882
* * *
We did not wish to interfere last week with a full and candid report of the St. Ives Flower Show, but there is a question connected with its management which we have been advised is our duty to mention. Local institutions flourish by local support, and the broader their basis the greater their strength. The ingredients of personal favour or spite, of party animosity, are poisonous elements which no association can permit and live. The body of gentlemen who usually compose the management of town societies are fully aware of this in St. Ives as anywhere else, and would as sternly as anyone repudiate any introduction of favour or pique. We have been asked over and over again, how it is that the HUNTS GUARDIAN printing office, has always been excluded from any of the work attached to the annual exhibition of the Horticultural Society. There is a considerable amount of printing required, and the society being well supported by the whole town, why is this spirit of exclusiveness and partiailty shown here and nowhere else, and directed against an institution which, to say the least, by its existence adds to the dignity and importance of the town. In previous years we have been indifferent to the slight, nor would it be mentioned now only that it is one of those curious studies which puzzle some people and make others indignant. If it is the work of one or two only, then the body of the society will feel itself insulted at being innocent supporters and abettors of what is unfair and unreasonable. At St. Neots, and everywhere else, the printing of the show is pretty equally divided between the printers of the town. If it is unreasonable to expect the same fairness in St. Ives, we shall not care; at least we have done our duty in exposing any instance of petty meanness which cannot but have its influence on the good sense and love of fair play in any community.
No comments:
Post a Comment