1969-1981 Gorham Governor’s Trophy
Originally made in 1909 in the Art Nouveau style and requiring 397 hours to create, this cup was presented to the International Tennis Hall of Fame to encourage Rhode Island sports by the Governor of Rhode Island and the Gorham Company. It recognizes the annual winners of the Senior Men’s Grass Court Championships in the 55, 60, 65, and 70-age groups from 1969-1981. Hall of Famers Gardnar Mulloy and Bobby Riggs had successful senior careers here at the Newport Casino.
The ornate design of this trophy includes symbolism of wine, the most obviously being grapes and grape vines. However, the handles feature three different satyr heads making faces. Satyrs are the half-human, half-horse beings from ancient Greek mythology known for their love of wine, dancing, music, and women.
