Volume 023-4 - July 1969 (3 pages)

attendance and it is estimated that fully 2000 people, men, women and children, visited the grounds during the day and evening.’’ secoeee eptember 2, 1922: CommitteeCompletesLabor Day Fete Plans (Olympia Park), .... September 5, 1922: Estimated crowd of 3000 thronged the picnic grounds. Wrestling winners were Elton Martin, Arthur Long, John James and Thos, Allen, Judges: R. Dunstan, W. Martin, andJ. Martin. wososeeptember 4, 1923: Labor Day Picnic of Mine Workers League is bestin History: Cornish’ Wrestling winners Collins, lst; Wm. Gribben, 2nd; Elton Martin, 3rd and Arthur Long, 4th, eeesee September 2, 1924: League Picnic attracts Huge Attendance.... September 3, 1924: Prize Winners at Picnic make Fine Showing. Wrestling, Elton Martin, Ist $50; A. Long, 2nd, $25, sees September 2, 1925: Workers Picnic Goes Over Big at Olympia. **As in other years, the biggest event of the day was the Cornish and Catch as Can wrestling. Wrestlers were Jack Long, Arthur Long, Elton Martin, Billy Gribben, Slim Jobe. Cornish wrestling winners were Martin, lst, $50; Gribben, 2nd $30. A Morning Union news item dated September 9, 1927, stated that Cornish Wrestling was staging a revival in the ‘‘oldcountry.’’ Word was received here that Jack Carkett, formerly of Grass Valley, had recently won his spurs in Camborne, England. MANY REASONS FOR **BOWING OUT’’ OF SPORT The sport of Cornish Wrestling made a farewell bow in the ‘‘thirties’? not for lack of intrest, but rather, for lack of participants, Any sport of skill and strength requires young participants, and many participants of Cornish Wrestling were leaving the area for anumber of reasonsto attend school (or work) elsewhere. The ‘‘thirties’’ saw the public develop great interest in golfing, bowling, soccer and etc. The forties involved World War ll. Locally, young men were either in service or war indust~ ries. The Korean War followed in the ‘‘fifies.’? Gerald Best, in his book, ‘“‘Nevada County Narrow Guage’ stated that ‘“‘the last of the mines closed in 1956 due to the high price of labor and a strike for more wages.” A period of a few years can add or detract to any particular thing. In the case of Cornish Wrestling, it simply disappeared from the local scene, Only a few known past Cornish wrestlers still reside in Grass Valley -. among them being Elton Martin and Tom Osborne. LOCALITES HOPEFUL THAT CURTAIN WILL RISE ON CORNISH SPORT AGAIN Regretfully, the sport to date, has not been revived, In spite of this fact however, many localites are hopeful that interest in the sport will once again become sparked by youths of the area who are willing to don wrestling jackets and display their skill in proud traditional manner, Always a drawing card in the past, local organizations sponsoring such matches, could benefit in fund-raising projects, by providing spectator enthusiasts with some lively entertainment. Atany rate the idea is seriously being considered. The years pass, and periodically the curtain of time rises on a new scene a new era. But somehow, it matters not, because performances of sportsmen on the stage of life will always demand the came categorical qualities in physical fitness, era after era, References: The Cornish Miner in America Arthur Cecil Todd; History of Nevada County Thompson and West. ~ Nevada County Narrow Guage Gerald M. Best. The Morning Union ~ Grass Valley Newspaper. CORNISH WRESTLING REFERENCE Nevada County Historical Society Bulletin October 1954 compiled by Wm. B. Tobiassen Vol. 8 No. 4. Ref: Thompson and West 1880Also: Bulletin Vol 7. No. 3 December 1953. The favorite Cornish sport was wrestling, and George L. Jones told of watching these matches as a child between his home on Auburn Street and the Narrow Gauge Depot. The following article appeared in the Transcript, July 10, 1888: CORNISH WRESTLING: “Irish luck and strength against Cornish science did it,” said James Cross, when asked how he did it after winning the first prize at the Grass Valley tourna. ment. Cross had never before donned a wrestling jacket, and it was the first time he had ever tried Cornish wrestling. This made his victory seem all the more surprising. When in the third round, ex-champion Groves and Cross came together, the most stubborn event of the tourney took place. Cross is a powerful man and hauled and shoved his opponent about with infinite ease. Groves was hurt after many bouts and “gave his back” to the Irishman. For the fourth round there remained Edwin Trenberth, Edgar Johnston, Wm. Delbridge, James Cross, Samuel Blight, and James Rodda. After many hitches, Delbridge threw Trenberth and Blight threw Johnston. Following the Blight-Johnston encounter, James Rodda and Cross came together. Cross demonstrated his superior strength and Rodda showed the more science. After several hitches, Cross accidentally struck Rodda on the side of the face with his head, when Rodda fired up and returned a fist blow, striking Cross in the mouth. The fracas was stopped and the wrestling postponed until next day. Upon reassembling Saturday, Cross and Rodda resumed their match, firstbeing cautioned not to fight. Six times in succession Cross quickly dumped the redoubtable Rodda; on the seventh and as it proved, the last hitch, Cross went down flat on his shoulders, very plainly saving a fall by a lightning budge. Rodda claimed the fall. The sticklers unanimously refused the claim. This roused the claimant and he cursed and raved, refusing to wrestle again, thus giving the match and a place with the three highest men to Cross. The names of Johnston, Trenberth, and Rodda were placed in a hat and a lad drew out the name of Trenberth, thus ensuring him the fifth prize and a chance for the fourth. Rodda; still refusing to wrestle, had to content himself with the last place and last prize. Trenberth tried conclusions with Johnston for fourth money and was expeditiously dumped. For the three highest prizes, Cross’ name came out of the hat ensuring him the second and a chance for the first. Delbridge and Blight wrestled for the first and third, Delbridge winning after a prolonged struggle. Cross and Delbridge then had a iong and fierce struggle for. first piace, the Irishman finally putting down his opponent. These prizes were awarded: James Cross, Ist prize, $100; Wm. Delbridge, 2nd prize, $70; Sam Blight, 3rd prize, $50; Ed Johnston, 4th prize, $30; Ed Trenberth, 5th prize, $20, and James Rodda 6th prize, $10. EDITOR’S NOTE: The reference given by the author and supplemented by the editor, are furnished for further research by any reader, It may provide a source from which to revive the sport of Cornish Wrestling, as an attraction for contestants and exhibition for the celebration of our heritage in the Gold Citles. C. H. Lee.s

attendance and it is estimated that fully 2000 people, men, women and children, visited the grounds during the day and evening.’’ secoeee eptember 2, 1922: CommitteeCompletesLabor Day Fete Plans (Olympia Park), ....... September 5, 1922: Estimated crowd of 3000 thronged the picnic grounds. Wrestling winners were Elton Martin, Arthur Long, John James and Thos, Allen, Judges: R. Dunstan, W. Martin, andJ. Martin. wososeeptember 4, 1923: Labor Day Picnic of Mine Workers League is bestin History: Cornish’ Wrestling winners Collins, lst; Wm. Gribben, 2nd; Elton Martin, 3rd and Arthur Long, 4th, eeesee September 2, 1924: League Picnic attracts Huge Attendance....... September 3, 1924: Prize Winners at Picnic make Fine Showing. Wrestling, Elton Martin, Ist $50; A. Long, 2nd, $25, sees September 2, 1925: Workers Picnic Goes Over Big at Olympia. **As in other years, the biggest event of the day was the Cornish and Catch as Can wrestling. Wrestlers were Jack Long, Arthur Long, Elton Martin, Billy Gribben, Slim Jobe. Cornish wrestling winners were Martin, lst, $50; Gribben, 2nd $30. A Morning Union news item dated September 9, 1927, stated that Cornish Wrestling was staging a revival in the ‘‘oldcountry.’’ Word was received here that Jack Carkett, formerly of Grass Valley, had recently won his spurs in Camborne, England. MANY REASONS FOR **BOWING OUT’’ OF SPORT The sport of Cornish Wrestling made a farewell bow in the ‘‘thirties’? not for lack of intrest, but rather, for lack of participants, Any sport of skill and strength requires young participants, and many participants of Cornish Wrestling were leaving the area for anumber of reasonsto attend school (or work) elsewhere. The ‘‘thirties’’ saw the public develop great interest in golfing, bowling, soccer and etc. The forties involved World War ll. Locally, young men were either in service or war indust~ ries. The Korean War followed in the ‘‘fifies.’