Historical information

This shield was a trophy awarded to the lodges of the Independent Order of Oddfellows in the 1960s. The first Warrnambool Lodge of the I.O.O.F. was established in 1860 (Loyal Victorian Lodge) and the Oddfellows Hall in Koroit Street Warrnambool was opened in 1869. One winner of the shield, apart from the Loyal Warrnambool Lodge, was the Loyal Aurora Lodge and the only reference found to a lodge of this name was based in North Melbourne. No information has been found on Frank D. Grayham.

Significance

This shield is of interest as a trophy given by the Independent Order of Oddfellows in the 1960s. The I.O.O.F. in Warrnambool has been of historical importance in the social and business spheres in the city.

Physical description

This is a wooden shield with a central metal plaque attached and six other smaller metal plaques. The central plaque has an ornamental edging and the plaques are attached with metal pins. Four of the plaques have inscriptions. Both the wooden section and the plaques are much worn and scratched.

Inscriptions & markings

Central Plaque: ‘W.D.C (or G) I.O.O.F. Lodges Installation of Officers Competition Frank D. Grayham Shield’
Smaller Plaques: ‘Loyal Aurora Lodge No. 82 31st March 1962’
‘Loyal Warrnambool Lodge No. 131 7th July 1961’
‘Loyal Warrnambool Lodge No. 131 26th April 1963’