BULLSEYE

A Turnbull walking club in Louisiana, starting in 1966, they tossed aluminium doubloons, no color mention. (I assume this was for Mardi Gras).

In 1967 they tossed four colors of aluminium doubloons, silver, antique bronze, oxidized copper and bright bronze aluminium. Then in 1968 the doubloons were silver, oxidized silver, antique bronze and gold anodized aluminium.

These three years are mentioned in Louisiana Medallions, vol.1 by Ruth O. Berthelot. The book was apparently connected with the Carnival Coins Collectors Club. New Orleans, LA as there is a stamp on the cover. The record shows that they walked in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, and not listed in 1970. In 1968, 1969, and 1970, there was also a walking group called the Turnbuletts; no indication of a relationship.

A Turnbull walking club is listed as taking part in a St. Patrick Day parade from 1966-1977. The 1980 edition listed only one walking club and that was Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club. This info from the Official Mardi Gras Medallion Check list 1960-1976., Mary L. Cooper, MS, Lib II, Special Collections, Jefferson Parish Library System, Metairie, LA.

Important reminder: If there is a smiley face sticker on this newsletter it means we have not yet received your renewal membership dues. We've done very well so far with 122 at this writing which leaves about 80 members not yet renewed. Let’s get it done before the Christmas rush. Membership cards will be mailed soon as well as a surprise and special gift for all active members.

TCA Dues are $20 per year and $10 for a spouse or student.

Ancient tradition in Scotland of lifting stones as a feat of strength is as old as recovered history.

Young clansmen would be required to lift a “manhood” stone as an initiation test and prove their strength.

Recruiting sergeants might choose only the strongest men who could lift a stone or anvil, etc.

One of the top Highland Games in Scotland is held every July in a wee village of Airth, just a mile south of the Kincardine Bridge, and like all villages in the 19^th century it had a local smiddy or blacksmiths.

Outside Airth smiddy the blacksmith had a large stone, weighing several hundred pounds, with a ring which was used for tethering horses waiting to be shod.

This stone was used by local lads during contests of strength, with only the strongest being able to lift it.

It’s recorded that when Donald Dinnie, the renowned Victorian athlete from Aberdeenshire, competed at Airth he was invited to attempt to lift the stone. To prove his exceptional strength Dinnie not only lifted the stone but walked more than 30 feet with it!

So at this year’s games, the 132^nd since its inception, it was decided to re-introduce this event into the games and all were invited to try their strength and lift the stone. In fact, the first man (or woman) to emulate Dinnie’s great feat would receive a bottle of whiskey as well as the prize money.

In addition, anyone attempting the event would be given the traditional glass of whisky! (Old country spelling of whiskey).

The first prizewinner (a Glasgow man) received 50 pounds, plus a litre and a half of whisky, the runner-up received 30 pounds and the third place winner pocketed 20 pounds.

Turnbull Medallion Club