General News
11 October, 2024
More medallion mysteries surface
The details behind a gold sporting medallion presented in 1910 to Jeparit Football Club player Ben Smith have eluded the current owner, Russell Dodds of Melbourne.
It seems information about the origin of the Rowe Football Trophy, presented by Jeparit Football Club to Mr Smith, is hard to find.
Russell's mother, Mary Dodds of River Heights, called The Horsham Times after reading about a 1936 premiership medallion presented to Ellam Football Club player Frank Bretag, which was recently rediscovered while cleaning out an old family homestead.
The nine carat gold medallion is inscribed on the front with the initials "JFC" for Jeparit Football Club, and on the back with the words "Rowe Football Trophy, Season 1910, Won by B. Smith".
Mr Smith was, at the time, a farmer in Ellam, between Jeparit and Rainbow.
The medallion was handed down to Mr Smith's son, Harold, who then passed it on to his great-nephew, Mr Dodds.
If you have any information about this medallion, or a similar story, please contact us at news@wmnews.com.au, or drop into our office.
