A piece of Norfolk’s history has returned back home.
In December, Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition Chair Heather King received an unexpected package from Tennessee.
In it was a beautiful silver trophy from the family of Nelson Ross Gilbert.
An article that came with the item explains that prize was “presented by the inhabitants of Simcoe to the Champion Baseball Club. Norfolk. Dominion Day 1871”.
Two references to the trophy were found in the then-Norfolk Reformer, the first on June 15, 1871, previewing a celebration of Dominion Day on July 1st of that year.
That year, a group representing Lynedoch comprised of Nelson Robert Gilbert, W.A. McLim, John Murray, L. Olmstead, A. Armstrong, John Beal, John Shepherd, Wm Dawson, and F. Crysler emerged victorious in a field that included Simcoe, Vittoria, and Port Dover.
Gilbert Sr. was born in Ingersoll and received a degree from the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical College before opening his first practice in Lynedoch, where he remained from 1871-1875.
With the Dominion trophy in tow, he would eventually move on to Michigan where he would remain until his death.
Nelson Jr. felt the trophy belongs in the hands of Norfolk Sports Hall.
The Hall says this represents the communities proud history with baseball and were amazed to have this item returned.
Where the trophy will ultimately reside is yet to be determined, but it will be displayed for people in the area to see.
Currently, the sports hall which is located in the pool viewing area is closed until the Simcoe Recreation Centre is re-opened to the public.
For more information about the sports hall, visit norfolksports.ca or facebook.com/norfolksportshall.