Dre Forrest Allen

Director of Athletics

University of Kansas
Lawrences, Kansas —

Dear Dre Allen:

The game of basketball is probably played and watched by more people than
any other game in Americas Having been originated by Dr. Naismith,

I feel thet it is proper that a memorial be ereated in his memory. I
feol that, this would be the wish of the millions of men and women who
play, coach, or watch the game. It is fitting and proper that this
memorial be the mest modern and beautiful besketball gymnasium ever

‘built in Americas, and the proper place for it is the University of Kanses

campus, where he spent so many years.

I believe thet such « gymmaisum could be built at no expense to Kansas, —
by heving every willing beeketbell team in America play one home game

as & memorial game for Dr. Naismith, under the auspices of the Naismith
Memorial Coumittee--giving a portion of the gate receipts to the fund.

In this way no individual would be asked to contribute a penny. It |
would cost the teams little if anything, for by featuring the game es the
"aismith Memorial Geme” the edded attendance should increase the receipts
by the smell portion to be given.

 

fime is too short te do it this season, for quite a bit of planning should
be done. The committee should have severs] nationally prominent educators
and coaches on it. The idea should be sold leading sports writers and
goaches. ‘uch of the publicity could be handled by the Journalism school
at Kenses University, and the mailing and correspondence should furnish
employment for several students. : :

Suitable plaques or eertifiestes should be given scheols or organizations
whose teams teke pert in the project. 3 a,

The game of besketball has touched and is touching the lives of so many

thousands that teams--sehool, high sehool, cellege, wniversity, semi-pro,
YeMsCodey Ya¥eCsAs, and professionale-could, I feel sure, be interested in
the undertaking; and the money raised by each team, be it lerge or small,
would reach a lerge totel and make such « gymmasium possible.

tom © Kangen, end graduated from Chanute High School in 1921. 1 attended

the College of Emporia and Washburn College, though never had the privilege
ef attending the University. ly wife is a Beker graduate. I have discussed

this plan with several Kenses University alumi, a few newspaper men, end
coaches and find them 611 very favorable to it. :