Football Trophy Sing Sing and 5th Down Game Connections

[aelefson]

Hi-

I recently attended an antique show near my home and I purchased the trophy pictured below.

Besides the cool trophy topper of a player just after kicking a ball, the trophy has a plaque that indicates it was presented to WH Friesell Jr in 1935. He refereed the famous (or infamous) "5th down" game between Cornell and Dartmouth in 1940 (he incorrectly gave Cornell an extra down and wrote to the league a few days later acknowledging his error and Cornell ceded the win to Dartmouth).

Even cooler, this trophy was presented by "The Men in Sing Sing"! The full plaque reads "In Appreciation to WH Friesell Jr from The Men in Sing Sing 1935". I am fairly certain this references the inmates but I am very surprised to see they would present a trophy to the referee.

Does anyone else have any prison related sports items to share? I have seen a couple of photos but I would love to see additional items (especially related to Sing Sing or specifically football in Sing Sing).

[vintagesportscollector]

Congrats Alan! As a huge Cornell collector, I find that fascinating, very cool!

[vintagesportflips]

Hello Alan
Very cool pickup. As an oddball offshoot to my Eagles collection, I have a small collection of Sing Sing football items. This is because Sing Sing player "Alabama" Pitts was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, in probably more of a publicity stunt than a true football addition.
Here are a couple of my items, including a program and a press photo.

[aelefson]

Thanks Joe and Keith! Keith, that is really cool. I wonder how rough the game was between the police and the inmates?

Alan