| ID: DIS2019_MIHS
Title | Mersea Island Horticultural Society |
Abstract | In 2019, the Museum put on a display to celebrate 100 years of Mersea Island Horticultural Society summer shows.
MIHS was founded in 1876 and over the years, several shows have been missed because of wars and even pandemics, so we are now long past the centenary of the society.
The start of the Society was well recorded and there is a lot of information about it, including photographs of three of the main organisers - Hugh Green, Charles Cock and John Thorpe. Descendants of a number of those involved in 1876 are still active in the Horticultural Society today.
The first show was at West Hall Barn - where the Museum is today - and consisted of not just the Horticultural Show, but a ploughing match for men and Athletic Sports, followed by prize-giving in the White Hart.
Over the years, the Athletic sports got dropped and the Ploughing Match became a separate event.
The show was often held on the Legion Field with a large marquee, as shown in the coloured painting by Karen Saxby. These days, the Show takes place in the MICA.
It has always featured in the local paper, and we have several cuttings.
In front of the stand is a 1921 Atco two stroke lawn mower, which was restored to working order by Steve Bailey. It is thought it was originally used on the greens at East Mersea Golf Club. After World War 2, the mower was bought by West Mersea Yacht club - it then passed to Harry Banks and finally to Judie and David Cooper.
Above is a photograph of the predecessor of the motor mower - hauled by a donkey. Photograph taken at Shameen, Seaview Avenue, Roland 'Roly' Green and an unknown girl.
The Museum has two of the boots worn by the donkey to protect the lawn.
The variety of tools on display is interesting - often quite specialised. But with many working blacksmiths in the countryside, it would be easy to have tools made for a particular job.
West Mersea School Headmaster John Thorpe and family. He was one of the founding group. Photograph taken by the West Mersea 'old' school building.
Thanks to
Steve Bailey
David Cooper
Ron Green
Trevor Hearn
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Source | Mersea Museum
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ID | DIS2019_MIHS
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Related Images: |
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ImageID: | DIS2019_MIHS_001 | Title: | 100 years of Summer Shows.
Mersea Island Horticultural Society
In front of the stand is a 1921 Atco two stroke lawn mower, which was restored to working order by Steve Bailey.
Mersea Museum 2019 Summer Exhibition. | Date: | 30 April 2019 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | DIS2019_MIHS_003 | Title: | Horticultural tools and books
2019 Summer Exhibition. | Date: | 30 April 2019 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | DM1_AB1_011_001 | Title: | West Mersea Horticultural Show
Mr A. Hoy (left), gardener to Mrs N.H. Bacon, who won the Rose Bowl for the best collection of 18 in number, not less than six or more varieties. In centre the collection [ and thought to be Mrs Alma Reeve née Soward ]. On right Mr F. Cook with the Society Cup and the Austin Cup.
Undated newspaper cutting. Photo L.G. Cosser. | Date: | 1930s | Source: | Mersea Museum / David Mussett Collection |
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ImageID: | DM1_AB1_011_003 | Title: | West Mersea Horticultural Show and Fete.
Three cup-winners (left to right of picture): 1 Mr A Hoy (gardener to Mr H. Bacon) (silver challenge cup, vegetable, fruit and flower classes); 2. Mr H. Brewington (gardener to Cr Arthur Dale); (Mr Dale won the silver challenge bowl presented by the President, Prof. W.S. Lazarus Barlow, for 18 roses; 3. Mr F. Cook (silver challenge cup for the highest number of points in the show).
Undated newspaper cutting. Photo J.E. Stutter.
| Date: | 1930s | Source: | Mersea Museum / David Mussett Collection |
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ImageID: | DM1_AB2_061_003 | Title: | Horticultural Show
Incresed entries and good quality marked the annual show of the Mersea Island Horticultural Society... | Date: | 14 July 1939 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | ECS_1978_JUL14_021 | Title: | Mersea's annual summer show, organised by the Horticultural Society.
