Historical information

This Warrnambool Rowing Club medal was awarded to the winners of the Society Fours in 1908. The Friendly Society group that won the race was the Manchester Unity Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a benefit society owned by members who assist other members in times of illness or unemployment. Originally founded in Manchester, England, the M.U.I.O.O.F. started in Melbourne in 1840. The Warrnambool branch was founded in 1860. The Warrnmbool Rowing Club was established in 1873, though there had been several boat clubs associated with the Hopkins River going back to the 1850s. No information has been found on R.Russell.

Significance

This medal is of interest as a memento of a Warrnambool sporting club award in 1908 and of the winner of the award, a Warrnambool group and a member of that group.

Physical description

This circular brass medal has a shield shaped centrepiece with text on both obverse and reverse surrounded by a plain annulus edged with small scrolls. It has a ring at the top.

Inscriptions & markings

Obverse- W.R.C. Regatta 1908
Reverse SOCIETY FOURS Won by M.U.I.O.O.F.R RUSSELL.
A maker's hallmark.