Floral Arch on Water Street in 1900 |
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Historic
Back in the day big city celebrations were often marked by giant floral and wooden arches placed at strategic entry points to the city. The effect, as seen here on
I suppose we echo that tradition with balloons, but why not return to the classical designs and materials? Would fire laws prevent it? History archives are filled with images of arches – some ornate, others beautifully simple. These were rapidly constructed on Market, Daniel, Congress, Middle, State, and other streets where parades still travel today. The “green” arch shown here was one of many visible in photographs from the anniversary celebration of the sea battle between the USS Kearsage (built at
BONUS CLOSE-UPS
Photo (c) Portsmouth Athenaeum on SeacoastNH.com