Children boost island show
Essex County Standard 14 July 1978 page 21. | Date: | 14 July 1978 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | LUC_B90_066 | Title: | Ralph & Susan Luckham - leading members of the Mersea Island Horticultural Society (MIHS).
From images used at Susan's 90th Birthday Party. | Date: | 1990 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Susan Luckham Collection |
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ImageID: | MIHS_001 | Title: | West Mersea. Mersea Horticultural Society.
The first meeting of this Society took place on Friday last and passed off very successfully. The show was held in the West Hall Barn, which with the pasture adjoining was kindly lent by Mr John Bacon, who is always ready to sacrifice "self" for the enjoyment and benefit of others.
The arrangements in the barn were in the hands of Mr Hugh Green and were next to perfect.
People mentioned include: Mr Wrate, Chief Officer, Rev. Edward Musselwhite, Mr Ingle, gardener at Birch Hall, Mr Nevill, Mr Willsmer, Alfred Pullen, Alexander Bean, George Moss, John Bacon, Sam Waterman, H.J. Eagle, C. Cock, John Thorpe, Rev. Thos. R. Musselwhite, Charles Cock.
From Essex Standard Friday 20 October 1876 | Date: | 20 October 1876 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | MIHS_002 | Title: | Mersea Horticultural Society.
The second annual Show of this Society took place on Friday last in a field near the White Hart Inn, West Mersea, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee by Mr J. Bacon.
People mentioned include Mr Head from Rosebank Cottage, Rev. E. Musselwhite from Elm Cottage, Hugh Green, Mr Thorpe, Mr Cock, Mr Nevill of Peldon, Charles Farthing, George Brand, A. Green, M. Banks, W. Garrett, D. Smith, J. Mussett, Geo. Cudmore, H. Banks, C. Farthing, E. Woods, W. Banks, J. Russell, W. Gundry, W. Cook, R. Gentry, Geo. Mussett, A. Pullen, S. French, Mrs Jennings, W. Mead, A. Clarke, R. Burgess, D. D. Witt, Samuel Munson, Rebecca Smith, George Moles J. Sadler, Mrs Clarry, J. Shepherd, John Hardy, William Cook, A. Munson, Geo. Mole, A. Applebee, J. Chatters, John Green, D. Cock, J. Farthing, C. Cock, Mr Cockrell, Thomas Leonard Buxton, D. Cock, John Green, Mr Bacon, Emma Brown, Elijah L. Cooke, Kitty Smith, Mrs John Bacon.
From Essex Standard, Friday 5 October 1877 | Date: | 5 October 1877 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | MIHS_004 | Title: | West Mersea Horticultural Show.
The fourth annual show of the Mersea Horticultural Society was held on Friday 3rd inst. The exhibits were displayed in a large tent in a pasture adjoining West Mersea Hall, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee by Mr John Bacon.
People mentioned include Charles Head, Mr Traveller, Mr Wheeler, Mrs John Bruce of Rose Bank Cottage, Rev. Edward Musselwhite, Mr Marshall (gardener to the Rev. F. Watson of Kelvedon), Thomas Neville, George Wilsmer, Merseaites, Rev. Thos. R. Musselwhite, Hugh Green, Alex Bean, Charles Cock, John Bacon, Charles Harvey, John Cock, Daniel Cock, Jno. Woodward, John Thorpe, Chas. Harvey.
Prizes W. Chapman, C. Farthing, C. Green, G. Mussett, J. Scammel, T. Carter, E. Green, J. Mole, G. Cudmore, James Farthing, Alfred Pullen, John Catteris, G. Brand, H. Banks, Alfred Pullen, A. Clarke, Mrs Jennings, S. French, J. Hardy, C. Green, W. Goodchild, G. Mussett, S. Wright, Samuel Muson, George Mole, S. Mussett, E. Cutts, A. D'Wit, H. Smith, G. Peters, Mrs Bruce, Mrs G. Brand, Walter Mole, Martha Carter, Percy Thorp. Ploughing James Russell, James Farthing, Mr White, Charles Cock. Abrahm Clark, Mr J. Woodward, John Green Daniel R. Cock, Samuel Waterman, J. Bacon, James Appleby, Eliza Moore, Susanna Carter, Mr H.J. May.
| Date: | 18 October 1879 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1876_001 | Title: | Establishment of MIHS 1876
Mersea Island Horticultural Society - it is so rare to have anything like a "Fete Day" on the island, that the inauguration of such a Society as the above is welcomed with the greatest enthusiasm, as affording at least one day in the three hundred and sixty-five for a general holiday for the islanders as well as being an incentive to the cottager to improve the cultivation of roots, vegetables, fruits, &c.
