3-074-732 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Montefiore Celebration at Ramsgate, 1883. Philanthropist and banker Sir Moses Montefiore's ninety-ninth birthday. 'Arch in High St - "God Bless Sir Moses Montefiore"; fog signal salute to special LC&D; bonfire and fireworks; presentations to Sir Moses in the drawing room; the procession passing East Cliff Lodge; King St. Arch - "Honour to whom Honour is Due"...The town was decorated with banners and with triumphal arches...A special train of the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway brought...a large number of packages containing flowers and fruit, and other birthday presents, from numerous friends of the venerable Baronet...the Chairman of the Ramsgate Local Board, with the Vicar of Ramsgate, the Rev. C. Shirley Woolmer, accompanied by the leading members of all the local deputations, were...received...by Sir Moses...Captain Vaile addressed him on behalf of the town of Ramsgate...as a benefactor of mankind...who has ever been the friend of the poor and afflicted, both Jews and Gentiles...[Sir Moses] earnestly thanked the deputation, shaking hands with them and talking with them as long as he could stand...In the evening, the town of Ramsgate was brilliantly illuminated, and there was a display of fireworks, provided by Mr. Brock'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.