St Ives Flower Show 1886

Here are several newspaper items about the 1886 St Ives Flower Show. The first is a letter published about the Show in the Hunts Guardian dated 6 August 1886, the second the report of the Show from the same edition. Finally there's an article printed in the Hunts County News dated 14 August 1886 about the Godmanchester Flower Show which mentions the St Ives Show.

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 how to search for text within a web page.

Friday, August 6th, 1886

FIREWORKS AT THE FLOWER SHOW

We have received the following letter:-

Dear Sir, - The display of fireworks at the flower show is the annual gift of Mr. Henry Goodman. The portrait of this gentleman in a set piece next year would give infinitely more pleasure than did that of "Ally Sloper" last week. The success attending this annual gathering is in no little degree due to the kindness of Mr. Goodman; hence this suggestion to the Committee of Management gratis. - Yours, IVO.

Friday, August 6th, 1886

FLOWER SHOW AT ST. IVES

Fine weather, suitable grounds, a good band, first-class exhibits, a large attendance and pretty costumes, these may fairly be described as the essentials of a thoroughly successful flower- show. All these were to be found at St. Ives on Thursday afternoon. The weather in the afternoon was superb, although a shower of rain fell early in the evening this did not prevent at least five thousand people from thronging the beautiful grounds of Mr. Hy. Goodman, to watch the dancing on the spacious lawn, to listen to the stirring strains of the band and to witness the excellent display of fireworks which terminate the evening’s amusement. With regard to the show itself, it is only necessary to repeat the words of one of the judges, who asserted that so universally good were the exhibits that, taking the show as a whole, it would be difficult to speak of it in too high terms of praise. The society has now been established for eleven years, and it was generally agreed that this year’s exhibition far surpassed all its predecessors. The rapid progress which the last few years has shown is due in the first place to the generosity of Mr. H. Goodman, who, in addition to placing his grounds at the disposal of the committee, always provides a really good display of fireworks at his own cost; secondly, to the excellent manner in which all the details are arranged and carried out by the committee of management and other officials; and, lastly, to the hearty manner in which all classes, amateur growers and cottagers alike. work together in order to make the show a success.

St. Ives has no Bank Holiday because of its market being held on a Monday; and this fact will, perhaps, explain why the flower show is made the excuse for a general holiday in the town. On Thursday business was suspended at two o’clock; and, large numbers of people coming in from the surrounding district, the grounds soon presented a very animated appearance. It was in the evening, however, that the scene showed at its best and brightest; after five o’clock there was no charge for admission, and all St. Ives, reinforced by long trains full of visitors from Huntingdon, Cambridge, March and other places, were present. The large lawns were thrown into one, a charge of 6d. being made for admission to the special enclosure thus formed. Here dancing  was indulged in by hundreds of the visitors, to the music of the band of the 1st. Cambs. Rifle Volunteers. As dusk approached, the lawns were illuminated by many-coloured lights arranged in various devices, and by numerous Chinese lanterns in groups, and in strings crossing and recrossing above the heads of the dancers; the whole producing an effect half-recalling the picturesqueness of an Oriental scene. And the dancing crowds, whirling to the waltz, polka or schottische added to the illusion.

Shortly before nine o’clock a fire balloon ascended, and this appeared to be the signal for the commencement of the fireworks, which were as usual provided by Mr. Jos. Wells, of St. George’s Road, Southwark. The display was an excellent one, some of the set pieces being extremely good. The one which created the greatest amusement was undoubtedly an enormous portrait of the notorious “Ally Sloper”, loud burst of laughter being evoked by the grotesque manner in which he repeatedly took a pull from his well known bottle; “Cousin Evelina” in the meantime looking admiringly on. The whole concluded with the loyal motto, “Long love the Queen,” which died away amid a final flight of rockets and hearty bursts of cheering.

