ity ate ci Hi ieee fe ‘iad, : ste Udall he Hs 4 Wi i 3 cH say ih i iy ite a i ui ie tpt Hi aus te Hd side g i ba iy at oH : ride i383 dE i April 25, 1939. th eat ries + nt g li rH ui Fe ale Wt i ig ai oa ill Hey Hl ji iy on fF fy ahi te anit i 4 Th He Bes 4 42 ge dis Hg ¥ yours, FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. STEEL LOCKERS — STEEL SHELVING — STEEL WARDROBES GYMNASIUM APPARATUS — PLAYGROUND APPARATUS GYM SEATS — SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK OFFICE CHICAGO OFFICE 16 WEST 61sT STREET METAL SPECIALTIES 326 W. MADISON ST. GENERAL OF FICE AND FACTORY POTOMAC AND DE KALB STREETS AIR MAIL ST. Louls, Mo. April eh, 1939 Dr. Forrest C. Allen, Director of Physical Education University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Dear Dr. Allen; Just a last minute message before we head East. I intended to ask you where you will be staying in New York. I take it : that it will be the McAlpin Hotel but I wish you would drop me a line, ( C/o Park Central Hotel, New York City, where I will arrive Thursday morning, advising where I can get in touch with you, as Mr. Medart and : I would like to see you some time prior to the opening of your meeting on Monday, or at least talk to you over the telephone. Word has reached me from New York that final details have not yet been worked out but that it appears the demonstration of the three backstops will be in one of the gymnasiums of the New York University. This has not been definitely confirmed but I expect to hear within the next day or two. Can you tell me, Dr. Allen, who among your associates at this meeting Will decide when the members of your Committee will agree to attend the demonstration of the special backboards? Naturally we are anxious to know the day and hour decided upon as quickly as possible so we can make some plans for a scrub team to play on the demonstration boards, and with the basketball season over, this may not be so simple a task. Anticipating the pleasure of seeing you again next week, I am a ” , R.E.Weinzettel/ac Sayed F Manager ing, in part, as follows: "Owen Re has arranged with the authorities at New York University for the demonstration Monday night, 4 May 1. I think you will be safe in assuming that the demonstration will be held at that time, probably at 7 P.M.". Looks like that is the answer ! PS. Since dictating the abo guter from Mr. Porter, read- | CURVED BACKBOARD PROPOSED St. Louis, March 31.@ (A. —A new basketball curved convexly to make field goals possible from the deep ends of the court was proposed Friday to increase the game’s scoring op- portunitics. Coach Forrest C. (Phog) Allen "of the University of Kansas, who ' saw the convex board demon- strated, called it « “marvelous _ idea” for increasing scoring and action—“That’s what puts over "any sport.” - Pere Altho at present a basketball: é ' a LPERFS | vt ? Nw oT: court may extend from two to four feet behind the backboard, the four-foot extension has been recommended to the national rules committee, which will meet in New York May 1 and 2. A player in this zone finds it alinust impossible to score with the present flat backboard. The suggested board, curving back four inches on each side, elimi- nates the “blind spots.” It was invented by two St. Louisans, Len Maune and George Chervenko. a Des Movnes ues 4 J NEW BACKBOARD LOUIS A new basketball backboard curved convex- ly to make field goals pos- sible from the deep ends of the court was proposed Fri- day to increase the game’s scoring oppor- tunities. Coach For- rest C. (Phog) Allen of the University of Kansas (shown here with the board), who saw the con- vex board dem- onstrated, called it a “marvel ous idea” for in- creasing scor- ing and action —“that’s what puts over any sport.” A player in the new 4- foot extension zone finds it almost impos- sible to score with the pres- ent flat back- each side, elim- inates the “blind spots.” It was in- vented by two St. Louisans, Len Maune and George Cher- venko. _ May 19, Big et Ho BI ; i 7 lil i bt fa : . iy a et a it | i ‘ J ae te i Hi i i f ise etl aie ij ia 7 ‘ Hae fit Hi li He : | Hed i a "yt itn fi i f ] ti Mi 7: FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. STEEL LOCKERS — STEEL SHELVING — STEEL WARDROBES GYMNASIUM APPARATUS — PLAYGROUND APPARATUS GYM SEATS — SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK OFFICE CHICAGO OFFICE 16 WEST 61st STREET METAL SPECIALTIES 326 W. MADISON ST. GENERAL OFFICE AND FACTORY POTOMAC AND DE KALB STREETS ST. Louts, Mo. May 17, 1939 Dr. Forrest C. Allen, Director of Physical Education University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Dear Dr. Allen: Many thanks for your two letters of May 13 and enclosures, all of which have received the careful attention of several of us here in 5t. Louis. First of all, I have arranged to get a copy of the Standard Oj1 Company bul- ietin menté oned in your letter, but