Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/245

 prevent the visitors forsaking the town immediately the long evenings had commenced; pyrotechnic displays took place each week on the plot of land lying to the north of the Upper Queen's Terrace, and designated the Archery Ground. Sea excursions to Blackpool, Southport, and Piel Harbour were liberally provided for by the steamers of the port; a military band was hired for several weeks, and played daily either on one of the pleasure craft or near the new promenade; foot races, wrestling, and cricket matches were arranged and contested at short intervals. But all in vain, for towards the end of August the reflux of visitors had thoroughly set in, and by the middle of September the shores were almost deserted. During that brief period of excitement it was proposed amongst the inhabitants to erect a large public building to be ready for the ensuing season, which should combine all the advantages of a reading and news room, public library, bazaar, ball room, and theatre; but either the ardour of the people cooled during the winter months or they failed to discern a fair prospect of dividends from the investment, for the summer of 1846 discovered that the idea had vanished with the closing year, and

"Like the baseless fabric of a vision, Left not a wreck behind."

Perhaps, however, it is going too far to assert that no trace or vestige of the comprehensive project remained after the first ebullition of enthusiasm had passed from the popular mind, for we find that, although no noble hall graced the town, a Mechanics' Institution was modestly established on the 18th of May, 1846, by the opening of a reading room in one portion of the Estate Office. This office formerly occupied the site of the present Whitworth Institute, and was a small, lightly constructed, Gothic edifice. Subsequently a larger and more convenient place for the purposes of the Institution was engaged in Dock Street; a library was provided and arrangements made for lectures and classes to be held on the premises. In the report of the establishment, issued twelve months after its foundation, it was stated that the members at that date amounted to 184, being 138 full members, 20 females, and 26 youths and apprentices; and that since its organisation 213 persons had availed themselves of the privileges offered by the society. A considerable number of