The exhibits were contained in three large tents, devoted respectively to the cottagers', amateurs' and open classes, whilst in a fourth tent refreshments were provided by Mr. Charles A. Stilles of St Ives. The entries in the cottagers' classes were very good, both in point of numbers and quality, and, considered collectively, they were far above average. The vegetables were especially fine; whilst, taking into account the lateness of the season, the fruits, particularly the apples, gooseberries and currants, were remarkably good. Some pretty flowers in pots were also shown in this tent, and the cut flowers, both in separate blooms and in bunches, formed a pretty show. There was also an attractive display of wild flowers. The show of singing birds was a large one, and included some very good entries, both in canaries and familiar English songsters. As will be seen by our prize list, several well-known local breeders were large exhibitors. It is to be greatly regretted that the allotments competition' for which four prizes were offered by the president, Mr. F. Warren, again fell through. A minimum of ten entries was required, and as only five were received no prize was awarded.

The amateurs' tent was a very attractive one. At the entrance were arranged a large number of plants in pots, sent by Mr. Barton Giddings, of the Hemingford nurseries, the whole forming a very beautiful collection. The flowers inputs formed the  most notable feature in this tent; the show of fuchsias being a really magnificent one. There was also a large display of geraniums, both single and double, and the exhibits of coleus and begonias attracted great interest. Some pretty hanging baskets of plants were suspended from the centre pole; and three grand pots of ferns which, although not for competition, were shown by Mr. Bateman Brown, elicited widespread admiration. The classes for cut flowers were very full and included some beautiful blooms. The roses were not so numerous, but the show of carnations and picotees was a decidedly good one. Some very fine dahlias, both single and double, were shown, and the striking contrast of their colours formed a very pretty effect. Classes 81 to 84, which fall especially within the province of the ladies, included some exceedingly pretty button-holes and tastefully-arranged hand-bouquets. Two bouquets of pure white flowers almost covered by delicate ferns, sent by Mr. Barton Giddings, were greatly admired. These, however, were not for competition. In class 83, for a basket of cut flowers, and in class 84, for stands for table decoration, the entries, although not numerous, were very good indeed, and it would be difficult to speak too highly of the taste displayed in the blending of the colours and arrangement of blooms. The quality of the exhibits in these four classes fully sustained the high standard of excellence which had been attained in previous years. The display of wild flowers was a large one, and formed one of the most striking features of the show. A large doll’s house, with a model garden attached, was exhibited by Miss Jessie Ulph, and this, of course, proved the great centre of attraction to the juvenile portion of the visitors. The third tent contained the entries for the special prizes open to all England, part of which were offered by various local gentlemen and part by the society. The competition in the rose section was very keen, and, although the season is now far advanced, some very beautiful flowers shown. The exhibitors included several well known nurserymen and many of the entries well repaid careful examination. The show of carnations and picotees was an excellent one, some very fine cases being sent by Mr. T. Atherton and by Messrs. Wood and Ingram, of Huntingdon. The entries for the eight distinct kinds of fruit were few in number but magnificent in quality, and the basket shown by Miss Cheere, of Hepworth Hall, principally composed of hot house fruits, well deserved first prize. A fine basket of cottage fruits was shown by Mr. T. Atherton. An extra prize was awarded to two pine apples shown by Mr. B. Brown, whilst a magnificent bunch of black Hambro grapes, not for competition, was exhibited by Mr. George Franks, of Huntingdon. There was also an excellent display of stove and greenhouse plants, a splendid specimen of the alocasia metallica, for which the first prize was awarded to Mr. Bateman Brown, attracting much interest.

The gentlemen who officiated as judges were Mr. Tillbrook, of Houghton; Mr. Hopkins, of Stukeley; Mr. Wood-Ingram and Mr. Sims, of Huntingdon; Mr. Smith, of Papworth; and Mr. Fryer, of Chatteris. President of the Society, Mr. F. Warren; vice-president, Mr. Thomas King; treasurer, Mr. J. G. Hankin; hon. secretaries, Mr. R. M. Copley and Mr. G. Chapman; committee of management, Messrs. Wm. King, Thos. Knights, junr., E. M. Norris, G. D. Day, B. Giddings and R. Warner.

PRIZE LIST.

COTTAGE SHOW.

