eHive Object Details

Name/TitleBelfast Volunteer Rifle Company and spectators at parade, showing the presentation of a silver bugle by Mrs William Rutledge, 1860.

About this objectPhotograph that depicts a ceremonial event for the Port Fairy [Belfast] Volunteer Rifle Corps. The men in uniform are in two lines and Eliza Rutledge is addressing a rifleman in the forefront. She is standing on a platform with other women.

There is an immense ground and a fence around the perimeter. The fence line and township are in the background. Within the grounds are a crowd of people viewing the ceremonial event.

Text pasted above photograph : "Formed in 1855 - John Mason being Captain, W. H. Hawkins, Lieutenant, and John Scott drill instructor. When the Volunteer Corps of the Colony were disbanded in 1863, this company became portion [sic] of the Western Artillery Company. IN 1884 another alteration in the constitution of the Civilian Soldiers was made, and the Western Garrison Artillery was established, the second brigade being the Port Fairy Battery with Major Kell in command"

A bugle was presented to the Belfast (the original name for the town now known as Port Fairy) Volunteer Rifle Corps by the ladies of Belfast in December 1860. The presentation took place in “Avery’s Paddock” (now Southcombe Park) and the event was photographed by Joseph Warrin Wilder and then converted as a woodcut for publication. The event depicts Mrs William Rutledge presenting the bugle to the Corps, assisted by Mrs William Hawkins. [Source : Port Fairy Historical Society website]

William Rutledge was merchant, banker and settler who founded the founded the firm of William Rutledge & Co. in Port Fairy.

A print of one of many glass slides purchased from retailers or specifically made for illustrated lectures given by Isaac Selby between c. 1930 and c. 1955 to raise money for the Old Pioneers Memorial Fund.

Inscription and MarksInscribed in black ink on verso : Port Fairy Volunteer Corps / Formed in 1855 / Photograph taken at parade / held on the Port Fairy Cricket / Ground in 1856, when a silver / bugle was presented to the corps / by Mrs Wm Rutledge on the behalf / of the ladies of Port Fairy / [copied from photograph in / the possession of Miss Ethel Flower / 25 Wattletree Road / Malvern]"

Measurements12.3 x 19.8 cm. (image)
24.6 x 30.4 cm (backin board)

Period1860-1870

Object TypePhotograph

Subject and Association KeywordsSelby, Isaac, 1859-1956

Subject and Association KeywordsRutledge, Eliza, 1820–1888.

Subject and Association KeywordsPort Fairy Volunteer Rifle Corps

Subject and Association KeywordsEvents and activities

Subject and Association KeywordsPort Fairy (Vic.)

Subject and Association KeywordsRutledge, William, 1806-1876.

Named CollectionImages collection

Credit LinePurchased from James Searle, Collins Street, January 1919

Object numberGS-EV-37

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved