3-008-608 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Essex Agricultural Society's Show at Halstead: triumphal arch near the old church, 1862. 'The show was a great success; and 4800 persons visited the implement field during the three days it was open. To say that Halstead was gay would convey but little notion of the appearance it presented from the tower of St. Andrew's Church. A flag embracing the Royal standard of England and national emblems of other countries floated, and union-jacks, tricolors, &c., waved in every possible place where they could be hoisted. Trees were planted before nearly every house; and what was the crowning of all were three noble arches erected by the committee, the principal being at the entrance to the market- hill, on the road from Colchester, surmounted by a crown, and on one side "Welcome," and on the other "Fortune smiles on Industry," and having two side arches. Another arch of a quadruple design served as a canopy to the railway crossing, having upon it "C. V. R., Progress and Prosperity," and "Army and Navy, God Save the Queen"; and the third spanned the road near the police station, having on the top a lion crouched, and on each side "Welcome" and "God Speed the Plough".' From "Illustrated London News", 1862.