VEGETABLES.
Twelve kidney potatoes - 1, A Lines; 2, R Howson; 3, David Tabbitt
Twelve round potatoes - 1, H Cox; 2, Joseph Seymour; 3, C Hobbs
Twelve early rose potatoes (or any red variety) - 1, E Harrison; 2, W Howell; 3, C Seekings
Twelve potatoes (not less than three varieties) - 1, E Harrison; 2, J Garner; 3, W Howell
Four stalks of rhubarb - 1, G Smith; 2, A Lines; 3, J M Boyd
Thirty pods of peas - 1, J Peacock; 2, S Chambers, junr; 3, H Naylor
Twenty pods of broad beans - 1, S Chambers, junr.; 2, R Wicks; 3, A Lines
Twenty pods of scarlet runners - 1, Thos Johnson; 2, J Jeffs; 3, R Wicks
Twenty pods of French beans - 1, A Squire; 2, S Johnson; 3, A Reed
Ten onions (spring sown) - 1, J Wick; 2, S Chambers, junr; 3, A Dorrington
Ten onions (autumn sown) - 1, W Thompson; 2, C Hobbs; 3, J Seymour
Two cabbages - 1, W Howell; 2, T Silk; 3, J H Ayres
Two cauliflowers - 1, A Hurl; 2, J Garner; 3, C Hobbs
Ten carrots - 1, W Hurl; 2, C Hobbs; 3, H Naylor
Ten turnips - 1, E Panther; 2, J Peacock; 3, C Hobbs
Three cos lettuces - 1, T Garner; 2, J M Boyd; 3, H Naylor
Three cabbage lettuces - 1, R Sergeant; 2, W Howell; 3, C Hobbs
Collection of pot herbs - 1, E Harrison; 2, W Burton; 3, H Cox
Basket of vegetables, not to exceed 28 in. by 21 in. - 1, E Harrison; 2, C Hobbs; 3, J Garner
Basket of salad - 1, C Hobbs; 2, J Seymour
Two vegetable marrows - 1, J Garner; 2, H Fordham; 3, A Squire
Two ridge cucumbers - 1, A Stocker; 2, C Pennings; 3, W Brown
Twelve radishes - 1, J Seymour; 2, E Harrison
Ten turnip radishes - 1, W Howell; 2, A Dorrington
Ten parsnips - 1, D Tabbitt; 2, W Howell; 3, - Andrews

FRUITS.
Six kitchen apples - 1, R Wicks; 2, T Course; 3, T Quarton
Six dessert ditto - 1, T Course; 2, A Gifford
Twelve gooseberries - 1, H Ball; 2, J Turner; 3, C Seekings
Half pound of gooseberries, for flavour - 1, T Garner; 2, H Balls; 3, A Coulson
Eight plums - 1, G Gibbett; 2, A Reed; 3, T Course
Dish of red currants, not more than 1/2lb - 1, S Titmarsh; 2, W Howell; 3, T Garner
Dish of white currants, ditto - 1, J Hill; 2, J Topper; 3, T Garner
Dish of black currants, ditto - 1, S Newman; 2, W Saunders; 3, J Golding
Dish of raspberries, ditto - 1, S Titmarsh; 2, T Garner; 3, A Coulson

FLOWERS IN POTS
One mimulus or monkey musk - 1, G Smith; 2, E Harrison
Two variegated geraniums - 1, J Seymour; 2, - Jeffs
Two zonal or plain leaf geraniums - 1, E Harrison; 2, C Hobbs
Two pelargoniums - No entries
Two calceolarias (yellow) - 1, C Hobbs; 2, J Bullen
Two calceolarias (various) - 1, C Hobbs
One cactus - 1, E Chambers; 2, T Garner
Two fuchsias (various) - 1, H Fordham; 2, G Smith
One fuchsia - 1, J Toller; 2, J Clements; 3, J Golden
Three window plants (various) - 1, E Harrison; 2, J Bullen; 3, - Jeffs
Hanging plant - 1, W Golding
One fern - 1, - Jeffs
One pot of musk - 1, J Bullen; 2, - Jeffs; 3, W Paul
One pot of mignonette - 1, E Harrison; 2, J Seymour; 3, G Smith
Collection of plants, not less than four (various) - 1, M Harrison; 2, - Jeffs; 3, C Hobbs
Best single specimen plant in the show - 1, G Smith
One begonia - 1, E Harrison; 2, Joseph Clements