am at a loss to get a copy of “Collegiate News" and if you have an extra copy available I would certainly appreciate having you send it on; or, if you can tell me where I could get a copy of this “Collegiate News", I would appreciate that information. We are writing Mr. Porter, per copy of letter attached, which I believe is more or less self-explanatory and I shall not repeat our position in this let- ter to you because a perusal of the attached will reveal how we have acted on the information you have given us together with the letter from Mr. Porter, dated May 11, copy also attached. If you think we are not following the right procedure, as outlined to Mr. Por- ter, please give us your opinion, as we do not want the interest that has been aroused in the new backstop to lag because of a wrong approach on our part, or for lack of follow-up to the interested parties. I note the dates on which you will be away from Lawrence, and with the idea in mind of dropping over to see you for a discussion not only of our backboard but of the new game of junior basketball - or whatever we might decide to call it - I am wondering whether it would be satisfactory with you for me to drop in on you Wednesday, May 2y. I could leave here Tuesday night, May 24, and be in Lawrence some time around 10 o'clock the following morning, arriving via Sante Fe from Kansas City. Apparently the 2lith and 25th are open dates on your cal- endar and that is why I have suggested them. Of course, there is a pwsibility of some last-minute change at this end, which would necessitate my cancelling the above, but at this writing it appears I could make this trip on that date, Subject, of course, to your wishes. Meanwhile, I am enclosing a draft of the game as we tried to interpret it, and would like to have you give this game some thought. The more we think of it, the more we believe there is an opportunity for some one, in this case you, to FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. we Dr. Forrest CG. Allen Lawrence, Kansas develop a game much as Dr. Naismith originated basketball; and subject to our final decision, which, of course, will be based on the opinions of all of us here, together with your valued opinion and any others that might be solicited, we are prepared to throw the full weight of our sales promotion efforts behind this new idea, with the thought of selling a game as well as a piece,of equipment, We, of course, would want to have a thorough discus-— sion om the game when together in Lawrence on the 2jth or whenever we can arrange to get together. Anticipating further word and with the writer's kindest personal regards, we remain Cordially yours, FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. R.E.Weinzettel/Aac Ene. see ccs Dr. Forrest C. Allen University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas May 17, 1939 While o this question of a 3 inch fly, it is of course apparent that all exist~ ing goals with a 6 inch support would be worthless to the owner when making change-over to the new designed backboards with the 3 inch fly. I mention this merely to bring this thought before you for possible future consideration. In the event your Committee sanctions a smaller board, it will, of course, be nec~ essary to supply stringers with which to attach these smaller boards to existing pipe supports, wherever they may be tested, and one of our engineers advanced the HeV -Porter Chicago, Ill. thought that it might be permissible to build these special, small size back- boards, out from the pipe supports about a foot so that the stringer would not be so prominent, as was the case in Chicago and in New York, as you will remem ber. Of course this would result in the length of the playing court being shortened at both ends, ami I am wondering what your opinion of this change is, as far as tests this Summer in the coaching schools ere concerned. In other words vg Thacmagedagg ety ong apa ath de wile rehagp eed line Meme: wrod the p floor was reduced by this construction of the test backboard to the existing pipe supports. We are of the opinion that in order to give the special backboard a fair test, nout the hindrance of the necessary wood stringer being immediately behind the’ boar : extension of the board a foot from the stringer would t of two evils. Would you care to give us your opinion, Mr. Further, in ¢ lis schools, it would be our intentions to supply a pair of th | dard. ~ one of them with e flat surface and the other with ; ane She cons Seeune 2 result of the exp Lor ny authorities, transition fron a flat at following this thought we, appreciation of not only also of the possibilities other are presented for It is the opinion of our Engineering L stallations, could be supported by a daghe molly éxup, but existing installations, there would be considerable arranging present pipe supports des commodate this smaller size as is be 3 Hy ie Fo