? Gerald Best, in his book, ‘“‘Nevada County Narrow Guage’ stated that ‘“‘the last of the mines closed in 1956 due to the high price of labor and a strike for more wages.” A period of a few years can add or detract to any particular thing. In the case of Cornish Wrestling, it simply disappeared from the local scene, Only a few known past Cornish wrestlers still reside in Grass Valley -. among them being Elton Martin and Tom Osborne. LOCALITES HOPEFUL THAT CURTAIN WILL RISE ON CORNISH SPORT AGAIN Regretfully, the sport to date, has not been revived, In spite of this fact however, many localites are hopeful that interest in the sport will once again become sparked by youths of the area who are willing to don wrestling jackets and display their skill in proud traditional manner, Always a drawing card in the past, local organizations sponsoring such matches, could benefit in fund-raising projects, by providing spectator enthusiasts with some lively entertainment. Atany rate the idea is seriously being considered. The years pass, and periodically the curtain of time rises on a new scene a new era. But somehow, it

matters not, because performances of sportsmen on the stage of life will always demand the came categorical qualities in physical fitness, era after era, References: The Cornish Miner in America Arthur Cecil Todd; History of Nevada County Thompson and West. ~ Nevada County Narrow Guage Gerald M. Best. The Morning Union ~ Grass Valley Newspaper. CORNISH WRESTLING REFERENCE Nevada County Historical Society Bulletin October 1954 compiled by Wm. B. Tobiassen Vol. 8 No. 4. Ref: Thompson and West 1880Also: Bulletin Vol 7. No. 3 December 1953. The favorite Cornish sport was wrestling, and George L. Jones told of watching these matches as a child between his home on Auburn Street and the Narrow Gauge Depot. The following article appeared in the Transcript, July 10, 1888: CORNISH WRESTLING: “Irish luck and strength against Cornish science did it,” said James Cross, when asked how he did it after winning the first prize at the Grass Valley tourna. ment. Cross had never before donned a wrestling jacket, and it was the first time he had ever tried Cornish wrestling. This made his victory seem all the more surprising. When in the third round, ex-champion Groves and Cross came together, the most stubborn event of the tourney took place. Cross is a powerful man and hauled and shoved his opponent about with infinite ease. Groves was hurt after many bouts and “gave his back” to the Irishman. For the fourth round there remained Edwin Trenberth, Edgar Johnston, Wm. Delbridge, James Cross, Samuel Blight, and James Rodda. After many hitches, Delbridge threw Trenberth and Blight threw Johnston. Following the Blight-Johnston encounter, James Rodda and Cross came together. Cross demonstrated his superior strength and Rodda showed the more science. After several hitches, Cross accidentally struck Rodda on the side of the face with his head, when Rodda fired up and returned a fist blow, striking Cross in the mouth. The fracas was stopped and the wrestling postponed until next day. Upon reassembling Saturday, Cross and Rodda resumed their match, firstbeing cautioned not to fight. Six times in succession Cross quickly dumped the redoubtable Rodda; on the seventh and as it proved, the last hitch, Cross went down flat on his shoulders, very plainly saving a fall by a lightning budge. Rodda claimed the fall. The sticklers unanimously refused the claim. This roused the claimant and he cursed and raved, refusing to wrestle again, thus giving the match and a place with the three highest men to Cross. The names of Johnston, Trenberth, and Rodda were placed in a hat and a lad drew out the name of Trenberth, thus ensuring him the fifth prize and a chance for the fourth. Rodda; still refusing to wrestle, had to content himself with the last place and last prize. Trenberth tried conclusions with Johnston for fourth money and was expeditiously dumped. For the three highest prizes, Cross’ name came out of the hat ensuring him the second and a chance for the first. Delbridge and Blight wrestled for the first and third, Delbridge winning after a prolonged struggle. Cross and Delbridge then had a iong and fierce struggle for. first piace, the Irishman finally putting down his opponent. These prizes were awarded: James Cross, Ist prize, $100; Wm. Delbridge, 2nd prize, $70; Sam Blight, 3rd prize, $50; Ed Johnston, 4th prize, $30; Ed Trenberth, 5th prize, $20, and James Rodda 6th prize, $10. EDITOR’S NOTE: The reference given by the author and supplemented by the editor, are furnished for further research by any reader, It may provide a source from which to revive the sport of Cornish Wrestling, as an attraction for contestants and exhibition for the celebration of our heritage in the Gold Citles. C. H. Lee.s