The new Mersea Horticultural Society has been established, thanks to the energy of Mr. Hugh Green and a number of gentlemen of the island, who have willingly co-operated with him. A meeting of the principal residents, convened by Mr. Hugh Green, was held at his residence early in the year, when the Rev. Thomas R. Musselwhite was appointed Treasurer ; the Rev. Edward Musselwhite, Secretary; and the following the Committee : -Messrs. Hugh Green, H. J. Eagle, Alexander Bean, Charles Cock, and John Bacon, Sen. Several Committee and general meetings have since been held, and a short time ago, printed bills, containing the list of prizes, were placed in the hands of the inhabitant. The day for the show is not yet fixed, but it is to be early in October. Forty prizes are offered for roots, vegetables, and fruits, but only to cottagers having less than half-an-acre of land. There are also good prizes, £1, 10s, and 5s. to men over eighteen years of age, for ploughing, and two prizes of 10s. and 5s. to boys. Prizes, too, are offered for faithful and long service, £1 & 10s., on one farm, and two similar prizes for long service under one master. Two prizes, of 10s. and 5s. are to be given to the two maidservants, who have been longest in their present situations. Running, jumping, &c, is also to form part of the day's programme, so on the whole, should the weather prove favourable (and let us hope the sun will deign to shine on such an occasion), the Islanders may look forward to a thorough " Gala Day."
From The Essex Standard 29 Sept 1876 | Date: | 29 September 1876 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1876_003 | Title: | WEST MERSEA.
Mersea Horticultural Society.
The first meeting of this Society took place on Friday last, and passed off very successfully. The show was held in the West Hall Barn, which, with the pasture adjoining, was kindly lent by Mr. John Bacon, who is always ready to sacrifice " self " for the enjoyment and benefit of others, The arrangements in the barn, which were in the hands of Mr. Hugh Green, were next to perfect, the judge saying he had never seen a better show and should certainly recommend it to other kindred societies ; many thanks are due to Mr. Wrate, Chief Officer, for having flags, &c, hung about the barn which helped to take off the coldness and rendered it more effective. At an early hour on Friday the islanders might be seen wending their way with all kinds of flowers, fruits, roots, and vegetables, and the dexterity with which the various commodities were entered, numbered, and put in their respective places, reflected great credit upon the Secretary, the Rev. Edward Musselwhite. Mr. Ingle, gardener at Birch Hall, was Judge of the vegetables, roots, and fruit; and Mr. Neville, assisted by Mr. Willsmer, of the ploughing; and they gave universal satisfaction. The show was thrown open to the public at one p.m., the admission being 6d. until three o'clock, and Id. after that hour, and, although the grounds were very damp from the previous night's rain, still there was a good number present, and all seemed agreeably surprised to see such a good show. Several farmers kindly contributed to the interest of the exhibition by sending different kinds of roots, and Mrs. Corrie and several other ladies with fruit and flowers, but these, of course, were not for competition. The ploughing match for men, which took place in an adjacent field, brought out eleven competitors who, the judge said, had done their work remarkably well, the first prize being carried off by Alfred Pullen, horseman to Mr. Alexander Bean ; the second by George Moss, horseman to Mr. John Bacon, jun. ; and the third by Sam Water- man (Mr. J. Bacon, Sen.), horseman. At four o'clock the Athletic Sports commenced, under the management of Mr. Hugh Green, assisted by Messrs. H. J. Eagle, C. Cock, John Bacon, and John Thorpe, and, although it rained at intervals, the whole programme, consisting of 13 entries, with Ist, 2nd, and 3rd prizes, was successfully got through, but not before " the shades of evening began to steal across the sky." Notwithstanding this everyone on the field joined in giving hearty cheers for Mr. Hugh Green for his indefatigable exertions, not only at the sports but throughout the day. The members of the Society then adjourned to the White Hart Inn, and after giving away the prises to the successful candidates, sat down to a meat tea. Tea being over, the Vicar (Rev. Thos. R. Musselwhite) occupied the Chair, and the Vice Chair was filled by Mr. Charles Cock. The usual toasts were drunk and responded to, and thus an hour or two were very enjoyably spent.
