FRED MEDART
MANUFACTURING Co.

 

 

 

POTOMAC AND DE KALB STREETS SAINT LoOvuls. Mo.

R. E. WEINZETTEL

SALES PROMOTION MANAGER January 10, 19,0

Dr.Forrest C. Allen
Univerdity of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

Dear Phogs

Your letter of January 8 with reference to the coming meeting of the Na=
tional Basketball Rules Committee in relation to the convex backboard,
was received by all of us with more than ordinary interest.

We are particularly pleased to note the closing sentence of your letter
in which you advise that you will keep us advised as to the progress of
the committee and the attitude they take.

We are extremely anxious that this convex board come up for consideration
as it will undoubtedly be a prominent part of the meeting, judging from
what we have received elsewhere, and that it be approved as optional
equipment. The last desire on our part is, of course, understandable
without much difficulty.

In any event, Phog, we are going to bear down on this subject as much as
we can from our position as a manufacturer and shall thoroughly discuss
this with you when we meet you during the N.E.A. Convention. At that
time you will probably have some reports from your Committee, and we can,
in turn, give you such data as we have compiled here and there over the
past year.

One other thing, Phog, that is worthy of mention at this time, and that
is your statement in the second to last paragraph, to the effect that you
would not mention our nam of the firm's name. I don't see how we are
going to be able to avoid this question of identity inasmuch as Porter
and yours truly have met o several occasions in connection with the dis-
turbing problem of a possible patent being allowed us, in whichéase the
thought of a monopoly being established, has come up for discussion. We
attempted to sidestep this, and, I think, in a very fair way by agreeing
to license reputable manufacturers to fabricate convex backboards, altho
we would like the privilege of passing on such applicants in cmjunction
with the Rules Committee. More about this later but it is an important
fact, at least in Porter's mind, and also in min@

Cordially yours,
FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO.

 

REW/AC

STEEL LOCKERS___ STEEL WARDROBES____ STEEL SHELVING____GYMNASI APPARATUS____GYM SEATS____BASKETBALL BACKSTOPS____PLAYGROUND APPARATUS