size of the backboard is determined. Incidentally, would you mind telling us who he represents? We note . you advised that he covers the central states for a group of sporting goods man- ufacturers, and I am wondering | tage. I assume he is a salesman for these sporting goods manufacturers. cone and shall keep him in mind as soon as the question ~ ee 6 ; hi LEE g é A review of the foregoing indicates that we have about covered our positim and . until we hear further from you regarding sizes we are at a loss to proceed. We appreciate year offer to ket us us posted on the returns from the members of your Commi ttee. : Kindest personal regards. _ FRED MANUFACTURING CO. R.E We inzette1/ac Sales Promotion Manager jo |o [tv IK May 11, 1939 Mr. R, E. Weinzettel | Fred Medart Manufacturing Co. St. Louis, Mo. Dear Mr. Weinzettel; I have your letter of May 9 and am endlosing copy of that section of the min-— utes of the National Basketball Committee meeting which deals with the modified backboards. You will note from the enclosed sheet that I am attempting to get definite agree- ment on the part of members of the committee relative to the board size and shape toward which we should work. It is my belief that one approximating the pro- posed diagram will be sanctioned. Note that the cut out space below is contin- gent on developing a basket which will clamp to the bottom of the board with only metal braces extending below. Of course, if such a basket cannot be satisfactor- ily developed, it will be necessary to leave at least three inches below the level of the basket. However, the board space below the ring is entirely waste and if it can be eliminated, it will allow much better vision from behind the back- board. In my opinion, boards of several years in the future will be of this type although no one could guarantee that this prophecy is an accurate one. Probably the best way to secure the transition is to encourage those who are erecting new equipment to arrange the braces in such a way that they will be not more than 54 inches from left to right and not more than 30 inches vertically. I helieve this is a wide enough spread to support the smaller board since its weight will be considerably less than the present one. As far as the convex surface is concerned, I believe this has just as much merit aS the smaller size. However, it is my belief that it will be more diffiault to make a transition from the flat surface to the convex surface. If it is purely a matter of size a team could very well practice on the large board and not be handicapped when playing on a floor which might have the small board. This is not the case if the surface is changed. It would probably take a team some time to get adjusted to a convex surface after having practiced on a flat surface. For this reason it might be necessary to proceed on the assumption that the first change which might be made is the change in size and shape. If desirable, the convex board could then be substituted at a later date for the other.. You will understand that I am attempting to look at this from the standpoint of practice in making the trangition as well as in connection with the theory under- lying the desirable features of both the changed size and contour. As far as curvature is concerned, I believe that a curvature such that the middle part of the board will be from four to six inches thicker than the edge (measured on the board which is 6 feet wide) is about right. It may be that the six inch curve would be more desirable than the four in case the carrower board is used. Today I talked with A. A. Schabinger, 211 South State St., Chicago. He is greatly interested in the modified boards and demonstrated with one set of them before a group of coaches a week or two ago. He covers the central states for a group of the sporting goods manufacturers and before the opening of next bas- ketball season he will attend many clinics and will have charge of a consider- able number of demonstrations of playing technique. He is enough interested in the modified boards so that if you should choose to work with him, he would be willing to carry one of these smaller boards with him and put on demonstrations at the various clinics. I believe it would be worthwhile for you to give care- ful consideration to his offer to do this. If you should be willing to provide him with such a board, it would probably be best to make it in the form of the one proposed on the enclosed sheet as soon as the sanction of the committee has been secured. I shall ve glad to keep you posted as soon as I have returns from the members of the committee relative to the proposed size and form. I am convinced that a real service can be performed by promoting experimental work of this kind and I am very glad to cooperate with you in anything which may enable the basketball men of the country to inspect boards of this type. Yours truly, Signed - H. V. Porter eecretary May 9, 19396 which was received by me this morninge I also beg to aclmowledge receipt of the description of the “New Type Backboards Tested”. I find this is very satisfactory for the purpose, and am send- ing this on to Oswald Tower go that he may mke suitable outs and make the necessary insertions for the Rules Guide. This is very nice of you, and I an sure that it will arrive in time. I trust . that he will give it a very fevorable location. | <% was good to see you and lr. Medart in New York, and it will be a pleasure to see you again at your convenientes FCAsAH Ss | Varsity Basketball Coache FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. STEEL LOCKERS — STEEL SHELVING — STEEL WARDROBES GYMNASIUM APPARATUS — PLAYGROUND APPARATUS GYM SEATS — SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK OFFICE CHICAGO OFFICE 16 WEST 61ST STREET METAL SPECIALTIES 326 W. MADISON ST. GENERAL OFFICE AND FACTORY POTOMAC AND DE KALB STREETS ST. LoutIs, Mo. AIR MAIL SPECIAL DELIVERY May 8, 1939 Dr. Forrest C. Allen University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Dear Dr. Allens Just. returned this morning from the trip that brought us to= gether in New York and I hasten to prepare and send to you, in this air mail letter, the short article on the tests made in New York University of the several backstops we supplied. I find that our Advertising Department has come through with the drawing of the small convex surface board that was built on specifications supplied us by your organization. I am also forwarding a copy of the photograph made at the University City High School when you were in St. Louis, think- ing that possibly this photograph can be used to illustrate the convex surface better than the smaller illustration, which, of course, is primarily intended to inform the reader of the general size and shape of the smaller bank. I shall write you within the next day or two, as soon as I can clear away some of the things that have piled up on my desk. Kindest regards. Yours very truly, FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. R.E.Weinzettel/Ac Enc. rey | NEW TYPE BACKBOARDS TESTED ‘During the New York meeting of the Rules Galak ies, three new types of backbeards were exhibited and tested in the gymnasium of New York University $e +tf% members of Committee. One of the boards was of the conventional ' x 6' size with a convex surface; the second board was substantially the same but with the four corners rounded; and the third board, which was built on specifications drafted by the research body of that Committee, differed considerably from the backboards in use today. : As illustrated, this 'fan shaped' board, which also has a convex surface, is approximately 8" wide x 27" high and has a curved 2," radius top. The lat- ter board received considerable attention. Use of the convex surface increases the scoring zone for a straight shot to the goal by 27 sq.ft. and will un- doubtedly overcome many of the complaints that have resulted from the optional use of the ' end line in relation to the many of fensive a daaniis that have been developed inthe past several years. Likewise, the use of a rounded surface reduces considerably the mental hazard of a player in direct line with the edge of the conventional flat sur- face board. Increased visibility for spectators is likewise a favorable fac- tor of this backboard. It is thought that much of the space in the conventional lt x 6' backboard is seldom used and could be eliminated, by the possible adop- tion of a board approximately of the size mentioned above. The clean cut, streamlined appearance of this new thought in backboards, received considerable favorable comment, and further investigation of the smaller and convex surface idea in backboards is being made by the noun Se of the Rules Committee. FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO, STEEL LOCKERS — STEEL SHELVING — STEEL WARDROBES GYMNASIUM APPARATUS — PLAYGROUND APPARATUS GYM SEATS — SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT Ie WEST elsr STREET METAL SPECIALTIES 526 W. MADISON ST. GENERAL OFFICE AND FACTORY POTOMAC AND DE KALB STREETS ST. LoutIs, Mo. May 20, 19359 Dr. Forrest C. Allen University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Dear Mr. Allen: This will acknowledge your letter of May 19 from your Secretary. I plan to leave here Wednesday night which will bring me to Lawrence Thursday morning May 25, arriving at 11:26 A.M. Santa Fe. Unless you hear from me to the contrary, prior to that date or if you find impossible to meet with me Thursday, in which case, I request that you please wire me accord- ingly, it looks as if we will be able to get under way on the program discussed when together in New York. Kindest regards. Cordially yours, FRED_MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. R.E.Weinzettel/MR May 18, 19390 oy at thi ai! 2 if yt 3 