CUT FLOWERS
Three marigolds - 1, H Fordham; 2, C Hobbs
Three verbenas - 1, A Gifford; 2, Jas Seymour
Three carnations - 1, A Gifford; 2, S Newman
Three picotees - 1, A Gifford; 2, J Seymour
Three stocks - 1, T Garner; 2, C Hobbs
Three cut roses (distinct) - 1, S Newman; 2, J Whitlock; 3, E Harrison
Three phloxes - 1, A Gifford; 2, W Thompson
Three double zinnias - 1, A Gifford; 2, - Jeffs
Three single zinnias - 1, Jos Seymour; 2, C Hobbs
Three hollyhocks (various) - 1, C Hobbs
Nosegay of wild flowers for girls under 15 years - 1, Florence Fordham; 2, Lottie Coulson; 3, Florrie Pratchett
Nosegay of wild flowers for boys under 15 years - 1, R Sargeant; 2, - Jeffs; 3, A Seymour
Three dahlias (distinct) - 1, C Hobbs; 2, W Reynolds
Three dahlias (single) - 1, A Gifford; 2, C Hobbs
Six varieties of cut flowers - 1, A Gifford; 2, W Thompson; 3, C Hobbs
Three pansies - 1, C Pennings; 2, C Hobbs
Six quilled asters - no entries
Six incurved asters - 1, H Whitlock; 2, W Thompson

SINGING BIRDS
Canary, green - 1, E Harrison; 2, J Harrison
Canary, yellow - 1, J Harrison; 2, C Hobbs
Canary, buff - 1, J Harrison; 2, C Hobbs
Canary, marked - 1, J Harrison; 2, J Golding
Goldfinch - 1, C Penning; 2, E. James
Bullfinch - 1, T Took; 2, J Harrison
Linnet - 1, C Hobbs; 2, R Naylor
Blackbird - 1, G FLavell; 2, R Measures
Thrush - 1, Wm Maule; 2, W Reynolds
Collection of birds (any variety) - 1, C Hobbs; 2, T Took
The best canary in the show - 1, J Harrison
Best glass of honey - 1, C Hobbs

SPECIAL PRIZES

Three varieties of potatoes, 6 of each, by Mr F Bailey - 1, E Harrison
Three varieties of peas, 10 pods of each, by the society - 1, E Harrison
Two varieties of onions, 6 of each, by the society - 1, R Howson
For the best kept allotments, by the President, Mr F Warren - No award

AMATEUR'S SHOW

FRUITS

Six kitchen apples - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Mr T Knights, junr
Six dessert apples - 1, Mr E M Norris; 2, Mr Alfred Giddings
Dish of raspberries, not more than 1/2lb - 1, Mr T Knights; 2, Mr W Wood, senr
Dish of red currants - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Mr W Woods, senr
Dish of white currants - 1, Mr C King; 2, Mr H I Hankin
Dish of black currants - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Mr E M Norris
Eight plums - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr T Knights
Six nectarines - No entries
Six apricots - 1. Mr G Chapman
Tweve gooseberries - 1, Mr John Rayment; 2, Mr John Giddings
Six peaches - No entries
Twelve gooseberries - 1, Mr John Rayment; 2, Mr John Giddings
Half pound of gooseberries for flavour - 1, Mr John Giddings; 2, Mr Geo Norris
Dish of cherries, not more than 1lb - 1, Mr R M Copley
Dish of cherries (white) - No entries
Dish of cherries (black) - 1, Mr R M Copley
Dish of cherries (morella) - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Mr J B Ulph
One melon - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr E J Bevan

