research, European officials discovered that the silversmiths at Colonial Williamsburg could fix the revered trophy here on American soil. He said silversmith expert Mark Frankel was able to fix the stem and also make it sturdier for the long haul. Officials were so impressed with the work they commissioned the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation silversmiths to make the actual-size replica cup for the next several Ryder Cup winning captains and host courses. An additional one was under development, “when they started making them again in England and we were fortunate that the PGA of America allowed us to keep the last one that we made here and it is always on display in the pro shop,” Byrnes said.
Beyond the Greens Hopefully Colonial Williamsburg needs little introduction as it has been the country’s major restoration
of our historic roots for many decades, where nearly one million visitors flock each year to tour the buildings, museums and participate in colonial wartime reenactments. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation was established in 1926 and in the 1950s the Rockefeller family infused huge sums of money for major fixes to some of the 88 original buildings and nearly 500 reconstructions that sit on 301 acres of the original town. Quite simply, Colonial Williamsburg’s buildings and streetscapes are a walk-able masterpiece of U.S. history in motion. One experience in particular is the chance to dine at historic Shields Tavern, circa 1754, from the estate of James Shields. Menu items range from 18th-century recipes such as Crayfish and Shrimp Stew, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Salmon Croquettes, Duck
Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg
In another trophy damaged situa-
tion that effected the PGA, Byrnes said the vaulted Wannamaker Trophy was also repaired many years later at Williamsburg, following damage occurred in the 1950s when rolling around in the trunk of a winner’s automobile. He said the lid was damaged and stayed that way for a while, before Williamsburg got the call to fix it and make it stronger. The PGA of America headquarters now has the original on display, “but when you’re watching TV and you see the Wannamaker Trophy hoisted into the air, that’s the one made by Mark Frankel here in Colonial Williamsburg.”
Colonial Army Demonstration 32
SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE