Entitled ‘Visiting the Past: Images of the Mistley, Manningtree and Lawford', this new publication is a collection of photographs from the early 20th century and offers a glimpse into the history of three parishes.
Compiled by history buff Bob Horlock, of Shrubland Road, Mistley, and Mike Fryer, Bean, Dartford, who helped with the book’s design, the book has more than 100 photographs from Mr Horlock’s personal collection and donations from museums and history groups. But the major debt of thanks goes to a professional photographer from Leytonstone called Alf Musto, who at the start of the 20th Century would stay with Bob’s relatives in Mistley. (According to Horlock, three of these Musto “present” albums sold on eBay for £1,500 a few years ago!)
There are images of children on the beach in about 1890 and smoke billowing from the busy EDME malt extract works. Crowds celebrate the coronation of King George V, and the Manningtree Volunteers of the Essex Regiment turn out in uniform. Staff from the new Co-operative store in Lawford pose for a picture on what could be opening day in about 1907, and there’s a photograph of three of the 113 German submarines that surrendered at Harwich in November, 1918.
A news article can be found here. The book launch will be held at Stour Sailing Club, Quay Street, Manningtree, between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, 10th September. Copies should also be stocked by Townsends shop in Manningtree High Street and Mistley Post Office. It can also be ordered directly from Bob on 01206 393 708 or by email at bobhorlock@onetel.com. Or you can try the Amazon link on the right.
Photo: Author with ‘Visiting the Past: Images of the Mistley, Manningtree and Lawford'. Copyright Harwich & Manningtree Standard.
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