TRAPSHOOTING HALL OF FAME

George Kleinman of Chicago won the first challenge in the early 1890s. The medal was contested until 1902 when J. A. R. Elliottdefended it for the 5th and final time. He won the medal in 1899 by defeating Rolla Heikes 95-94.

George Kleinman

This medal was emblematic of the live bird championship of America, the contest being at 100 live birds (pigeons). The idea of the medal originated with Doc Carver, and plans for placing it in competition were perfected in Chicago in the early 1890s. John L. Brewer and other notables being present with the originator at the time. The first shoot was an open one, held at John Watson's Park, Chicago, and was won by George Kleinman, a local celebrity. Doc Carver challenged the winner and took the medal and forfeit of $25.00 by default, refusing to allow Mr. Kleinman three days of grace to recover from an illness which had confined him to his bed. Charles Grimm immediately challenged Carver and defeated him. The writer has been unable to get a complete record of this trophy. Early in its history the contests for possession were numerous, but of late years, owing to the decline of live bird shooting at the traps, the interest has died out, and the trophy is now in the possession of Mr. J. A. R Elliott. (The HOF obtained the long lost medal in 2001)

D. H. Eaton, Trapshooting, The Patriotic Sport, Sportsmen's Review Publishing Company, 1920, Page 178


1897, December 6 - Watson's Park, Chicago

R. 0 Heikes

91 Winner

C. M. Grimm

57


1898, January 1 - Dayton, Ohio

R. O. Heikes

93 Winner

C. M. Grimm

90


1898, February 22 - Dayton, Ohio

R. O. Heikes

91 Winner

C. W. Budd

84


1898, August 27 - Eau Claire, Wisconsin

R. O. Heikes

99 Winner

Fred Gilbert

94

(Heikes lost his 11th bird, and then made a run of 89 straight.)


1898, October 21- Nashville, Tennessee

R. O. Heikes

96 Winner

William Elliston

94


1899, July 21 - Kent, Ohio

R. O. Heikes

94

J. A. R. Elliott

95 Winner Medal changed hands.

(Elliott lost his 22d, 57th, 60th, 91st and 95th birds. Heikes lost his 21st, '30th, 31st, 40th, 58th and 75th birds.)


1899, September 21 - Yardsville, New Jersey

J. A. R. Elliott

93 Winner

Charles Zwirlein

81


1899, October 26 - Nashville, Tennessee

J. A. R. Elliott

99 Winner

J. D. B. DeBow

93


1900, October 20 - Richmond, Virginia

J. A. R. Elliott

98 Winner

Fred Gilbert

93


1900, December 27 - Kansas City, , Missouri

J. A. R. Elliott

96 Winner

W. R. Crosbyt

93


1902, April 25 - Omaha, Nebraska

J. A. R. Elliott

97 Winner

Fred Gilbert

92