wih 4 : " uf i ‘ t Bs i: gt 3 a te ; Hite i fs a ia ih fil | ei HE TERY Ht non i tM o Be sad | a i ii! ‘ Hii : Director of Physical Biusation, Varsity Basketball Coach. B = NATIONAL COLLEGIATE A. A. - CHAIRMEN OF SUB-COMMITTEES NATIONAL FEDERATION H. S.A. A. - Y.M.C.A. - CANADIAN I. A U. and A. B. A. NATIONAL BASKETBALL COMMITTEE of the UNITED STATES and CANADA Vice CHairnmMAN, JOHN BUNN Stanford Univ., Palo Alto, Cal. Executive mtestion Cuairman, H. H. SALMON, Jr. H. H. Satmon, Jr. Oswatp Tower 40 Wall St., New York, N. Y. Treasurer, FLOYD A. ROWE Research Questionnaire Sucuntany, H. V. PORTER Board of Education, Cleveland, Ohio Forrest C. ALLEN Game Administration Sumner A. Dote Complete List of Committee Members F. C. Allen Univ. of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas John Brown 847 Madison Ave. New York, New York John Bunn Stanford Univ. Palo Alto, California J. H. Crocker Univ. of Western Ontario London, Ont., Canada M. C. Cunningham High School Desloge, Missouri Sumner A. Dole Connecticut State College Storrs, Connecticut H. D. Edgren George Williams College Chicago, Illinois E. J. Hickox Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts Frank P. Maguire Dept. of Public Instruction Harrisburg, Pennsylvania W. E. Meanwell Shorewood Hills Madison, Wisconsin Curtis Parker Centennary College Shreveport, Louisiana H. V. Porter 11 So. LaSalle St. Chicago, Illinois Samuel Rogers 210 Confederation Life Bldg. Toronto, Ont., Canada Floyd A. Rowe Board of Education Cleveland, Ohio J. W. St. Clair Southern Methodist Univ. Dallas, Texas H. H. Salmon, Jr. 40 Wall St. New York, New York Oswald Tower Andover, Massachusetts Willard A. Witte Univ. of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming H. V. Porter ll So. LaSalle St., Chicago, Illinois Epitorn, OSWALD TOWER Andover, Massachusetts May 15, 1939 Mr. F. C. Allen Univ. of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Dear Mr. Allen; I have your letter of May 13th. - You will note that the diagram I submitted for the backboard outlines a board considerably larger than the small board which was exhibited. Also it is about halfway between the fan shape and the traditional rectangular shape. “e can always increase the size if it is found desirable. How- ever, if a change should be made, I think it would be a great mistake if we did not eliminate all possible waste surface. My only thought in sub- mitting this diagram was to get some action in time for use by the various manufacturers who might be willing to cooperate and in time for some mention of this in the copy of the book which is going to the printer within the next few days. Jt is an easy matter to let something like this drag along until it is too late to get any reaction in tim for use during the new season. I have had returns from about half of the committee relative to the proposed diagram and all of those who have replied indicate that the diagram seems to summarize the sentiment expressed at the meeting. This does not preclude the making of changes in case the Research Committee should decide that it is desirable to make such changes. The only thing tT am concerned about at this time is that we be able to reach some sort of an agreement in time for the matter to be called to the attention of the manufacturers and of the schoolmen through the medium of the books which are now being made ready. Otherwise, as far as the high schools are cone cerned, a whole season will have been lost. I note your comment relative to the 3 inch surface below the ring. I agree with you that we are not sure that this is a sufficient space although the experiments we have already conducted indicate that less use is made of the surface below the ring than has been generally thought. Also there isn't any doubt but that the surface directly below the ring is entirely wasted and that it is this part of the board which gives most obstriction to the view from the end of the gymnasium. If more than three inches below the ring are desirable, it is only on that space on either side of the ring rather than directly under it. In my opinion we should attempt to cut out all possible space in this area. I! believe it will be entirely possible to develop a bracing such that the basket flange will clamp to the lower edge of the board although it may be necessary to extend metal braces from behind the board and recurved so that they will extend some distance below the lower edge in coming up to give support to the ring. Even so, this would make much less obstruction to vision that the solid eighteen enches of board. NATIONAL COLLEGIATE A. A. - CHAIRMEN OF SUB-COMMITTEES Publication Oswatp TOWER Executive H. H. SALMON, JR. Research Forrest C. ALLEN Game Administration Sumner A. Dote Complete List of Committee Members F. C. Allen Univ. of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas John Brown 847 Madison Ave. New York, New York John Bunn Stanford Univ. Palo Alto, California J. H. Crocker Univ. of Western Ontario London, Ont., Canada M. C. Cunningham High School Desloge, Missouri Sumner A. Dole Connecticut State College Storrs, Connecticut H. D. Edgren George Williams College Chicago, Illinois E. J. Hickox Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts Frank P. Maguire Dept. of Public Instruction Harrisburg, Pennsylvania W. E. Meanwell Shorewood Hills Madison, Wisconsin Curtis Parker Centennary College Shreveport, Louisiana H. V. Porter 11 So. LaSalle St. Chicago, Illinois Samuel Rogers 210 Confederation Life Bldg. Toronto, Ont., Canada Floyd A. Rowe Board of Education Cleveland, Ohio J. W. St. Clair Southern Methodist Univ. Dallas, Texas H. H. Salmon, Jr. 40 Wall St. New York, New York Oswald Tower Andover, Massachusetts Willard A. Witte Univ. of Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming Questionnaire H. V. Porter CANADIAN I. A U. and A. B. A. NATIONAL FEDERATION H. S.A. A. - Y.M.C. A. - NATIONAL BASKETBALL COMMITTEE of the UNITED STATES and CANADA Vice CHairnmMAN, JOHN BUNN Stanford Univ., Palo Alto, Cal. Treasurer, FLOYD A. ROWE Board of Education, Cleveland, Ohio Epitrorn, OSWALD TOWER Andover, Massachusetts Cuairman, H. H. SALMON, Jr. 40 Wall St., New York, N. Y. Secretary, H. V. PORTER 11 So. LaSalle St., Chicago, Illinois Pare two = I have no desire to go ahead with a diagram for the almanac edition of the guide provided you will go ahead with preparation of such a diagram on behalf of the Research Committee. As a matter of fact, I would be glad to have such a diagram for the early edition of the guide but, if it is to be included, it will have to be ready within the next few days. The same thing applies to instructions to the Medart Company relative to the baskets for summer coaching schools. In reply to seme correspondence from them I have furnished them information as to what has been done in connection with the diagram submitted to the members of the committee. They understand that this diagram is in the nature of a proposal and that it may be modified before actual construstion work is authorized. If you desire, I shall refer them to you for further directions. I think we are all agreed that no one is prepared to designate the exact shape and size for the board but we should be able to designate a type that will enable us to collect necessary statistics. If you have dimentions that in your opinion are more desirable than those proposed, let me have them so that mention can be made in the early edition of the guide. I am giving some consideration to the matter mentioned in your other letter and I might have something to propose in the next day or two. Yours truly, Secretary To Members, ts National Basketbell Camittees 3 contingent on developing a basket which will fasten to the lower edge of the board with braces to the 5 inch flys : ao a8 As & guide for experimentation end for inelusinn in the almame section, would you sanction such a sige and shape? samt | ae The Editer and Seeretary labored in the wee hours in the days following the meeting to fit the jig-saw modifications into a bug-preof picture (we hops). Copy for the sumer school edition is now in the hands of the printer. In ten days or two weeks, each member will receive book with the ink still wete * ee * Ne special effort is being made to advertise the sumer school edition, Zach menber purchasers my write the National Federation, 11 South LaSalle Ste, Chicago. The price will be 20/ per copy or $1.65 per dozen copies. The Play Situations Book will be ready about June Ist. Yours truly, (Signed) He V. PORTER Secretary. ~~ FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING CO. STEEL LOCKERS — STEEL SHELVING — STEEL WARDROBES GYMNASIUM APPARATUS — PLAYGROUND APPARATUS GYM SEATS — SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT NEW YORK OFFICE CHICAGO: OFFICE 16 WEST 61st STREET METAL SPECIALTIES 326 W. MADISON ST. GENERAL OFFICE AND FACTORY POTOMAC AND DE KALB STREETS ST. LouIs, Mo. May 8, 1939 Dr. Forrest C. Allen University of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas Dear Dr. Allens Your letter of April 27 addressed to Mr. Chervenka has been held pending my return and, as requested, I am enclosing a. folder announcing our Climbing Ball, which is the apparatus you saw in our plant when in St. Louis. The net cost of one of these Climbing Balls, f.o.b. St. Louis, would be $89.60, with delivery in about six weeks. As you know, we were just getting into this product when you were in St. Louis, and now that we have it satisfactorily constructed, there will be some delay in getting material and parts together, © which accounts for the six weeks delivery mentioned above. Concerning the question of lighting for your playground, as was discussed when together in New York, I note that the Crouse— Hinds Company of Syracuse, New York, manufacture a night flood- light, and that Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, Lighting Division of Cleveland, Ohio, also manufacture flood- light equipment. Whether or not these two companies could give you a wire screen, electrically charged, for the purpose of exterminating insetts, is something I was unable to learn at this end. No doubt an inquiry to them would bring you the desired information. Cordially yours, FRED MEDART MANUFACTURING COQ. R.E.Weinzett - May 15, 19594 lire Re Re Toinsettel, Medart Manufacturing Cos, Ste LOULB, Missourie Dear lire Veinzettels Thank you very much for the information you have given me in your letter of May 8th regarding your “Climbing Balis". I be» a ee ee ne 2 ae om The Standard 031 Canpany, in their bulletin which goes to ali their service stations over the coutry, had thie new backboard Very sincerely yours, a. m FOAsAH Varsity Basketball Conch, dune S, 1939. soe iid Hn i 83 hk it fl lh i ue i Ia H Li 2 i " 33) bid Sy 6 ie iy BRA it al if i Dear Mire Porters 1 i rh i i i i i f iu att a re Very OM, Eduseti. Director Varai ty PCAs ii NATIONAL COLLEGIATE A. A. - NATIONAL FEDERATION H. S. A. A. - Y. M. C, A. - C:’ANADIAN I. A. U. and A. B. A. NATIONAL BASKETBALL COMMITTEE of the UNITED STATES and CANADA CHAIRMEN OF SUB-COMMITTEES Executive H. H. Satwon, Jr. Research Forrest C. ALLEN Game Administration Publication Oswa.p TowER Questionnaire H. V. Porter Vice CHairman, JOHN BUNN Stanford Univ., Palo Alto, Calif. Treasurer, FLOYD A. ROWE Board of Education, Cleveland, Ohio Evitorn, OSWALD TOWER Andover, Massachusetts Cuairman, H. H. SALMON, Jr. 40 Wall St., New York, N. Y. Secretary, H. V. PORTER 11 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, Illinois Sumner A. DoLe Complete List of | Committee Members F. C. Allen -Univ. of Kansas. Lawrence, Kansas John Brown, Jr. 347 Madison Ave. | New York, New York John Bunn Stanford Univ. Palo Alto, California Forrest Cox Colorado University Boulder, Colorado J. H. Crocker Univ. of Western Ontario London, Ont., Canada M. C. Cunningham High’ School Desloge, Missouri Sumner A. Dole Connecticut State College Storrs, Connecticut J. Mark Good Sun-Gazette Co. Williamsport, Pennsylvania E. J. Hickox Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts A. F. Jefferess 114 Carrick Ave. Hamilton, Ont., Canada Frank P. Maguire Dept. of Public Instruction Harrisburg, Pennsylvania H. G. Olsen Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio Curtis Parker Centennary College Shreveport, Louisiana H. V. Porter 11 S. LaSalle St. Chicago, Illinois Floyd A. Rowe Board of Education Cleveland, Ohio J. W. St. Clair Southern Methodist Univ. Dallas, Texas H. H. Salmon, Jr. 40 Wall St. . New York, New York Oswald Tower. | Andover, Massachusetts Page two - The Medart people and other manufacturers have indicated that it would not be an especially difficult matter to design a basket which will clamp on the lower edge of the board. The Medart people have indicated that they are enough interested in this whole project to make up boards of any shape or size which might be suggested by the Basxxetball Committee. I assume that you are planning to keep in contact with Medart and that you will give them something definite to work on. they state that they are now at a standstill wmtil such time as the committce may indicate the direction the experimentation should take. I note your comment to the effect that the Medarts should not be expected to finance all of this work. I agree with you that it would be more desir- able for the constituent bodies of the rules committee to take care of such financing provided funds can be made available for the work. My thought in the matter has beenthat for the boards which may be used in this locality, we will depend upon manual training shops for the construction or we will continue our practice of asking some of the high schools that are erecting new gymnasiums to pay the manufacturing cost for a pair of boards which may be used on the practice courts, these boards to be made up in accord- ance with the design agreed upon bythe committee. When such beards are installed as a definite part of the gymnasium equipment they should be such that the technique of shooting will not be appreciably different. This would be true with boards of a different size and shape but would not apply in case the surface of the board is changed. Consequently I would hesitate to ask any school to pay the costs of installing the convex boards. The main problem at the present time seems to be to attempt an agreement on the desigh toward which we should be working. If you think the data at hand are not sufficient to warrant our centering attention upon a board such as that which was outlined, I suggest that an attempt be made to out- line another form for the guidance of the various manual training depart- ments or equipment manufacturers who may be interested in this work over the slack summer month seasone Yours trul Secretary HVp/3 NATIONAL COLL EGIATE A. A. NATIONAL FEDERATION H. S. A. A. Y. M. C, A. C:ANADIAN I. A. U. and A. B. A. NATIONAL BASKETBALL COMMITTEE of the UNITED STATES and CANADA CHAIRMEN OF SUB-COMMITTEES Vice Cuatrman, JOHN BUNN gegen pa Ponti Cissouan, 1: 4, SALON, Je. Stanford Univ., Palo Alto, Calif. 40 Wall St., New York, N. Y. Treasurer, FLOYD A. ROWE Research Questionnaire Board of Education, Cleveland, Ohio Forrest C. ALLEN H. V. Porter Secretary, H. V. PORTER Game Administration Sumner A. Dote Complete List of Committee Members F. C. Allen Univ. of Kansas Lawrence, Kansas John Brown, Jr. 347 Madison Ave. New York, New York John Bunn Stanford Univ. Palo Alto, California Forrest Cox Colorado University Boulder, Colorado J. H. Crocker Univ. of Western Ontario London, Ont., Canada M. C. Cunningham High School Desloge, Missouri Sumner A. Dole Connecticut State College Storrs, Connecticut J. Mark Good Sun-Gazette Co. Williamsport, Pennsylvania E. J. Hickox Springfield College 11 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, Illinois Eptror, OSWALD TOWER Andover, Massachusetts May 29, 1939 Mr. F. Ce. Allen Univ. of Kansas awrence, Kansas Dear Mr. allen: Here is a summary of the sentiment relative to the proposed backboard whieh was diagrammed in a former letter which wentwith the basketball minutes./ A few of the men have not answered but of the twelve who did, the proposed diagramg appears to be satisfactory except for the following suggestions. Salmon thinks the proposed board is satisfactory except that he would eliminate the "cut-out" directly behind the ring and would extend the straight edges at the side a trifle higher. St. Clair desires to make some further observations before committing him- self. Springfield, Massachusetts A. F. Jefferess 114 Carrick Ave. Hamilton, Ont., Canada Frank P. Maguire I thought you would be glad to have the results so that they might seve as something of a guide in your further studies relative to the matter. Dept. of Public Instruction R : Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 4» fear as the Interscholastic Edition of the Pasketball Guide is concerned, H. G. Olsen Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio Curtis Parker Centennary College Shreveport, Louisiana H. V. Porter 11 S. LaSalle St. Chicago, Illinois Floyd A. Rowe Board of Education Cleveland, Ohio J. W. St. Clair Southern Methodist Univ. Dallas, Texas" H. H. Salmon, Jr. 40 Wall St. New York, New York Oswald Tower Andover, Massachusetts I felt it desirable to include a few comments relative to the matter. These comments are inthe supplementary pages of the guide and not in the body of the rules. Since copy had to be sent to the print er at about the time I last wrote you, the best I could do was toconfine my comments to the minimum and maximum dimensions as outlined at the rules meeting. You will, of course, use your own judgment as to what diagrams or pictures are jneluded with your article in the almanac section of the guide. Since we have already spent one year in experimental work connected with the part of the old board that is actually used, it seems to me desirable to continue the work with boards somewhat similar to that which I diagrammed. We have already had a number of schools making up boards of various sizes in the manual training departments. Such boards were in use during the latter part of the past season. Unless we can give these men something fairly definite a great deal of the benefits of work which has already been started will be lost. It seems to me it would be a mistale for us to confine our efforts to boards of the present shape end size but with a convex surface. The work which has already been done indicates that a great deal of the value in any change would come frome limination of a considerable portion of the board below the level of the ring. May 29, 1939 Fred Medart fg. CO. St. Louis, Moe es Atten: R, Ee Weinzsettel Dear lir. Weinzettel: re" Gould be attacted to the pipe supports emt of the dringers. This wld make a better loo) in cb but, of course, would make the board too near the free tt An: I de not believe this is a detriment as fhr as demon- stratic rr If any group desired to actually play with the board it sy matter for them to mark a temporary free throw 1 r distance from the backboard. I note your % t to the effect — if a smallerboard were used, it micht neenenitehe rearranging the pre supports. On the other hand, it is not probable that if the new type board were to be made from 54 to 60 inches in width that there would be any great difficulty in making the change because that would necessitate bringing the supports in only six to eight imches on either side and in most cases the supports are not at the extreme edges of the board. All of these things willhave to be taken inte emsideration as experimental work Pr Ogre S805 Yours truly, Secretary