Isle of Wight Observer June 23, 1855
Officers and Gentlemen are amused
AMUSEMENTS OF “OFFICERS AND GENTLEMEN” – Ryde was introduced on Sunday evening last to a scene of rare occurrence here, which greatly shocked the feelings of our demure inhabitants as they were flocking to their respective places of worship. About half-past five a party of military gentlemen hired each a Bath Chair. Seated in which, instead of being dragged, each became a steersman, propelled by a chairman behind. Ranged in a row, they started a race through Pier-street, up Union-street and High-street, to the Star inn, making a series of gyrations and evolutions, and occasionally collisions, on the way, highly gratifying to a large assemblage of boys in the rear.
Thanks to the IW County Record Office for permission to use this image