VEGETABLES
Twelve kidney potatoes - 1, Mr J Rayment; 2, Mr W Woods, senr.
Twelve round potatoes - 1, Rev C Hoskyns; 2, Mr W Bright
Twelve early rose potatoes (or any red variety) - 1, Mr Asplin Adams; 2, Mr E Harrison
Twelve potatoes (not less than 3 varieties) - 1, Mr E Harrison; 2, Mr W Woods, senr.
Twenty pods of peas - 1, Mr Geo Norris; 2, Mr Jos Reed
Twenty pods of broad beans - 1, Mr Geo Favill; 2, Mr S Spencer
Twenty pods of French beans - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Mr F Warren
Twenty pods of scarlet runners - 1, Mr Thomas Andrews; 2, Mr Charles Hobbs
Ten spring onions - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr Geo Favell
Ten autumn onions - 1, Mr Geo Favell; 2, Mr F Warren
Three cabbage lettuces - 1, Mr John Rayment; 2, Mr R M Copley
Three cos lettuces - 1, Mr T Knights, junr.; 2, Mr Jas Knights
Two cucumbers - 1, Mr W W Warner; 2, Mr H Goodman
One cucumber - 1, Mr H Goodman; 2, Mr J B Ulph
Two cauliflowers - 1, Mr John Rayment
Ten carrots - 1, Mr Wm Stevens; 2, Mr E Harrison
Ten turnips - 1, Mr Chas Hobbs; 2, Mr Thomas Andrews
Ten parsnips - 1, Mr H W Woods; 2, Mr Geo Favell
Four stalks of rhubarb - 1, Mr Geo Favell; 2, Mr T Knights
Two vegetable marrows - 1, Rev C Hoskyns; 2, Mr Jos Reed
Six tomatoes - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr R M Copley

FLOWERS IN POTS
6 Fuchsias (various) - 1, Mr W W Warner; 2, Mr H Goodman
3 Fuchsias (various) - no entries
1 Fuchsia - no first prize; 2, Mr John Rayment
3 Zonal geraniums (single), various - 1, Mr W W Warner
3 Zonal geraniums (double), various - 1, Mr W W Warner
6 Coleus, not less than 3 varieties - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr H Goodman
3 Coleus (various) - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Rev C Hoskyns
6 Plants in bloom - 1, Mr H Goodman; 2, Mr W W Warner
1 Plant - 1, Rev T Caroll; 2, Mr H I Hankin
3 Petuneas (double), various - no entries
3 Petuneas (single), various - no entries
1 Hanging plant (or basket, no entries
3 Begonias - 1, Mr F Warren
6 Ferns - Mr T Knights
3 Ferns - Miss E King; 2, Rev C Hoskyns
1 Fern - 1, Mr George Chapman; 2, Mr T Knights
6 Foliage plants (ferns excluded) - Mr F Warren
1 Pot mignonette - no first prize 2, Mr E Harrison
1 Pot musk - 1, Mr George Chapman; 2, Mr J A Barker
6 German stocks (or cut), not less than 3 varieties - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr George Murden
3 German stocks, various - 1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr James Knights

CUT FLOWERS
6 Carnations, not less than 3 varieties - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Rev C Hoskyns
3 Carnations, various - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Mr George Hicks
6 Picotees, not less than 3 varieties - 1, Mr A Gifford
3 Picotees, various - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Rev T Carroll
6 Roses, distinct varieties - 1, Mr T Seekings; 2, Mr R M Copley
6 Tea and noisette roses, distinct varieties - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Rev C Hoskyns
6 Double zinnias, not less than 3 varieties - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Mr A Gifford
6 French marigolds - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Rev C Hoskyns
3 French marigolds - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Mr R M Copley
6 African marigolds - 1, Mr C Hobbs; 2, Mr A Gifford
3 African marigolds - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Mr J B Ulph
6 Varieties of cut flowers - 1, Mr R M Copley; 2, Mr George Hicks
6 varieties of cut flowers from herbaceous plants - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Mr R M Copley
6 Penstemons - Mr R M Copley
6 Phloxes, not less than 3 varieties - no entries
6 Dahlias, various - Mr C Hobbs
3 Dahlias, various - Mr C Hobbs
6 Single dahlias, ditto - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Rev C Hoskyns
3 Single dahlias, various - 1, Mr A Gifford; 2, Mrs G N Day
6 Verbenas, not less than 3 varieties - 1, Mr W J Nicholls; 2, Mr Thomas King
6 Pansies, various - 1, Mr W J Nicholls; 2, Mr George Norris
1 Button-hole, to be exhibited in specimen glass - 1, Mrs T King; 2, Miss E King
Hand bouquet, not exceeding nine inches in diameter - 1, Miss E King
Basket of cut flowers, not to be tied to supports, 1st prize an article of virtu, given by Mr G P Wadsworth - 1, Miss E King; 2, Mrs T King
Table decoration, consisting of one stand, 1st prize an article of virtu, given by Mr G P Wadsworth - 1, Miss E M Goodman; 2, Miss E King

WILD FLOWERS (for children under 15 years, whose parents are subscribers)
Hand bouquet - 1, Charlotte E Woods; 2, E Minson
Basket of cut flowers - 1, H Harrison; 2, M Ulph; 3, Lizzie Barton
Table Decorations, consisting of one stand - 1, E M Barton; 2, G and E Warren; 3, -Copley

SPECIAL PRIZES.

TO ALL ENGLAND - AMATEURS ONLY.

12 Tea and noisette roses (distinct varieties) - 1, £2 2s. (given by Mr E G Bevan), Mr J L Curtis; 2, £1 1s. (given by Mr Thomas King), Mr Ely King, Best rose - Mr J L Curtis.

OPEN CLASSES TO ALL ENGLAND - NURSERYMEN INCLUDED.
24 Tea and noisette roses (distinct varieties) - 1, £3 (given by the President, Mr F Warren), Mr G Prince; 2, £2 (given by Mr W W Warner), Messrs. Burrell and Co. Best rose - Messrs. Burrell and Co.
24 Dahlias, show (distinct) - 1, £2 (given by Mr F Warren), and 2, £1 (given by Mr W King) - Only one entry by Mr W H Apthorpe, to whom an extra prize was awarded.
12 Fancy dahlias, various - 1, £1 (given by Mr W Wadsworth), and 2, 10s. (given by the Treasurer) - no entries.
24 Single dahlias, in bunches of not less than 3 - 1, £1 and 2, 10s. - only one entry, extra prize to Miss Cheere.
24 Carnations, not less than 12 varieties - 1, £1, Messrs. Wood and Ingram, Huntingdon; 2, 10s., Rev E L Fellowes.
12 Picotees, distinct varieties - 1, 10s., Messrs. Wood and Ingram; 2, 7s. 6d., Miss Cheere.
6 Stove and greenhouse plants, various - 1, £1, Mr F Warren; 2, Mr E T Atherton.
Best specimen plant - 1, Mr Bateman Brown; 2, Mr E T Atherton.
Basket or tray of fruit, 8 distinct kinds, pines excluded - 1, £1, Miss Cheere; 2, 10s., Mr B Giddins.
An extra prize for pine-apples was awarded to Mr Bateman Brown.

THE HUNTS COUNTY NEWS

Saturday, August 14th, 1886

FLOWER SHOW AT GODMANCHESTER

To the now generally-accepted rule that every town and almost every village should have its annual flower show, Godmanchester has until the present time been a lamentable exception. St. Neots has its floral festival and the show at St. Ives is looked upon almost as a county holiday; and which of these towns can, like Godmanchester, show a Borough Charter dating back to the days of King John? Huntingdon had its Flower Show once, and, if county histories may be relied on, it was, in modern American phraseology, no paltry "one-horse affair", but "a whole team and a cross dog under the wagon to boot." The Huntingdon Horticultural Society is now, alas, no more. It may, like the Phoenix, arise from its ashes, with an even more vigorous existence than of old, and with its renewed splendour cast into shade the exhibitions in the neighbouring towns. We trust it may. (Continues to describe the Godmanchester Show).