From The Essex Standard 20 October 1876 | Date: | 20 October 1876 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1878_001 | Title: | Third annual show report.
Mersea Island Horticultural Society.
From The Essex Standard 5 October 1878 | Date: | 28 September 1878 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1879_001 | Title: | Fourth annual show report.
Mersea Island Horticultural Society.
From The Essex Standard 18 October 1879 | Date: | 3 October 1879 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1907_001 | Title: | West Mersea Flower Show
Mersea Island Horticultural Society.
From The Essex Newsman 13 July 1907 | Date: | 11 July 1907 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1930_001 | Title: | Annual Show report 1930
Mersea Island Horticultural Society.
From The Essex Chronicle 18 July 1930 | Date: | 16 July 1930 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1932_001 | Title: | Annual Show report
Mersea Island Horticultural Society.
From The Essex Chronicle 15 July 1932 | Date: | 13 July 1932 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1938_001 | Title: | Annual Show report 1938
Mersea Island Horticultural Society.
From The Essex Chronicle 8 July 1938 | Date: | 2 July 1938 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MIHS_1939_001 | Title: | Annual Show report 1939
Mersea Island Horticultural Society.
From The Essex Chronicle 14 July 1939 | Date: | 8 July 1939 | Source: | Mersea Museum / Trevor Hearn |
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ImageID: | MMC_P1077F_042_003 | Title: | Gardening Time with Bondrite. Why not visit the Mersea Horticultural Show, British Legion Field, West Mersea.
Bondrite Builders' Service, Barfield Road, West Mersea, East Street Colchester and Brightlingsea.
Advertisement from Essex County Standard 9 July 1971, page 4. | Date: | 9 July 1971 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | MMC_P789_B | Title: | Dr Hugh Green G.P. Mersea doctor c1850 - 1890
Hugh Green was born in about 1823 at Boxford in Suffolk. In 1851 he was an assistant General Practitioner in Bildestone, Suffolk. He was registered as a surgeon 1 January 1859.
In 1853 Dr Green married Ann Bax from Bradwell and by 1861 the couple had come to live and work in West Mersea. He succeeded dr John Sargent Norman who had been the local doctor and who died in 1860. Dr Green and Ann lived in Well House, that had previously been the home of Dr Norman. In early 1872 Ann Green died and in Autumn 1873, Dr Green married Hester Elizabeth Matson from St. Osyth and we find them in the 1881 census living in Strood Villa. He died 11 September 1895.
Dr Penfold wrote in 1988:
He joined the Colchester Medical Society in 6 October 1857, was President in 1863 and again in 1879. He was made Honorary Member in 21 August 1888 and I believe he died in 1895. He qualified with L.S.A. in 1847 and so it would appear he was in Mersea approximately from 1850 to 1890.
Hugh Green was one of the founders of Mersea Island Horticultural Society in 1876
Photo Accession No. P789B. | Date: | c1870 | Source: | Mersea Museum |
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ImageID: | RG17_123 | Title: | Photograph has written caption "Daniel R. Cock, Farmer, Brickhouse Farm, Mersea". Image is named G.F. Smith.
Daniel Rehoboam Cock, born c1848. | Source: | Ron Green Collection |
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ImageID: | RG17_149 | Title: | Daniel Rehoboam Cock, born c1848. | Source: | Ron Green Collection |
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